Swine Influenza

Apr 28th, 2009

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 27, 2009 1:00PM ET)

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
What are signs and symptoms?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How is swine flu spread?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (click for more information)

National Donate Life Month

Apr 28th, 2009

The month of April has been designated as National Donate Life Month.

Visit the Midwest Transplant website at http://www.mwtn.org to learn more about becoming a donor.  You can even sign up for the Kansas/Missouri Organ Donor Registries to be added to the confidential list of potential organ, tissue and eye donors. Upon your death, healthcare staff will check the registry and let your family know of your wishes.

Tornado Aftermath

Apr 26th, 2009

I’m glad I went to the basement during yesterday’s tornado warning.  I noticed the flag was half mast this morning so I went online to check the news in the local paper.  One man from here died in that storm and there was considerable damage in some areas.

It was quite a storm.  Here are some amazing photos captured by individuals out and about.  And here are some more.  We think we’re powerful, but we our power pales by comparison to nature.

Tornado Warning

Apr 25th, 2009

Do you have difficulty remembering the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?   I do.  Even when I try really hard to remember!

We were just under a tornado warning in Kansas this evening so I had a chance to remember again what the difference is.  A warning means that a tornado has been spotted or it is highly likely as determined by radar.  So it could be serious.

The sirens went off, the skies looked ominous, and it felt like something was trying to happen.

I closed my windows and packed up the following things to take to the basement:

• Purse with ID, credit card, etc.
• House keys
• Day planner
• Cell phone
• Regular phone
• Battery operated radio
• Life/work planning notebooks
• Glass of water
• Laptop
• Dog bed and bowl of water for Toby
• Toby (the 60 pound Jack Russell terrier look alike)

I have one of those “icky” basements that you try not to spend time in – dashing in and out to do laundry, getting tools, or sitting in a lounge chair waiting for the all-clear signal.  Thankfully warnings last only 30-45 minutes.

My Emergency Kit

I also took my Emergency Kit to the basement – that’s a permanent kit (clear plastic file box with a handle) that contains a bottle of water, candle, butane lighter, weather radio with batteries, flash light with batteries, and a thermal blanket.  I’m always thankful that I have it…and that I’ve never had to use it.

Imagine….if your house blew away, what would you need?  What would you critically need, that is?  You might not need your lipstick or your sports magazine.  But then again…

I hollered into my neighbor’s open window…”Do you know we’re under a tornado warning?”  They said yes, thanks, they were trying to ignore it.  I think they have an icky old-house basement too! 

I’m always tempted to ignore the warnings, but I’ve created an emergency system that I can get together really quickly if I need to.  So the barriers to leaving my cozy upstairs to go to the basement are minimized.  Do you have such a system?

Outrageous Office Etiquette

Apr 23rd, 2009

Do you work in cubicleville?   If yes, this article about appropriate office etiquette will speak to  you…..and those around you.  Consider forwarding the link to your office mates so everyone can get the clue.

Eat This, Not That

Apr 22nd, 2009

By now you’ve probably heard of this book:  Eat This, Not That.  Here’s an article that summarizes what this book covers so you can see if it’s a book you’d like to add to your personal library….or better yet, check out from the library.

If you eat out a lot, you’ll find this little book very handy to bring along with you.  It will help you make healthier selections that can help you lose weight.  The book will show you how to cut empty calories and select healthier options that will save you hundreds of calories.

10 Entrées You Can Make for $5 or Less

Apr 22nd, 2009

Cheap and Easy Dinner Ideas

With food prices rapidly rising, it’s crunch time for family food budgets these days. To help lessen the pressure on your purse, here are 10 suggestions for lunch or dinner entrees you can make for about $5 apiece. The following cheap meal ideas and recipes will show you just what $5 can get you if you invest a little prep time.

100 Healthy Habits That Can Save Your Life, Your Money, and Your Planet

Apr 21st, 2009

Just came across an interesting list of 100 small things you can do to save your life, your money, and your planet.  I thought you’d enjoy reading it…..and posting it where you can see it now and then.

The Old School is Dead….what's next?

Apr 20th, 2009

Do you feel that there’s a big shift?  What’s old school? and what’s next?  This is a big one….  Please comment below