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'''Gary Michael Null''' (born in 1945) is an [[United States|American]] [[talk radio]] host and [[author]] on [[alternative medicine|alternative and complementary medicine]] and [[nutrition]]. On his [[talk radio]] show and in his books and self-produced movies, Null has criticized the medical community, promoted a range of [[alternative cancer treatment]]s and [[dietary supplement]]s, and [[AIDS denialism|questioned the link between HIV and AIDS]].
'''Gary Michael Null''' (born in 1945) is an [[United States|American]] [[talk radio]] host and [[author]] on [[alternative medicine|alternative and complementary medicine]] and [[nutrition]]. On his [[talk radio]] show and in his books and self-produced movies, Null has criticized the medical community, promoted a range of [[alternative cancer treatment]]s and [[dietary supplement]]s, and [[AIDS denialism|questioned the link between HIV and AIDS]].


Gary Null published over 100 books on [[nutrition]], [[self-help]], and [[public health]] issues as of 2011.<ref name=wnd>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnd.com/markets/news/read/3805173/dr._gary_null_and_gary_null_&_associates_assigns_its_direct_marketing_program_to_celebdirect_in_a_landmark_exclusive_agreement|title=Dr. Gary Null and Gary Null & Associates Assigns Its Direct Marketing Program to CelebDirect in a Landmark Exclusive Agreement|work=''WND''}}</ref><ref name=abw>{{cite web|url=http://abetterworld.tv/gary-null-owner-of-the-progressive-radio-network/|title=Gary Null, owner of the Progressive Radio Network|work=A Better World}}</ref> These titles sold over 37 million copies by 2007 and have made him one of the 10 best selling authors in the United States.<ref name=wnd/>
In 2010, Null reported that he had been poisoned and nearly killed by ingesting one of his own dietary supplements, "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal". Null sued a contractor involved in producing the supplement, alleging that it contained more than 1,000 times the dose of [[vitamin D]] reported on the label, leading to the hospitalization of Null and six other consumers with [[hypervitaminosis D|vitamin poisoning]].<ref name="ny-post"/><ref name="abc-news"/><ref name="la-times"/>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Null was raised in [[Parkersburg]], [[West Virginia]], with his two brothers. He holds an [[Associate Degree]] in [[Business Administration]] as well as a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree from [[Thomas Edison State College]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey]]. He received a [[Ph.D.]] in Interdisciplinary Studies from [[Union Institute & University]], a private [[Distance education|distance-learning]] college in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]].<ref name="union-phd">{{cite news | work = [[Cincinnati Enquirer]] | title = Union Institute rules get stricter | first = Kristina | last = Goetz | date = March 27, 2004 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref> Null's thesis was entitled "A Study of Psychological and Physiological Effects of Caffeine on Human Health." His credentials and the rigorousness of his Ph.D. program were questioned by [[Stephen Barrett]] of [[Quackwatch]].<ref name="null-qw">{{cite web | publisher = [[Quackwatch]] | first = Stephen | last = Barrett | authorlink = Stephen Barrett | title = A Critical Look at Gary Null's Activities and Credentials | url = http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/null.html | date = May 12, 2010 | accessdate= June 23, 2011}}</ref> Null is a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist.<ref name="License">License Information, [http://www.nysed.gov/coms/op001/opscr2?profcd=48&plicno=003731 NY State Education Department - Office of the Professions]</ref>
Null was raised in [[Parkersburg]], [[West Virginia]], with his two brothers. He holds an [[Associate Degree]] in [[Business Administration]] as well as a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree from [[Thomas Edison State College]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey]]. He received a [[Ph.D.]] in Interdisciplinary Studies from [[Union Institute & University]], a private [[Distance education|distance-learning]] college in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]].<ref name="union-phd">{{cite news | work = [[Cincinnati Enquirer]] | title = Union Institute rules get stricter | first = Kristina | last = Goetz | date = March 27, 2004 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref> Null's thesis was entitled "A Study of Psychological and Physiological Effects of Caffeine on Human Health." His credentials and the rigorousness of his Ph.D. program were questioned by [[Stephen Barrett]] of [[Quackwatch]].<ref name="null-qw">{{cite web | publisher = [[Quackwatch]] | first = Stephen | last = Barrett | authorlink = Stephen Barrett | title = A Critical Look at Gary Null's Activities and Credentials | url = http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/null.html | date = May 12, 2010 | accessdate= June 23, 2011}}</ref> Null is a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist.<ref name="License">License Information, [http://www.nysed.gov/coms/op001/opscr2?profcd=48&plicno=003731 NY State Education Department - Office of the Professions]</ref> He founded and directed the health and nutrition certificate programs at [[Pratt Institute]] and the [[School of Visual Arts]].<ref name=iamp>{{cite web|url=http://www.iamplify.com/store/bio/Gary-Null/products/author_id/522|title=Amplifier: gary Null|work=iamplify}}</ref>


Null is also an accomplished [[marathon]] runner. He is a [[USA Track & Field]] Master Champion athlete and twice [[Mid-American Conference]] Track and Field Masters Athlete of the Year.<ref name=iamp/>
==Viewpoints==
==Viewpoints==
Null attacks many facets of mainstream medicine, arguing that physicians have an economic interest in promoting rather than preventing sickness. In the 1970s, Null co-authored a series of articles on cancer research for ''[[Penthouse (magazine)|Penthouse]]'', beginning with one entitled "The Great Cancer Fraud."<ref>Null's articles on alternative cancer therapies in ''Penthouse'' include:
Null attacks many facets of mainstream medicine, arguing that physicians have an economic interest in promoting rather than preventing sickness. In the 1970s, Null co-authored a series of articles on cancer research for ''[[Penthouse (magazine)|Penthouse]]'', beginning with one entitled "The Great Cancer Fraud."<ref>Null's articles on alternative cancer therapies in ''Penthouse'' include:
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==Radio and video work==
==Radio and video work==
Null broadcast a syndicated radio talk show, ''Natural Living with Gary Null'', for more than 27 years. His show was broadcast first on [[WBAI]], then on the VoiceAmerica Network and over the Internet on the Progressive Radio Network. Null's show subsequently returned to WBAI, leading to protests from [[AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power|ACT-UP New York]] and other AIDS activist groups concerned by Null's promotion of AIDS denialism.<ref name="act-up">{{cite web | publisher = [[AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power|ACT-UP]] | title = Letter to Indra Hardat, interim general manager, WBAI/Pacifica | url = http://www.actupny.org/reports/denialist_gary_null.html | date = January 17, 2006 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name="aidstruth-wbai">{{cite web | publisher = aidstruth.org | title = WBAI: Do not put Gary Null's dangerous show on the air | url = http://www.aidstruth.org/news/2010/wbai-do-not-put-gary-nulls-dangerous-show-air-sign | date = November 17, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref>
Null broadcast a syndicated radio talk show, ''Natural Living with Gary Null'', for more than 27 years. Launched in 1980, the show earned 21 Silver Microphone Awards by 2007 and became the longest-running, continuously aired health program in America.<ref name=wnd/> His show was broadcast first on [[WBAI]], then on the VoiceAmerica Network and over the [[Internet]] on the [[Progressive Radio Network]], where it is broadcast as ''The Gary Null Show''. Null's show subsequently returned to WBAI, leading to protests from [[AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power|ACT-UP New York]] and other AIDS activist groups concerned by Null's promotion of AIDS denialism.<ref name="act-up">{{cite web | publisher = [[AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power|ACT-UP]] | title = Letter to Indra Hardat, interim general manager, WBAI/Pacifica | url = http://www.actupny.org/reports/denialist_gary_null.html | date = January 17, 2006 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name="aidstruth-wbai">{{cite web | publisher = aidstruth.org | title = WBAI: Do not put Gary Null's dangerous show on the air | url = http://www.aidstruth.org/news/2010/wbai-do-not-put-gary-nulls-dangerous-show-air-sign | date = November 17, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref> The Progressive Radio Network is owned by Gary Null and was inaugurated in 2005.<ref name=abw/>


Null has made several self-funded and self-produced documentary films on public policy issues, personal health, and personal development. Null's videos have been aired by [[PBS]] during pledge drives, but concern arose within PBS over the videos' sensational claims. Ervin Duggan, the president of PBS, expressed concern that by showing Null's videos, the network was "open[ing] the door to quacks and charlatans."<ref>{{cite web | last = Bedford | first = Karen Everhart | title = Gary Null special sparks debate on pledge program standards | work = [[Current (newspaper)|Current]] | date = January 25, 1999 | url = http://www.current.org/mo/mo901n.html | accessdate = January 19, 2009}}</ref> Null implied that his problems with PBS may have been an attempt to silence him, saying: "The guardians of the gates of orthodoxy at PBS... you don't know who their friends are."<ref name="time"/>
Null has made numerous self-funded and self-produced [[documentary film]]s on [[public policy]] issues, personal [[health]], and [[personal development]]. His videos have been aired by [[PBS]] during pledge drives, but concern arose within PBS over the videos' sensational claims. Ervin Duggan, the president of PBS, expressed concern that by showing Null's videos, the network was "open[ing] the door to quacks and charlatans."<ref>{{cite web | last = Bedford | first = Karen Everhart | title = Gary Null special sparks debate on pledge program standards | work = [[Current (newspaper)|Current]] | date = January 25, 1999 | url = http://www.current.org/mo/mo901n.html | accessdate = January 19, 2009}}</ref> Null implied that his problems with PBS may have been an attempt to silence him, saying: "The guardians of the gates of orthodoxy at PBS... you don't know who their friends are."<ref name="time"/>


