quackery

Tuesday June 18, 2024

June 18, 2024

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 18, 2024

Trust in Science and Expertise is Crucial to Preventing Future Viral Outbreaks

The recent surge in measles cases in Canada, particularly in Montreal, underscores the urgent need to address vaccine hesitancy and combat anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, with historical evidence emphasizing the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing disease and protecting public health.

March 6, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many painful but invaluable lessons. One of the most significant is the paramount importance of trusting in science and heeding the advice of health experts. As we face the potential threat of the H5N1 avian influenza, it is crucial to remember these lessons and ensure that we prevent and mitigate such dangerous viral outbreaks through informed, science-based actions.

Science is our most powerful tool in understanding and combating infectious diseases. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines were nothing short of miraculous, showcasing the incredible capabilities of modern scientific research. These vaccines saved countless lives and provided a pathway out of the pandemic. Similarly, ongoing research into H5N1 and other viruses holds the promise of new vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures that could protect millions.

Analysis: H5N1 Bird Flu Isn’t a Human Pandemic—Yet. American Contrariness Could Turn It into One  

January 27, 2023

However, the power of science is only as effective as our willingness to embrace it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hesitancy and misinformation led to unnecessary suffering and death. Many people were swayed by pseudoscience, quackery, and unfounded claims, often promoted by individuals with no expertise in public health. This eroded trust in health interventions and hampered efforts to control the virus.

Health experts and scientists dedicate their lives to understanding diseases and developing ways to combat them. Their advice is based on rigorous research, data analysis, and peer-reviewed studies. When they warn of potential dangers or recommend specific actions, it is because the evidence supports those conclusions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided critical guidance that helped shape effective responses. Listening to their advice on mask-wearing, social distancing, and vaccination was key to reducing transmission and saving lives.

As we confront the threat of H5N1, it is vital to continue valuing and following the advice of health experts. The virus’s high fatality rate and recent spread to new animal hosts, including dairy cattle, highlight the urgency of taking proactive measures. Ignoring expert advice could lead to a preventable disaster. As noted by McMaster University’s Matthew Miller, “I have never been more worried in my career than I am about H5N1” due to its high case fatality rate and potential for rapid spread in new settings (Jon Wells, The Hamilton Spectator, June 17, 2024).

News:McMaster viral immunologist fears spread of bird flu virus with ‘staggering’ death rate

August 7, 2020

One of the most significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic was the spread of misinformation. Social media platforms and certain political figures contributed to a landscape where conspiracy theories and false information flourished. This misinformation not only caused confusion but also led to deadly consequences as people rejected proven health measures.

To prevent a similar scenario with H5N1 or any future viral threat, it is essential to combat misinformation vigorously. This requires a multifaceted approach: promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking skills to help people discern credible information from falsehoods, ensuring that health authorities and scientists communicate clearly, transparently, and frequently with the public, encouraging media platforms to prioritize accurate reporting and holding them accountable for spreading misinformation, and implementing policies to reduce the spread of false information, especially on social media.

News: A Bird-Flu Pandemic in People? Here’s What It Might Look Like

February 8, 2022

As a society, we must prioritize science and expert advice to safeguard public health. We need to invest in research, support and fund research into vaccines, treatments, and preventive measures for emerging infectious diseases. Strengthen public health infrastructure to build a resilient public health system capable of responding quickly and effectively to outbreaks. Foster trust by engaging with communities to build trust in health interventions and address concerns and misconceptions directly. Promote global cooperation by collaborating with international partners to monitor and respond to viral threats, recognizing that diseases know no borders.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring science and expert advice. As we face new threats like H5N1, we have the opportunity to apply the lessons learned and protect our communities. By valuing science and listening to health experts, we can prevent needless suffering and ensure a healthier, safer future for all. (AI)

 

Tuesday July 21, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 21, 2020

US scientists rebuke Trump over coronavirus response and other affronts

More than 1,200 members of the US National Academy of Sciences have rebuked Donald Trump’s “denigration of scientific expertise”, an unusual move for a community which has historically avoided the political sphere.

May 12, 2020

The co-organizers of an open letter seeking to “restore science-based policy in government” say they have rapidly gained signatures during the coronavirus pandemic.

Scientists have watched the Trump administration downplay the crisis and ignore expert advice, including the need to wear masks and the dangers of using unproven drugs.

In the latest affront to the scientific world, the White House is reportedly seeking to block funding for testing and tracing, which scientists widely agree is critical to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

On Sunday, Trump called the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, a “little bit of an alarmist”.

April 23, 2020

The open letter began as a response to Trump’s refusal to accept and act on warnings from climate scientists. In September 2016, 378 academy members wrote that withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement would “have negative consequences for the world’s climate system and for US leadership and credibility”.

In April 2018, more than 1,000 scientists signed a version of the letter which warned that Trump’s “dismissal of scientific evidence in policy formulation has affected wide areas of the social, biological, environmental and physical sciences”.

