• Well put, and I hope to see your documentary. I hate the idea of vaccinations and believe they can be harmful individually but we are part of a community and as such, we have responsibilities to each other, so my son'a vaccinations are up to date. The reality is that no one knows what will happen to us or our children, whether we are talking about injury by vaccine, or injury by preventable disease, or running in a marathon where a terrorist is in wait, or getting in a car and being wiped out by a drunk driver. We all do what we can for our kids and we can try and protect them as much as we can - but none of us escape misfortune. I have a friend whose son has shocking tumours and a limited life span. My own son has a platelet disorder which means we have to be constantly vigilant that he doesn't injure himself lest he bleed internally. Let's do what we can for our own - but let's not harm others in the process. - Alice Smith
  • What a fabulously challenging topic. Jackdan, very well delivered argument. I'd love to see your research. Publish it! Sonya, I look forward to tomorrow night's documentary. Thanks for taking (what sounds like) a rational approach. - Misty
  • Thanks jack... a very interesting response and, from my communications with Sonya I think this is exactly the conversation she's hoping for. Be very interested to hear your response after viewing the doco. - Wendy Harmer
  • As someone who doesn't follow the Australian Vaccination schedule, I already feel like I am risking ridicule and worse posting here. We have been hassled and hounded by doctors, nurses (one of us is a nurse) and other parents. Blamed for the resurgence Whooping cough and related deaths, etc. Our stance is that we immunise based on our own needs and intelligence. As a for instance, we are not convinced that our children needed to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B at birth, especially given that the vaccine contained Thiomersal when it was recommended to us. I'm not sure how aware you are of the Japanese experience with the DTP vaccinations in the mid 1970's, but as a result of many adverse reactions and over 30 deaths as a direct result of the vaccine, the schedule was altered and children were vaccinated later. I am aware that the vaccine is no longer a whole cell vaccine, however it is worth considering the delicate balance of the immune system in infants below 6 months of age. So we immunise roughly to the Japanese schedule. There is no Hep B or vericella. And MMR is given as MR and Mumps separately. We will make the call on Japanese when we visit next month. I note that the tone in the promotion of the doco appears to depict the non vaccination school as driven by emotion with the pro vaccination argument being driven by Science (which is a pretty broad concept). Our decision to vaccinate alternatively has been based on a lot of careful research and is based on risk mitigation considering that vaccinations do carry a percentage of risk, however small. We have the advantage of also being Japanese citizens, (myself a spouse resident) and can access the differently combined vaccines and scheduling. When recently discussing this on a facebook post I was branded an anti Vaccinator. Abused and blamed. My response is that I think there is a better way. A much better way. And the heavy handed pressure to Immunise to schedule, which then elicits a strong anti response from those who question, but are discouraged strongly and frowned upon for questioning, has created a climate of 'for or against', emotion or science, us against them. All pretty narrow reductive way to explore a whole collection of different diseases, risks, and vaccines (including their varieties of compositions, combinations and timing). So we have attempted to immunise the best way that we can ascertain. It's a tricky time consuming task to get all the info on each different vaccine from the manufacturers, to research each and every disease to ascertain the risks of actually contracting it and then what the risks associated with the disease are, but it has been worthwhile. I think that the community could benefit from a less doctrinal approach to the current immunisation schedule and regular review of disease risks and the vaccination schedule response. - Jackdan
  • I'm an E cup. When I was younger and skinnier I was only a C cup and could handle underwires. Then I got pregnant and discovered the bliss of maternity bras. Post babies and breastfeeding I went back to the wires only to find they poked me and now I've got 'birdseyes' in my cleavage. I cannot fathom the underwire. Obviously the person who designed it has never had to wear one. Having big boobs we're all encouraged to wear them, but now I'm old and fat they're far too uncomfortable to contemplate. I'm happy with my 'wirefree' bras. I figured that if manufacturers could make a maternity bra without wires that fitted perfectly and provided excellent support to lactating breasts, they could do the same for large, non-lactating breasts too. I found the perfect fit for me at a large chain store and bought the same type for years. Not terribly sexy, but comfortable and serviceable. Now I've discovered same large chain has a moulded cotton bra in large sizes. Better still, you can order them online when the sales are on and collect them from the store. Bliss! - BeansGran
  • Well put Sonya. I am so glad that you have created this documentary. Also, you have put forward a voice of reason backed up by compelling evidence & your own credibility. I am pro-vaccination, but I understand why it is an delicate decision for many parents. I haven't come across the anti-vax theories (I'd never even heard of the AVN until Mamamia kept writing & tweeting about them). I'd always just followed the immunisation schedule. But I have come across a lot of pushy pro-vaxxers and I have to say, it is a turn off. I understand that it's a passionate issue. But is it an effective way of increasing immunisation rates? Of course not. Some pro-vaxxers make it their full time job to name, shame & harass people opposed to vaccination. Is harassment going to change their position, heck no! Is it going to galvanise their anti-vac position, quite probably! I just think we need to be smarter about this. I know it is not a "debate" in the sense that the science is in on the benefits & general safety of vaccines. But it completely normal to feel uneasy about purposely injecting your child with something most of us know very little about. And then watching their every breath that evening as they process that vaccine. Sonya, I hope that your documentary is the beginning of the change in the way we talk about immunisation. Well done. - Kasey
  • I am very impressed by what you've set out to achieve and how you've come about it. Much of my work these days is in vaccination and I work hard to break down the myths and false beliefs people have about vaccines. I find listening to concerns, empathy and responding with good evidence based information has been the most successful manner I've had so far. I also reassure parents that it is always their choice, but I also share that I am a mum too and that I choose to vaccinate my child fully. And funnily enough that's usually the clincher. Respect, good information and empathy can go a long way. I really hope that many people watch your documentary and help absolve the many concerns and myths surrounding vaccination that are out there. You must be proud of your work :) - The Huntress
  • Not everyone has access too or any interest in the internet, you cannot drive a tractor and watch the internet but you can listen to radio, you cannot drive a car and watch the internet but you can listen to radio, you cannot wash the dishes, the clothes, yourself and watch the internet but you can listen to the radio, you can also lie in bed with Phillip Adams, half my University of the Third Age students go to bed with Phillip. Australia's best journalists were trained by the ABC. What I don't understand Gee is your palpable hatred, how can you be so angry all the time, just relax and learn that we are all different and some of us prefer the quiet nature of the ABC compared with the ranting and rage of radio shock jocks and commercial TV. Your phrase 'slash and burn' is shocking to me, no one I know hates anything, no one I know wants to destroy things or institutions, not even the IPA, why such violence of language? - sue Bell
  • [...] Science says vaccinate! [...] - LET'S TALK (NOT SHOUT) VACCINATION
  • Thankyou Emma for your good work and humanistic attitude towards others. I could not do your job and be nice to others at the same time, i'v e realized. The other ABC journo's et al should be taking notes.......all the best in your career! - louise
 
