Bird Flu Pandemic

Is Canada’s Flu Season Getting Progressively Worse?

Michael — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:22:11 +0000

Adjusting Perspective on the Trends of Illness

Pharmacies are stocking the shelves with tissue and advertising appointments for shots, making it painfully clear that the flu season is upon us once more. This dreaded season has hit Canada early and hard this year, leaving many people wondering whether or not the flu is getting progressively worse in Canada and in some parts of Europe. In order to answer this question, residents must look at the big picture and not simply rely on recent memory.

The Numbers are Going Up

Central Canada has been hit especially hard, and the speculation as to whether the worst of the illness is still in the future is still inconclusive, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Quebec and Ontario were the areas that suffered from the highest number of cases and most severe outbreaks. The numbers are what have residents worried. Cases confirmed in labs reflect numbers in excess of 3,000 cases. The number only reached just over 1,800 cases in 2011. Prior to that year, the number was only 109. There seems to be a trend evident in the statistics.

Not Nearly Epidemic

The increase in case numbers are isolated to certain regions of Canada, however. Other areas are experiencing decreases in the numbers of cases reported thus far. In light of the concern, hospitals have been restricting access to severely infected cases. Areas that have been hit especially hard were actually forced to postpone some surgical procedures due to the increased demand on the staff. The worsening conditions do not seem to be due to the development of an unforeseen strain of the virus. Officials report that the vaccine in distribution is a match for the type of outbreak they are experiencing.

Establishing Trends

Google has been tracking the severity of the outbreaks in Canada, reporting that the number of cases is likely to be 250% higher than it was the previous year. Compared to the data from government health agencies, Google's speculation based on internet searches is likely to be accurate. The majority of the people coming down with the virus are recovering in roughly 10 days. It is only the vulnerable parts of the population such as small children and the elderly that are suffering more severe consequences.

Now vs. Then

This is only data from roughly the last five years. Looking at history with a broader lens does not point towards the fact that the flu is getting progressively worse. In fact, research indicates that death due to influenza in Canada since the outbreak of the Spanish flu is in decline. Researchers speculate that the long-term decline in the mortality rate of the flu is due to more sophisticated public healthcare, better health practices by the individual, and even an increase in the general populations' immunity to developing strains. The majority of deaths occurring today are not directly the result of influenza but are much more likely to be caused by pneumonia and infectious respiratory disease made worse in combination with contracting influenza.

Byline

Ken Regan often writes on health, wellness, health insurance, medical science, the medical profession and other related areas. Canadians looking to take optimal care of themselves should be sure to maintain an awareness of the Ontario health insurance policy.

Top Tips for Buying Health Goods Online

Michael — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:56:59 +0000

Shopping online has become accepted as the norm for most people. However, when it comes to buying health goods like medicine and first aid supplies, strict shopping practices should be applied. The reality is, when purchasing things like TVs, jewelry, or countless other items, even if the received product is defective, the worst case scenario may result in a need for a refund.

In comparison, receiving poor quality health goods could have harmful and long-lasting results. In fact, using second-rate first aid supplies, medicine, and other health-related items could be detrimental to your health.

Fortunately, there are some ways to protect yourself from this. The top tips are listed below.

Tip 1 – Buy from a Reliable Company

One of the first things to check is how long the company has been in business. Some online medical supply sites have been around since the '90s and others started five or 10 years ago. These stores have histories that can be researched. It is not difficult to determine if health companies are growing if they are new, or if they are on the verge of going under.

Brand-new companies may not have been in business long enough to develop a consistent history of growth. Their reputation and brand is based on relatively new data, which in some cases can be somewhat unreliable. It is best to purchase from well established companies with good reputations.

Tip 2 – Consider the Support

The company should be quick to respond to customer inquiries. To find out if they are up to this challenge, it is a good idea to send a question via email or to actually call customer support. Ideally your questions will be handled in a professional manner and responded to very quickly.

Companies that do not provide excellent customer service should be avoided. Questions related to health products are timely and deserve prompt and courteous answers. In some instances, the questions could relate to serious health concerns.

Tip 3 – Avoid Small Stores

Extremely small stores are likely to be affiliates; that is, rather than owning the products they sell, they may actually be promoting products of other companies. This can result in problems in receiving the goods as well as problems with the products themselves.

Larger stores, on the other hand, usually have their own warehouses. This ensures the products they sell are in stock and available for shipping.

Tip 4 – Look for Signs of Professionalism

Online sites that sell health goods should display signs of professionalism just as a quality brick-and-mortar store would. The website should be easy to navigate and completely user-friendly. This makes it easy for customers to find the products they need.

There should be notice to alert customers that the company accepts credit cards online and to any other payment options available. In addition, the website should offer customer service contact information. It’s very helpful when a FAQ page is provided. This feature answers questions that are commonly asked. This can save time for customers.

Before buying health goods online, it is only wise to take the time to compare companies. Not only will this result in better deals, but it is also the best way to find companies that offer quality products and excellent customer service.

When it comes to health-related supplies, you really can’t be too careful. If you have any tips related to buying health goods online, please share them.

Debbie Allen is freelance writer who writes about everything from online marketing to health-related topics.

A Brief History Of Smallpox

Michael — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:29:45 +0000

Smallpox, an extremely infectious disease caused by one of two varieties of virus, was a serious worldwide medical concern until its elimination by vaccination. Over the span of human history, the presence of smallpox has waxed and waned, leaving in its wake outbreaks of the virus which, at times, reached pandemic proportions. While smallpox is not always a fatal illness, every variety has the potential to be fatal. As late as the mid 1900s, even individuals living in first world countries were routinely immunized against the destructive virus, a vaccination which leaves a distinctive circular scar. Smallpox is no longer a serious threat, but it has an extensive history and has made its mark on humankind.

The History of Smallpox

It is estimated that the presence of virus variants Variola major and Variola minor, the variants responsible for smallpox, were first observed in humans circa 10,000 BC. The first historical evidence of a smallpox case that was conclusively observed was done so when examining the remains of the Pharaoh Ramses V. The virus took the lives of over four hundred thousand Europeans per year as the conclusion of the 18th century neared, and was the third leading cause of vision loss. Adults who contracted the disease during this time had as much as a 60% chance of loss of life, while infected children sustained a mortality rate of 80%. During the 20th century, the loss of life caused by smallpox was immense, with a maximum estimate of five hundred million deaths during that century alone.

The Epidemiology of Smallpox

Smallpox was a virus which had an extremely high rate of contagion. After an individual was exposed to Variola major, they would begin to display symptoms in approximately 12 days. The first region of the body which the virus attached was the oral and respiratory areas, effecting the production of mucus, the blood vessels in the mouth and throat and the lymph nodes in the face and throat area. Infected cells multiplied rapidly, causing the virus to become serious quickly as it attacked the marrow of the bones as well as the spleen.

External symptoms first exhibited by affected people often included a high fever, aching muscles, exhaustion, head pain, nausea and vomiting. After these initial symptoms, smallpox lesions would begin to appear within the mouth and throat. The large size of these lesions and their ease of rupture caused the virus to continually be released back into the affected person's system through their digestive tract. About two days after these lesions became prevalent, the skin on the rest of the body would also begin to develop a rash, starting with the face and neck and spreading downward and outward until the entire body was covered. Sufferers were faced with one of four variants of the illness- ordinary, which carried a fatality rate of 62%, modified, a rarely fatal variation, and both malignant and hemorrhagic which were near conclusively fatal.

