I am not a health care professional and I am not licensed to give advise but these are some ways that I have witnessed parents successfully relieving the fever of a young child or infant baby.  All of the information on this site and page is based on my opinions as well as feedback from other users.  Pediatricians that I have spoken with have mentioned that a higher than normal temperature is part of the child’s process of responding to the vaccine however they still offer ways to lower the fever back to a normal level.

Taking An Accurate Temperature

When taking the temperature of a baby or small child many believe that the most accurate way is by a digital rectal thermometer that is designed for babies by only allowing only about a 1/2 inch to an inch of thermometer to be inserted.  I also believe that testing 3 times to confirm the accuracy of the devise is helpful when recording a temperature.

For this example I will consider the normal temperature to be:

98.6 °F or between 96–99 °F

In this case I will consider a fever to be over:

100.4 °F or over 100-101 °F

Medium grade fevers between:

101-102.5 °F

High fevers are normally considered to be around:

102.5-105 °F

Brain damage, which seems to be uncommon from vaccinations, will be considered for fevers over:

107.6 °F (42 °C)

Infant Fever After Vaccines And Immunizations

When Should We Call The Pediatrician?

Pediatricians seem to have a different opinions on when to call and how high the temperature should be before there is a concern. Many pediatricians seem to consistently say that if they have not had a recent vaccination and/or if they are under 3 months old (some professionals will say 6 weeks or younger) it would be important to call them right away (day or night) if they are showing above 100.4 °F because this may be a sign of a problem that needs urgent medical attention.

Remember that fever alone is not normally harmful and it actually is helpful as part of the baby’s immune system.

If the child has had vaccinations in the last 48 hours, many professionals will say that it is normal to run a low fever and it not necessary to call them urgently unless the temperature goes above 103 °F medium grade fever however they will normally make recommendations in advance on ways to lower the temperature.  I have found that many professionals claim that a fever above 103 °F may be a sign of a potentially dangerous infection.

Why Should We Lower The Baby’s Fever?

Since the baby uses the fever as a way to fight off infection it may seem counterproductive to lower it.  Even so, some reasons to lower a fever may be to comfort the child or prevent the additional loss of supplemental fluids caused by the persistent fever (dehydration).  Some people have said they try to keep the temperature of the baby as close to a normal level as possible to reduce the risk of febrile seizures which might be caused by a quick change in temperature resulting in a fever.

Reasons including comfort and fluid loss are mentioned on this United States Army site:

http://evans.amedd.army.mil/peds/fever.htm

Common Ways To Lower A Fever

If you do want to lower a fever these are some ways that we have had success with.  Again, I am not a medical professional so please consult your advisors and pediatrician before providing any treatment.

1) Consider giving the baby a normal dose of generic brand acetaminophen designed for babies and infants.  Be careful however because acetaminophen, such as Tylenol similar drugs, can add to liver damage and Cirrhosis (https://health.google.com/health/ref/Cirrhosis).   Normally your doctor will also provide a chart that shows how much to give the baby according to the weight.  Also, The Children’s Hospital at 13123 East 16th Avenue Aurora, CO 80045 also mentions, “Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.”

http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/at_home/baby/illnesses.aspx

2)  Feed the baby to help with hydration, immune system nutrients, and to help comfort the baby.  You may find that feeding the baby may help to reduce the fever because the baby has the hydration it needs to regulate their temperature easier.  Most professionals that I have listened to have advised beast feeding more often during times of fever.  Breast milk may also contain anti-inflammatory nutrients that could reduce the risk of a high fever.

3) Use a medium cool compress to reduce the fever heat.  This could be done by pouring cool room temperature water on a towel and using it as a compress.

4) Give the baby a room temperature bath.  You could even do this with the baby but professionals have mentioned that it is important to use water that is not too cold so that the baby’s temperature does not cool to rapidly or too much.

5) Allow for easy air flow near the baby and consider taking the baby outside if the climate permits.  Fresh air is important and helpful for all humans but it may also help lower the average room temperature slightly which may in turn help with the fever.  Taking the baby outside could provide fresh air and a cooler climate helping the baby recover from the fever more easily.  If you are in a car, be sure to open the windows on a hot day or provide a cool comfortable environment as soon as possible to comfort the baby.

