TB or Not TB

That's not really the question. The question is if you're like PearlieMae are you going to do whatever it takes to not get tuberculosis this year or the next. If you're a regular reader of PearlieMaes you know whatever it takes is going to be all that stressful physically or otherwise. We aren't interested in making you sweat or work up a sweat. We do admit that sweating and things that make you move til you sweat are the way to better health.We just have never believed that its the only information you should be provided. We support a two pronged method of attack.

"In 2009 there were 11,545 new cases of tuberculosis reported in the United States - Although reported TB cases reached all-time lows in the United States, there are still disproportionately high rates of TB among foreign-born persons from high prevalence countries and among U.S.born racial/ethnic minorities, especially U.S.-born blacks. Among racial and ethnic minorities, unequal distribution of TB risk factors can increase the chance of developing the disease." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Current Features)

Our focus has been on protecting yourself from the H1N1 (swine flu) and not so much from the old standbys. The reason being this is season for that kind of infection is so obvious and easily prevented. Though our own actions wouldn't be a very good indication of that practice. Which is another reason why we haven't been showing the "swine table of death" that we usually show and will return to shortly. We're still at risk each and all of us even though we've had some technical difficulties keeping our stories.

"Tuberculosis - Although tuberculosis is contagious, it's not especially easy to catch. You're much more likely to get tuberculosis from someone you live with or work with than from a stranger. Most people with active TB who've had appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks are no longer contagious." - Mayo Clinic (Causes)

The reason we haven't focused on TB is because it's not "easy to catch." It's the difficulty that doesn't need an injection for protection. Avoid the sick and don't get sick which is a good tactic for all contagious diseases. If you hear that a co-worker, family member or friend has TB and you've been especially close to that person then you might want to seek treatment. Do not self treat because whatever medications you receive has to be taken completely even when you feel better. 

Obviously Obese

You're ugly. You ain't go no alibi. You're ugly. You're ugly. You're U-G-L-Y! Goes the cheerleader chant. When you're rooting for your team and want to psyche out the other team your cheerleaders "trash talk" their opponent. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) isn't acting like an opponent. It's obvious that our children, grandchildren and all of us are fat. Yes, we're fatter than we were in 2007 and unless something else changes we'll be fatter in 2014. We're probably fatter than we were in 1807. The CDC's solution:

"More than one third of U.S. adults are obese. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body uses. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will help you prevent and control many diseases and conditions. The key is FINDING A BALANCE in your lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Finding Balance)

We don't support that as a regional or national alternative. We didn't gain weight as a national mission. We gained weight all the while trying to improve our economy, keep our jobs, saving our investments and stay alive. Unless we can embark on a national mission that will improve our economy, save our jobs, increase our investments all the while keeping us better alive we don't support it. We can't support it.

"Mean Body Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index, United States 1960–2002 - During the last 2 decades the prevalence of obesity and overweight has increased in the United States (1–3). This is in part due to a shift in the distribution of BMI (BMI, weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of the entire population. This report presents the changes in mean bodyweight, height, and BMI for the entire U.S. population from 1960 to 2002." -  Center for Disease Control and Prevention (October 27, 2004)

Gaining weight is what we do if not as American then as people in a civilized society. We get tall and we get wider. "Finding balance" is a humorous way of being absurd by the federal government that hasn't been either effective or reasonable for today's current lifestyles. We know what you want to know - how fat are we? We just don't want to be as overweight as our neighbors. "At least we're not as fat as the Jones." Or are we? The information in the CDC report comes from telephone surveys of some 405,102 people.


We conclude that since the information was collected by telephone and all the respondents we telephone owners then if you own a telephone it will make you gain weight. The solution is to rid ourselves of our telephones and if anyone asks say you're ten (10) pounds lighter than your actual weight. That way when the researchers call they'll think the country or at least the region has lost weight even though we've gotten taller. We think our suggestion would be more effective than the federal governments. Besides our suggestion, like a folk remedy, wouldn't hurt you, unless you actually believe your untruth.

Losing Snacking Weight

It was a story we could not ignore. We don't believe it and it's not so much research as it was a single person trial. Unfortunately its much todo about nothing because as wonderful as all the stories make it appear.

"PROFESSOR USING SNACK CAKE DIET TO COUNTER POPULAR HEALTH BELIEFS - His special four-week diet started Aug. 25. It includes products like peanut butter-chocolate bars, chocolate cake rolls, breakfast pizza, donuts and sugared cereal. Within the first four days of the diet, Mark Haub, associate professor of human nutrition, had lost seven pounds by eating foods high in saturated fats and sugar while maintaining his calorie goal of 1,800 kilocalories a day. "It's portion controlled. I'm eating foods that are deemed by many to be unhealthy; we will see if they are," he said." - Kansas State University (News Services)

You're hooked and ready to jump on the trial and be test subject number two (2) understand that it includes vegetables by the can, a fresh tomato and the dreaded exercise of over an hour to actually result in actual weight loss. Just when you thought you could eat your weight in snacks and actually lose weight. It is more like a commercial for eating snack food using the right portions. For how unreasonable that is read the back of your snack package and determine how many serving are actually in the pack.

