The Public Health Discourse: Vaccination, Gun Control, and More
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Epidemiology presents a multifaceted field that encompasses not only pathogens but also the behaviors of those affected by diseases. My writings often emphasize the human dimension of health issues, reflecting my skepticism towards the prevailing views in medical science. This skepticism does not stem from doubts about vaccine efficacy—indeed, vaccines are effective—but rather from the misconception surrounding the phrase “vaccines work.” To delve deeper into these themes, I encourage you to explore my articles.
Navigation: Master Index | Anthropology
I have established a dedicated subindex focusing on articles related to the coronavirus. Initially, I hesitated to address this topic, but I now recognize the importance of discussing such a critical issue.
Reforming Public Health and Crisis Response
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted deep-seated issues within our public health infrastructure that necessitate substantial reform.
Revising Public Health Practice
#### Enhancements in sanitation, vaccination, and environmental health factors have progressed significantly…
General Theory
Understanding epidemics requires a solid grasp of their underlying mechanisms. While I plan to expand on epidemic modeling and the mathematics involved, I already have foundational material on epidemiological models available.
The Mathematics of Epidemiology
#### Understanding the math is crucial for grasping how pathogens spread.
Public health efforts should aim to enhance overall quality of life rather than merely treating diseases. Reducing pain and suffering is vital for improving life quality. The perception of placebos has shifted; they are increasingly recognized as valuable in treatment, moving beyond their previous relegation to research tools.
Placebo as Medicine
#### Why do people dismiss the placebo effect as insignificant? Consider the insights of Dr. Steven Novella…
When optimizing the use of limited resources, public health professionals must weigh various considerations.
The Cost of Saving a Life
#### Public health constantly grapples with ethical dilemmas akin to the “Trolley Problem.”
A common consequence of inadequate healthcare access is the prevalence of self-diagnosis and self-treatment. While initial assessments might be conducted by individuals, relying solely on self-diagnosis can be perilous.
Self Diagnosis and Self Treatment are Dangerous
#### We are not healthcare professionals, and we should not pretend to be.
Mental Health
Psychological well-being is as crucial as physical health, yet it often receives insufficient attention.
Self-Care Isn’t Shameful, It’s Necessary
#### It’s time to embrace the importance of caring for ourselves without guilt.
#### Autism Though I cover various public health topics, my personal experience with autism makes it imperative to address the science surrounding autism and its treatments.
Stimming Is More Than Just Unusual Behavior
#### My experiences with stimming and the necessity of addressing this behavior.
Misconceptions about autism and its treatment are widespread, leading to harmful narratives.
The Evolving Understanding and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
#### Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often misunderstood, encompassing a range of conditions…
Misunderstandings in autism diagnosis and treatment, especially concerning practices like Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), are often propagated by advocacy groups that misrepresent the topic.
Tackling “AABA” (Abusive Applied Behavioral Analysis)
#### An examination of a frequently referenced paper opposing ABA practices.
Omniprints
I have published numerous articles on public health across various platforms, which I refer to as “omniprints.” This term reflects my view that these works serve as alternatives to the traditional peer-review journal system, rather than merely preliminary steps towards conventional publication.
Analyzing Measles Vaccine Coverage in the United States
#### The rise of measles cases in the U.S. and globally is concerning, with several proposed contributing factors…
Prior to focusing on measles, I concentrated on whooping cough (caused by B. pertussis and related pathogens), a highly contagious disease that has had an available vaccine for several years.
Studying the Efficacy and Perception of Whooping Cough Vaccines
#### This paper discusses the history of whooping cough vaccines and raises various concerns…
Gun Violence
Gun violence is a significant issue, and while it would be ideal to resolve it effortlessly, reality is more complex. Public health science can provide insights into understanding and addressing this problem.
The Myth of Australia’s Gun Control Success
#### Laws cannot violate causality—since when?
Vaccines
My primary focus includes vaccine research, and I have authored several scholarly and communicative pieces on this subject. To engage a wider audience, I even created a comic about vaccine research, with designs I produced and an associate helped to realize.
Vac-Man
#### A comic exploring vaccines and vaccine research.
I am concerned that the antivaccine movement, while problematic, is being scapegoated for recent outbreaks of various diseases. Scientific evidence does not support the view that the antivaccine movement is the sole or primary cause.
Is the Antivax Movement Being Used as a Scapegoat?
#### While vaccination is critical, the medical community often too readily blames the antivaccine movement for recent measles incidents…
Further Discussion on the Measles Outbreak
#### What is truly happening?
Vaccines have remained relatively unchanged for over fifty years: pathogens are rendered inactive or destroyed before being introduced to the body to provoke an immune response. However, advancements now allow us to achieve more effective outcomes.
On the Cusp of Star Trek Level Medical Technology
#### “What is this, the Dark Ages?” — Bones
Conversely, I have observed a growing public opposition to circumcision. While I will not delve into the religious aspects, there is substantial medical literature on the subject, and the opposition to circumcision parallels sentiments found in the antivaccine movement.
The Absurd Opposition to Circumcision
#### Is this really based on scientific evidence?