Vaccines are the only effective means you will have to protect yourself, your family and your co-workers from potential death from the H1N1 Swine Flu virus. When both the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) put out a World-wide alert that this disease is serious and will infect hundreds of millions and potentially kill a million or more - common sense should tell us that we should probably pay attention. A recent news report indicated that of 700 pregnant women in the USA who contracted the swine flu from April 1- July 31, of this year - 100 were placed in intensive care and 27 of those died. This H1N1 virus has the potential to cause a million or more deaths and certainly will cause 100's of millions of illnesses, many very severe. If you have ever had a bad case of the flu, you know that it made you feel like you were going to die. There is only one good reason to avoid taking this vaccine - that is if you have a severe life threatening allergy to chicken eggs - otherwise, if you value your life and the lives of others around you, you should take the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.
The highest risks groups for serious infections are:
1) Pregnant women - this group has a very high risk of complications for the mother and the fetus. The risks for having H1N1 are far greater for you and your baby than any risk from taking the vaccine. Ask your doctor about it.
2) Caregivers for children - if you work at a daycare center, are a babysitter or otherwise care for children, especially if any of the children are younger than 6 months of age, you are in a high risk group. Vaccinations will likely become mandatory by your employer.
3) Heath care workers - this group can easily be repeatedly exposed and can readily spread the swine flu to others. Health care workers will probably be required by their employers and possibly by law to receive this vaccine in order to continue working at their current job.
4) Age group 6 months old through 24 years old - this large group is likely to be repeatedly exposed in schools or daycare settings and this group has so far experienced the highest rate of serious infections and deaths.
5) Anyone in the age group 25-64 who has any health condition that is known to be associated with a high risk for complications from the flu, for example, this group includes anyone with asthma or other respiratory or immune system weaknesses - consult you doctor if you are unsure. Persons over 65 are not in the high risk category but should strongly consider the H1N1 vaccine, as well as a pneumonia vaccination. Many of the deaths from H1N1 were caused by pneumonia.
Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
Yes, it is safe - it is much safer than allowing yourself to be vulnerable to H1N1. The vaccine is expected to have the same safety profile as the seasonal flu vaccine since it is made in the same manner and under the same controlled conditions by the same manufacturers that have been making the seasonal flu vaccines for decades. Also, so far, millions have already taken the H1N1 vaccine worldwide and no new safety risks have been recorded. The most common side effects are mild redness, soreness or swelling at the injection site and in some cases a low fever, aches or mild nausea that lasts 1 to 2 days.
How is the vaccine administered?
The H1N1 vaccine is administered in 2 ways - a nasal spray called LAIN or an injection. The nasal spray is not available for pregnant women.
If you are under age 25, are pregnant, work in a health care or caretaker capacity or have any underlying medical conditions, you should definitely take this swine flu (H1N1) vaccination as soon as it becomes available in your area. I am personally in none of these categories, but, I will definitely be taking this vaccination as soon as it is available to me. I have been following the development of this disease closely for over a year now and am more concerned about its potential danger than ever. I have talked to several people who have had it and they tell me it is not something to take lightly. There have been 16 deaths in my area already and one was a 19 year old girl in excellent health. Even though some cases are reportedly not any worse than the seasonal flu, the reports of many deaths in otherwise health individuals and the possibility that the virus strain may mutate to an even more serious strain suggests that a wise person will get the H1N1 vaccination ASAP. Get vaccinated, or at least ask your doctor what he thinks you should do, if not for your own health then for the health of those exposed to you.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Swine Flu's Deadly Return A Global Warning
The World Health Organization has now raised the swine flu epidemic warning level to Phase 6 - the highest level. Media attention to this serious worldwide pandemic faded after the immediate fears of widespread infection and deaths subsided - unfortunately the swine flu has not subsided at all and is more dangerous and spreading more quickly than earlier anticipated. Widespread human infection is underway. The death toll is also increasing. Statistics as of July 2009 indicate, in the USA alone, there has been over 40,600 confirmed or probable cases of swine flu and at least 263 deaths. States leading the pack with infected populations are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Mass., New Jersey, New York, Penn., Texas and Wisconsin. Wisconsin and Texas lead with 6,031 and 4,975 cases respectively. The situation is becoming so serious and developing so rapidly that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has already deployed over 25% of its stockpile of supplies of antiviral drugs, personal protection equipment and respiratory protection devices and is trying to quickly train personnel at newly designated dispensaries (PODs) throughout the U.S. The big question is will scientists be able to develop a vaccine that works and will it be available soon enough and in large enough supply to vaccinate everyone. Much of the World's supply of flu vaccine is produced outside of the U.S. and the demand will be very high globally. No one is sure at this point when a vaccine will be available and how much will be available on such short notice. A monumental effort is underway Worldwide to develop an effective vaccine in large enough quantities to vaccinate the World population. Will this effort be successful?