6) Remove excess clothing, blankets, or swaddle attire.  There are a few cases I have found where a child has been known to have a much higher fever when over wrapped with blankets and clothing.  Removing these extra layers may be enough to help comfort the baby and reduce the temperature back to a normal level.

Concerned About Infant Brain Damage After Immunizations?

Most professionals that I have spoken with are not very concerned about brain damage after immunizations because only around 10% of cases can reach over 103 °F.  Even fewer go above the brain damage temperature of 107.6 °F (42 °C).  This temperature for brain damage is also published by:

U.S. National Library of Medicine at 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894

“Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6 °F”

What Are The Chances Of Fever?

Specific Immunization Reactions

1. Chickenpox Vaccine:
   • Pain or swelling at the injection site for 1 to 2 days (in 19% of children)
   • Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 17 to 28 days after the vaccine (in 14%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C).
   • Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of receiving the vaccine (Reason: risk of Reye’s syndrome – a rare but serious brain disease)
   • Chickenpox-like vaccine rash (usually 2 lesions) at the injection site (in 3%)
   • Chickenpox-like vaccine rash (usually 5 lesions) scattered over the body (in 4%)
   • This mild rash begins 5 to 26 days after the vaccine and usually lasts a few days.
   • Children with these vaccine rashes can go to day care or school. (Reason: for practical purposes, vaccine rashes are not contagious)
   • EXCEPTION: avoid school if widespread, weepy lesions (Reason: probably actual chickenpox).
   • Precaution: if vaccine rash contains fluid, cover it with clothing or Band-Aid.
2. DTaP or DT Vaccine: The following harmless reactions to DTaP can occur:
   • Pain, tenderness, swelling or redness at the injection site (in 25% of children) and lasts for 24 to 48 hours.
   • Fever (in 25% of children) and lasts for 24 to 48 hours
   • Mild drowsiness (30%), fretfulness (30%) or poor appetite (10%) and lasts for 24 to 48 hours.
   • A large swelling over 4 inches (10 cm) arm can follow the 4th or 5th dose of DTaP occurs in 5% of children. Most children can still move the leg or arm normally.
   • The large thigh or upper arm swelling resolves without treatment by day 3 (60%) to day 7 (90%). This is not an allergy and future DTaP vaccines can be given.
3. Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine (Hib):
   • No serious reactions reported
   • Sore injection site or mild fever only occurs in 1.5% of children
4. Hepatitis A Vaccine:
   • No serious reactions reported
   • Sore injection occurs in 20% of children, loss of appetite in 10%, and headache in 5%.
   • Usually no fever.
   • If these symptoms occur, they begin 3-5 days after vaccine and last 1-2 days
5. Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine (HBV):
   • No serious reactions reported
   • Sore injection site occurs in 30% of children and mild fever in 3% of children
   • Because fever from the vaccine is rare, any infant under 2 months with a fever following the vaccine should be examined.
6. Influenza Virus Vaccine:
   • Pain, tenderness or swelling at the injection site occurs within 6 to 8 hours in 10% of children.
   • Mild fever under 103° F (39.5° C) occurs in 18% of children. Fevers mainly occur in young children.
   • Nasal Influenza Vaccine: No side effects, no fever or symptoms.
7. Measles Vaccine:
   • The measles vaccine can cause a fever (10% of children) and rash (5% of children) about 6 to 12 days following the injection.
   • Mild fever under 103° F (39.5°C) in 10% and lasts 2 or 3 days.
   • The mild pink rash is mainly on the trunk and lasts 2 or 3 days.
   • No treatment is necessary. Your child is not contagious.
   • Call Your Doctor If:
     • Rash becomes very itchy
     • Rash changes to purple spots
     • Rash lasts over 3 days
8. Meningococcal Vaccine:
   • No serious reactions
   • Sore injection site for 1 to 2 days occurs in 50%, with limited use of the arm in 15%.
   • Mild fever occurs in 4%, headache in 40% and joint pain in 20%
   • The vaccine never causes meningitis.
9. Mumps or Rubella Vaccine: There are no reactions except for an occasional sore injection site.
10. Pneumococcus Vaccine:
    • No serious reactions
    • Pain, tenderness, swelling OR redness at the injection site in 15 – 30%
    • Mild fever under 102° F (39° C) in 15% for 1-2 days
11. Polio Vaccine:
    • Polio vaccine by injection occasionally causes some muscle soreness.
    • Oral vaccine no longer used in the U.S.
12. Rotavirus Vaccine:
    • No serious reactions to this oral vaccine
    • Mild diarrhea or vomiting for 1 to 2 days in 3%
    • No fever
13. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine:
    • No serious reactions reported
    • Sore injection site for few days in 80%
    • Mild redness and swelling at the injection site (in 25%)
    • Fever over 100.4° F (38.0° C) in 10% and fever over 102° F (39° C) in 1-2%.