The Treatment and Eradication of Smallpox

Smallpox was first treated via an inoculation which included the nasal inhalation of smallpox scabs which had been ground into a powder. This practice was performed circa 1000 BC in India, where the disease was prevalent at the time. The Chinese used similar methods of prevention during the 10th and 16th centuries during peak outbreaks of the illness. The original smallpox vaccination was developed by Edward Jenner, an English doctor who concluded that individuals inoculated with a substance drawn from a cowpox lesion would lead to an immunity. This vaccination was the grandfather of the smallpox vaccine which still exists today. The commonality and availability of the vaccination led to the disease being conclusively considered to be eradicated, with the last naturally diagnosed case taking place in 1977 and eradication being declared in 1979. Currently, the only individuals who typically receive a smallpox vaccine are military members preparing for deployment and laboratory employees who may be at risk for infectious disease exposure.

Byline

This piece was composed by Charlie Kramer, a freelance writer, blogger and video creator who focuses on health, wellness, nutritional science, medical science, the healthcare industry, and other relevant issues; to learn more about vaccines, click Houston Vaccines.

Norovirus Dos and Don’ts

Michael — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 04:59:34 +0000

The Norovirus is a stomach bug that is spreading like wildfire this season. Also called GII.4 Sydney, the illness can cause violent vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Each year, norovirus leads to about 21 million illnesses, 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths”. It typically lasts two to three days.

What can you do if you get norovirus? Well, the first thing you should do is to stay hydrated. Dehydration is the biggest danger with this virus because of the huge amounts of water lost during vomiting and diarrhea. Drinking water or fluid replacement drinks like sports drinks or nutrition aides will help your body to get the water and other essential nutrients it needs to function. If you are too nauseated to drink, suck on a popsicle or even an ice cube. Whatever it takes to keep hydrated.

Once you are feeling a little less nauseated you should try foods carefully. Avoid greasy foods or things that are hard for your body to digest like nuts. Instead stick to clear broths, Jell-O, or even cheerios. These foods are easy on your stomach and usually can be kept down without a problem.

To avoid re infection wash often. You should wash your hands regularly with antibacterial and antiviral soap, especially after vomiting or using the restroom. Make sure you wash under your fingernails as well. To clean up the rest of your home and prevent re infection, try using bleach to kill the germs. Throw some in with cloth that has come in contact with vomit or other issues to kill the germs completely.

After you stop vomiting, wait at least 48 hours before going back to work or school. You should also be fever free for at least 24 hours before getting back to work.

Author Bio:

Roxanne Porter is a freelancer & a regular contributor for www.nannyjobs.org. She helps in providing knowledge about nanny services & love writing on nanny related articles. She helps in giving a fair knowledge about nanny Jobs to the community. You can be in touch with her at “r.poter08ATgmail.com”.

5 Reasons You Should Check Out Your Physician’s Online Reputation

Michael — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:20:56 +0000

Before deciding on a new physician, it’s wise to do an online search to learn more about the physician and what kind of reputation he/she has. Disgruntled patients won’t hesitate to write negative reviews, and you definitely want to know what you are getting yourself into before you decide to pay co-pays and entrust your physical well-being to a physician you don’t yet know.

Here are a few reasons it makes sense to check out your physician’s online reputation, ideally before meeting with him or her for the first time.

They might be hiding something.

According to Gravitate Online, "over 94% of users clicked on a first page result and less than 6% actually click(ed) to the second page" when reviewing search engine results. Doctors with bad reputations rely upon this, and sometimes use services to help them suppress negative feedback so that it moves past the first page of search results. So be sure to review not just the first page of results, but at least a good two or three pages for an accurate representation of the doctor’s online reputation.

They may have been sued for malpractice.

This is definitely a situation you want to avoid. Even if the doctor is still lucky enough to have a license, anyone who has been sued for malpractice is someone who should be avoided at all costs. Malpractice shows a level of dishonesty that a patient (for whom, when it comes to health, trust is essential) can’t afford to be exposed to.

You don’t want to waste money.

Co-pays and tests (that you might not need) cost money. Make sure that your doctor is credible and doesn’t charge for unnecessary processes by doing your online research before meeting.

Save money and time by doing research on your physician up front

You may find someone better in the process.

A disgruntled patient may reference an even better physician while posting a negative review about the physician you are researching. This can be helpful information to have since the other patient was potentially looking for similar services to the ones you are seeking. Referrals are always the best way to go when it comes to physicians regardless.

Learn about bedside manner.

How a physician listens and speaks to patients is critically important in building a relationship that is one of trust and that will last. You don’t want to have to bop from one physician to another to find a fit, so the more research you do up front and can garner about the physician’s bedside manner, the better.

Ideally, a personal referral is best. But even if you get a referral, you should still take the time to research your future doctor’s reputation- your friend who referred you may not have done their research and may be missing out on important and potentially negative details about the physician.

Don’t wait until you are in person to learn about a doctor’s bedside manner!

The internet is such a powerful research tool, so do take advantage of this before engaging with a physician. You could save yourself a great deal of money, time, and even pain and suffering for having done the research upfront and avoiding the wrong doctor.

Cara Aley is a freelance writer for who covers a wide variety of topics from digital managing your online reputation to health and wellness.

Elderberry Syrup- Your Number One Weapon For Flu!

Michael — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:02:39 +0000

Elderberry fruit extracts have been used to stimulate the immune system and protect against free radicals that attack healthy cells. In fact, certain studies have proven its effectiveness in fighting viruses such as herpes, AIDS and HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. It's antioxidant activity is useful in lowering cholesterol, improving vision, heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, viral and bacterial infections and tonsillitis.

It was used in 1995, in Peru to stop a flu epidemic!

At the first sign of a cold or flu, treat yourself to Elderberry and it should help alleviate the symptoms within 72 hours.

This herbal extract has also been used to help with weight loss, and as a treatment for headaches and migraines, rheumatism, gout, edema, hepatic disease, syphylis, epilepsy, toothache, asthma and to help wounds heal faster.

Stock Up On Your Own Elderberry By Growing it, and Making it Yourself

See This article "Tips for Making Elderberry Syrup" Naturally Knocked Up

The Flu And What To Do About It

Michael — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:49:18 +0000

Authored By Dave Webb

The planet is going through cycles. The current cycle is a Flu Virus running wild through our entire society. Good for the drug companies, bad for the rest of us. The Flu Shots do not actually do any good against these current cycles of bugs because there are much more than one variety of viruses.

The common cold is a virus. It probably has up to 400 varieties out there. No one that I know of has a vaccination for the common cold. Though we do have one for pneumonia. I recommend the pneumonia vaccination. Most of the rest I think are a waste of time and money. Though it might become mandatory to have one soon. Line up and get your shot of mercury compound! Then we wonder why our people out there are going crazy.

The problem as I see it is our natural order of control is all messed up. Nature has a balance set up. I think(just my opinion of course) that bacteria eat viruses. We have as a world severely limited bacteria with antibiotics. So the very thing that keeps viruses in check, has been limited by the drug companies. Viruses change. Each generation of viruses is different. They are literally hundreds of times smaller than bacteria. No antibiotic out there has any effect on viruses. A virus can live outside a host for at least 4 hours. I think it is more like 36 hours but that is personal opinion.

We put multiple antibiotics in all our livestock. This goes on to push these same antibiotics into our food supply. So we are attacked by multiple antibiotics most of the time.

We destroy all the bacteria we can with pasterization. So all the natural inhibitors that might control these nasty little bugs are being eliminated.

Pastor had a critic. That critic maintained that we had to keep a natural pecking order of bugs in our environment in order to survive. Without that pecking order we would get various diseases and die.

The bacteria in your gut has a lot to do with whether or not you get arthritis, allergic reactions, and many other things. So if you do go on antibiotics for any reason, think about replacing that bacteria with fermented foods like yogurt after it is all over with.

