Reader To Reader

Your Tips, Quips, Queries, Rants, and Raves

Shots of Information

I recommend that the parents who are seeking information about the DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus) vaccination ("Questioning Vaccines," January/February 1999) read a book titled Shot in the Dark by Harris Coulter, Ph.D., and Barbara Fisher. This book deals with the problems associated with the DPT vaccine and has references to scientific literature. It is available from Homeopathic Educational Services (www.homeopathic.com), which also has other books on the controversy over immunizations. As a homeopathic practitioner, I suggest that homeopathy may have something to offer your son. Good luck to you and your son in your quest for healing and answers.

Greg Peckham

Ft. Collins, Colo.

My husband and I have tried to enlighten people to the dangers of all vaccinations and their detrimental effects on health. There is a direct correlation between vaccinations and serious health issues. I strongly suggest that Lori Wagoner ("Questioning Vaccines," January/February 1999) get a copy of the book Emerging Viruses: AIDS and Ebola--Nature, Accident or Intentional? by Dr. Leonard Horowitz. It can be ordered toll-free at 800-336-9266. Another book that is a must is Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective? A Parents' Guide to Childhood Shots by Neil Miller. I urge her to contact the National Vaccine Information Center at 703-938-3783, as well.

Barbara Lazarus Coconut Creek, Fla.

Scraping for Answers

I was recently diagnosed with a mild case of gingivitis, and I didn't care for the treatment option offered. My hygienist told me that I have go to her office for three one-hour sessions. At each visit, I would be given a local anesthetic to numb the area she would be working on. Each infected area would first be "hand-scaled" and then scaled with a mechanical device. Finally, it would be irrigated with an antimicrobial rinse. She said she would put a kind of aloe vera gel on the gums to soothe them afterward. When I asked her why an anesthetic would be necessary, she said, "You don't want me to be digging around the roots of your teeth without it." Digging around the roots of my teeth? I don't think so! But what else can I do?

Barbara P.

State College, Pa.

What a Honey!

I am 39 years old and I've had acne for more than 25 years. I've tried all the conventional treatments with no real results and side effects I couldn't live with. Many years ago a friend told me about honey facials. A year ago, I started them as a weekly routine. The results have been remarkable. My face is still oily, but I rarely get an infected pimple. Although I have years of scars, my skin is healthy and smooth.

If you'd like to try it, fill your clean bathroom sink with cold (or warm) water. Massage a large tablespoon of honey onto your face or affected area, and pat gently. You'll notice the honey pulls away dead skin cells. Continue patting for five minutes. Rinse with the water, but splash with your hand not a washcloth. Then gently pat your face with a face cloth.

You may have a slight outbreak in the beginning but stick with it. Just don't overdo this facial or it may cause irritation. I hope this helps anyone suffering with acne.

Rose Powell

Cedar Springs, Mich.

Getting the Vegan Dish

I've been a vegetarian for a few years, and I'm looking into trying to maintain a vegan diet. I've tried before but I became bored with the possibilities. Does anyone have any great recipes, books, or tips they would be willing to share?

Jennifer Gaizutis

via Internet

Overcoming Meniere's

I have tried many alternatives to alleviate the symptoms of Meniere's syndrome, an inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, ringing in the ear, and deafness. I've had success with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, diet changes (I eliminated dairy and wheat products), meditation, and exercise. My attacks are much less frequent now than they used to be.

But I do still get two severe attacks every year. Lately I've been hearing that stress has a lot to do with the onset of attacks. I'm told that through biofeedback I can monitor my own stress and learn to understand and deal with it better. Does anyone have any experience with this or any other ideas?

Linda Case

Vista, Calif.

The Learning Center

I am considering a new career in natural medicine. There seem to be so many choices available and people who claim all sorts of fantastic things. I am only interested in finding a program that is reputable. Are there schools specifically for alternative medicine that someone could recommend, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area? Are any of the home study schools worth pursuing?

Holly Shakya

Santa Rosa, Calif.

Write To Us

READER TO READER, Natural Health 70 Lincoln Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02111 or email: naturalhealth@weiderpub.com

COPYRIGHT 1999 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning