Monday, April 27, 2009

HUMAN SWINE FLU ... NOT YET PANDEMIC

==> THIS RESPIRATORY VIRUS IS SPREAD THROUGH COUGHING AND SNEEZING
==> THIS SPREADS FASTER THAN 1918 FLU DUE TO AIR TRAVEL
==> GOVT ADVISES AGAINST UNNECESSARY TRAVEL TO MEXICO
==> SYMPTOMS TAKE 3 - 4 DAYS TO SHOW UP


This is a virus we’ve never seen before -- part of pandemic criteria

This virus is also affecting 20, 30, and 40 year olds



Unusually, the viruses all appear to carry genes from swine flu, avian flu and human flu viruses from North America, Europe and Asia. "We haven't seen this strain before, but we hadn't been looking as intensively as we have," Dr Schuchat said. "It's very possible that this is something new that hasn't been happening before." Human-to-human spread:
"We believe at this point that human-to-human spread is occurring," Dr Schuchat said. "That's unusual. We don't know yet how widely it is spreading.


"NO SINGLE ACTION WILL IRRADICATE AN OUTBREAK"

TAKE PRECAUTIONS
To protect yourself and your family, officials say you should cover a cough, stay home when you're sick or have a fever and wash your hands frequently. Besser says for now he'd prefer to focus on regular hand-washing, and people "not giving that little kiss of greeting that they're used to right now."

== TAMILU MAY BE USED FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN ... ASK YOUR DOCTOR FIRST == COAST GUARD AND BORDER OFFICERS HAVE ANTIVIRALS

COMMON SENSE GUIDELINES :
==> WASH HANDS OFTEN
==> STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL SICK
==> COVER MOUTH WHEN YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE
The Centers for Disease Control says people who have flu-like symptoms — fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing — should see their doctors. The CDC says some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.There is no vaccine for this disease. The best way to prevent its spread is to exercise good sense — stay home if you feel sick, call your doctor, cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw the tissues away and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol cleanser.Oh, and you can’t catch swine flu by eating pork — at least if it is fully cooked.For the latest information about swine flu, go to the CDC’s Web site, www.cdc.gov.And don’t panic.

PRAY FOR OUR WORLD


Friday, April 17, 2009

50 YEARS of research on heart diet

Not All Diets Pass the Heart-Healthy Test
Study Shows Mediterranean Diet Lowers Heart Disease Risk; Western Diet Gets Poor Marks

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20090413/not-all-diets-pass-the-heart-healthy-test
Researchers evaluated more than 50 years of research on diet and heart disease and found diets rich in vegetables, nuts, and those that follow a Mediterranean pattern with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish have "strong evidence" of lowering the risk of heart disease.

The final results showed only three specific dietary factors had strong evidence behind them as proven heart disease fighters:
· Vegetable-rich diet
· Eating nuts rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like walnuts and other nuts
· Following a Mediterranean-style diet high in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, whole grains, cheese or yogurt, and fish
Of these, only a Mediterranean-style diet has been shown in randomized controlled studies to reduce the risk of heart disease.


Mediterranean Diet Is Healthy For Your Heart: McMaster Study
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146349.php

The study concludes there are certain food groups or dietary patterns, that are beneficial, including vegetables, nuts, monounsaturated fatty acids, and an overall 'healthy' dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet which incorporates generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, such as olive and canola oil, small portions of nuts, red wine in moderation, very little red meat and fish on a regular basis. In addition, the researchers conclude there is strong evidence which supports that certain dietary factors such as glycemic index/load of foods and trans fatty acids are harmful.