You can also report fevers and any adverse reactions to the FDA’s VAERS site at https://vaers.hhs.gov/esub/step1.  VAERS seems to be used for taking information and will not provide any help with understanding when to call your doctor or take your baby to the emergency room due to an adverse reaction.  They do however provide some excellent data from vaccinations that you can sort in a variety of ways including by state and by symptom.  You can download the data for any recent year here:  https://vaers.hhs.gov/data/data/

This seems to be a easy to understand video about fevers:

I hope this information can help you or a baby’s life that you know.  If you have any other questions or comments about baby fevers after vaccinations please feel free to leave you comment or message on this site.   A friend also noted that you should only take your child to the ER or doctor if it is needed because exposure to pollution/dangers during the drive, exposure to illness at the location, and other complications could hurt the baby more than the natural reaction of the fever.

Importance Of New Vaccination Information

New information about vaccines can be found in the news but more importantly from your medical professional who should be completely up-to-date on any vaccines they are suggesting for you or your child.  Vaccines expire and taking an expired vaccine may not have the same effect as a current one so be sure to double check the expiration.  Also, some people have accused medical institutions of providing adult vaccines to children or Vice versa so be sure to double check the type of DTaP or other vaccine you are giving to a child or adult.

My Vaccination Opinion

I am not a medical professional nor do I work in the medical industry.  I know very little about vaccinations and the health industry and these are just my opinions based on information I have read, seen, and discussed with other public health professionals, parents, Doctors, and people who work in the medical industry.

Vaccinations can be a way to make money, they can be a life improving/saving heath benefit.  Vaccinations are also potentially unsafe to yourself or your child if taken incorrectly.  Every time you receive a vaccination, I suggest confirming that it is more beneficial to have the vaccination than not to.  Be sure to take into consideration the current situation and information available at the time.  Check the current report and information when traveling to see if a vaccination is recommended by any traveling advisory institution.  Educate yourself about it, talk to your advisers, and do not just believe one person’s opinion.

2010 Vaccination Examples

Vaccinations

This photo includes some current examples of real Vaccinations given in 2010 including:

• RotaTec – 1 Single Dose 2 mL tube
• DTaP-IPV (5/2011 expiration) with ACTHIB Made by Sanofi Pediacel
• Prevnar 13 .5 mL single dose by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.

CDC on Vaccinations

The CDC seems to be one of the more developed sources of information on Vaccines.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

The CDC publishes information on all of the most available types of Vaccines and a lot of information about the benefits and drawbacks.  Some of the information contains logical fallacies and some fluff but I suggest reading it before taking or giving a Vaccination to a child or teen.

FDA on Vaccinations

The FDA provides some recall information and reporting tools for Vaccinations however it is unknown how much of the information they receive is published and available to the public. They also provide some approval information and some good historical information on vaccination approvals and recalls.

http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/

EPA on Vaccinations

The EPA has about 1300 pages of information that contain the word vaccination or vaccine but they normally suggest to “keep your vaccinations current” and do have great notes on historical data about vaccinations and their role on preventing future problems.

http://www.epa.gov/TEACH/chem_summ/mercury_org_summary.pdf

In this link the EPA shows here how vaccinations and mercury were a concern in the past for children but have now been shown to be less of a concern or no concern now which pediatricians I have spoken with would agree with.

CHOP on Vaccinations

CHOP provides extensive videos and written information about vaccines and help educate parents on vaccination schedules.  It is easy to understand and has some intersting stats to consider.

http://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/

Paul A. Offit, MD who seems to the face of this part of CHOP is a great speaker although it is obvious he, like many others, are exposing this type of information for profit so take things you hear as an opinion and read other sources as well.