"Many think increased weight gain leads to diabetes, heart disease, mortality and more. But associate professor Haub said research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found overweight people have lower mortality rates and health care costs. Haub said his diet also is easy on a budget. "It's very inexpensive and I get all of my calories for about five bucks a day," he said. "I am not promoting this or recommending it; it's just an exercise in nutrition." - Kansas State University (News Services)

The story was more a come on than an actual fact based account. Not that the associate professor is being dishonest or that the story isn't true - actually the headline from all the news services and Kansas State University is misleading. It's not so much the foods that you eat as it is in the calories you burn when you eat whatever you eat. Less calories and more burning of the whatever is left results in weight loss. Thankfully the YouTube video fills in all the gaps in the both the news stories and KSU website.

"Deakin in the news - a new snack food developed by Dr Keast who also happens to be a qualified chef. Consisting of a parmesan cheese cracker and organic mashed potato, the snack also contained natural additives – such as an antiinflammatory agent, oleocanthal, and omega 3 fatty acids – and a natural appetite suppressant. Dr Keast said it was the first time oleocanthal had been included in a manufactured food and research was continuing into its flavour and health promoting properties. ‘Overall, the snack is a vehicle for these health promoting compounds ... while it is not a natural food it is an innovative food,’ he said. A senior lecturer in the area of sensory science, Dr Keast’s research has also helped reduce bitter taste in pharmaceuticals with particular emphasis on paediatric formulations." -  Media buzz PDF (April 2, 2008)

The magical properties of oleocanthal was going to make snack food more tasty and better for us. The miracle ingredient was going to allow us to eat all the junk food we wanted as cheesy, greasy and tasty as we love and have been so far unable to resist. Oleo, the olive oil based ingredient (that makes us think of Oreo) would make our weaknesses palatable, pleasurable and make portion control possible. We could eat the whole container and our bodies would tell us that its time to stop.

"The SENECA (Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly: a Concerted Action) study, developed from 1988-89 to 1999, showed that the food pattern of southern European elders appeared to be the healthiest, since it was rich in grain, vegetables, fruit, lean meat and olive oil; however, a sufficient energy intake seemed to be necessary for an adequate micro nutrient intake. ...Nutritional status of free-living people in Palma de Mallorca is defined by a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and a low risk of undernutrition. This elderly population showed an imbalanced dietary intake, mainly characterized by low energy intake, too much energy derived from fats and proteins and poorly derived from carbohydrates, low dietary fibre intake, risk of atherogenic potential, and inadequate mineral and vitamin intake. An increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures may be expected, due to their high animal protein intake and low calcium and vitamin D intake. An increase of dietary complex carbohydrate and fibre, a decrease of fats, mainly SFA, and a balanced intake of animal/vegetable proteins and fats is recommended. Dietary supplementation, especially with calcium, vitamin C and E, and occasionally vitamin D, may be useful to improve nutritional and health status of freeliving elderly people in Palma de Mallorca." - University of Navarra (05 TUR e/c/7)

Why is this Spanish research important? We want you to live longer, stronger and better lives. We also think to be successful you should first see who is and emulate them which is the what the European Survey did. We'll admit that less than two hundred and fifty (250) people aren't a substantial population. We don't dismiss their findings. The "freeliving elderly people" from the now Palma, Spain are apparently "fat and happy." Since they have long life and health even they could have better lives with some supplementation. When science helps us to enjoy our lives of excess we're all for that kind of research.

Pneumonia Prevention

Stay warm, keep your head and feet covered, to stay healthy. That's the advice from our newest contributing writer. That's the way to stay healthy and avoid getting ill from pneumonia. Not that the research agrees with that assessment. However just as there are studies, three (3) on the issue of cold catching illnesses. Only the oldest Army study says that heat is released mostly through your head hands or feet. The biggest current stories on the disease are concerning Montana sheep, catching a virus from a monkey (in 2009) and Zyvox (Linezolid) from Pfizer to treat pneumonia.

"FWP will let Pneumonia Run its Course in Anaconda Bighorns - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) reports that the pneumonia outbreak it confirmed in Anaconda area bighorn sheep on August 19th has spread beyond management control, and wildlife officials say they will let the disease run its course. FWP killed sick sheep this fall in an attempt to eradicate the infection before it spread to healthy sheep.  But, officials decided last week to cease further culling efforts after evidence mounted that the pneumonia was already widespread." - Montana's Office State Website (News Article)

That's not the only animal story concerning a virus. Though it isn't in our region and is on the other side the country. It's an old story in that the incident occurred in 2009 and there was only one person affected and only one animal involved and none other. The incident is interesting in that the impossible appears to have become possible. Illness have either passed from animals to humans. Though even those at the University of California at Davis doubt the finding. Who are we to argue.