I was married once to a registered nurse. When she started as a nurse in the hospitals she tracked every bug known to man into our home. She was sick a lot. So were the rest of us. I was least infected because I had an immune system based both here and from Britain. I was sick a lot as a baby and even into boyhood. It helped me fight the bugs she brought into the home. My immune system was superior to the rest of the family.

Then I tried a simple trick. I put clorox in the dishwater. Later I put it in a dishwasher every time we did dishes. The disease disappeared after that. I found that the eating utensils, glasses, and dishes were passing the diseases on to us. The shoes on our feet did the same thing. Sterilizing on the eating materials took most of the bugs out of the house. I would have thought it was passed in the air. But it was entering our bodies in our food from the silverware and dishes.

Another trick I use to this day is light. Most viruses die when exposed to sunlight. So I put daylight spectrum bulbs throughout the house. This is good for bacteria. They flourish in sunlight. Most viruses also die under ultraviolet light. Most flu bugs arrive with winter. There are too really good reasons this is so. First the kids all mix together in the public schools and create an ideal flu environment. The schools do not use daylight spectrum flourescent bulbs in the classrooms. If they did, half the flu cases would not happen. Sterilizing all the utensils in the Cafeteria and suing bleach to clean the tables would also reduce the risk of infection.

The third trick is copper. Put all copper door knobs in a house. Bugs hate copper. They will not reside on door knobs made of copper.

I recommend that everyone keep natural supplies of Vitamin C in the form of high pulp Orange Juice in the house. Drink at least one or two glasses of Orange Juice a day.

I recommend a good Vitamin D Spray under the tongue at least once a day. A good Vitamin B12 won't hurt either.

You will still be exposed by your kids. No help for it. If you do what I recommend, the occurence will be drastically shortened.

Otherwise, I recommend you buy lots of drug stocks. They are going to have a field year.

Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy While on Vacation

Michael — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 20:26:51 +0000

You’re finally going on that dream vacation. You packed your bags, booked your room, and bought your tickets. Don’t let illness keep you from having the time of your life. Whether you’re staying in a tropical Waikiki hotel or hiking the temple ruins in Mexico, make sure you plan ahead to stay healthy on your vacation.

Take Vitamins

Before you embark on your quest, start supplementing your diet with immune-boosting vitamins. Health gurus suggest taking B12, iron, and Vitamin C before you go on a vacation. Be sure to start early since these supplements take a few weeks to begin protecting your body from illness. Always check with your doctor before beginning any new vitamin regimen.

Don’t Drink the Water

You’ve heard it before—don’t drink the water! It’s true no matter where you go. Stick to bottled water and say no to ice while traveling. Some water systems are contaminated, and some can be hard on your stomach and intestines.

Get Outdoors

Always try to plan some outdoor activities during your vacation. The fresh air can do wonders for your health. Sitting in a hotel and breathing in the same recycled air can make you sick quickly.

Sleep In

Sure you’re on vacation and you can do whatever you want, but don’t forget to get some sleep. Make sure you have a few days on your trip where you can turn in early or sleep late. The extra rest will help keep your body healthy.

Photo Credit-Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle

Wash Up

Staying clean is an important part of staying healthy. There is no telling how many people touched the furniture, door knobs, or chairs in your hotel. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and wash your hands throughout the day. Be sure to shower regularly, too.

Wear Sunscreen

If you plan to hit the beach or hit the slopes, be sure to use sunscreen. Sunburns can make you feel like you have the flu and ruin the rest of your vacation.

Get Your Shots

It’s always important to check with your doctor about global health warnings before you travel. Make sure your immunizations are current, and ask your doctor about any flu outbreaks you should be aware of before you travel.

Stay Away from the Road

Roadside food vendors may be popular where you are going, but it’s important to remember that foreign countries have different standards of cleanliness for roadside food vendors. It’s better to stay healthy than risk eating tainted food. Stick to clean restaurants during your trip.

Do Laundry

Wearing clean clothes will also keep you healthy on your trip. Your clothes attract germs and bacteria. Wearing the same clothes the entire vacation may prove to be convenient, but it’s not healthy.

Pack Snacks

Find room in your luggage to stow a few small bags of dried fruit and unsalted nuts. These snacks will help keep your bowels regular and will also steer your hungry stomach away from the unhealthy vending machines down the hall.

Have Fun

Now that you have armed yourself with these tips to keep you healthy on vacation, be ready to have fun. Vacation is always so much better when you are not stuck in your hotel room sick.

Kim Wade is a freelance writer who writes about motherhood, blogging, and travel.

Ways to Keep Yourself From Getting Sick

Michael — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:27:03 +0000

No one likes to be lying in bed unable to move while being sick with the flu or cold. Being sick can ruin a weekend of activities, reduce a paycheck, and be a cause for one of the most miserable moments in your life. Although many people fear sickness of any kind, there is little that some of them do to prevent it. There are many things you can do in order to keep yourself from getting sick regardless of seasonal circumstances.

1. Hand Washing - Washing your hands on a regular basis can help reduce the chances of catching a variety of sicknesses. As we handle many items throughout the day, you never know what ailments are being carried by those who are seemingly well. You don't have to show signs of being sick if you are a carrier of a virus.

2. Antibacterial Lotions - If you are unable to wash your hands, having a small bottle of antibacterial lotion within reach can help you from getting sick. The small-sized bottles you can get can put one in your purse, coat pocket, car door, or anywhere else that you frequent that doesn't have access to a sink.

3. Eating Healthy - By subjected yourself with a healthy diet of foods, you can stave off sickness. Although you may eat throughout the day, are you sure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs in order to remain healthy? Another method to employ in the kitchen is keeping your cooking surfaces clean by using disinfectant wipes or cleaners.

4. Vitamins - Consuming vitamin supplements can keep your body regulated. If you are unsure what vitamins and minerals are present in your food, vitamins could be a great addition to your diet.

5. Air Purifiers - If someone in the home is sick, having a purifier in the bedroom with them can help keep others in the home from getting sick as well. A purifier could also help in the recovery of the one who is sick by providing a cleaner oxygen level within the room. Ionizers work great at removing organisms in the air as well are unwanted smells and particulates.

1. Honeywell HHT-011 Compact Air Purifier with Permanent HEPA Filter
2. Hamilton Beach 04383 True Air Allergen-Reducing Air Cleaner
3. Honeywell 50250-S 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier
4. Winix PlasmaWave 5300 Air Cleaner Model

6. Laundry - Regularly washing your clothing can help in limiting the chances of getting sick. Wearing clothes repeatedly, regardless of how the smell or look, could house a variety of bacteria trying to work their way into your system.

While you may be able to take a few days off from work, being sick shouldn't be cause for celebration. Promoting healthy habits can keep you from experiencing the miserable feelings from being sick, and it could give you the energy you need to last throughout your day at work. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.

Author Bio: Allison Foster writes on behalf of www.nannyclassifieds.com. It provides a great solution to the needs of both nannies and working parents for finding anything on the internet.

Could We Succumb to a Plague in Modern Times?

Michael — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:45:16 +0000

Guest Post - Chris Martin

Readers of the Bible are quite familiar with the concept of plagues. After all, the Ten Plagues in the book of Exodus details calamities ranging from hail, water, and darkness to lice, frogs, and locusts being unleashed upon Egypt. History buffs know about the plagues in Europe, from The Pestilence in the 14th century to the Black Death in the 1600s.

But could such a wide outbreak of disease occur in modern times?

The answer is yes - and it could potentially occur on a truly global scale.