Null produced and directed a total of 39 documentaries from 2002 to 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1567037/|title=Gary Null|work=[[IMDb]]}}</ref> His 2006 investigation of [[Gulf War syndrome]], ''Friendly Fire: Exposing Gulf War Syndrome'', won two awards, and his 2011 work on [[iatrogenesis]], ''Death by Medicine'', six.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1567037/awards|title=Awards for Gary Null|work=[[IMDb]]}}</ref>
==Dietary supplements and vitamin poisoning==
==Dietary supplements and vitamin poisoning==
Null owns Gary Null & Associates, a company which markets [[dietary supplement]]s, as well as a health-food store in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gary Null's Uptown Whole Foods | url = http://www.nysite.com/westside/b9/uptownwf.htm}}</ref> In 2010, Null claimed that he was sickened and nearly killed by his own dietary supplements.<ref name="ny-post">{{cite news | work = [[New York Post]] | title = Health guru nearly killed eating own product | url = http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/health_guru_nearly_killed_eating_hGIit27zRFN0UP3eMLWgKL | first = Dareh | last = Gregorian | date = April 28, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name="la-times">{{cite news | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | title = Supplements guru sues over his own product | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/04/supplements-guru-sues-over-his-own-product.html | date = April 29, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011 | first = Melissa | last = Healy}}</ref><ref name="abc-news">{{cite news | publisher = [[ABC News]] | title = Alternative Health Guru Sues Company Over His Own Product | first = Cleopatra | last = Andreadis | date = April 29, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011 | url = http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Health/alternative-health-guru-sues-company-product-claiming-killed/story?id=10499409}}</ref> He filed suit against a contractor involved in producing the supplement, "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal", claiming that the supplement contained 1,000 times the labeled dose of [[Vitamin D]] and that it had led to the hospitalizations of 6 consumers [[Hypervitaminosis D|poisoned by excessive doses of the vitamin]].<ref name="ny-post"/> Null reportedly suffered severe pain and kidney damage from "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal", but continued consuming the supplement in the belief that it would relieve his symptoms.<ref name="ny-post"/>
Null owns Gary Null & Associates, a company which markets [[dietary supplement]]s, as well as a health-food store in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Gary Null's Uptown Whole Foods | url = http://www.nysite.com/westside/b9/uptownwf.htm}}</ref> In 2010, Null claimed that he was sickened and nearly killed by his own dietary supplements.<ref name="ny-post">{{cite news | work = [[New York Post]] | title = Health guru nearly killed eating own product | url = http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/health_guru_nearly_killed_eating_hGIit27zRFN0UP3eMLWgKL | first = Dareh | last = Gregorian | date = April 28, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name="la-times">{{cite news | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | title = Supplements guru sues over his own product | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/04/supplements-guru-sues-over-his-own-product.html | date = April 29, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011 | first = Melissa | last = Healy}}</ref><ref name="abc-news">{{cite news | publisher = [[ABC News]] | title = Alternative Health Guru Sues Company Over His Own Product | first = Cleopatra | last = Andreadis | date = April 29, 2010 | accessdate = June 23, 2011 | url = http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Health/alternative-health-guru-sues-company-product-claiming-killed/story?id=10499409}}</ref> He filed suit against a contractor involved in producing the supplement, "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal", claiming that the supplement contained 1,000 times the labeled dose of [[Vitamin D]] and that it had led to the hospitalizations of 6 consumers [[Hypervitaminosis D|poisoned by excessive doses of the vitamin]].<ref name="ny-post"/> Null reportedly suffered severe pain and kidney damage from "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal", but continued consuming the supplement in the belief that it would relieve his symptoms.<ref name="ny-post"/>
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The ''[[New York Post]]'' noted that Null's near-death experience with his own supplement brand was "not exactly a ringing endorsement."<ref name="ny-post"/> The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that Null's experience "should give pause to anyone lured by the extravagant claims of many supplements makers", and noted that it was common for dietary supplements to contain doses "wildly different than those indicated on their label" as a result of [[Dietary supplement#Regulation|weak regulation]].<ref name="la-times"/> Null's attorney cast the alleged vitamin poisoning as an isolated incident, saying: "We don't want anything to affect the physical well-being of anyone or the reputation of the company."<ref name="abc-news"/>
The ''[[New York Post]]'' noted that Null's near-death experience with his own supplement brand was "not exactly a ringing endorsement."<ref name="ny-post"/> The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that Null's experience "should give pause to anyone lured by the extravagant claims of many supplements makers", and noted that it was common for dietary supplements to contain doses "wildly different than those indicated on their label" as a result of [[Dietary supplement#Regulation|weak regulation]].<ref name="la-times"/> Null's attorney cast the alleged vitamin poisoning as an isolated incident, saying: "We don't want anything to affect the physical well-being of anyone or the reputation of the company."<ref name="abc-news"/>


