Swine Flu Information

I have been closely monitoring the reports of swine flu. Here is some information on this respiratory disease from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What you should know about Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses. The centers for Disease Control and Disease has determined that the new swine flu cases are caused by an influenza strain called H1N1, which appears to be easily transmitted from person to person. The most common method of transmission is airborne, and it is also possible to become infected by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching one's mouth or nose. The CDC is advising people to wash their hands frequently, and also avoid surfaces that might be contaminated.

Please be aware that the country's food supply is not impacted by the swine flu investigation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and CDC, Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food and cannot be caught by eating properly cooked pork products.

What symptoms should you watch for?
If you develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should seek attention from your health care provider. You should also watch for these additional symptoms:

In children:

• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing


• Blue skin color


• Not drinking enough fluids


• Not waking up or interacting


• Irritability and resistance to being held


• Flu like symtoms that improve but then return with fever and worsened cough


• Fever accompanied by rash

In Adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath


• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen


• Sudden dizziness


• Confusion


• Severe or persistent vomiting

How can you protect yourself and your family?
Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu. There are, however, everyday steps to help protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. throw the tissue in the trash immediately after using.


• Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners and sanitizers are also effective.


• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.


• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.


• If you do get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Where you can get more information?

Centers Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gove/

This information is written for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.

I Write

I write not that
I may be loved by man
because his love may fly away.

I write with purpose
I write with force
Love me or not
that is your choice.

How forcible is a right word!
Yet it has no power until
It’s written or heard.

I write
To confound the wicked
while uplifting the afflicted.
I wait at night,
To be awaken by the sun.

I cannot write, but by his light.
I write with dept,
Wherein the secret things are kept.

My nights are long. My days are swift.
I don’t have forever, To use this gift.
Therefore....I write with purpose.

I write with force.
Love me or not,
That is your choice

Joyce Rogers

Reprint with permission only
Joyce Rogers (c) 2001
Contributing writer to Power of Life: Use It or Lose It You Decide

Heart Attack Facts

Every year 1.1 million American men and women suffer a heart attack, and 515, million of them die. For people with risk factors of heart disease, knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack are key to survival.

Heart attack occurs when blood flowing into the heart is blocked or interrupted. Heart tissues are then deprived of oxygen and quickly begin to die.

Generally this is caused by atherosclerosis -the buildup of fatty plaque that clogs the arteries and leads to heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Risk factors for heart attack include:

High blood pressure Overweight or obesity
High cholesterol Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes Increased age
Smoking Family history

Immediate Treatment is Critical in a Heart Attack
Know the warning signs:

Heart attacks generally begin with only mild pain, but they can progress very quickly. If there is any question that symptoms may be related to a heart attack, call 9-1-1
Chest pain-Squeezing, fullness, pain or pressure in the chest that either stays more than a few minutes or starts and stops for a period of time.
Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath-Difficulty either before or during chest pain.
Nausea and cold sweats
Weakness, fatigue or light-headedness
People with any of the risk factors for heart attack should consult a physician about preparing for a heart attack. To control and prevent heart attacks, recommendations include:

Treating existing heart conditions: If diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other conditions, taking care of the current problems can lessen the likelihood of developing new problems.

Do not smoke.
Eat a healthy diet: Meals should be rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, with low salt, sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight: If overweight or obese, use a physician-recommended plan to lose excess weight. Physical activity strengthens the muscles throughout the body, including muscles in the heart.
Consult a physician about medication: If diagnosed, there are medications
available that may help control existing conditions and lessen the likelihood of a heart attack.
Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol drink in moderation: one drink per day for women, two drinks per day for men.

Lifestyle Choices
The risk of heart attack can be reduced greatly by lifestyle choices not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting medical attention for current problems.

For additional information:
American heart Association
Weight Watcher International
Eat Right Org

This article was developed to provide education; it is not intended as medical advice for conditions or treatment. Talk to your doctor before following any treatment regime to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Compiled by Rashun Jones, RN MHR--from OU Medical Center Health Tips.

Men and Silent Osteoporosis

More than 2 million American men have osteoporosis but are seldom diagnosed. Another 12 million have osteopenia, a condition that leads to full-fledged osteoporosis.

A sedentary lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies, mainly of calcium and vitamin D, are among the main causes in men. Those who have taken oral steroids for a six-month period in their lifetime are also at increased risk. Regular exercise and supplements of calcium and vitamin D are protective for men.

Tips for a Healthy and Happy Life

1. Get your daily dose of laughter. A good loud and unrestrained burst of laughter provides physical and psychological benefits such as muscle relaxation and the release of "feel good" brain chemicals.
2. Appreciate and enjoy the small everyday things. Happiness is not just around the corner, it is right in front of you.
3. Let go and realize that you aren't in complete control of every single aspect of your life. Have faith in a Higher Power.
4. Address how you feel - especially your anger. Talk it out or write a letter describing how you feel (but don't send it).
5. Eat a well-balanced diet and get regular exercise. Avoid dangerous health habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and drug abuse.
6. Practice preventive health care. For example, take symptoms such as pain and fatigue that continue for more than a couple of weeks seriously and visit a doctor.
7. Don't hold grudges. Learn to let go of the past and to move on with your life. Free your heart to love to the fullest.