11
Categories:  Entertainment, Lifestyle, Wellbeing

LUCY KIPPIST’S MAY ALMANAC

By Lucy Kippist
May 2, 2012

Hip, hip, hooray! By all accounts we should feel happier in May.

Derived from the Latin, “Maia” May means “greatest one”. Even this month’s flower, Lily of the Valley, is said to be a symbol of happy times ahead.

We could start by eating ourselves happier. Check out this season’s produce: pears, quince, persimmons, silverbeet, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and Chinese greens. The only one I’m stuck on is persmimmons*. I can’t imagine what you’d make with those.

Happiness can be such an elusive emotion. That’s probably why so many of us spend a large chunk of our lives either coveting or chasing it.

 

Some people envy what they consider to be the “increased” happiness of those around them. Others feel inspired by it. Then, of course, there’s a whole heap of other people who once they do find happiness, straight away begin wondering how they’ll ever manage to hold onto it.

I’ve always thought people are born with exactly the same capacity for happiness, it’s just that every person’s life path has a unique way of testing it. Even in the worst, most horrible times, happiness is there. “It” doesn’t disappear, but your ability to find it sometimes does.

I recently read a book about the Gyuto monks of Tibet, the Dalai Lama’s monks. Like most Buddhists, the Gyuto monks believe happiness is found by giving to others, without ever expecting anything in return. This is a beautiful sentiment, albeit difficult for most people operating in the normal world, but it’s something to aspire to all the same.

