Theories and Recipes of the Happily Confused: A path still winding..

Theories and Recipes of the Happily Confused: A path still winding..: "To always love myself, be proud of every action and confident in all ideas.... only leads into a life without lessons learned, null of gro..."javascript:void(0)

The NDM-1 Global Health Scare

A bacterium that makes an enzyme called NDM-1 is freaking out global health researchers. Apparently this new superbug is capable of resisting one of the World's most powerful antibiotics - carbapenems. This NDM-1 enzyme producing bacteria can exist inside other infection causing bacteria like E.Coli, making them resistant to antibiotics, possibly all antibiotics. Infections by these NDM-1 infected bacteria could produce infections that are deadly and untreatable. To make matters worse, it is feared that NDM-1 may end up in strains of bacteria that are easily transmitted creating fast moving and deadly international pandemics. So far, isolated cases of NDM-1 infections have been identified in several hospital patients scattered across Great Britain (50 cases) but similar infections are popping up in isolated areas of the U.S., Canada, Holland, Australia. However, in some countries like India and Pakistan it appears to be spreading rapidly and many of the infections identified in Great Britain were in patients who recently had cosmetic surgery in either India or Pakistan. In several cases and of major concern is some of these NDM-1 bacterial infections have spread from hospital patient to hospital patient. While many of the NDM-1 superbug infections detected so far have been treatable with a combination of antibiotics, at least one in Great Britain has resisted all treatment, including treatment with carbapenems, an antibiotic which is normally reserved as a last resort treatment. NDM-1 infection is just the latest in a growing list of new global health superbug infections like H1N1 (Swine Flu) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The fear among health scientists is that the NDM-1 could potentially make many, if not all, types of disease causing bacteria resistant to all known antibiotics. Such and unbeatable bacteria would create a global health problem, particularly if the bacteria is one that is easily transmittable. Overuse of antibiotics coupled with the ability of bacteria to mutate and to become resistant to antibiotics will undoubtedly be a major source of concern for world health researchers for years to come. Meanwhile, the only thing you can do to protect yourself is use hand sanitizers, wash your hands frequently, and hold a hand over your face when you cough or sneeze and take vaccines when available. Note: One bright spot is the development of vaccine patches which may soon replace sharp needle jabs. Traditional injections by a single needle may soon be replaced by patches with tiny micro needles that you can self apply. The patches will have hundreds of microscopic needles (0.65mm) that are loaded in a skin patch and dissolve into your skin. That's something to look forward to.

Zoonoses - Emerging Public Health Threat

Zoonoses - say what? You may have never heard this term, but, you have almost certainly heard of H1N1 or SARS or West Nile virus or Ebola virus. Zoonoses are microbiologic infections acquired from animals. Zoonoses can come in the form of bacteria, viruses or parasites. A "zoonosis" (the singular form of zoonoses) is any disease that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. It is estimated that over 60 % of all new human diseases are zoonotic and that over 70 % of these originate with wildlife and people having close contact with pets (especially exotic pets), wild animals or livestock or their food products. Studies over recent years have revealed a pattern of dangerous, even fatal, emerging new human diseases resulting from genetic mutations of known pathogens previously thought dead-ended in non-humans. The increased mobilization of both humans and pets, plus increased use of livestock and animal products have led to deep new concerns for the international health community. Not only the development of new diseases, but also, a recurrence of old diseases is being seen. Some of these diseases, once transmitted to humans, have the potential to create pandemics, like the one now occurring with the H1N1 "swine flu" virus. Besides causing a direct health hazard to humans, they can also affect the world's food supply by requiring the destruction or quarantine of millions of dollars in livestock. The huge international trade in animal products for food, plus the large scale movement of people through tourism, have increased the opportunity for these pathogens to mutate and cross transmit between species. SARS, Ebola virus, H1N1 and West Nile virus are a few that have crossed the species barrier recently and now infect humans, sometimes with devastating effects. The mutated pathogens can be transmitted via the food chain, contact with infected animals or can even be airborne or waterborne in some cases. The increased encroachment of humans into wild animal habitats, the exotic pet trade and the increase in the numbers of animals raised in close proximity are also contributing factors.
What is being done about it? One of the obstacles is detection and identification of the disease syndromes. Lack of documentation of clinical suspicion and the difficulty in recognizing the causes is delaying the identification of these new diseases. The detection and follow up study of the infection's epidemiology will require huge investments and improvements in research. Efforts are underway through GLEWS (Global Early Warning System) in a joint system aimed at coordinating the alert mechanisms of WHO (World Health Organization, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and others in the health community. Much more needs to be done and international cooperation is required. This is truly a World problem.
What can you do? Get immunized for H1N1 and if you own exotic pets or raise livestock be vigilant about their health.You can also keep apprised of developments by keeping up with alerts posted by the World Health Organization. If you now own or decide to purchase an exotic pet ask your veterinarian about health concerns. Purchase your pet from a licensed and reputable exotic pet dealer.

Why You Need to Take the H1N1 Vaccine

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.

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.

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.

Deadly Staph - Tips for the Prevention of Staph Infections

Tips for Prevention of Staph Infections in Schools


Over the past few years some dangerous Staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. Only recently has the news media focused on this serious new health problem, which is of urgent concern to our schools. These killer bacteria, called methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or "MRSA", have recently caused panic in schools in the USA. Some infected students have become seriously ill and some have died after these antibiotic resistant bacteria invaded their blood stream. Most Staph bacteria only causes minor skin infections and are treated with antibiotics. Serious and deadly infections however, develop when antibiotic resistant bacteria (MRSA) is involved. The best methods for prevention of all types of Stap infections involve general cleaning strategies which can be incorporated into the routine cleaning practices at all schools. Here are some tips for limiting the possibility of Staph bacteria infecting your students:

1.) Establish a daily and routine environmental cleaning schedule for your school restrooms and dining areas. The cleaning staff should be trained and monitored to be sure they understand and practice thorough and effective cleaning procedures. Your local health department can provide advice on procedures.
2.) Use germicidal products or a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 part water to clean any surface that is subject to frequent touching by students, including light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, hand rails and all restroom fixtures. Use soap and water at a minimum, preferably an all-purpose cleaner, for a daily cleaning of all other floors and surfaces.
3.) Install automatic soap dispensers, automatic hand dryers and automatic paper towel dispensers. These touch-free automatic dispensers will reduce student's exposure to appliances that are frequently the source of hand transmitted bacteria. like Staph. If your school still utilizes the old manual hands-on dispensers it will be nearly impossible to clean them frequently enough to eliminate the spread of bacteria.
4.) Immediately clean up any surface that has a visible body fluid contamination such as blood, urine or other body fluid.
5.) Make sure automatic soap dispensers and automatic paper towel dispensers are filled with product at all times. This should be part of the cleaning personnel daily routine. Refill the dispensers daily.
6.) Encourage good hygiene. Students should be cautioned against sharing water bottles and personal items, encourages to shower after gym classes and other physical activities.
7.) Require that students cover cuts, abrasions and lesions with a proper dressing (bandage) until healed. Athletics staff should monitor this closely among their athletes.
8.) Clean all items used in athletic activities with an all-purpose cleaner and wash uniforms after each use.
9.) Publish, articulate and post reminders to staff and employees the importance of frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of germicidal hand gels. Your schools restrooms and cafeteria should have warning signs posted in highly visible areas reminding everyone that hand washing is a requirement of your facility and is everyone's responsibility.


Following these simple cleaning routines will greatly reduce you schools risk of bacterial infections of all types, including Staph and viruses, such as the flu, and the common cold.