A "Perfect Storm" of Conditions

That's because the circumstances that exist today are more conducive to spreading plagues than they were hundreds of years ago. To begin with, there are plenty of areas in the world where squalor and disease are rampant, and these "plague incubators" contain numerous fleas, rodents, and other infection-transmitting creatures.

Because of the frequency of air travel, these plagues can easily be spread thousands of miles away to different parts of the globe. And since diseases like pneumonic plague are less common than they were centuries ago, modern physicians and healthcare workers are not trained to spot them in their initial stages (for example, pneumonic plague is regularly misdiagnosed as the flu).

Finally, a gradual buildup of antibiotic-resistance strains of bacteria and germs has hindered the treatment of these deadly diseases.

Outbreaks in Modern Times

This combination of conditions has led to several outbreaks of various diseases in recent decades. Among them:

·SARS infected over 8,200 people in the middle of last decade, resulting in some 775 deaths. Experts say that only "dumb luck" prevented a major SARS outbreak in the U.S. when an infected doctor from Singapore was allowed to leave New York before becoming symptomatic.

·Hundreds of people in China and nearby nations died as a result of the H5N1 virus, which is more commonly known as bird flu. Officials believe that the virus passed from infected poultry to humans who were handling the birds.

·A mosquito-borne illness called Chikungunya, which causes flu-like symptoms and chronic muscle aches, has killed over 90,000 people in East Africa and islands in the Indian Ocean. In 2007, researchers reported seeing up to 1,000 cases of Chikungunya in patients in America and Europe who had visited the infected regions.

·An outbreak of pneumonic plague was narrowly averted in Grand Canyon National Park in late 2007, when a wildlife biologist died after presumably becoming infected by the disease when examining a mountain lion carcass. Even with timely antibiotic treatment (i.e., within 24 hours), pneumonic plague is estimated to have a death rate of as high as 50%.

Is There Anything That Can Be Done?

The silver lining is that there are some initiatives being launched to address the possibility of a global pandemic. The philanthropic arm of search engine giant Google contributed $15 million in grants to epidemic researchers who are trying to identify potential disease "hot spots" so they can be contained before they spread globally.

As for individuals, the best advice to avoid contracting deadly diseases is to wash hands frequently, get the required vaccinations before traveling abroad, and refrain from abuse or overuse of antibiotics to prevent becoming resistant to them.

For those who tend to worry about this topic, there is an outbreak incidence map which keeps track of the current known plagues and diseases around the world. And while people living in developed nations probably have more pressing worries than guarding against a global plague, it's wise to keep in mind that they are not immune from such outbreaks or pandemics.

Chris Martin is a freelance writer about topics ranging from auto insurance to consumer finance to gutter guards.

How Maintaining Your Furnace Can Help Keep Sickness at Bay

Michael — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:02:03 +0000

Your house could be making you sick. Your head hurts, your throat is sore, your eyes itch, and you feel like you have a cold or the flu. Maybe it’s time to check that dirty furnace?

During the winter, people want their homes to stay as cozy as possible, so they seal the warm air in tightly. It’s like living inside a bubble. You want the air circulating inside your home to be safe and clean, but if your furnace is dirty or doesn’t work properly, you could be creating an atmosphere of dangerous toxins.

What’s making you sick?

Your furnace contains a filter to trap dirt, allergens, pollen, spores, and whatever else might be floating around in the air. These toxic and dangerous airborne particles can turn your filter into a breeding ground for disease if the filter is not changed on a regular basis.

And if you or others in your home just got over a bout with the flu, then those germs are also stuck in your filter. The air coming out of your vents could be filled with germs and invisible hazards. It’s no wonder you feel sick.

Air cannot properly circulate through a dirty filter. You may be depriving your home of precious oxygen needed to make your body work properly. A lack of oxygen can give you headaches and make you feel worn-out and tired.

Another point to remember is some furnaces are powered by combustible gases like natural gas. The flue on the furnace is designed to contain these harmful gases and to trap the carbon monoxide produced from these gases. If the flue is clogged or contains leaks, then these toxic gases can escape into your home. Breathing in carbon monoxide will not just make you very sick, but it can be deadly.

What can you do?

It is very important to know how to maintain your furnace to keep you and your family safe and healthy. While furnaces require professional maintenance on a yearly basis, there are a few simple tasks you can do on your own to maintain your furnace. But remember, always turn off the heater before performing any maintenance.

1. Replace your dirty filter. Most home improvement stores carry a variety of replaceable furnace filters. Always read the instructions on the filter’s package. Some filters capture allergens, and some only trap dirt. The longevity on all filters can vary, too.

2. Keep a carbon monoxide monitor near your furnace and in your home to detect dangerous gases. These small devices save lives every year.

3. Inspect the flue of the furnace for leaks, holes, or corroded metal. Small leaks can be patched with aluminum tape, but it’s always best to let a professional take a look.

4. Vacuum in and around floor vents to eliminate excess dirt.

Now you are armed with the basic skills to maintain your furnace. Be sure to contact a furnace professional if you think your furnace needs more than routine maintenance. Your health depends on it.

Kim Wade is a freelance writer who writes about motherhood, blogging, and technology.

Expert Advice On Avoiding The Flu This Winter

Michael — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:57:20 +0000

Guest Post Grace Kelly

As winter approaches, flu season will soon be in full swing. While most people recover from the flu in about a week, others can develop complications that may result in hospitalization and even death. It's important to take steps each flu season to prevent contracting this potentially dangerous illness, as well as protect those around you from germs that cause the spread of the flu.

There's no mistaking the symptoms of the flu, which include body aches, fatigue, dizziness, chills, cough and a fever of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you experience these symptoms, your priority should be to stay in bed and recover fully before returning to school, work or other activities that could put others at risk for contracting the flu.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends several strategies for preventing contracting and spreading the flu. These strategies should be taken especially seriously by those likely to develop dangerous complications from the flu, including:

· Children younger than 5 and especially younger than 2 years of age
· Adults age 65 and older
· American indians and Alaskan Natives Alaskan
· Pregnant women
· People with athsma
· People with chronic lung or heart disease
· People who are morbidly obese
· People who have a weakened immune system

Prevent the spread of germs

The flu virus spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and even talking, and can quickly become epidemic. People with the flu are contagious at least one day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after becoming ill. Follow these tips to prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu.

· Cough and sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the garbage.
· If a tissue isn't available, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow rather than your hands.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water.
· Avoid contact with sick people when possible.
· If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone.
· Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Keep your workplace and school clean
Flu outbreaks can easily occur in highly populated, enclosed spaces such as the workplace and school.

Keeping these spaces free of germs is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the flu at work and school.

· Keep disposable wipes handy at work and routinely wipe down your phone, computer keyboard and other items you and others regularly touch.
· Make sure your child's school has a plan in place for preventing the spread of illness.
· If you or your child feel ill while at work or school, go home as soon as possible.

If you or anyone in your family contracts the flu, schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, pregnant women, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed to help treat the flu in those at risk for complications.

Know when to get medical treatment

Emergency medical treatment should be immediately sought if you experience any of these symptoms, which can be life-threatening:

· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Blue lips
· Pain in the abdomen or chest
· Confusion or sudden dizziness
· Severe vomiting
· Seizures

Author Bio

Grace Kelly writes for Zintro, a marketplace of experts in various fields that helps connect investors, lawyers, analysts, entrepreneurs, and more. Find an expert by discipline on Zintro.com consultant directory.