==Bibliography==
* ''Gary Null's Power Foods: The 15 Best Foods for Your Health''. :NAL Hardcover, Dec. 5, 2006. ISBN 0451219763 336 pages.
* ''Gary Null's Mind Power: Rejuvenate Your Brain and Memory Naturally''. :New American Library, December, 2005, 326 pages. ISBN 0451216733
* ''Get Healthy Now! with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy Living.'' (2nd rev.ed., Amy McDonald, Senior Project Editor)(pbk) Seven Stories Press, Oct. 1, 2006. ISBN 1583227534 1146 pages. 2nd ed. (pbk), Dec. 30, 2000, ISBN 1583220429, 1037 pages. 1st ed. 1999.
* ''Healing with Magnets''. Carrol & Graf Publishers, August 2, 2006. softcover, 240 pages. ISBN 0786705306
* '' The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and their Proven Natural Treatments''. (rev.& updated ed., Oct.1, 2005) :Kensington. (pbk) ISBN 0758213167. 320 pages. Also (pbk) :KTrade Paper, 2000.
* ''Gary Null's Power Aging''. :NAL Trade, Dec. 7, 2004 ISBN 451213082 400 pages.
* ''Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations: What You Need to Know'' (with James Feast). :Seven Stories Press, 1st ed. Feb. 2003. (pbk) ISBN 1583225189. 304 pages.
* '' Gary Null's Guide to a Joyful, Healthy Life''. :1st Carroll & Graf Ed., January 2000. (HB) ISBN-13: 978-0786707126. 848 pages. :Carroll & Graf Publishers, July 10, 2002, reprint ed. of three books: Who Are You Really, Be Kind to Yourself, and Choosing Joy. (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-0786709946. 768 pages.
* ''Women's Health Solutions''. :Seven Stories Press, 1st ed., Jan. 9, 2002. ISBN 1583224199 640 pages.
* ''The Joy of Juicing: Creative Cooking with Your Juicer'' (with Shelly Null). New York: Avery, rev., updated. May 31, 2001. ISBN 58333-102-6. 240 pages.
* ''AIDS: A Second Opinion'' (with James Feast). :Seven Stories Press, 1st Ed., December 2001. (HB) ISBN-13: 978-1583222067. 400 pages.
* ''The Baby Boomer's Guide to Getting It Right the Second Time Around'' (with Vicki Riba Koestler). :Carrol & Graf Publishers, 2001, (pbk) ISBN 0786708514. 384 pages.
* ''For Women Only! Your Guide to Health Empowerment'' (with Barbara Seaman). New York, NY: Seven Stories Press, reprint (pbk). 1999, (HB). ISBN 1583220153. 1573 pages. Oct. 10, 2001 (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-1583222978. 1600 pages.
* ''Gary Null's Ultimate Lifetime Diet: A Revolutionary All-Natural Program for Losing Weight and Building a Healthy Body''. :Broadway, Jan.2, 2001. (pbk) ISBN 0767904742 720 pages. (Retitled ''Kiss Your Fat Goodbye'' :Broadway, Feb. 28, 2006 ISBN 0767925174.)
* ''Gary Null's Ultimate Anti-Aging Program''. :K Hardcover, 1st ed., Feb. 15, 1999. ISBN 1575664095 (HB) 498 pages. And :Kensington (1999)(pbk) ASIN: B000HZXEC4. And :Broadway, reprint ed., Dec. 1, 1999. (pbk)ISBN 0767904360 608 pages. And :Broadway Books (2000). (pbk) [ASIN: B000GRS85Q]