After Vaccinations

After some vaccinations many Doctors will recommend some type of pain medication like Acetaminophen and to watch symptoms of any signs of concern.  These may include rashes, high temperature, and febrile seizures.  Call your pediatrician right away if you experience any side effects and report them to the FDA at VAERS:

http://vaers.hhs.gov/esub/index

info@vaers.org
Call VAERS at (800) 822-7967 | Fax VAERS at (877) 721-0366

Also, I suggest letting any other relevant institutions know about the side effects including NVIC:

http://www.nvic.org/Forms/CivilianReactionPage.aspx

By reporting any problems you can help find problem areas or bathes of Vaccinations.  I believe we should all be aware of any problems so I also encourage you to post any concerns publicly but anonymously.

Vaccinations and Febrile Seizures

This video shows some developed opinions on Febrile seizures:

Important 2010 Vaccination Information

A professional friend who believes that, “MMR is no longer manufactured with thimerosal preservative (even though this has been proven to have no risks associated with it).”

We have found a trusted medical professional that has said that they have treated people suffering from the effects from:

• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• DTaP
• HIB
• Pheumococcal
• Measles / Mumps / Rubella

That same medical professional has administered or seen over 10,000 people vaccinated but has never heard of a complication that needed hospital or clinic care.  If you are interested in contact information for our experienced professional please email me directly at greg@gregoryhillman.org.

Other Suggested Vaccination Links by Friends

http://www.antemedius.com/content/lancet-withdraws-study-linking-autism-mmr-vaccine

Remember, vaccinations are not 100% safe.  There are things you should look for after a vaccination and it is suggested to stay at the vaccination office for 15 or more minutes after the Vaccination and be aware of side effects for days after.

We read “On Becoming Baby Wise” and other similar books but we do not let the baby cry out or stress for long periods of time even with interruptions.  I am not a doctor or professional in pediatrics but we are average parents that have read and watched information on helping a baby to sleep and sleep through the night after 6 weeks.  Before 6 weeks our medical advisers suggest having the mother feed the baby at night to relieve pressure and to give the baby the nutrition every few hours.

Sleep Through The Night

Here are my suggestions after 6 weeks:

• I would suggest waiting for an “owe” sound or “owal” sound before putting the baby to bed at night.  This is the sound they tend to make when they yawn.  If they are saying “eh” they may still need to be burped and may wake up because they are uncomfortable due to gas.
• Even though I did not enjoy tight spaces as a child, the tight swaddle seems to help the baby calm down and relax.  This may be in part due to the consistent procedure before going to bed but the results have been positive.
• Feed more often during the day and “cluster” feed before bed.  The baby normally goes in about a 2-3 hour cycle of feeding at this time along with the mother.  This seems to be right amount of feeding during the day after 6 weeks.  I would normally see newborns to 6 weeks feed about 1.5 – 2.5 hours.  Cluster feed by increasing the amount of feedings later in the day to help provide the baby with nutrition.
• Consider a 4 oz. bottle of fresh breast-milk before bed.  Since the mother’s milk productions tends to decrease later in the day, try using a 4+ ounce colic reduction bottle with pumped breast milk.  This may help provide the baby with more nutrition that could help it sleep though the night.  Remember to burp often when feeding with the bottle.
• After the baby is fed, changed, swaddled, and tired you are ready to “soothe” the baby.  I have seen this done in many ways including a rocking chair, bouncing, swaying, walking, driving, or any ongoing light movement.  Include a soft lullaby during this time and keep playing them until the baby is completely sleeping.
• Once the baby is sleeping put the baby down in the crib or bassinet gently.  The room should be completely dark with a quiet fan to help circulate air and remove toxins.
• If the baby does wake up, feed, then “soothe” the baby again until sleep is ongoing.  Feed early in the morning when the baby wakes.

Swaddling To Help Baby Sleep Though The Night

Don’t forget to put the baby on the back to sleep through the night and if they tend to look to one side or the other try to help the baby look the other way frequently to help with normal development.

Fans and air quality from the CDC:

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts111.html

“Formaldehyde is usually found in the air, and levels are usually higher indoors than outdoors. Opening windows and using fans to bring fresh air indoors are the easiest ways to lower levels in the house. Not smoking and not using unvented heaters indoors can lower the formaldehyde levels.”

If you have any questions or need more information please leave a comment on this page.

Try a lullaby before bed:

I am not a medical professional and I can not offer medical advise but these are some things that I believe have helped me remove wax after over 20 years of visiting the doctor a few times a year for wax removal.  I now have relieved of problems with earwax and do not need a medical professional’s help for most of my ear concerns.