"New virus caused 2009 outbreak at California National Primate Research Center - This would be the first time an adenovirus had been shown to jump species, (UC San Francisco virologist Charles) Chiu said. His findings have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. An adenovirus is a type of virus that commonly causes respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The employee had experienced a flulike illness around the same time that the monkeys fell ill. The employee recovered uneventfully without medical treatment. No other employees who worked with the Titi colony were found to have developed antibodies showing that they had been exposed to the virus. Nor did any monkeys outside the colony." - University of California, Davis (News and Information)

What are the federally sanctioned ways to preventing pneumonia? There are medications that can be taken but even that information is disputed by professionals in the field. That the research is disputed without the research to support their conclusions means to us that they have to be ignored. Our concerns to to keep people alive and well and if the suggestions or disputes do not advance that reality its not of much use. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) how do you prevent pneumonia?

"Pneumonia Can Be Prevented – Vaccines Can Help - Reduce Your Risk - Pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines. Following good hygiene practices can also help prevent respiratory infections. This includes washing your hands regularly, cleaning hard surfaces that are touched often (like doorknobs and countertops), and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve. You can also reduce your risk of getting pneumonia by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke and treating and preventing conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Current Features) 

PearlieMae died from a respiratory failure as a result of complications to her cancer. She was in an institution before being revived to succumb within the nearby hospital. When you're in an institution its difficult too not follow good hygiene practices. It's certainly important for the institution's personnel to practice good hygiene. Indeed it is critical and a matter of life and death. For prevention within an institution we found this information from local John Hopkins University Hospital (JHUH) for the prevention of infection. What we didn't expect to find as a preventive measure against pneumonia was the suggestion of the simple act of coughing and breathing deeply. 

"Incentive Spirometry: You will be expected to do some very simple breathing exercises to help prevent respiratory infections by using an incentive spirometry device (these exercises will be explained to you during your hospital stay). Coughing and deep breathing is an important part of your recuperation and helps prevent pneumonia and other pulmonary complications. " - Johns Hopkins University (WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY)

We do remember the urban legend email that you'll see every now and then claiming that coughing can prevent a heart attack. Fortunately almost every debunking website has discredited the claim and though we haven't searched for the actual research or study to disprove the claim we do know that the information isn't "endorsed by Rochester General Hospital and Mended Hearts" as the message claims. 

"This coughing technique to maintain blood flow during brief arrhythmias has been useful in the hospital, particularly during cardiac catheterization. In such cases the patient's ECG is monitored continuously, and a physician is present." American Heart Association (Cough CPR)

John Hopkins is also our source for research on the issue of vaccination to prevent pneumonia. Which while presenting the information and research on the effectiveness of vaccination isn't the source that physicians tend to quote. While the myth is that the vaccines are more effective, often doubling the effectiveness percentages even among their own physicians. Even on their very own website. What's true today isn't necessarily true tomorrow. Taking that into consideration we'll allow that what was thought to be true then isn't statistically true today.

"PREVENTABLE PNEUMONIA - One vaccine, developed 20 years ago, is ninety per cent effective against these afflictions. Yet for some reason only about 30 per cent of people who ought to get the pneumococcal vaccine actually do. Johns Hopkins professor of International Health Dr. Mark Steinhoff says it could be because people assume antibiotics will clear up any health problems, especially pneumonia. But that's a mistake." - The Johns Hopkins University InteliHealth (Health Newsfeed # 941)

The most current research from a different wing of the largely same institution has found that the most recent studies are substantially different. Again we think that the sites differ only because the information that might have been considered true at the time the information was release was true at the time of publication. So while the information from the same institution differs in content and contradicts the earlier info we attribute it to time and more research.

"Pneumococcal Vaccine: Vaccinate! Revaccinate?? - It should be noted that vaccination does NOT reduce pneumonia.  A meta-analyses shows no decrease in pneumonia incidence as a result of vaccination, however it has been shown to be about 60-70% effective in preventing invasive disease (meningitis, bacteremia).  Only one study by Riley et al (Lancet. 1977 Jun 25;1(8026):1338-41) has demonstrated decreased mortality (by 44%).  Other studies to date have not been powered to do so or have not shown a statistically significant difference.  There are 40-50,000 cases of bacteremia plus 3-6,000 cases of meningitis.  Maybe half of these would be vaccine preventable." - Johns Hopkins Medicine (Pneumococcal Vaccination)

Internally we found that the John Hopkins staff was given this set of instructions which we also believe is probably outdated mostly replaced by mroe recent memos. If not one of the problems with a research institution is that the facts that always replace the procedures:

"Preventing Infections - To prevent pneumonia, carefully follow instructions about breathing treatments." - John Hopkins Medicine (National Patient Safety Foundation 2003)

While research sponsored by the Pfizer corporation found that the medication Crestor is more effective than previous thought. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the corporation a "new indication" based on the February research from the Justification for the Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluation Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial. What the February research and FDA gave to one (1) drug a new study taketh away from another.