Who is most at risk? Any person who is high risk for the seasonal flu is also in the high-risk category for the swine flu (H1N1). This risk list may be revised as more epidemiologic data becomes available but for now the high risk group includes: pregnant women, young children (under 5, but higher risk if under 2 years old), people with chronic health problems, including pulmonary conditions (includes asthma), cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, neuromuscular, hematological and metabolic disorders, anyone 19 or younger on aspirin therapy and nursing home and chronic care facility patients. People in the high risk categories plus anyone already diagnosed with H1N1 would be first in line for available therapies, including vaccines.
Guidance for Employers:
1) Require employees to immediately report to you any flu-like symptoms. Employees with flu symptoms should be required to stay away from work for 7 days after the flu symptoms appear or until they are symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
2) Ask employees to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of that tissue.
3) Ask employees to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
4) Advise employees to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with their hands.
5) Ask employees who have been exposed to a person with flu symptoms to monitor their health every day, to notify you if they develop flu symptoms and if they do have symptoms stay at home.
6) If an employee comes to work with flu-like symptoms, send the employee home as soon as possible (see # 1 above). Ask the employee's co-workers to closely monitor themselves for symptoms.
What can I do to totally avoid exposure to this potentially deadly worldwide swine flu epidemic? Short of moving to the Moon- nothing for now but please stay informed of developments by Googling "swine flu" for the latest updates.
Author: Mark Thevenot authors family - friendly health articles. Visitors to his website , www.superrxcard.com , can print a free drug discount card accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies.
Who is most at risk? Any person who is high risk for the seasonal flu is also in the high-risk category for the swine flu (H1N1). This risk list may be revised as more epidemiologic data becomes available but for now the high risk group includes: pregnant women, young children (under 5, but higher risk if under 2 years old), people with chronic health problems, including pulmonary conditions (includes asthma), cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, neuromuscular, hematological and metabolic disorders, anyone 19 or younger on aspirin therapy and nursing home and chronic care facility patients. People in the high risk categories plus anyone already diagnosed with H1N1 would be first in line for available therapies, including vaccines.
Guidance for Employers:
1) Require employees to immediately report to you any flu-like symptoms. Employees with flu symptoms should be required to stay away from work for 7 days after the flu symptoms appear or until they are symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
2) Ask employees to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of that tissue.
3) Ask employees to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
4) Advise employees to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with their hands.
5) Ask employees who have been exposed to a person with flu symptoms to monitor their health every day, to notify you if they develop flu symptoms and if they do have symptoms stay at home.
6) If an employee comes to work with flu-like symptoms, send the employee home as soon as possible (see # 1 above). Ask the employee's co-workers to closely monitor themselves for symptoms.
What can I do to totally avoid exposure to this potentially deadly worldwide swine flu epidemic? Short of moving to the Moon- nothing for now but please stay informed of developments by Googling "swine flu" for the latest updates.
Author: Mark Thevenot authors family - friendly health articles. Visitors to his website , www.superrxcard.com , can print a free drug discount card accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Want Respect? 21 Rules that Work
Respect is a valuable commodity that must be earned - you aren't born with it and you can't buy it. Respect is difficult to earn and can easily be lost. Respect can come with age, maturity, power, money etc. but all respect comes through an evolutionary process and true and lasting respect is determined by your behavior. If you want respect now you will probably have to work to modify your natural human behavior. Here are 20 simple rules that will generate Respect - with it, your life will improve dramatically.
Follow these simple behavior rules:
Show respect for other people even before they earn it.
You can never say the wrong thing if you keep your mouth shut.
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them in the same proportion.
Listening to someone is sometimes all the help they need.
Mind your own business.
Tell the truth when asked, it is more powerful than a lie.
Don't make commitments you won't keep.
Under promise and over deliver.
Always keep your word.
Getting mad rarely helps your cause.
Anger is a brief madness that can do damage that lasts forever.
Forgive and forget.
Do not disparage your competitor.
Fight fair.
You cannot express thanks too often.
Do not gossip.
Power changes every person for the worse.
Remember where you came from.
Do not burn your bridges before or after you.
Personality opens doors and character keeps them open.
Be kind - kindness is loving people more than they deserve.
Respect from others is difficult to earn without making a conscious effort to earn it. Respect is also easily lost - but, if you gain the respect of others, it will open many doors for you and will keep them open for life.
Follow these simple behavior rules:
Show respect for other people even before they earn it.
You can never say the wrong thing if you keep your mouth shut.
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them in the same proportion.
Listening to someone is sometimes all the help they need.
Mind your own business.
Tell the truth when asked, it is more powerful than a lie.
Don't make commitments you won't keep.
Under promise and over deliver.
Always keep your word.
Getting mad rarely helps your cause.
Anger is a brief madness that can do damage that lasts forever.
Forgive and forget.
Do not disparage your competitor.
Fight fair.
You cannot express thanks too often.
Do not gossip.
Power changes every person for the worse.
Remember where you came from.
Do not burn your bridges before or after you.
Personality opens doors and character keeps them open.
Be kind - kindness is loving people more than they deserve.
Respect from others is difficult to earn without making a conscious effort to earn it. Respect is also easily lost - but, if you gain the respect of others, it will open many doors for you and will keep them open for life.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sensitive Skin? 8 Tips
Skin care products, makeup, perfumes and other cosmetics are a large part of our life.
Here are some practical tips which can reduce your chances of experiencing skin reactions to cosmetics:
1) Look for products that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Select products with simple formulas, thus fewer ingredients. This will help you narrow down the offending ingredient if you experience a problem.
2) Try a skin test by applying the product to your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to see if you develop a negative reaction.
3) If you use a product that irritates your skin - Stop applying any cosmetics to the affected area at once.
4) Do not share makeup or makeup applicators. Use disposable applicators whenever available. Clean reusable applicators frequently.
5) Discard outdated products. Many products require preservatives. Over time they may no longer be effective against bacterial contamination.
6) Perfumes and fragrances are frequently a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Try putting these on your clothing rather than on your skin.
7) Follow the product's directions for use and any warning labels. Avoid excessive or inappropriate use of any skin care product.
8) Make a note of the product's ingredients if you experience a negative reaction. This is the 1st step in the process of eventually identifying the ingredient that you should avoid in the future.
Following these simple tips cannot guarantee success, but they may help you avoid
that rash before your next Big Reveal.
Here are some practical tips which can reduce your chances of experiencing skin reactions to cosmetics:
1) Look for products that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Select products with simple formulas, thus fewer ingredients. This will help you narrow down the offending ingredient if you experience a problem.
2) Try a skin test by applying the product to your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to see if you develop a negative reaction.
3) If you use a product that irritates your skin - Stop applying any cosmetics to the affected area at once.
4) Do not share makeup or makeup applicators. Use disposable applicators whenever available. Clean reusable applicators frequently.
5) Discard outdated products. Many products require preservatives. Over time they may no longer be effective against bacterial contamination.
6) Perfumes and fragrances are frequently a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Try putting these on your clothing rather than on your skin.
7) Follow the product's directions for use and any warning labels. Avoid excessive or inappropriate use of any skin care product.
8) Make a note of the product's ingredients if you experience a negative reaction. This is the 1st step in the process of eventually identifying the ingredient that you should avoid in the future.
Following these simple tips cannot guarantee success, but they may help you avoid
that rash before your next Big Reveal.
Health Care Too Expensive? 6 Easy Ways to Save Money
If you want to protect yourself and your family without going broke, you will need to be pro-active when it comes to health care. Despite the extremely high cost of most medical care, access to free or discounted care is there for those willing to make a small effort to find it. Here are 6 tips to get you started.