Caution When Using H2O2

An audiologist friend of mine warns anyone of using H2O2 in your ear because it can eat away at healthy tissue.  She suggests garlic and olive oil during the night and a flush of bulb water in the morning.  This technique has never worked for me to date but it may work for you.  I believe H2O2 should be a last resort after using filtered water in a bulb first and other methods of earwax removal.  I also believe H2O2 will hurt human tissues.

Caution When Using Ear Picks

I do not suggest using ear picks because it is too easy to scrape skin or hurt your ear drum.  Japanese bamboo ear picks, down tipped ear picks, and even the softest brush has irritated my ears in the past.

Symptoms Of Earwax Buildup

The first signs of earwax buildup are normally that you have slight hearing loss in your ear, that you notice pressure, or a “slushy” feeling when your ear moves.  Do not mistake earwax buildup for water in your ear.  I have written more about getting water out of your ear on this site here:

http://www.gregoryhillman.org/2009/08/13/how-to-get-water-out-of-your-ear/

Just because you have some earwax buildup does not mean that you need to treat your buildup.  Earwax will normally dry up and fall out with out any additional help.  One thing I have found that will hurt the process of natural removal is pushing the wax further in your ear with a q-tip or your finger.  This just moves the wax in your ear further but it can still normally be removed with this treatment.

Treatments of Earwax Buildup

If your wax is causing a problem and does not fall out normally, you could have buildup in just one ear or in both ears.  I have found that only treating the ear that has the earwax buildup is necessary.

First, use water with your syringe or bulb.  Water may be all that is needed with some light pressure to remove the wax.  I use water with a very low TDS that has been put through a Reverse Osmosis membrane so it contains less extra materials.

Earwax Removal Syringe Bulb

If the purified water with some pressure from the bulb does not work, I normally use about 1/2 a cap full of H2O2.

Lay down on your side with a white towel under your head so the light bleaching agent does not bleach any materials under your head.  H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide) will make spots in dark clothing, towels, and rugs.

Pour about 1/2 to 1 cap full in the effected ear while laying on your side.  You should be able to hear the bubbles easily with wax in your ear and fresh H2O2.  You may also see bubbled up wax coming out of your ear during this process.  After about 3-10 minutes the bubbles will stop and you can pour the wax and excess H2O2 in your sink or shower.

Then take your earwax removal bulb and spray warm (98.4±0.7 °F or slightly warmer) water in your ear with some light pressure.  This should help remove any extra wax.

Be sure to put the cap back on your H2O2 right away otherwise it will loose the ability to work correctly.  Also, be sure to replace your H2O2 if it is old or does not work any longer.  I do not use H2O2 unless it is completely necessary because there may be other side effects from this weak base.  I use about 3% H2O2 and additional purified water to make it more diluted.

If you have a more significant buildup you may need to repeat the H2O2 process with the bulb a few times or once a day for a few days.

H2O2 For Earwax Buildup

If the wax is not gone and your hearing is back to normal with no evidence of wax you may need to visit a medical professional for a much stronger syringe.  Some professionals have much larger devices that will spray at a higher level but not so height it will rupture your ear drum.  Be careful though because a doctor or nurse could rupture the drum with this high pressure device.

The TDS of this water is considerably lower than many other parts of Los Angeles that have been tested.  Some of highest TDS areas that have been tested are near the 405 freeway and very close (with in a block) of the ocean including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina del Rey (400+ TDS).

This test was taken before March in 2010.

I am not a professional water quality tester and I can not say weather or not water is safe to drink.  I do hope this information helps.

Westwood Village Medical Center Water TDS in PPM

The pH of water is 7. The EPA suggests secondary maximum contaminant levels of pH be at least between 6.5 – 8.5

The test done at a similar time shows a pH of 7.55 which again is better than many other areas of Los Angeles that have recently been tested.  West Los Angeles can be as high as 8.65 or greater from tap water.

EPA physical test:

low pH: bitter metallic taste; corrosion

high pH: slippery feel; soda taste; deposits

Westwood Village UCLA Water pH

Electrical conductivity (EC) estimates the amount of total dissolved salts. Most information that I have seen shows that high quality water is under 500 σ. I have personally seen better ECs in water from mountain rain puddles in Topanga with ECs below 200 but most of the water tested in LA has been over 400 σ.  The EC at this UCLA medical center shows 398 σ.  This test was also conducted at the same time from the same tap water at a UCLA medical center.