*''The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing: The first comprehensive guide to scientific peer review studies of natural supplements and their proven treatment values''. New York: Kensington Publ. Corp., March 1, 1998. (HB) ISBN 1-57566-720-7. 870 pages. And Nov. 1, 2000, (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-1575667201. 880 pages.
*''Choosing Joy: Change Your Life for the Better'' (with Vicki Riba Koestler). 1st Carroll & Graf edition. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, April 1998 ISBN 0-7867-0522-1 (pbk) 311 pages.
*''The Joy of Juicing Recipe Guide: Creative Cooking With Your Juicer'' (with chef Shelly Null). :Penguin Group USA, Inc., 1996 (pbk) [ASIN: B000J33RKS]. And :Avery, April 1, 1992. (pbk) ISBN 0895295927. 240 pages. And :Golden-Lee Book Distributors, Inc. (1992) (pbk)[ASIN: B0000J00HPG]. And :Gary Null & Associates (1991) (pbk) [ASIN: B000MPR0E8].
*''The Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing''. :Seven Stories Press, Nov. 1996 ISBN 1888363357 (28 ailments) 411 pages.
*''Who Are You, Really?: Understanding Your Life's Energy''. New York: Carroll & Graf, July 1996 ISBN 0-7867-0326-1 (pbk) 218 pages.
*''Be Kind To Yourself: Explorations into Self-Empowerment''. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, Sept. 1995. ISBN 0786702695. 256 pages.
*''Nutrition and the mind. New York/London: Four Walls Eight Windows, 1995. ISBN 1-56858-021-5
*''Ultimate Training: Gary Null's Complete Guide to Eating Right, Exercising, and Living Longer'' (with Dr. Howard Robins). :St. Martin's Griffin, March 15, 1993. ISBN 0312087968. 224 pages.
*''No More Allergies: Identifying and Eliminating Allergies and Sensitivity Reactions to Everything in Your Environment'' (The Gary Null Natural Health Library). :Villard, 1st ed., Nov. 3, 1992. ISBN 0679743101. 464 pages.
*''How to keep your feet & legs healthy for a lifetime: the only complete guide to foot and leg care, with sections for walkers, joggers, and runners'' (with Howard Robins). 1st ed. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, c1990, ISBN 0-941423-36-0
*''Black Hollywood: The Black Performer in Motion Pictures''. :Carol Publishing Corp. (pbk) Reissue Ed., April 1990. ISBN 0806509082. 254 pages.
*''The Complete Guide to Health and Nutrition: A Sourcebook for a Healthier Life''. London: Arlington, 1984. ISBN 0-85140-655-6. And :Dell, Aug. 1, 1986. (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-0440506126. 608 pages.
*''Man and His Whole Earth''. Harrisburg, Pa: Stackpole 1976. ISBN 0-8117-0969-8. :Pyramid Books, 1977. (Mass Market PBK) ISBN-13: 978-0515036206. 159 pages.
*''The Conspirator Who Saved the Romanovs: The untold story of Aaron Simanovitsch-Kiev jeweler, Rasputin's secretary, etc.'' by Gary Null. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall, (HB) 1971. 177 pages.
== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
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* [http://www.garynull.com Gary Null's website]
* [http://www.garynull.com Gary Null's website]
* {{IMDb name|1567037|Gary Null}}
* {{IMDb name|1567037|Gary Null}}
* [http://prn.fm/ Progressive Radio Network]