"Popular antibiotic may not be best for pneumonia - The study was recently published in the Critical Care Medicine Journal. Dr. Andre Kalil, an infectious disease specialist at UNMC, found that the antibiotic linezolid is not superior to two other common antibiotics used to treat patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia. Pfizer manufactures the drug. Dr. Mark Kunkel, an executive director in a unit for the company, said other recent international research shows that the drug is superior to its counterparts. People get hospital-acquired pneumonia, or nosocomial pneumonia, from prolonged hospitalization and more resistant germs, Kalil said." The North Platte Telegraph (State News)

So if you're in the hospital recovering you might want to keep warm wearing a hat, gloves, warm socks, cough and breath deeply to prevent pneumonia. Remember our newest contributor and suggestions from John Hopkins University. It's good to know what doesn't work and what does work. It helps to know that there are drug that we can take to give us more protection but not unfortunately full protection.

"Excess heat loss in the hatless - As temperatures drop, hats and caps flourish. Even the US Army Field manual for survival recommends covering your head in cold weather because “40 to 45 percent of body heat” is lost through the head. If this were true, humans would be just as cold if they went without trousers as if they went without a hat. But patently this is just not the case." British Medical Journal (December 2008)

Though the information was mostly published in the British Medical Journal the research and information is from American institutions. The facts are from the seasonal myth busters of science. Disproving other seasonal misstatements of science that are more like medical myths than actual facts. Even if there are researchers that challenge the study not on their techniques so much as their conclusions. We suggest a study to study the study. Until there is research to contradict their conclusions we'll take the Indiana University School of Medicine professors words just like we accepted the US Army Field manual information until now.

If you want and need a prescription to address your pneumonia concerns then Pfizer is here for you thanks to researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA). The study was first revealed in September 2008 concerning the effectiveness of the medication. While any medication, indeed any treatment can have side effects, the purpose of the drug is to prevent an infection that could lead to death. If we or our loved ones can survive the side effects, no matter how uncomfortable, it beats the alternative.

"Study Shows Higher Rates of Success for Zyvox Versus Vancomycin in MRSA Nosocomial Pneumonia - Investigators from 156 centers worldwide randomized 1,225 patients, of whom 448 patients had  proven MRSA nosocomial pneumonia (modified intent-to-treat group); 339 patients also met key protocol criteria at the end of study (per-protocol group) and were included in the primary analysis." Infection Control Today (Oct 26, 2010)

So you can take the drug or follow the dictates of our federal government. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers their prevention tips to survive the cold weather season. We support any and all ideas to help us survive until tomorrow. We're also willing to do anything other than exercise more and lose weight. Stop smoking, we don't smoke so sure we're all for it. So what does our FDA suggest we do to get ready:

"Get Set for Winter Illness Season - Certain people are more at risk for developing complications from flu; they should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available. These groups include:

• people 65 and older
• residents of nursing homes or other places that house people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease
• adults and children with heart or lung disorders, including asthma
• adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney dysfunction, a weakened immune system, or disorders caused by abnormalities of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen)" - FDA (Prevention Tips)

We're concerned that there is something about "certain people" who are "more at risk." Why and what is it about these people that makes them "more at risk?" We know that pneumonia is much like cancer not a single one of a kind infection. What causes it isn't. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH) the solution to prevention for the elderly and those "more at risk" is vaccines. According to the University of Virginia the best vaccine if you're hospitalized or in an institution is Pfizer's Zyvox.

"University of Virginia Study Reveals Promising Method for Reducing MRSA Infections in Hospital Intensive Care Units - In a study published in the September 3, 2008 issue of Surgical Infections, UVA researchers report that switching between two antibiotics, linezolid and vancomycin, every three (3) months in the surgical ICU decreased the MRSA infection rate from 1.9 to 1.4 patients per 100 admissions. In-hospital mortality from surgical ICU-acquired MRSA infections fell from 3.8 patients per year to none." - University of Virginia Health System (Medical News)

That's been true since 2008 and to date is the best hope for surviving pneumonia. It's certainly better than it to have been a sheep with pneumonia under the previous care of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) before they decided to "cease further culling efforts." Better to suffer and survive than to be "culled." However the infection is spread complete protection is still years away. This is a constantly changing world and researchers are constantly making and releasing new information each day and when they do we'll bring the information to you. Because staying alive and keeping you alive is our reason for every season.