1) Rx Discount Program - Prescription costs can be reduced substantially without buying insurance. There are discount purchasing groups that allow you to join them and receive their negotiated pricing on most prescription medications. One such group is UNA. There is no obligation or fee to register and it takes less than a minute to receive a personalized printable discount card which you simply bring to your druggist. He will save your discount group # in your file and you will then receive a reduced group price on all covered prescriptions. Discounts can be as much as 75% on some prescriptions. Go to www.superrxcard.com and print your own free drug card in less than 10 seconds. There are no gimmicks attached to this one and over 57,000 pharmacies participate in this group. According to Wellness.com - April 2006: "Hands down, the finest prescription assistance program in the United States…"
2) Free Medical Q&A - Informational resources are abundant and free. If you have symptoms you want to confidentially discuss with a real doctor or if you want to research any disease or medication, here are a few good resources: www.webmd.com , www.afraidtoask.com and www.yournetdoctor.com .
3) Doctor and Hospital Ratings - before you select a doctor or hospital for surgery, you might want to know if you are making the right choice. There are research groups that independently research doctors and hospitals and rate them based on criteria which are designed to determine whether they have met the nationally recognized standards for excellence. One such group has made their data base of research on over 600,000 doctors and hospitals available to the public. Got to: www.healthgrades.com to see how your doctor and hospital rate.
4) Health Insurance - Given up on buying health insurance? Do a little more research. There might possibly be some good coverage available that is within your budget. Try www.insureme.com or www.healthinsuranceinfo.net before throwing in the towel.
5) Free Eyeglasses - If you are a student or have children and cannot afford eyeglasses for them, there is a program available that may qualify you for a free eye examination and free glasses. To see if you qualify, go to: www.sightforstudents.org and apply
6) Free Medical and Dental Clinics - Nearly every zip code has a medical facility nearby that will give anyone, without insurance or money, medical care. Most of these receive $ aid from governmental agencies or charitable organizations. How do I locate one? Just call any doctor or medical facility and ask them or visit www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ . This webpage will allow you to search for a clinic by zip code that will give you medical care, even if you do not have insurance or money. Another site that will help you locate free medical care is www.freemedicalcamp.com
1) Rx Discount Program - Prescription costs can be reduced substantially without buying insurance. There are discount purchasing groups that allow you to join them and receive their negotiated pricing on most prescription medications. One such group is UNA. There is no obligation or fee to register and it takes less than a minute to receive a personalized printable discount card which you simply bring to your druggist. He will save your discount group # in your file and you will then receive a reduced group price on all covered prescriptions. Discounts can be as much as 75% on some prescriptions. Go to www.superrxcard.com and print your own free drug card in less than 10 seconds. There are no gimmicks attached to this one and over 57,000 pharmacies participate in this group. According to Wellness.com - April 2006: "Hands down, the finest prescription assistance program in the United States…"
2) Free Medical Q&A - Informational resources are abundant and free. If you have symptoms you want to confidentially discuss with a real doctor or if you want to research any disease or medication, here are a few good resources: www.webmd.com , www.afraidtoask.com and www.yournetdoctor.com .
3) Doctor and Hospital Ratings - before you select a doctor or hospital for surgery, you might want to know if you are making the right choice. There are research groups that independently research doctors and hospitals and rate them based on criteria which are designed to determine whether they have met the nationally recognized standards for excellence. One such group has made their data base of research on over 600,000 doctors and hospitals available to the public. Got to: www.healthgrades.com to see how your doctor and hospital rate.
4) Health Insurance - Given up on buying health insurance? Do a little more research. There might possibly be some good coverage available that is within your budget. Try www.insureme.com or www.healthinsuranceinfo.net before throwing in the towel.
5) Free Eyeglasses - If you are a student or have children and cannot afford eyeglasses for them, there is a program available that may qualify you for a free eye examination and free glasses. To see if you qualify, go to: www.sightforstudents.org and apply
6) Free Medical and Dental Clinics - Nearly every zip code has a medical facility nearby that will give anyone, without insurance or money, medical care. Most of these receive $ aid from governmental agencies or charitable organizations. How do I locate one? Just call any doctor or medical facility and ask them or visit www.ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ . This webpage will allow you to search for a clinic by zip code that will give you medical care, even if you do not have insurance or money. Another site that will help you locate free medical care is www.freemedicalcamp.com
Friday, January 30, 2009
Health and Energy Drinks - Are They Really Healthy?
New health drinks and energy drinks seem to fill the coolers and store shelves these days. New beverages are marketed as sports drinks, vitamin water, energy drinks, diabetic drinks, weight-loss or weight-gain drinks and exotic fruit or plant extract drinks- with "miracle" health benefits. The spin is endless - the health claims are often based on fuzzy or no science. There are a few things we should consider when substituting these new beverages for plain old water or other traditional beverages.