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME =Null, Gary
| NAME = Null, Gary
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1945
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1945
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Parkersburg, West Virginia]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Null, Gary}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Null, Gary}}
[[Category:1945 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Parkersburg, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Thomas Edison State College alumni]]
[[Category:American health activists]]
[[Category:American health activists]]
[[Category:American nutritionists]]
[[Category:American nutritionists]]
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[[Category:People in alternative medicine]]
[[Category:People in alternative medicine]]
[[Category:Anti-vaccination activists]]
[[Category:Anti-vaccination activists]]
[[Category:Thomas Edison State College alumni]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from West Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Parkersburg, West Virginia]]
[[Category:American health and wellness writers]]
[[Category:1945 births]]
[[Category:American self-help writers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American runners]]

Revision as of 17:58, 23 April 2012

Gary Michael Null (born in 1945) is an American talk radio host and author on alternative and complementary medicine and nutrition. On his talk radio show and in his books and self-produced movies, Null has criticized the medical community, promoted a range of alternative cancer treatments and dietary supplements, and questioned the link between HIV and AIDS.

Gary Null published over 100 books on nutrition, self-help, and public health issues as of 2011.[1][2] These titles sold over 37 million copies by 2007 and have made him one of the 10 best selling authors in the United States.[1]

Early life and education

Null was raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia, with his two brothers. He holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey. He received a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute & University, a private distance-learning college in Cincinnati, Ohio.[3] Null's thesis was entitled "A Study of Psychological and Physiological Effects of Caffeine on Human Health." His credentials and the rigorousness of his Ph.D. program were questioned by Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch.[4] Null is a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist.[5] He founded and directed the health and nutrition certificate programs at Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts.[6]

Null is also an accomplished marathon runner. He is a USA Track & Field Master Champion athlete and twice Mid-American Conference Track and Field Masters Athlete of the Year.[6]

Viewpoints

Null attacks many facets of mainstream medicine, arguing that physicians have an economic interest in promoting rather than preventing sickness. In the 1970s, Null co-authored a series of articles on cancer research for Penthouse, beginning with one entitled "The Great Cancer Fraud."[7] In Penthouse, Null accused the medical community of "suppressing alternative cancer treatments to protect the medical establishment's solid-gold cancer train." In place of standard medical therapy, Null advocated alternative cancer treatments such as hydrazine sulfate. In 1999 TIME wrote of Null's conspiracy claims: "From a young reporter this is to be expected. But two decades later, Null, 54, is still warning of a variety of medical bogeymen out to gull a trusting public."[8]

In addition to his promotion of alternative cancer treatments, Null has argued that HIV is harmless and does not cause AIDS.[8] In his book AIDS: A Second Opinion, Null questioned the role of antiretroviral medication and instead advocated a range of dietary supplements for HIV-positive individuals. His book was criticized as "massive, irresponsible and nearly unreadable" by Salon.com,[9] and Null was cited as a prominent proponent of AIDS denialism by Seth Kalichman in Denying AIDS, his book on the phenomenon.[10]

In 2009, Null was the keynote speaker at a rally opposing mandatory H1N1 influenza vaccination during the 2009 pandemic, leading the state health department to dismiss Null's claims about the vaccine as "not scientifically credible."[11]

Radio and video work

Null broadcast a syndicated radio talk show, Natural Living with Gary Null, for more than 27 years. Launched in 1980, the show earned 21 Silver Microphone Awards by 2007 and became the longest-running, continuously aired health program in America.[1] His show was broadcast first on WBAI, then on the VoiceAmerica Network and over the Internet on the Progressive Radio Network, where it is broadcast as The Gary Null Show. Null's show subsequently returned to WBAI, leading to protests from ACT-UP New York and other AIDS activist groups concerned by Null's promotion of AIDS denialism.[12][13] The Progressive Radio Network is owned by Gary Null and was inaugurated in 2005.[2]

Null has made numerous self-funded and self-produced documentary films on public policy issues, personal health, and personal development. His videos have been aired by PBS during pledge drives, but concern arose within PBS over the videos' sensational claims. Ervin Duggan, the president of PBS, expressed concern that by showing Null's videos, the network was "open[ing] the door to quacks and charlatans."[14] Null implied that his problems with PBS may have been an attempt to silence him, saying: "The guardians of the gates of orthodoxy at PBS... you don't know who their friends are."[8]

Null produced and directed a total of 39 documentaries from 2002 to 2012.[15] His 2006 investigation of Gulf War syndrome, Friendly Fire: Exposing Gulf War Syndrome, won two awards, and his 2011 work on iatrogenesis, Death by Medicine, six.[16]

Dietary supplements and vitamin poisoning

Null owns Gary Null & Associates, a company which markets dietary supplements, as well as a health-food store in New York City.[17] In 2010, Null claimed that he was sickened and nearly killed by his own dietary supplements.[18][19][20] He filed suit against a contractor involved in producing the supplement, "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal", claiming that the supplement contained 1,000 times the labeled dose of Vitamin D and that it had led to the hospitalizations of 6 consumers poisoned by excessive doses of the vitamin.[18] Null reportedly suffered severe pain and kidney damage from "Gary Null's Ultimate Power Meal", but continued consuming the supplement in the belief that it would relieve his symptoms.[18]

The New York Post noted that Null's near-death experience with his own supplement brand was "not exactly a ringing endorsement."[18] The Los Angeles Times wrote that Null's experience "should give pause to anyone lured by the extravagant claims of many supplements makers", and noted that it was common for dietary supplements to contain doses "wildly different than those indicated on their label" as a result of weak regulation.[19] Null's attorney cast the alleged vitamin poisoning as an isolated incident, saying: "We don't want anything to affect the physical well-being of anyone or the reputation of the company."[20]

