This is the first ever comprehensive consumer expo for food avoiders from all walks of life. Experts on food allergies, respiratory and asthmatic issues, dermatological issues, and celiac/gluten intolerance will be available to showcase their wares and their expertise at McCormick Place in Chicago April 18-19, 2009.
Thrive organizers state: “If you suffer from any type of allergy, asthma, or gluten intolerance and Celiac disease, Thrive Expo has brought together the best physicians, authors, experts, companies, cooks, chefs, and non-profits to offer you the latest information, fun demos, and tasty samples in a fun family atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”
Tickets cost $10 for a one day pass and $15 for a two day pass. Kids 12 and under are free. Speakers are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information visit: Thrive Allergy Expo.


The decades old firestorm debate over whether or not thimerosal in vaccines causes Autism got heated up last week when Jenny McCarthy made her accusation on the Oprah Winfrey Show. The U.S. Senate has just released a report after an 18-month long investigation of the FDA and CDC concerning thimerosal levels in pediatric vaccines and the rising rates of neurological disorders in U.S. children. Their verdict: the FDA is guilty of forcing parents to inoculate their children with hazardous amounts of poisonous mercury in the name of disease control. 