Food and drink consumption is largely driven by lifestyle. Beverage manufacturers are in competition to appeal to our quick-changing lifestyles and as a result millions of dollars go in to formulating and marketing something to sell to us. Health and energy products have a special consumer appeal, so, it is profitable for beverage purveyors to associate "good-for-you" and "high energy" with all forms of liquid concoctions. Health and energy drinks are supposed to improve our life in some way, right? Many fall short or can actually hurt us.
Are all these new health and energy beverages really fit for human consumption? Many are absolutely not good for you. Check your labels. Most of these so called health drinks are loaded with sugars to make them palatable to our sugar craving taste buds. Since we aren't likely to buy many if they taste bad, beverage manufacturers are tempted to disguise the high sugar content of their beverages - because consumers in our new health conscious culture have quit buying so many of their high sugar soft drinks. Isn't high sugar content the reason we were told our kid's teeth are rotting and our butts are getting larger?. Many health drinks with high sugar content now disguise the sugar as "crystalline fructose" or "high fructose corn syrup" or "HFCS" rather than Sugar. Even sugar substitutes are not as healthy as we once thought. The truth is that we like sweet drinks, but, healthy and sweet are not usually found in the same sentence. Additionally, many popular "energy" drinks are loaded with caffeine or other stimulants plus lots of disguised sugar. Also popular these days are labels that claim "all natural" or "organic" ingredients. Be reminded that many natural or organic ingredients are not really good for your. Dirt is organic and natural too but it is not safe to eat just because it is organic and natural. Always consider the ingredients listed on labels and be aware of the beverage's contents, especially high sugar content. Many of the exotic ingredients and claims made of their health benefits are not based on good science or any science at all. Consumers seem to have an affection for miracle ingredients and exotic plants that come from far away places. Reality check! - there is very little governmental regulation of any beverage ingredient that has not been proven to kill you within 48 hours. Beware of unproven health claims and watch those labels. Also, combining energy stimulants with alcohol, which has become extremely popular, can be hazardous to your health and to others as well.
Please keep this fact in mind when making your beverage selections: Your good health is not the primary focus of the beverage industry and not the reason they have developed these enticing new formulas - profits are!
Food and drink consumption is largely driven by lifestyle. Beverage manufacturers are in competition to appeal to our quick-changing lifestyles and as a result millions of dollars go in to formulating and marketing something to sell to us. Health and energy products have a special consumer appeal, so, it is profitable for beverage purveyors to associate "good-for-you" and "high energy" with all forms of liquid concoctions. Health and energy drinks are supposed to improve our life in some way, right? Many fall short or can actually hurt us.
Are all these new health and energy beverages really fit for human consumption? Many are absolutely not good for you. Check your labels. Most of these so called health drinks are loaded with sugars to make them palatable to our sugar craving taste buds. Since we aren't likely to buy many if they taste bad, beverage manufacturers are tempted to disguise the high sugar content of their beverages - because consumers in our new health conscious culture have quit buying so many of their high sugar soft drinks. Isn't high sugar content the reason we were told our kid's teeth are rotting and our butts are getting larger?. Many health drinks with high sugar content now disguise the sugar as "crystalline fructose" or "high fructose corn syrup" or "HFCS" rather than Sugar. Even sugar substitutes are not as healthy as we once thought. The truth is that we like sweet drinks, but, healthy and sweet are not usually found in the same sentence. Additionally, many popular "energy" drinks are loaded with caffeine or other stimulants plus lots of disguised sugar. Also popular these days are labels that claim "all natural" or "organic" ingredients. Be reminded that many natural or organic ingredients are not really good for your. Dirt is organic and natural too but it is not safe to eat just because it is organic and natural. Always consider the ingredients listed on labels and be aware of the beverage's contents, especially high sugar content. Many of the exotic ingredients and claims made of their health benefits are not based on good science or any science at all. Consumers seem to have an affection for miracle ingredients and exotic plants that come from far away places. Reality check! - there is very little governmental regulation of any beverage ingredient that has not been proven to kill you within 48 hours. Beware of unproven health claims and watch those labels. Also, combining energy stimulants with alcohol, which has become extremely popular, can be hazardous to your health and to others as well.
Please keep this fact in mind when making your beverage selections: Your good health is not the primary focus of the beverage industry and not the reason they have developed these enticing new formulas - profits are!
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