Bibliography

  • Gary Null's Power Foods: The 15 Best Foods for Your Health. :NAL Hardcover, Dec. 5, 2006. ISBN 0451219763 336 pages.
  • Gary Null's Mind Power: Rejuvenate Your Brain and Memory Naturally. :New American Library, December, 2005, 326 pages. ISBN 0451216733
  • Get Healthy Now! with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy Living. (2nd rev.ed., Amy McDonald, Senior Project Editor)(pbk) Seven Stories Press, Oct. 1, 2006. ISBN 1583227534 1146 pages. 2nd ed. (pbk), Dec. 30, 2000, ISBN 1583220429, 1037 pages. 1st ed. 1999.
  • Healing with Magnets. Carrol & Graf Publishers, August 2, 2006. softcover, 240 pages. ISBN 0786705306
  • The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and their Proven Natural Treatments. (rev.& updated ed., Oct.1, 2005) :Kensington. (pbk) ISBN 0758213167. 320 pages. Also (pbk) :KTrade Paper, 2000.
  • Gary Null's Power Aging. :NAL Trade, Dec. 7, 2004 ISBN 451213082 400 pages.
  • Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations: What You Need to Know (with James Feast). :Seven Stories Press, 1st ed. Feb. 2003. (pbk) ISBN 1583225189. 304 pages.
  • Gary Null's Guide to a Joyful, Healthy Life. :1st Carroll & Graf Ed., January 2000. (HB) ISBN-13: 978-0786707126. 848 pages. :Carroll & Graf Publishers, July 10, 2002, reprint ed. of three books: Who Are You Really, Be Kind to Yourself, and Choosing Joy. (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-0786709946. 768 pages.
  • Women's Health Solutions. :Seven Stories Press, 1st ed., Jan. 9, 2002. ISBN 1583224199 640 pages.
  • The Joy of Juicing: Creative Cooking with Your Juicer (with Shelly Null). New York: Avery, rev., updated. May 31, 2001. ISBN 58333-102-6. 240 pages.
  • AIDS: A Second Opinion (with James Feast). :Seven Stories Press, 1st Ed., December 2001. (HB) ISBN-13: 978-1583222067. 400 pages.
  • The Baby Boomer's Guide to Getting It Right the Second Time Around (with Vicki Riba Koestler). :Carrol & Graf Publishers, 2001, (pbk) ISBN 0786708514. 384 pages.
  • For Women Only! Your Guide to Health Empowerment (with Barbara Seaman). New York, NY: Seven Stories Press, reprint (pbk). 1999, (HB). ISBN 1583220153. 1573 pages. Oct. 10, 2001 (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-1583222978. 1600 pages.
  • Gary Null's Ultimate Lifetime Diet: A Revolutionary All-Natural Program for Losing Weight and Building a Healthy Body. :Broadway, Jan.2, 2001. (pbk) ISBN 0767904742 720 pages. (Retitled Kiss Your Fat Goodbye :Broadway, Feb. 28, 2006 ISBN 0767925174.)
  • Gary Null's Ultimate Anti-Aging Program. :K Hardcover, 1st ed., Feb. 15, 1999. ISBN 1575664095 (HB) 498 pages. And :Kensington (1999)(pbk) ASIN: B000HZXEC4. And :Broadway, reprint ed., Dec. 1, 1999. (pbk)ISBN 0767904360 608 pages. And :Broadway Books (2000). (pbk) [ASIN: B000GRS85Q]
  • The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing: The first comprehensive guide to scientific peer review studies of natural supplements and their proven treatment values. New York: Kensington Publ. Corp., March 1, 1998. (HB) ISBN 1-57566-720-7. 870 pages. And Nov. 1, 2000, (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-1575667201. 880 pages.
  • Choosing Joy: Change Your Life for the Better (with Vicki Riba Koestler). 1st Carroll & Graf edition. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, April 1998 ISBN 0-7867-0522-1 (pbk) 311 pages.
  • The Joy of Juicing Recipe Guide: Creative Cooking With Your Juicer (with chef Shelly Null). :Penguin Group USA, Inc., 1996 (pbk) [ASIN: B000J33RKS]. And :Avery, April 1, 1992. (pbk) ISBN 0895295927. 240 pages. And :Golden-Lee Book Distributors, Inc. (1992) (pbk)[ASIN: B0000J00HPG]. And :Gary Null & Associates (1991) (pbk) [ASIN: B000MPR0E8].
  • The Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. :Seven Stories Press, Nov. 1996 ISBN 1888363357 (28 ailments) 411 pages.
  • Who Are You, Really?: Understanding Your Life's Energy. New York: Carroll & Graf, July 1996 ISBN 0-7867-0326-1 (pbk) 218 pages.
  • Be Kind To Yourself: Explorations into Self-Empowerment. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, Sept. 1995. ISBN 0786702695. 256 pages.
  • Nutrition and the mind. New York/London: Four Walls Eight Windows, 1995. ISBN 1-56858-021-5