Dying To Live Here

The numbered dead and dying. You would think that the largest states would have the most dead and while people die in any state in the United States we were surprised that there are some states where the dying isn't consistent with the population. Since 2007 to 2009 there hasn't been a census to change the total population numbers we've been using. The most populace state in our region from 2007-2009 is North Carolina, followed by Virginia then Maryland and South Carolina. Washington DC though not a state is larger in population than Wyoming. If DC were awarded statehood it would number fiftieth (50th) out of the fifty (50) states making Wyoming fifty-first (51st) state in size of population.

If location didn't matter then tenth most populated state North Carolina should be tenth in number of deaths. Instead if you reside NC you'll be in the state that ninth (9th) in deaths for the past three years. Twelfth (12th) place Virginia has fluctuated between thirteenth last year, eleventh the year before and where you'd predict the state to be were all things equal twelfth (12th) in 2007. Maryland though nineteenth (19th) in size has maintained twenty-first (21st) in deaths for the same three (3) year period. The twenty-fourth (24th) state of South Carolina was only so in 2007 and since has only been the twenty-fifth (25th) state in deaths. Only the District of Columbia has improved since 2007 and every year since to the fifty-first (51st) from forty-ninth (49th) in 2007.

Location Location Location isn't as important as staying alive but it's more like location, diet and stress or location, location, diet, exercise and or stress. We get the number of deaths from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We want to focus and have been like the government agency, on prevention. Let's stay alive and while they're cities and communities that are doing better than others it's all so true that we all are pretty much feeling the same thing. Or at least we have over the last three (3) years.

Good To Be The King!

"It's good to be the king!" When you're in charge you can make a decision and whatever you decide will be done or heads will roll. If you're ruled by the king its not so good. We say this because we read that "(l)eading public health and infectious disease experts have issued a framework for achieving elimination of (HAIs) healthcare-associated infections." Unfortunately for our region HAIs aren't even in the top ten (10) causes of death. When you're sick and or dying it doesn't matter if what you're suffering from isn't popular. What matters is that you get well and whatever your condition its the most important condition in the world.

"The framework is detailed in a white paper co-published today in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology and the American Journal of Infection Control. The white paper, titled “Moving toward Elimination of Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Call to Action,” was jointly authored by representatives from the leading public health and infectious diseases groups including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society. " - The Infectious Diseases Society of America (October 7, 2010)

Now if we could only get the king to be dead or dying from the top ten (10) illnesses maybe we could all have a chance to be king. We're not saying that progress is bad. Progress isn't bad we also agree that it's easier to do the easy job first before you tackle the really difficult tasks. We just think that by the time you get to the really tough tasks you might be a little tired and lighter in the E-wallet. While it is true if you don't have the resources to do the really hard or expensive job it neither gets finish or do you receive the satisfaction of completing a tasks. Which is true unless you're king.

“Progress towards the elimination of HAIs is real,” said Dr. Denise Cardo, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion and lead author of the white paper. “Now is the time to build on this momentum and investment made at the federal, state, and local levels." - The Infectious Diseases Society of America (October 7, 2010)

It's good to be the king! If its good to be the king then it must be bad to be the peasants. Bad to be ruled by the king. It's good to be healthy and not need medical coverage, insurance and treatment. Good but not realistic, likely, logical or even possible at a certain age. At our age medical treatment is a requirement for longer life if you live a peasants life. What would be great if it's good to be the king is to be the prince or princess. All of the benefits without any of responsibility are what makes it great to be children of the king. By accident of birth there can only be one king.

"IDSA Comments on HHS Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections - Based on the experience of healthcare systems such as Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), BJC Healthcare, and the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), implementation of multifaceted mandatory influenza vaccination programs lead to rapid and sustained increases in influenza vaccination rates."New At IDSA (page 12)

We support the programs that make it better to be the peasants of the king. We support any and everything that makes us healthier, wealthier and give us all longer lives. That's more of the story than the results from this small study from one (1) hospital. Infections are especially important in secondary care facilities for the elderly. PearlieMae was often sent to recover there and while changes made in primary care facilities are important and an improvement we urge all facilities to elect to improve. Where ever there is a hole in the health care wall infections will seep through.

Free Government Cash

Money money money money! Money! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been doling out the grants for prevention lately. Some this region has received and most it has not. The CDC hasn't been making grants all "willy nilly." The money goes to:

"CDC Awards $1.9 Million for State and Local Sodium Reduction Initiatives - Building on existing community policies to improve nutrition and lower blood pressure, each funded project will support implementation of at least one major sodium reduction policy as well as evaluation activities. Activities could include working with restaurants and food service suppliers, grocery stores, schools, hospitals and government facilities to develop low sodium food policies, and media campaigns to help raise awareness of the dangers of too much sodium in the diet. CDC will provide technical assistance to the awardees and help them evaluate programs and policy efforts." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The region does get some of the big bucks. The little petty amounts don't get our legislators up in the morning. Big states only accept large awards for even larger amounts problems. Say $30  million will be split between the big twelve (12) but for purposes of this story only the District of Columbia and Maryland will be stuffing their coffers with federal funding.