Tips for Preventing Food Poisoning

Michael — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:05:13 +0000

Guest Post -Alex Storm

Food poisoning, or foodborne illness as it is sometimes known, can occur when you eat food that has been contaminated by bacteria, parasites, viruses, or germ-based toxins. If you have ever had food poisoning, you know just how miserable it can make you feel. The nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms that result are difficult to control and can lead to complications like dehydration. Fortunately, there are many different ways to avoid and prevent food poisoning.

Wash Your Hands

Everyone knows that hand washing is the easiest way to prevent getting a cold or the flu, but it is also the single best way to prevent foodborne illness. One of the most common causes of food poisoning is Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can be found on or in the skin, nose, mouth, and throat of a large percentage of the population. The bacteria can cause pimples, boils, and other infections on the skin and can also be transferred easily from unwashed hands to food. Clostridium perfringens, another common bacteria and cause of food poisoning, can be found in the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy people and animals. Not washing your hands after going to the bathroom, playing with pets, or touching raw meat can transfer Clostridium perfringens to food. Always wash your hands before preparing, storing, or eating food of any type.

Store Foods at the Proper Temperature

Eating food that is not stored at a proper temperature can make you very sick. Perishable items, such as dairy, meat, eggs, and any product that says "must be refrigerated after opening," should always be stored in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees or lower. Frozen foods should be kept in a freezer at a temperature of 0 degrees or lower. You can monitor the temperature of your appliances with a hardware thermometer.

Thaw Food in the Refrigerator

When someone wants to thaw food quickly, they often take it out of the freezer and place it a counter where it can thaw at room temperature. This is never a good idea. As food thaws, bacteria begin to grow, making food unsafe to eat. It is always best to unthaw food in the refrigerator. If you must unthaw something quickly, use the defrost setting on your microwave. Certain things, such as frozen fish, can also be thawed under (very) cold running water.

Serve Foods at the Proper Temperature

When you heat or reheat food, it is very important to get it up to the proper temperature. This helps to kill the bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Wet foods, such as gravies and sauces, should be heated to a rolling boil. Beef, pork, veal, and lamb cuts should be cooked to 145 degrees or higher. Ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork should be cooked to 160 degrees. All poultry products should be cooked to at least 165 degrees. Leftovers should also be heated to 165 degrees. Use a thermometer to accurately check all temperatures before serving.

Avoid Certain Foods

Food poisoning occurs most often in people who have ate food at a picnic, in a school cafeteria, at a large social function, or at a restaurant. Sometimes, this is because the people who prepared the food did not wash their hands properly. But most of the time, it is because foods have been left out too long. Foods containing dairy products and mayonnaise can spoil quickly when they are not refrigerated. If you attend a social gathering, and know that the coleslaw or another salad has been sitting out in the sun or a warm room for a long period of time, don't eat it. Go for raw veggies, fruit, breads, and other items that are less likely to be spoiled.

Guest post from Alex Storm. Alex writes for BestCreditCards.net.

What You Need To Know About Mono

Michael — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:31:20 +0000

Mononucleosis, better known as mono or the "kissing disease," is a common virus. One out of every 2,000 people will get mono each year. Symptoms can be uncomfortable and may even be deadly under certain circumstances. The following information will help you to recognize, avoid, and treat mononucleosis.

Who Can Get Mono

Mono can develop at any age, though it is particularly common in younger people. The most incidences of the infection occur in patients between the ages of 15 and 24. Older adults often develop immunity to the infection, but can pass it on to others. Young children can also get mono, though symptoms can be difficult to detect.

What Causes Mono

Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that lives in the salivary glands. Most people will come into contact with the virus before age 40. In most cases, the virus causes no problems. In others, it causes mononucleosis. Because the virus lives in the saliva, it can be spread through kissing; sharing toothbrushes; sharing gum; and sharing utensils, dishes, or glasses. The virus can also be spread through mucus or tears.

Common Mono Symptoms

The symptoms for mono do not always appear right away. It may take four to six weeks for symptoms to show themselves. Mono symptoms typically begin with an overall feeling of being tired and sick. A slight sore throat, which usually worsens over time, is common. Other typical symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, stiffness, and loss of appetite. Less common symptoms may include a rash or hives. Severe pain in your upper abdomen can occur as well, because mono sometimes causes swelling of the spleen. If you are experiencing severe pain in this area, you should seek emergency attention. If the spleen swells too much, it can burst and cause a life-threatening situation.

Diagnosing Mono

If you have one or more common mono symptoms, you may have the infection. A doctor will be able to help you with the diagnosis by examining you and ordering a monospot test or an EBV antibody test. Both tests can be performed with a small amount of blood. These tests can usually detect the presence of mono, though a false negative can sometimes occur early on in the infection. If your doctor is unsure about the diagnosis, she may run additional tests to rule out cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other infections.

Treating Mono

Mononucleosis will usually go away on its own within a few weeks or a couple of months. However, it is important that it is diagnosed so that it is not spread. Treatment is also important. A patient with mono should get lots of rest to combat the fatigue. Tylenol or another fever reducer can be used to keep fevers down and help with general body aches. Gargling with salt water will soothe and heal a sore throat. Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid to help with swollen glands, throat, or tonsils. The same treatment may also be used to lessen the length of the illness. The most important thing is that you take it easy. Do not participate in any vigorous activity--it will make you feel worse and could cause damage to your swollen spleen.

Additional Concerns

If you have a weakened immune system, discuss additional approaches with your doctor. Mono is rarely fatal, but can cause death in people with weakened immune systems. If your sore throat worsens after 10 days of treatment, contact your doctor. You may have a bacterial infection in your throat. Other complications could include anemia and nervous disorders such as seizures.

Guest post from Nicky Shaw. Nicky writes for HomeSecurity.org.

The Power of No- Fear Itself, Part II

Michael — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:44:26 +0000

The Power of No, by SurvivingSurvivalism.com

Some people in the scientific community speak of “genetic memory”, also known as racial memory. This is the way in which a person's DNA can be permanently altered by external, psychological forces. This change – and its emotional effect – is then carried forward to the next generations. There are genetic fears implanted deeply within us by which we are manipulated on a daily basis. It is also possible to be free of these fears and loosen the controls under which you live.

The purpose of programming fear into the masses of people is to control us – and is it ever effective! Fear, although it is a very low vibrational force, is an extremely powerful emotion. It is used extensively in brainwashing programs, because nothing makes the implanting stronger than a good dose of fear.

In order to rid ourselves of the fear, we must look at the methods used to instill it.

According to ancient stories, Nimrod of old Babylon, King of the Chaldees, known as a brave hunter of boars, convinced his people that there were great dangers outside his city walls (See Hegelian Dialectic and external threat), and that not only should the people live within its walls, but they should give him all their grain and other produce, plus any precious metals or gems, to hold in his protected bins for “security” (or rather, the illusion of safety). He even gave them a little clay tablet as a receipt that he told them could be traded for other goods. (Sound familiar?) But the people did as they were told because they were given a dose of fear. That is, until all the goods in Nimrod's treasury were spent, leaving the city and its people bankrupt and open to invasion and defeat by the Persians. But still it left a genetic memory implant to fear a non-existent external threat.

In the dark ages the feudal system trained us to fear the lord of the manor, who was, in turn, controlled by the church. The lord promised to protect his serfs from marauding bands of strangers (the fear factor) if they would work the land and give him all but a minuscule part of what they produce – just enough for the serfs to stay alive to be able to work the land next spring. If he sold his estate, they were considered part of the property – nothing more important than a plow. Education was repressed for the masses and allowed only to the gentry, lest the serfs discover the deception they had been enslaved under. The people did as they were told because they were given a dose of fear. That is, until the repression was so heavy that it gave rise to all manner of secret societies where scholars could freely discuss more enlightened ideas. But still it left a genetic memory implant to fear a non-existent external threat.