Westwood Village water EC Temp UCLA medical

Would I drink this water?

Yes, but only if I needed to to stay hydrated and there was no filtration available because of the higher EC and TDS. I would much rather drink water that has been treated with distillation, RO, or another method that will lower the salt / nitrates / viruses / metals, and other hard unknown materials.

The EPA suggests these 2nd maximum levels here:

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/2ndstandards.html

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html

Iron Health Concerns

It has also been mentioned that people with heterozygous for a hemochromatosis mutation (body not able to absorb Iron like others) may need to stay away from water containing Iron. For most people it may just have an unpleasant metallic taste, rusty color, and may be an indication that your pipes are deteriorating. You also may have high iron from a private well.

I have consistently read that everyone including pregnant women and children need iron in reasonable levels but this is normally found in breast milk, prenatal vitamins, and other typical foods.

Removing Iron

If you have too much iron and want it removed from your drinking water reverse osmosis may be one of the most cost effective ways.  Water softeners have also been mentioned as a way of removing iron but I have not been able to test this to date.

Iron Water Test

I have completed an Iron water test in Los Angeles California that shows very low levels of Iron in the tap water.  The test only takes a few minutes and then will show a reading.  As seen in this photo below the Iron level is well below 0.3 ppm.

Iron Water Test Los Angeles

Would I Drink This Water?

Yes, I would drink this water because I have also done many other tests on it and the iron level is well below the EPA secondary standard.  I also believe that my body can process Iron and it appears that low levels of Iron in drinking water should not cause a health concern.  I am not a water professional and I can not say if it is safe or unsafe for sure but I would suggest putting this water through a reverse osmosis machine so that it smells, tastes, and looks better!

Iron

Symbol: Fe
Latin: ferrum
Atomic Number: 26

Silver Lake Research mentions that high levels of copper may cause gastrointestinal distress so today I tested the tap water in Marina del Rey Los Angeles California.

The test took a few minutes to administer and was completed with a strip in some tap water.  After two minutes you can see the results.  The EPA states copper levels should be below 1.3 ppm.

Would I drink this water?

Yes, the copper level does show less than 1.3 ppm as seen in this photo and I have tested the water for a variety of other concerns.  The test may show about 0.7 ppm or less.  The water tastes good!

*Please note I am not an expert or professional water tester and I can not say if water is safe or unsafe to drink.  No test can.

The CDC has some information on Copper that is easy to understand such as:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/healthywater/factsheets/copper.htm

“All living organisms including humans need copper to survive; therefore a trace of copper in our diet is necessary for good health.  However, some forms of copper can also harm you.”

“Corrosion of pipes is by far the greatest cause for concern.”

“Drinking water with high levels of copper for many years could cause liver or kidney damage.”

This test supplies were from Silver Lake Research:

Copper Water Test in Los Angeles

Copper.org offers some current information:

http://www.copper.org/consumers/copperhome/Env_Health/environmentandhealth_drinkingwater.html

“How much is too much copper in water and food?

The NASFNB recommends that you not consume more than 10 mg/day to be safe. The NASFNB has determined that most men, women and children consume less than 1.6 mg/day.”

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/fact_sheets/copper_in_drinking_water.htm

“In Washington, most copper in drinking water comes from corrosion of household plumbing.   Public water supplies are required to conduct treatment to reduce corrosion when more than 10 percent of the tap water samples exceed 1.3 parts per million (ppm) of copper.

Copper from plumbing corrosion can accumulate overnight.  Flushing the water from the tap for 30 to 45 seconds can reduce the copper that can accumulate when the household plumbing is not in use.”

The DOH also mentions this about the amount of copper that is safe.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/fact_sheets/copper_in_drinking_water.htm

“Copper is an essential mineral in the diet.  Too much copper, however, can cause health problems.  Major food sources of copper are shellfish, nuts, grains, leafy vegetables, and stone fruits. Typical sources of copper from food range from less than 2 milligrams (mg.) to 5 mg. per day.

Health studies have found that copper in drinking water can add 4 to 45 percent more copper to a person’s diet than what is in food sources.”