"HHS announces $30 million in new resources to support the National HIV/AIDS Strategy - Under this program, each funded jurisdiction will work with CDC to determine what mix of HIV prevention approaches can have the greatest impact in the local area – at the individual, population, and community level - based on the local profile of the epidemic and by assessing and identifying current gaps in HIV prevention portfolios. While the exact combination of approaches will vary by area, efforts funded under this program will follow a basic approach of: intensifying prevention for individuals at greatest risk, along with testing those individuals to reduce undiagnosed HIV infection; prioritizing prevention and linkage to care for people living with HIV; and directing these intensified efforts to communities with the highest burden of HIV. " - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

But wait there's more. "More money, more problems," more funding, more and more problems that can only be solved on a national level with a national agenda. When our area representatives cry poor and broke with no cash from our Uncle Sam we can say: "Hey what about the big grants to pay for our "whatever" the feds gave us the cash to do?" The problem with that comment is that most of "the cash" will go to keep existing projects going. In order of dollars received:

In a way its a reward for a job well done or a job "well doing." If you think of it that way our Uncle isn't leaving us hanging when we're just making progress. It's not a buy yourself a new car kind of money but it is you don't have to fire your part-time staff but you will have to still make some cutbacks.

"HHS awards nearly $100 million in grants for public health and prevention priorities - The Affordable Care Act’s Prevention and Public Health Fund grants will support state and community efforts to fight obesity, increase HIV testing, promote tobacco quit lines, expand mental health and substance abuse programs and track, monitor and respond to disease outbreaks... CDC Grants -$67.7 Million - $21.6 million to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and testing ... $3.8 million in support of tobacco prevention and control... $26.4 million to strengthen epidemiology, laboratory and health information systems capacity... $6.8 Million for Capacity Building Assistance to Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure and Performance... $9.3 million in support of obesity biometric efforts... The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at HHS awarded more than $26.2 million in grants to support and promote better primary care and behavioral health services for individuals with mental illnesses or substance use disorders... HRSA GRANT - $5 Million to Address Obesity... " - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

The next time we see Matthew Lesko on late night TV, where has he been by the way, we'll think of the agencies rather than the individuals who depend on these government bailout or pork to keep us all healthy, wealthy and wise. Considering that the District of Columbia has no real voting power in Congress we have to be amazed at the rewards received and dismayed when none are not. We get what we pay for!

Smoking Deaths

When the founder and his wife took a working vacation to South Carolina they did more than just sun and fun themselves. They walked, talked and researched. And if you're from the IRS they performed all the necessary functions to render their trip fully tax deductible under the current terms of the tax code. That is also why we've added a new state to our regional reporting.

Although South Carolina is a big tobacco state it was surprising to discover so many non-smoking establishments, although there was smoking and most ridiculous was the non-smoking section of the New China Buffet where the food was plentiful, cheap and delicious. We found the best (meaning syrupy sweet) sweet tea in all of the state. The section was separated by a booth divider that was waist high. Fortunately there were no noticeable smokers in the smoking section.

"Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year in the United States, cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke causes 443,000 or 1 in 5 deaths. Economic losses are also staggering. Smoking-caused diseases result in $96 billion in health care costs annually." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

But enough about the new addition. Let's put things into perspective by examining the winners and losers in the area of smoking health. How do we rank, meaning our region? In order of importance by how we will survive in the number one (1) spot at nineteenth (19th) is:

District of Columbia - "Among adults ages 35+ years, over 700 died as a result of tobacco use per year, on average, during 2000-2004. This represents a smoking-attributable mortality rate of 249.9 / 100,000. The District of Columbia's smoking-attributable mortality rate ranks 19th among the states."

It's all over after the District of Columbia because followed by all the over twentieth (20th) place with the others following with the great state of -

Maryland - "Among adults aged 35+ years, over 6,900 died as a result of tobacco use per year, on average, during 2000-2004. This represents a smoking-attributable mortality rate of 261.9 / 100,000. Maryland's smoking-attributable mortality rate ranks 23rd among the states."

Rounding out the twentieth (20th) level is the southern state of -

Virginia - "Among adults aged 35+ years, over 9,200 died as a result of tobacco use per year, on average, during 2000-2004. This represents a smoking-attributable mortality rate of 267.0 / 100,000. Virginia's smoking-attributable mortality rate ranks 28th among the states."

As the newcomer its certainly not the least or the last in the rankings, the very southern of the Carolinas

South Carolina - "Among adults aged 35+ years, over 6,100 died as a result of tobacco use per year, on average, during 2000-2004. This represents a smoking-attributable mortality rate of 293.4 / 100,000. South Carolina's smoking-attributable mortality rate ranks 37th among the states."