  • Ultimate Training: Gary Null's Complete Guide to Eating Right, Exercising, and Living Longer (with Dr. Howard Robins). :St. Martin's Griffin, March 15, 1993. ISBN 0312087968. 224 pages.
  • No More Allergies: Identifying and Eliminating Allergies and Sensitivity Reactions to Everything in Your Environment (The Gary Null Natural Health Library). :Villard, 1st ed., Nov. 3, 1992. ISBN 0679743101. 464 pages.
  • How to keep your feet & legs healthy for a lifetime: the only complete guide to foot and leg care, with sections for walkers, joggers, and runners (with Howard Robins). 1st ed. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, c1990, ISBN 0-941423-36-0
  • Black Hollywood: The Black Performer in Motion Pictures. :Carol Publishing Corp. (pbk) Reissue Ed., April 1990. ISBN 0806509082. 254 pages.
  • The Complete Guide to Health and Nutrition: A Sourcebook for a Healthier Life. London: Arlington, 1984. ISBN 0-85140-655-6. And :Dell, Aug. 1, 1986. (pbk) ISBN-13: 978-0440506126. 608 pages.
  • Man and His Whole Earth. Harrisburg, Pa: Stackpole 1976. ISBN 0-8117-0969-8. :Pyramid Books, 1977. (Mass Market PBK) ISBN-13: 978-0515036206. 159 pages.
  • The Conspirator Who Saved the Romanovs: The untold story of Aaron Simanovitsch-Kiev jeweler, Rasputin's secretary, etc. by Gary Null. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall, (HB) 1971. 177 pages.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Dr. Gary Null and Gary Null & Associates Assigns Its Direct Marketing Program to CelebDirect in a Landmark Exclusive Agreement". WND. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  2. ^ a b "Gary Null, owner of the Progressive Radio Network". A Better World.
  3. ^ Goetz, Kristina (March 27, 2004). "Union Institute rules get stricter". Cincinnati Enquirer. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  4. ^ Barrett, Stephen (May 12, 2010). "A Critical Look at Gary Null's Activities and Credentials". Quackwatch. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  5. ^ License Information, NY State Education Department - Office of the Professions
  6. ^ a b "Amplifier: gary Null". iamplify.
  7. ^ Null's articles on alternative cancer therapies in Penthouse include:
    • Null, Gary (1979). "The Great Cancer Fraud". Penthouse: 76–78, 82, 268, 270, 272, 274, 276–278. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
    • Null, Gary (1980). "Suppression of new cancer therapies: Dr. Joseph Gold and hydrazine sulfate". Penthouse: 97–98, 160, 162–163. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
    • Null, Gary (1980). "The politics of cancer. Part five. Suppression of new cancer therapies: Dr. Lawrence Burton". Penthouse: 75–76, 188–194, 196–197. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c Park, Alice (May 17, 1999). "The New Mister Natural". TIME. Retrieved June 23, 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Kurth, Peter (May 21, 2002). "Quack record". Salon.com. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  10. ^ Kalichman, Seth (2009). Denying AIDS. Springer. ISBN 978-0387794754.
  11. ^ Scribona, Charles (November 2, 2009). "Health workers angry over mandatory swine flu shots". Legislative Gazette. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  12. ^ "Letter to Indra Hardat, interim general manager, WBAI/Pacifica". ACT-UP. January 17, 2006. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  13. ^ "WBAI: Do not put Gary Null's dangerous show on the air". aidstruth.org. November 17, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  14. ^ Bedford, Karen Everhart (January 25, 1999). "Gary Null special sparks debate on pledge program standards". Current. Retrieved January 19, 2009.
  15. ^ "Gary Null". IMDb.
  16. ^ "Awards for Gary Null". IMDb.
  17. ^ "Gary Null's Uptown Whole Foods".
  18. ^ a b c d Gregorian, Dareh (April 28, 2010). "Health guru nearly killed eating own product". New York Post. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  19. ^ a b Healy, Melissa (April 29, 2010). "Supplements guru sues over his own product". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
  20. ^ a b Andreadis, Cleopatra (April 29, 2010). "Alternative Health Guru Sues Company Over His Own Product". ABC News. Retrieved June 23, 2011.

External links

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