Temp: 76.7 F

TDS: 922 (0-1000 drinking water 1000-1500 brackish 1500+ sea water)

pH: 8.61 (The normal range for pH in surface-water systems is 6.5 to 8.5 but 7 is pure)

EC: 301 (~0-500 drinking water 500+ sea water)

This test was provided by the HI 98129.

Would I use this water?

I would try not to drink this water.  This water is above the safe pH for drinking water based upon the EPA’s secondary standards.  It is also above the CDC’s standard range for safe swimming water.  The normal range for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5.  My opinion is that if you visit this Marina del Rey Library be sure to bring your own water for you and your children.  Do not let them get close to the water fountain because they may drink the untested water.  The lower water fountain is also not working so there was only testing done on the higher fountain.

Marina del Rey Library Drinking Water

More information about this concern can be found here on the CDC:

http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/testing.html

pH

The pH level tells you how acidic or basic your water is. The pH level of the water can change how your water looks and tastes. If the pH of your water is too low or too high, it could damage your pipes, cause heavy metals like lead to leak out of the pipes into the water, and eventually make you sick.

Anything over 8.0 the CDC says:

- Poor Chlorine Disinfection
- Eye Irritation
- Skin Irritation

If you are interested in having me test your water please call or write.

1) Bikers ride with traffic on the right side of the road in the US.  Sometimes people from the NE of the US who have not biked much believe you should bike like you walk.  Wrong.  Bikes need to travel at high speeds to commute effectively and this can only be done with traffic.  If you were to hit a car or a pedestrian going the opposite direction death would be very possible.  Stay safe and bike on the right.

There is exceptions to this such as when there is a right turn only lane at a stop light in the US.  Then the biker should be stopped on the right side of the right most lane that will continue straight.  This way cars can still turn left safely and the biker can start traveling with traffic when the light changes.

2) Use bike paths when possible when riding in the city.  Almost every city in the world now has bike paths and a quick search on the web will reveal many bike paths that you may not know about.  Be sure to coordinate your trip with easy access on a safe public bike path.

When biking on a bike path be sure to right on the right, use a white 180 degree light at dark, and be friendly to the other bikers.  You are not required by law to stop and help if someone is injured but if there is no one that will get to an injured person quickly you should try to help by calling 911.

3) Mountain bike in an area that you are familiar with (or be very safe and hold back), others should know where you are, and make sure they know when you should be back and who to call.  It is best to mountain bike with a few friends in a location that is safe, public, and has easy access if you need to be air lifted or taken off the hill.

Be careful you do not get too aggressive while going down hills and considering large jumps.  Take the jump slowly at first when possible until you have mastered it and can safety try it faster.  Ride in the mountains only in well lit environments and I do not suggest ever riding in the mountains at night.

4) Don’t bike on the sidewalk.  I have recently even seen staff from the city transportation department bike on the sidewalk and it is just not safe or appropriate for anyone involved.  Today, the city transportation employees on bikes almost hit a pregnant lady trying to walk down the sidewalk to work.  It does not leave room for people to walk safely and you would be going against traffic in many cases.

If there are any youth, children, or anyone that may move unexpectedly you should always bike well away from them.  Just going slow around kids on or off a sidewalk is not enough because they may dart out in front of the bike and get injured or worse.

If there is no one on the walk way for miles or if it is the only safe place to be then sometimes the sidewalk is your only option but in 99% of the cases be on the right side of the road and leave the sidewalk for walking.

Ambulance parked in red keeping bikes from traveling on right.

When riding your bike in the city it is appropriate to use hand signals:

• Left turn: Left arm out straight
• Right turn: Left arm 90 degree angle up
• Slow down: Left arm 90 degree angle down
• It is best to use the left arm and use your right arm to drive.

Enjoy biking, help your friends understand how to do it easily, and it will help keep you healthy and your community less polluted with carbon monoxide and auto waste.  Always wear your helmet!