The editor has picked tobacco or at least attempted to pick tobacco as a child in the state of his birth, the most northern of the Carolinas -

North Carolina - "Among adults aged 35+ years, over 12,300 died as a result of tobacco use per year, on average, during 2000-2004. This represents a smoking-attributable mortality rate of 298.4 / 100,000. North Carolina's smoking-attributable mortality rate ranks 38th among the states."

 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released reports congratulating California for their successful handling of their whooping cough outbreak and administration of their H1N1 flu inoculations. As always if you don't want your grandchildren to fall victim to its effects you'll need a shot for that!

"Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age. The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC press release said:

New Data Show Gains in Public Health Preparedness - "Today's report indicates that our nation is better prepared to respond to a public health emergency. It also reminds us that preparedness challenges remain and our efforts need to continue," said Dr. Ali Khan, director of CDC's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. "We must foster improvements for rapid awareness, identification, and communication of health threats; measurable preparedness goals and response plans; and ongoing support for state and local public health." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released reports congratulating California for their successful handling of their whooping cough outbreak and administration of their H1N1 flu inoculations. As always if you don't want your grandchildren to fall victim to its effects you'll need a shot for that!

So who are the CDC's top ten states that are making great strides? They are in order of success:

Percentage of Recommended Tobacco Control Investment, 2007 - Maine, 1, 85.5%; Delaware, 2, 79.4%; Wyoming, 3, 78.2%; Alaska, 4, 70.7%; Hawaii, 5, 66.6%; Vermont, 6, 61.8%; Montana, 7, 57.3%; Colorado, 8, 48.7%; North Dakota, 9, 47.1%; Arkansas, 10, 44.3% - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

There are other rankings at the same site where you our region can do much better than published in other categories. Think of it as those other categories in the beauty pageant that have nothing to do with beauty. That's for the really desperate who wants better news than you've lost! You can go there find better news if you must and we're certain that our leaders will.

Not So Handy Sanities

We were in a public government building today and discovered that all the hand sanitizers on three (3) floors we were at the entrance by the elevators were all out of hand sanitizer. One elevator rider told us the story of having an automatic dispenser at home that was emptied by friends on the very first day. When we found the story from the researchers at University of Virginia saying that hand sanitizers weren't effective at preventing colds or flu we went searching for the source.

We could not find the information at the of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) website where the researchers from the University of Virginia (UofV) announced their findings. We could not find the story or the researchers quoted in the article. But we did find these stories which we thought were indirectly related.

"Rubbing hands together after washing them increases the danger of contamination, scientists warn - Although hand-dryers are more environmentally friendly than paper towels researchers found that bacteria levels increased when people rubbed their hands together while using them. They concluded that paper towels were the most effective means of reducing the risk of infection after washing. " - Microbe World (Sept 12, 2010)

When you call people and ask them about washing their hands they say they do so more than used to according to research reported at the ICAAC. Men do better at home than at the ballgame women are always better than men anywhere. Overall the results were:

"In a 2010 telephone survey of 1,006 American adults, Harris Interactive's survey for ASM and ACI found the vast majority of us say we always wash our hands after using the bathroom at home (89%). More Americans now report that they always wash their hands after changing a diaper (82%), an increase from 2007 (73%). Women are better than men at this practice: 88% of the ladies say they always wash their hands after diaper duty, compared to 80% of the guys." - Microbe World (Sept 13, 2010)

On the very bad side in three (3) states (none in our area) there is a superbug. A super infection that can't be killed or stopped. Now that's scary. It's in the United States, Canada, Britain and India already. Hopefully by the time it reaches us it we might be able to stop it or have a way infect against it. Just in time for flu season!

"An infectious-disease nightmare is unfolding: A new gene that can turn many types of bacteria into superbugs resistant to nearly all antibiotics has sickened people in three states and is popping up all over the world, health officials reported Monday. ...The U.S. cases occurred this year in people from California, Massachusetts and Illinois, said Brandi Limbago, a lab chief at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three types of bacteria were involved, and three different mechanisms let the gene become part of them." - Microbe World (Sept 13, 2010)

Now you're going to think we made this up (we didn't!). The solution for the new super bug might be the lowly cockroach's brain. According to researchers from the University of Nottingham (London):

"...they have in their brain up to nine molecules from which antibiotics could be produced. These molecules apparently have the capacity to fight more than 90 percent of resistant bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, said researchers from the Universities of Nottingham." - Prensa Latina (Sept 7, 2010)

Superbugs, cockroaches, and hand sanitizers oh my! What was the original story - we didn't forget. It's just not at the ICAAC website though mentioned in all the news stories. It is at the University of Virginia's Health Center website. Funded by the Dial (soap) corporation the study found:

"In the study, volunteers who used an antiviral hand sanitizer every three hours had 42 rhinovirus infections per 100 subjects compared to 51 infections per 100 subjects in volunteers who used no special intervention. Similarly, volunteers who used the sanitizer had 12 influenza infections per 100 subjects compared to 15 infections per 100 subjects in the control group. Researchers also found that hand sanitizer did not significantly reduce the frequency of illnesses caused by these viruses. " - UofV (Health System)

What's not mentioned in any of the articles or in the University of Virginia's press release is the earlier research from the same school with the same sponsor that found hand sanitizers were more effective than soap and water.

