Tag Archives: immigrants

Combatting Stereotypes in Children, Part Two

In recent blogs we’ve talked about whether economic pressures and anti-immigrant sentiment will have an effect on our transracially adopted children. I wrote one blog on how adults can explore our own feelings about diversity. The blog Combatting Racism in Children, Part One talked about how children form attitudes and the importance of creating a diverse environment for young children, including diversity in pictures and in dramatic play props such as dress-up clothes and food. This blog will talk about some books and films that encourage an understanding of other cultures and of immigrants to America. There are many more … Continue reading →

New Five-in-One Vaccine Approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new combination vaccine for children. The combination vaccine covers five different diseases — and could reduce the number of shots needed for infants by as much as a third. The combination vaccine is known as Pentacel and is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur. It is a four-dose vaccine series that protects against five different diseases: Diphtheria Tetanus Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) Polio Influenza type B Pentacel is safe for children two months of age and older. Most childhood vaccines are completed before the age of eighteen months. The U.S. Food … Continue reading →

You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat it Too: Thoughts on Refusing Vaccines

Last month, I wrote about Hannah Polling, a girl whose vaccines caused her autism. Her parents won money from the Vaccine Injury Compensation program. It was a landmark case in part because it was one of the largest compensations for autism ever awarded. Autism advocacy groups were quick to print headlines that the CDC acknowledges that vaccines cause autism and the government was quick to tout studies that showed that vaccines don’t cause autism. Before this the big ‘vaccine’ news was mandatory vaccinations in New Jersey that sent several hundred parents to court to prove that their children had them. … Continue reading →

Vaccine Fact and Fiction

Feeling hesitant about your own (or your child’s) vaccinations? Only one of the following three popular beliefs about vaccinations is true. Mercury in vaccines can accumulate in the body. The flu vaccine can actually cause the flu. People can have allergic reactions to vaccines. Do you know which one is true? It’s the third one — allergic reactions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, out of one million vaccines given, only ONE vaccine will cause a severe allergic reaction or death. Mild allergic reactions are slightly more common. If you do experience a reaction to a vaccine, a … Continue reading →

Recommended Vaccines For Adults

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Regular immunizations have virtually wiped out diseases that used to cause serious problems in the general population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend several vaccinations for adults. Tetanus/Diphtheria (also known as Td) — protects against tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria. The initial vaccination is a three dose series. The first dose now, the second dose four weeks later, and the third dose six to twelve months after the second. Adults also need a booster shot every ten years or so. Influenza (also known as the flu shot) — a yearly vaccination to protect against the flu. Recommended for adults over … Continue reading →

Do Vaccinations Cause Autism? A Mother’s Viewpoint

There’s been a controversy for quite some time about whether the mercury, or thimerosal, in certain childhood vaccinations causes autism in children. All you have to do is search for “mercury” or “thimerosal” or “vaccinations” or “autism” on the internet, and you’ll find numerous reports, comments, debates, and arguments over the issue. The Question Personally, I’ve even been asked by people, “Do you think your son Kyle got autism from an immunization?” For many months, I’ve been researching this matter, and although I can’t possibly give an ironclad answer (can anyone?), I have come up with one that feels right … Continue reading →

All About the Flu Shot

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 90 children under the age of 5 die of influenza each year in the United States. However, more and more pediatricians are now recommending that your little ones get the vaccine. If you’re concerned that the flu shot may have negative side effects, rest assured that they are safe for babies and toddlers. According to the biggest study ever, following 45,000 children, researchers found virtually no side effects that required medical treatment in the children during the first 6 weeks after vaccination. They also noted that flu vaccines have a … Continue reading →

Ashes of Roses — Mary Jane Auch

This young adult novel is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction. I had never heard of the Triangle Factory Fire of 1911 until I happened upon this book at the library, but now I know about it and appreciate the events that led up to the tragedy and the reforms in factory conditions that it brought about. The book, while fiction, has been carefully researched by the author and tells the story of the immigrant workers in a way that is poignant and accessible to the reader. We begin the story with Rose Nolan, a sixteen-year-old girl … Continue reading →

Marriage In the News: Arranged Marriage Fraud

Since I used to live in Virginia, this story caught my eye when I read it in the Washington Times. It seems that on Thursday, federal authorities arrested over 19 residents in Virginia for a scam that is connected to nearly a 1,000 fraud marriages between illegal aliens and U.S. citizens in order to avoid the immigration laws. As you may or may not know, an illegal immigrant may be granted citizenship status if they are married to a U.S. citizen and the marriage is validated by immigration officials as being based on a real relationship and not one entered … Continue reading →

What If We Stopped Immunizations?

In the United States, vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once harmed or killed many people. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and can be passed on to people who have not been immunized. Diseases that are preventable have many effects on society as a whole: sick children miss school, which can force parents to take off from work. Visits to the doctor’s office are usually necessary. Vaccine-preventable diseases may also result in hospitalization, permanent disability, or even death. Do you really know the impact these vaccine-preventable diseases could have? The polio … Continue reading →