The European Royalty did not bother inventing an outside entity for the people to fear. They taught their subjects to fear the kings and queens by the public execution of those who disobeyed their commandments. They used the guillotine or draw-and-quartering, and they made sure that the people watched the event. The people weren't there because they wanted to see the blood and gore, they were there because the were commanded to do so. So the people did as they were told, because they were given a dose of fear. That is, until the people had enough and revolted, overturning or changing the monarchies. But still it left a genetic memory implant to fear “authority”.

I'm going to use the term “Black Magic” here, but call it what you will – propaganda, mind control, group think, 100^th monkey, etc., it's all the same thing under different names. Regardless of whether or not you believe it or believe in it, it is what TBTP use, so it bears discussion. Under black magic rules, the subject of the malicious intent MUST ACQUIESCE FIRST. The victim must be in agreement on some level for the power to work. When you do not acquiesce, they have no power over you whatsoever.

So the choice of being groped so you can travel by air or not is very important, but not in the ways you may think. Most will say “I need to travel for my job.” Others will say “I want to be able to visit Grandma for the holidays.” And still others figure it's a small price to pay to be able to go to Hawaii for vacation. But few really understand what is going on. The malicious, occult intent of all the enhanced security procedures is pure black magic being used against you.

It doesn't matter to those who practice black magic whether you believe in it or not. For most of those who are employed by TPTB, they don't really believe in it either – they are just compartmentalized functionaries, being used to carry out an esoteric mission. But the choice is still the same: you can either go through the cancer causing scanners or the pervert grope line. Either way they've got you by the balls. And they have you by your own choice, your own acquiescence.

How long would it take to get rid of the naked body scanners and the groping cretins of the TSA if only 10% of the air travelers, bus travelers, train travelers, shopping mall pedestrians, prom goers, et al, said' “NO”, regardless of the personal consequences to their travel plans, but “YES” to the great awakening of their self-respect.

There is something far more valuable going on than your ability to have a job, to visit granny, to vacation in Hawaii. They really don't want you to know how much they've gotten you to give up. Nothing you possess is more valuable than your sacred choice. The most important thing TPTB try do you is make you forget that you have a choice. And they do it with fear.

Those who allow this fear into their lives – with excuses like it's my job, my visit with relatives, my vacation – need to realize they are being deeply conditioned to acquiesce to the next piece of your humanity that TPTB want to take from you.

TPTB are just waiting for you to say “please let me visit granny, please let me have my job, please let me have my vacation” or whatever carrot they dangle in front of you next, whatever next manufactured fear they have a solution for, waiting for you to acquiesce, to ask them to take your natural rights, so that you feel secure against whatever imaginary monster they have caused you to fear.

No to What?

No to someone's else controlling your mind

No to having your genitals grabbed to board an airplane or go ANYWHERE!

No to wars fought in you name!

No to being programmed by TV

No to the false Left/Right paradigm

No to accepting anything as truth just because someone “in authority” told you so!

Now we are being taught to fear “Al-CIA-da”, Muslims as a whole, and most of all, each other. Are you perfectly willing to accept travel papers to travel within the USA? Taser bracelets to fly? Aggressive cavity searches (a TSA term, I didn't make it up)? Having your passport invalidated by the IRS? Being put on a no-fly/no-gun buy/no work list because of your opinion?

The greatest occult secret is your ability to say “NO” to that which is wrong. Remember the story that saying “Get behind me, Satan” requires him to step aside? You have that much power, and they – all the Satans out there – have none UNLESS YOU GIVE IT TO THEM. Your power – and your sacred duty – is to say “NO” to that which is wrong.

·A lone man faced Chinese tanks in Bejing's Tienanmen Square by saying NO and the tanks stopped.

·Nelson Mandela faced life in prison by saying NO and apartheid in South Africa stopped.

·The French Revolutionaries faced the guillotine by saying NO and the oppression stopped.

·Gandhi faced the British Empire by saying NO and the servitude of the Indian people stopped.

A woman from Atlanta, Georgia was told she had to go to a distant seminar for her job. She said NO. She told her employer that she would not agree to being groped nor irradiated in order to fly. They sent another employee in her place. Her co-workers asked why going through the TSA was a problem for her. She said, “Because it's not a problem for you,” and then proceeded to educate them on what is going on around them.

What sets these people apart in history is not only that they said NO, but that they continued to say NO in the face of adversity – even under extreme persecution, some even unto the threat of death.

If we acquiesce to being controlled, if we give up our personal dignity to be a part of that which is indisputably a corrupt system, then are we not the reason for its existence? Don't we hold some amount of responsibility for the tyranny and oppression by not exercising our sacred responsibility to say NO?

The next time you're in line at the airport, realize a very sacred thing is about to happen. You will be given a choice. You can choose to continue in that line, inching closer to the scanner and the gropers who will decide if you are someone worthy to be allowed to fly, pushed forward by the masses at your back. Or you can choose not to give away your power, you can choose not to acquiesce to their control. You can say NO.

What genetic memory do you want to leave to your progeny? Will you evolve into someone who makes their own life choices without fear? Will you break the chain of fear and allow your DNA to repair itself in and for future generations?

Gandhi defeated the British Empire by saying NO. Say NO to the fear. The pain will stop when you stop hitting your head against the wall.

Dan and Sheila are the authors of Surviving Survivalism – How to Avoid Survivalism Culture Shock and hosts of the free podcast, Still Surviving with Dan and Sheila, both available at

http://survivingsurvivalism.com. For information about their survival community, or for other questions, they can be reached at surviving@lavabit.com .

Beware of Flesh Eating Bacteria

Michael — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:08:28 +0000

Do you remember looking through a microscope in high school science classes at pond samples and other slides? Remember the squishy looking masses, square and rectangle shapes, and crystallized amebas? You were likely viewing different types of bacteria in those slides, the microscopic living creatures that make up our environment. Bacteria are all around us, and also inside of us, in foods we eat, on surfaces we touch, thriving and responding to their surroundings. They are pretty fascinating creatures, and can be a lot of fun to study. However, they can sometimes turn deadly, cause illness and infection, and negative immune responses in the animals and humans they come into contact with. Flesh eating is one of those less than savory classifications of bacteria, and may cause nightmares for people with germ phobias.

These flesh eating bacteria are actually part of a common thread of bacteria, the same that cause strep The reason they are termed “flesh eating” is because they do destroy tissue in some people. This is known as necrotizing of the flesh, and when it gets really bad it can also become gangrenous and kill the flesh entirely.

Luckily, it is really quite uncommon to experience any flesh eating bacteria, but if you are concerned that you might have one after reading the list of symptoms, you should respond with a trip to the emergency room. Because flesh eating bacteria spread so quickly, a matter of hours in most cases, they are also often a cause of amputations and emergency surgeries. The faster the bacteria is stopped in its tracks, the less likely you will need to get something amputated or surgically removed. Often, if you catch them fast enough, you can get an antibiotic ointment to apply directly to the affected area that will kill all of the bacteria before they spread to muscle tissues and fats under your skin and become more dangerous

The symptoms of most flesh eating bacteria, according toMedicine Net include:

1. Fast spreading

2. Redness, swelling, or fluid around the affected area

3. A wound that is becoming swollen and red instead of healing

4. Fevers or chills

5. Unusual looking skin changes such as black or green scabs, boils, and blisters

Picture Credit

The people who are most at risk for necrotizing bacterial infections are those who have diseases and viruses such as cancer, AIDs, who are elderly and have surgery, who are infants, and those who are more at risk for all other diseases. These people may be at risk even for small skin punctures such as cuts and bug bites, but only in extremely rare cases. People who have an open wound, or who are going to be away from antibiotics or other medical supplies, such as those in developing countries, post disaster areas, and also places such without access to medical assistance have an increased risk for suffering the negative consequences of flesh eating bacteria.