Also, don’t take my word for it.  Here is what others have to say about where to ride your bike from all over the US and the names have been removed for privacy:

“I hate sidewalk bikers.  No sidewalk bicycling is an ordinance in Everett: and I’ve been clipped by bike cops on the sidewalks up there more than once.”  -Seattle, WA

“A bike cop came THISCLOSE to hitting me on the sidewalk in downtown Seattle a couple of weeks ago. I actually thought it was illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk, but I guess not?” -Portland, OR

“(I) watched a dude take out a 5 yr old with his bike. and he took off.  We tried to catch him, but could only shout obscenities” and “just speeding through a very crowded festival.  No business being on a bike inside the Seattle center at any time, much less festival time.” -Seattle, WA

“We have bike lanes here and it still doesn’t stop them from using the sidewalks. Here is what happened this last summer…this little boy ended up having to get surgery on his head, to do with getting hit” and “We don’t have cops that ride bikes here but we are a large college town were most people are from out of state coming here for school, most take buses, walk, and ride bikes. Now not everyone is like this, because I do know many responsible students, but for the majority in the morning traffic those that aren’t from here”  -Iowa

I believe that covers it.  Don’t ride on the sidewalk near people because it is not safe and be sure to follow the other guidelines or leave your response here.

Find Healthy Food & Water

Today many of us do not have as much control as we would like over the foods we eat.  Travel and access to a variety of local foods foods may make it hard to eat as well as we would like.  These are my suggestions:

1) Find out about your local farmers markets.

Attend them when possible for fresh, pesticide free, and locally gown fruits, and vegetables.  Find out what guidelines the farmers need to follow to be at a certain market so you know what you are buying.  Some markets are all local and others may have food from all around the world.  Ask the local vendors for deals and come back to the same ones that treat you well.

2) Find a source of legumes, beans, and lentils.

The key reason to find a source of legumes, beans, and lentils is fiber and most of us need more of it.  Most local grocery stores will provide a bag of dry beans for around $1 in the US.  Pick up a variety and prepare them frequently.  You may also be able to find fresher beans at the local markets or by growing your own.  Sprouting these beans may also help provide an additional variety to your diet that still includes your needed fiber at each meal.

3) Discover media about international diets.

The web is a great place to find out which recipes, combination of foods, and qualities of consumption are most popular.  Videos of recipes from India, China, Canada, Mexico, Britain, and all over the world can help you discover new foods that work with your body the best.  A quick message to family members can also yield possible recipes that may work with your own personal chemistry.

4) Find a healthy and reliable water source.

Water is used for food preparation, washing foods, laundry, bathing, and even brushing your teeth so having a good clean reliable source is necessary.  The problem most people I know have is that they rely on a community water system and do not know if there is a water problem until after it has happened.  This is why a testing devise (including pH, TDS, and Salinity) along with personal filters, personal emergency water storage (3 gallons per person – Washington State Guidelines), and clean pollutant free drinking water is needed.  I believe the most current reliable water filter systems for people that live in the US are also made in the US with no BPA plastics, reverse osmosis, and 1 or more carbon blocks.  These systems can also filter rain water, dirty tap water, puddle water, and even marine water if needed.  They are suggested by the EPA and many water experts.  Storing water in plastic for a short period may be alright but try to keep your water fresh and plastic free.  I do not believe one should use hot water with typical plastic dish ware, reverse osmosis membrane filters, or carbon blocks.

5) Cool and heat foods correctly.

I have found the average person does not know the standard guidelines on heating or cooling foods.  The FDA provides some basic minimum guidelines on cooking temperatures.  In general I cook almost every dish that needs to be cooked to temperatures around 180 degrees.  Raw foods like sushi salmon and tuna should be flash frozen and from a very fresh (daily) source to ensure that the foods are safe to eat.

http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/mintemp.html

Minimum Cooking Temperatures

Do not forget to refrigerate foods promptly but remember that if you put a large heated item in a small refrigerator the other foods may also heat up until it has a chance to cool.

6)  Eat balanced meals.

Eat a balance of local foods including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats at every meal possible.  A variety of fruits and vegetables will ensure that you are getting different vitamins and minerals.  Foods that experts suggest eating more of include broccoli for the vitamin C and fiber, fresh juices including fresh cranberry, soy protein, “fresh water” fish, olive oil, almonds, garlic (if eating meat and not practicing yoga), and peaches for the low sugar releasing index.

7) Enjoy eating!

Each time you eat take the time to thank the other people at the table for something they have shared with you even if it is very simple.  Turn on low pleasurable music so people can talk but feel comfortable.  Provide candles or soft light near the table or food.  Use a clean table and well organized environment for eating.  Take time to enjoy the meal, talk between bites to slow the eating process, and chew foods that should be.  After finishing your meals try to relax and enjoy your company.

Time to eat!