The three organizers have since invited members who joined NAS in 2019 and 2020 to sign on to the letter. More than 62% did, bringing the total to 1,220 out of a membership of about 2,900. Some of the signatories work in government or have federal grants but felt compelled to add their names despite professional risks.

April 7, 2020

Benjamin Santer, a climate researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and a co-organizer, said the administration has changedwhat it means to be a scientist in America.

“We no longer have the luxury, in my opinion, of retreating to our offices and closing the door and hoping bad stuff will go away,” he said. “That’s a singularly poor survival strategy when you’re facing a global pandemic or global climate change. Bad stuff isn’t going to go away.”

March 26, 2020

The academy – which was formed during the civil war – exists to provide independent, objective advice to the nation. Members are elected by their peers for outstanding research contributions. About 500 current and deceased members have won Nobel Prizes.

Charles Manski, the second co-organizer, an economist at Northwestern University, acknowledged that some might view the letter as political but said the scientists do not. They just want policy to be informed by the best possible information.

COVID-19 Cartoons

“It’s one thing for the political establishment not to respond very well to a crisis that happens around the world,” Manski said. “It’s quite another thing to be actively denigrating the science and making things up routinely.”

Trump has recently attacked guidelines for school reopening from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling them expensive and impractical. (The Guardian) 



 

Friday April 29, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday April 29, 2016 Naturopath who treated boy who died of meningitis should be held accountable, physicians say The naturopath who treated Ezekiel Stephan, an Alberta boy who died of bacterial meningitis in 2012, Òdid not meet the standard of careÓ and should be held accountable for her actions, according to a critical letter sent to the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta by nearly four dozen physicians across Canada. The situation raises broader questions about the growing trend toward the regulation of naturopaths in Canada and whether the colleges are doing proper oversight, said Michelle Cohen, a family physician in Brighton, Ont., who wrote the letter. The college has opened an investigation based on the letter and did not respond to an interview request. David and Collet Stephan were found guilty in a Lethbridge court on Tuesday of failing to provide the necessaries of life for their son Ezekiel, who was 19 months old. The Stephans went to a naturopath, Tracey Tannis, because they suspected that the boy had meningitis. The naturopath testified that she did not physically examine Ezekiel and that she had advised the Stephans to take him to a hospital. But she gave Ms. Stephan an echinacea treatment for the child. Others testified that Dr. Tannis discussed EzekielÕs case with his mother. Naturopaths are governed by a self-regulatory college in Alberta, in a manner similar to doctors and nurses. Dr. Tannis is still listed as a member in good standing of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta and there are no notes attached to her registration to suggest that there have been any concerns about her actions. The physiciansÕ letter criticizes the naturopath for recommending a treatment for a sick child without having examined him and for failing to provide vital information about the grave risks of meningitis and the urgent need for a lumbar puncture and treatment to prevent death

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 29, 2016

Naturopath who treated boy who died of meningitis should be held accountable, physicians say

The naturopath who treated Ezekiel Stephan, an Alberta boy who died of bacterial meningitis in 2012, “did not meet the standard of care” and should be held accountable for her actions, according to a critical letter sent to the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta by nearly four dozen physicians across Canada.

Friday, February 6, 2015The situation raises broader questions about the growing trend toward the regulation of naturopaths in Canada and whether the colleges are doing proper oversight, said Michelle Cohen, a family physician in Brighton, Ont., who wrote the letter.

The college has opened an investigation based on the letter and did not respond to an interview request.

David and Collet Stephan were found guilty in a Lethbridge court on Tuesday of failing to provide the necessaries of life for their son Ezekiel, who was 19 months old.

The Stephans went to a naturopath, Tracey Tannis, because they suspected that the boy had meningitis. The naturopath testified that she did not physically examine Ezekiel and that she had advised the Stephans to take him to a hospital. But she gave Ms. Stephan an echinacea treatment for the child. Others testified that Dr. Tannis discussed Ezekiel’s case with his mother.

Naturopaths are governed by a self-regulatory college in Alberta, in a manner similar to doctors and nurses. Dr. Tannis is still listed as a member in good standing of the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta and there are no notes attached to her registration to suggest that there have been any concerns about her actions.

The physicians’ letter criticizes the naturopath for recommending a treatment for a sick child without having examined him and for failing to provide vital information about the grave risks of meningitis and the urgent need for a lumbar puncture and treatment to prevent death or permanent brain damage.

“Albertans should expect that any regulated health-care professional meeting the standard of care for treating children would have basic knowledge about meningitis,” the letter says. “Albertans should also expect that any regulated health professional using the designation ‘Dr.’ would not recommend a treatment for a child without first physically examining them to arrive at a diagnosis.”

Dr. Tannis did not respond to an interview request on Wednesday. (Source: Globe & Mail)

2016-04-29tearsheet