Although flesh eating bacteria are alarming, it is highly unlikely that you will experience their negative consequences. They necrotize or destroy flesh very rarely, and will often be more of a risk for people with compromised immune systems. One way to decrease your anxiety of developing a flesh eating bacteria is to apply an antibiotic to your wounds and cuts such as Neosporin. If you keep yourself healthy, and watch post-surgery wounds or other large cuts for signs of unusual activity, you should be safe from flesh eating bacteria.

Byline

This article was composed by Ty Whitworth for the team at

http://www.medicalcodingandbillingcertification.net/.

6 Facts Regarding the Bird Flu

Michael — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 02:20:27 +0000

Since the mid to late 2000s, the fear of contracting the "Bird Flu", or H5N1, has much of the Asian, African, and European landscapes in fear. As H5N1 has an approximate 60% mortality rate, millions of people will take what ever precautions they can find to protect themselves. Here are important facts to help keep you safe from the Bird Flu.

1. Communicability - Handling of infected birds in any manner runners an extremely high risk of exposure. The H5N1 virus transmits from bird-to-human whether it is physically handling the bird, droppings, or eating raw meats and eggs from those that are infected.

2. Personal Interaction - The H5N1 virus is able to move from bird-to-human quite well; however, the move of the virus from human-to-human is very rare. In the instances of those contracting the Bird Flu from someone infected, they were through prolonged exposure and close contact. Even whole families who have become infected were suspected of handling the same birds rather than interpersonal spreading of the virus.

3. Still a Delicacy - There have been no reported cases of infection from the H5N1 virus through consumption of cooked meat and eggs. Paranoia shouldn't overcome your love of eating a nice roated chicken or duck.

4. Death's Door - Thousands of people die every year from the variant of influenza commonly known as the "seasonal" flu. What makes the Bird Flu more horrific than this variant is the high mortality rate. While thousands may die from H1N1, the influenza virus doesn't kill more than half of those infected. When viewed in perspective, the seasonal flu's mortality rate is extremely low considering the amount of global infections.

5. Media Matters - In comparison to other viral outbreaks, the Bird Flu's popularity is attributed to its aggressive nature and high mortality rate among influenza types. With an average of 40 deaths per year since 2003, H5N1 has been a topic featured in television, radio, and newspaper. However, 40 deaths per year is hardly cause for pandemonium.

6. Symptomatic - The symptoms displayed by the Bird Flu are similar to those of the more common seasonal flu. While any influenza has potential to be deadly, the odds of being infected by H5N1, especially in the American continents, is very low in general.

Although most cases of H5N1 have been isolated to one side of the globe, the threat to one's life is a reality to many. By taking standard sanitary steps when handling birds of any kind, the threat of contamination is reduced tremendously. Stay vigilant in cleanliness and H5N1 will fly right past you.

Author Bio:

Jack Meyer is a regular contributor for http://www.nannybackgroundcheck.com/. As a detective he wants to spread the knowledge of terrible things that can happen when people don’t fully verify the credentials of a caregiver or any employee. He also writes for various law enforcement blogs and sites.

What’s Your HQ (Humanity Quotient)?

Michael — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:17:35 +0000

By SurvivingSurvivalism.com

If you are reading this on the internet, you obviously follow, quite closely, current events. You keep up on the latest stories about the steps being taken to ensure war in the very near future, about the latest scam by the Fed to rake in more money for the already too, too wealthy, and about the degradation of our food into poisons ready to encourage every available cancer cell it can find.

You may have heard that high school students in San Antonio, TX are now being required to wear badges which contain an RFID tracking chip. Yeah, everyone's heard that already. But have you heard that a student who requested a religious waiver (based on these chips being the “mark of the beast”) is being harassed – amounting to religious discrimination – by being denied access to lavatories, the cafeteria and full student privileges.

She's been told that she can have those privileges back if she makes a public statement to the student body via the student newspaper that she endorses the use of RFID chips. She doesn't have to wear one, she just has to say that she agrees that students should wear one. Shall I repeat that? She doesn't have to wear one, she just has to say that she agrees that students should wear one. In other words, if she will make a statement against her religious beliefs, all will be well.

Do you feel it creeping in? Do you see the indoctrination being injected in to our “educational” system? Do you see “situational ethics” being lauded as the way to go? Do you see “go along to get along” being forced upon the mind of our young as normal and correct? Here's the question that reveals your HQ – Is this OK with you? Do you care? Can you hear this and not have your stomach turn just a bit? (NOTE: My full support and respect to this young woman who has the fortitude to stand up for her rights and beliefs.)

You probably also read about the atrocities being perpetrated daily upon the people by police of all levels of local government – state, county and city – and being condoned by judges, chiefs of police and city councils across the country. Far too great a number of officers on the street view their new tasers as a toy, to be used as often as possible, with no regard for the individual situation. Yesterday a man having an epileptic seizure was tased to death for not following the officer's instruction to “get up”. Shall I repeat that? Yesterday a man having an epileptic seizure was tased to death for not following the officer's instruction to “get up”. And this is only one of an ever-lengthening laundry list – a dirty laundry list – of innocent people injured the the thoughtless, less-than-human souls whose physical bodies are hired to “keep the peace”.

Here's the question that reveals your HQ – Is this OK with you? Do you care? Can you hear this and not shed a tear for the lost humanity? Yes, a tear for the man whose life was wrongfully cut short, but the fact that one person can inflict that much evil upon another and not be penalized by his “superiors” for such a heinous act – not even be corrected that that is was a wrong action – is beyond disgusting, beyond pitiful, beyond rationalization and degrades us all should bring about a tear as well. That is, if you have any humanity left, yourself.

Everyone is waiting for the big bang that will tell them that the New World Order has taken over. Don't bother. They already have. They have been taking away your connection to your humanity for decades, and once they have that, once they can get you to the state in which you say nothing when evil is done before you, they know they can do anything – and will. Don't give that power to them. You can stop it. They can only have your humanity if you give it to them.

The most powerful thing you can do to change our collective Humanity Quotient is to act individually. Take time out from that which you spend taking care of yourself and use some of that care for your fellow human being. Don't worry, it won't take anything away from you. In fact, it will add greatly to who you are. Say “NO” to that which is wrong – and there isn't one of you out there who doesn't know the difference. And say “NO” whether the wrongdoing is being done to you or another.

Take your humanity back.

Dan and Sheila are the authors of

Surviving Survivalism – How to Avoid Survivalism Culture Shock and hosts of the free podcast, “Still Surviving with Dan and Sheila”, both available at http://survivingsurvivalism.com/ For information about their survival community, or for other questions, they can be reached at surviving@lavabit.com

Tips for Avoiding Germs and Sickness on Campus

Michael — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:12:18 +0000

Getting sick can really put a damper on your college experience. Germs lead to sickness and are everywhere on campus, which is why you should make it one of your top priorities to avoid them whenever possible. Here are a few tips on avoiding germs and sickness on campus.

Basic Rules

By following a few basic rules of hygiene, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting sick. Washing your hands after using the restroom, going to class, or visiting common areas will really cut your risk of getting sick. Using an alcohol based hand sanitizer is also a good way to fight germs. Even with frequent washing, it is important that you refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Not only does this decrease your risk of getting sick, but it will also help to stop from spreading your germs to others. If you have to sneeze or cough, try to cover your mouth with your arm or a tissue. Avoiding sickness is easier if everyone does their part to prevent the spread of germs.

