Community Magazine June 2003

SIVAN 5763 JUNE 2003 55 s ” xc multiple sclerosis especially with Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers. The victim usually does not know that the aspartame is the culprit. He or she continues its use, aggravating the lupus to such a degree that it may become life-threatening. We have seen patients with systemic lupus become asymptomatic once taken off diet sodas. FACT: The chair of the Lupus Foundation of America Medical Council, Evelyn Hess, MD, MACP, MACR., who is one of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of lupus specializing in environmental influences states that there is, as of now, no spe- cific proof of an association with aspartame as a cause or wors- ening of systemic lupus. In a report on the FDA’s Web site, David Hattan, PhD., acting director of the FDA’s division of health effects evaluation, says there is no “credible evidence” to support, for example, a link between aspartame and multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus. Dr. David Squillacote, senior medical advisor to the MS Foundation, agrees, stating that the claims “are rabidly inaccu- rate and scandalously misinformative.” > Red Flags: Liberally forwarded email, authored by unknown sources with no credentials is a distinctly poor source for medical advice. If the conspiracies and cover-ups of the magnitude described in the message were even remotely verifiable, they would make for an ongoing stream of sensational headlines in mainstream news sources and world wide class action suits instead of sim- ply remaining the subject of an alarmist chain email. > Bottom Line: Available scientific evidence supports the assertion that aspar- tame, in moderate amounts, is safe for the general population. This however, does not mean that aspartame is healthy for everyone. Those who suffer from the rare hereditary disease known as phenylketonuria (PKU) are unable to metabolize phenylalanine adequately and need to control their intake of this amino acid from all food sources including aspartame. Additionally, a number of adverse effects have been reported following the use of aspartame, either as spontaneously record- ed complaints from consumers or as published case reports in medical literature. Although highly unusual, the most frequent- ly reported problems are headache, neuropsychiatric or behav- ioral symptoms, seizures, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hypersensitivity or dermatological symptoms. It should be noted that many natural foods (nuts, berries, honey etc.) have similar contradictions among certain “allergic” individuals. CM Layettes of Love If the size, season or style is not right for you, share it with a baby who can use it and enjoy it! We are collecting new baby clothes and toys, and distributing them to families in the NY - NJ area who have been blessed with a new baby, and could use a hand in gathering all the things that a baby needs. For pick up or drop off please call: Aileen Ades 718.998.1218 • 732.531. 9594 Sari Sasson 718.627.5433 • 732.531.3067 Under the guidance of Rabbi David Ozeri jsc design 718.415.3094 stretchies • diapers • sweaters • mobiles pajamas • towels • outerwear • toys undershirts • bibs • receiving blankets