 

Many people feel happy when they spend time alone. The human relationship to solitude was the subject of a recent ABC Radio National piece for Life Matters, led by the host Natasha Mitchell and also Dr Elizabeth Shaw. It’s a very balanced discussion that’s worth the 15 minutes or so it takes to listen. As they’re quick to point out, solitude is not for everyone. Many people find it overwhelming or scary, particularly when they are forced to be alone, as a result of a break-up, move, health problem, or some other factor completely outside of their own control. Other people crave it. Like one of the callers who said for her, solitude is a vital part of her life and she can’t function without it.

 

Queen Victoria was one person who probably did not have much time for herself. Britain’s longest-reigning monarch (63 years) was queen by 18 and mother, alongside husband Albert, to nine children. Some clever person over at the British Royal Household has put together an online scrapbook of Queen Victoria’s life and her own Diamond Jubilee celebration, to coincide with the same celebration for the current Queen Elizabeth in July this year.

Queen Vic’s scrapbook is lovely to look at, full of photographs and scanned documents and you don’t even have to like royal stuff to enjoy it. In fact the best part about these documents is the social history it preserves. For example, Prince Albert’s memo on the royal children’s education and a terrific section on all the myriad innovations from the Victorian period. Like the telephone, and the beginnings of the British welfare system.

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11 Responses to this article

  1. Valerie Parv May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    As a May baby, today being my birthday, I’m delighted that it’s such a happy month. Always was for me, probably because of my birthday LOL. Just finished telling my agent that instead of seeing a brick wall ahead (milestone year!!) I’m seeing a wide open doorway with great vistas beyond. A huge career development happening, some of the loveliest people on the planet around me – what’s not to enjoy? And to answer your question Lucy, sad news should never be delivered anything but personally – phone being the kindest, although certainly not the easiest, option. IMO and I’m a birthday girl today, so that means I get to be right. Right?

     
  2. Lucy May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Happy birthday Valerie! Love that you can see so much opportunity around you, that’s a gift! I hope the year is everything you’d like it to be. Also, thanks for your feedback regarding bad news, i fear you are right. I have an unhealthy relationship with the phone, though. As in, i really, really hate using it – but i think you are right in this regard. Best wishes to you!

     
  3. Helen May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Agree with Valerie, don’t text, a personal phone call is much better. If it is to advise of a death and you can’t face ringing dozens of people enlist the help of a family member or close friend and get them to do the ringing, even divide the address book into groups for several people to call each group.

     
  4. Lucy May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I like the idea of getting phone helpers, Helen. Thanks. Very good idea in case of very sad news like a death in the family.

     
  5. Jacqui May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I love your quote of everyone being born with the same capacity for happiness, it’s just that every person’s life path has a unique way of testing it. So true when you see people you love ‘missing’ the good stuff because they can’t or won’t see it. Then there are those that make those life ‘mountains’ look like molehills. They are my idols !! Gorgeous article, thank you !!!

     
  6. Lucy May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Thanks for such a lovely comment, Jacqui! I agree with you about your idols being the people who are constantly looking for the good in a situtaion. They’re the best kinds of people.

     
  7. Sally May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    You’ve never had a persimmon Lucy? Go forth and eat all the things!

     
  8. Lucy May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Never! Couldn’t tell you even what they looked like (before i googled it!)

     
  9. Geoff May 2, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Lucy, and Valerie, well written. It’s also my birthday today, and being a may baby your almanac suits me perfectly.

     

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Comments

  • Alice Smith: Well put, and I hope to see your documentary. I hate the idea of vaccinations and believe they can be harmful individual...

    Reply|Read all

  • Misty: What a fabulously challenging topic. Jackdan, very well delivered argument. I'd love to see your research. Publish it! ...

    Reply|Read all

  • Wendy Harmer: Thanks jack... a very interesting response and, from my communications with Sonya I think this is exactly the conversati...

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  • Jackdan: As someone who doesn't follow the Australian Vaccination schedule, I already feel like I am risking ridicule and worse p...

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