Extra Help

Other than the most basic ways to prevent sickness, it is important that you take extra precautions such as getting your flu shot. The flu is a nasty sickness and it is easily spread. Getting your vaccination greatly reduces your risk of catching the flu. While in college, you may be tempted to share things with your roommates or friends to save costs or just help a friend out. Sharing things like your toothbrush, food, or drinks should really be avoided because they are full of other people’s germs. Makeup is another personal item that should be kept to yourself. Eye makeup, such as eyeliner and mascara, definitely should not be shared. Sharing of these items can lead to infections in your eyes, which in some cases could damage your eyesight and even lead to blindness. If you do happen to become sick, it is important that you stay at home--especially if you have a fever or cough.

Take Care of Yourself

If you keep your body in good health, it will be more up to fighting off germs. So, the healthier you are, the less likely you are to get sick. There are three things you can do to really improve your body’s chances of fighting off germs: eat well, exercise, and rest. Do the best you can to get the recommended amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins, and grains every day. In addition to having a balanced diet, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day is a great help to your body. The amount of sleep you require varies depending on your age, but typically anywhere between seven and nine hours is sufficient.

Guest post from Max Quinn. Max writes for OnlineCollegeCourses.com.

Fear Itself

Michael — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:14:50 +0000

Fear Itself by SurvivingSurvivalism.com If we were to pinpoint the one pervasive emotion in society today, it would be fear. People all around you are fearful of almost everything. They fear the police. They fear the IRS, ATF, TSA and all the other "alphabet police". They fear losing their job. They fear loosing their house. They fear their city or town government. And they fear the mother of them all E fear of continuing life without enough money to maintain their current lifestyle (or at least the one the remember from a decade ago). Most people rationalize these fears as normal because "everyone has them".

We are trained from a very early age to act out of fear. We fear our teachers wrath, so we do our homework. We fear clergymen, for they decide if we go to heaven or hell, so we say all the right prayers. We fear older children who may bully us so we cross the street to avoid them. Later on in life we fear the cost and hassle of a ticket, so we fasten our seatbelts. We fear losing our house so we work in a job that means nothing, offers us no personal satisfaction other than just enough money to keep us trying to reach the carrot on the stick.

Try this experiment... list all your obligations for the next 30 days E work, social and financial E then place a star beside those that cause you any concern (fear). Most people who do this discover there are multiple things in their immediate lives that cause them fear.

Today, in 2012, there is plenty outside of our daily lives to fear: Will the world end on December 21st? Will WWIII start in Iran? Will the economy collapse? Will the poles shift position? Will the sun (or another country) send an EMP that knocks out the electrical grid? Will martial law be implemented? Have we foolishly given the President of the United States so much power that he can become a dictator? Will food supplies run out? Will the weather continue to be abnormal? Will chemtrails ultimately poison us? Will GMO crops take over all others?

Are you scared yet?

Many of these fears are constantly and purposely reinforced by what I like to call "the pop culture". Television is the greatest purveyor of fear, usually by embedding feelings of inadequacy. I recently read that the average American watches 34 hours and 39 minutes of TV per week. That's a good deal more than it would take to participate in a college course. Like the college course, you are being instructed and trained by the TV. Edward Bernaise coined the term "television programming" and his rationale was crystal clear E television was designed to program people into becoming happy consumers. These happy consumers are being motivated to purchase garbage by an external force that exploits feelings of inadequacy. Every time we watch a commercial that shows the handsome man with a real "babe" sitting next to him in his shiny new car, in our minds we feel inadequate for not having a new car, too. These feelings of inadequacy open the door to fear, especially when we are given nothing of real value to replace those desires.

Fear is the toolbox of "the powers that be" (TPTB). Fear is the lowest vibration humans can be affected by or give off. It impedes our path to higher (vibratory) levels of consciousness and ascension as human beings. People who live in a constant state of fear are very manipulatable. TPTB understand that if they can make people fearful, they can make them do anything.

It is fear E manipulated fear E that makes us compliantly stand in line to be groped before embarking on a plane, regardless of the fact that no terrorist plot has ever been discovered nor stopped by such action! Although some who suffer through the TSA's groping express anger, the real motivation for compliance is fear.

The manipulators, TPTB, are fostering fear of everything. The intensification of this fear began as a full-frontal assault in the days immediately after 9-11. It was fear that caused Americans to lay down E not once, not twice, but 3 times E and approve and abide by the Patriot Act and now NDAA. It was fear, not patriotism that caused many of us to cheer the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. It is manipulated fear that allows a once free society to accept such a campaign such as "see something/say something" E fear your neighbors, fear those who think the Constitution was a pretty good document before it was overruled by executive orders, fear those who are not dependent on "the system" for their lives, fear those who have a different opinion than you do. It is fear that keeps us from opening our mouths and saying "No" to those actions that we know are not right.

TPTB know this music very well and play it long and hard for all it's worth. They are congratulating themselves, patting each other on the back for causing 350 million people to be so fearful that they consistently act against their own self-interest E and against the last vestiges of freedom. Their jubilation is caused by knowing that 99.9% of you are easily controllable and predictable. Hitler's "final solution" required countless numbers of troops, gestapo and SS to carry it out. Today it is done with a TV ad campaign, shown in the aisles of Wal-Mart. Today TPTB brag that most will walk into what they know is their execution without even having to be told the lie that they are going being de-loused.

How do we overcome this fear that has been instilled in us? When I was a child and afraid of lightening and thunder, my mother go out the encyclopedia and we read about thunderstorms, about how the lightening was 1 mile away for every 5 second delay before hearing the thunder. I was never afraid of a thunder storm again.

Look at the reality of that which you fear. Do we need to fear Al-qaeda because of 9-11 to the point of fearing any Muslim person? It wasn't they who planned it out, they were simply to stooges used to perpetrate an evil action against 3000 innocent Americans, which action was at its essence an excuse to take Americans' freedoms away. There has been no secondary attack in the 11 years since that horrific event. If they wanted to destroy us, wouldn't they attack when we were still reeling from the first one?

Do we need to fear a neighbor who might be having an exercised conversation on his cellphone in a Wal-Mart to the point of calling in a SWAT team? Not if we take the time to take a walk passed our own house to our neighbor's to introduce ourselves and thereby learn who he or she is.

Do we need to fear an 83 year old grandmother taking her final flight to see her grandchildren to the point of humiliating her before allowing her on a plane? Or a 4 year old child screaming in terror? Or a business executive? Or YOU E what do they have to fear from you that they need to grab your genitals as you run the gauntlet of TSA "agents", wherever they set up shop?

The truth is, they do fear you. They fear that too many of us are waking up, thinking for ourselves and replacing that fear with self-determination. TPTB fear anyone who claims their own birthright to live the life they choose that does not harm another, without fear. They need you to fear them, or their plans won't work. You can't control 6 billion people with a whip, but you can control them with fear. It has worked since the days of Nimrod, who convinced his people to store all their grain in his grain bin to keep it safe from imagined attackers "lurking" outside the city walls.

Shed the fear. Be kind to each other. Help each other. Love each other. These actions leave less and less room for fear to take hold of you. If this is a new concept for you, start small. Start with your family, expand it to your co-workers, and then to people you don't even know. Once you feel how good it is to not live in fear, it may become a habit. And wouldn't that foil their plans?

Dan and Sheila are the authors of:

Surviving Survivalism E How to Avoid Survivalism Culture Shock and hosts of the free podcast, "Still Surviving with Dan and Sheila", both available at http://survivingsurvivalism.com. For information about their survival community, or for other questions, they can be reached at surviving@lavabit.com .