"Hand sanitizers that contain ethanol are more effective at removing some cold germs than washing your hands with soap and water, a new study says. Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Dial Corporation looked at sanitizers containing both ethanol and organic acids and found they prevent the return of the rhinovirus up to four hours after applied to hands. " - Toronto Sun (March 24, 2010)

So soap and water is not as effective as hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers don't prevent flu and a super infection is on its way that nothing stops. The good news is researchers have stop killing your roaches because cockroach brains may hold the key to the cure or treatment against the new super bug. Is this a crazy world or what?

Whatever! The University of Virginia's website doesn't give much credence to the reports because at their own Health System site they do not suggest anything more than hand washing which according to their own research isn't as effective as hand sanitizing which they call "also helpful." Not according to their very own professionals! That's the real story.

Fat Funds

It's not what you say - it's what you don't say! That was how one of our favorite game shows ended their programming. We think it's a great metaphor for life and politics. We think if we don't tell you to watch out then we're responsible for what we thought could hurt you - hurting you. We're responsible if we didn't warn you. If we warn you and you don't heed our warning then that's on you. We'll sound the alarm when the alarm needs sounding. We say this because our favorite government agency, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's "Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) currently funds 25 states to address the problems of obesity and other chronic diseases through statewide efforts." So if your state (and ours are not) isn't addressing the problems that face it for whatever reason - it might be time for you to consider new representation. Not that we're telling you to do that because sometimes its "the devil you know" that's better than one you don't.

"North Carolina's estimated 2007 total population is 9 million, roughly 7 million are adults. Of those adults, 36% are considered overweight and another 29% are considered obese, according to 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Problems are also seen in factors related to obesity and other chronic diseases.

1. Approximately one quarter of adults report no leisure time physical activity in the past month.
2. Only 22% of North Carolinians report eating fruits and vegetables at least five times a day." - CDC (Overweight & Obesity)

Neither DC, Maryland or Virginia received funding from the federal government to address the issue in their states.Nor are they scheduled to receive any future funds either. The money comes from:

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 states that “$650M shall be provided to carry out evidence-based clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies authorized by the Public Health Service Act that deliver specific, measurable health outcomes that address chronic disease rates.” The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed an initiative in response to the Act. The goal of this initiative – Communities Putting Prevention to Work – is to reduce risk factors and prevent/delay chronic disease and promote wellness in both children and adults. The initiative was launched by HHS in a press briefing held on September 17, 2009. - CDC (Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)

We asked the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) why weren't they selected and if they even applied for the funds (they meaning our jurisdictions) . We'll keep you abreast of their response if and when we receive it. We'd like to modify our favorite game show quote to: "It's not what you do it what you don't do!" That's about as political as we'll get in this season of flu and politics. Again we say it's up to to you to do. What happens when you've got the information is on us all. We're responsible. Each and everyone of us.

Fruits & Veg

How fat are we? Not us but we the region. When we say fat we don't mean overweight we mean obese. How obese are we? Compared to other regions and in this nation of these United States how obese are we? When you get the call you might want to keep that in mind. It's not just our size it's our health and welfare. In our case its what makes us happy. We've said before: "The top destroyers us are: cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and accidents." Our weight makes us a candidate for death for all four (4).

If the region has no plans for the future there would not appear to be any future for change if there are no plans to change the future. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for this week said:

"A diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk for many leading causes of death (1--3) and can play an important role in weight management (4). Healthy People 2010 objectives for fruits and vegetables include targets of increasing to 75% the proportion of persons aged ≥2 years who consume two or more servings of fruit daily and to 50% those who consume three or more servings of vegetables daily.* To assess states' progress over the past decade in meeting these targets among adults and to provide an update of the 2005 subgroup estimates (5), CDC analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)." - CDC (MMWR)

Their (the BRFSS) telephone survey doesn't indicate a very bright future for region using figures from 2000 to 2009. If our area hasn't announced plans which might indicate changes that might offer a healthier future for we the people of the area (and as far as we can determine they have not) it's not likely they'll be improvements. You won't have to wait for any news reports of good news for this year or the next. If changes are needed and are not made it's not looking very rosy in our futures.

"No state has yet met the Healthy People 2010 goals, (Dr. Jennifer) Foltz said. In fact only one state, Idaho, rose in the amount of fruits and vegetables ate while 10 states saw a decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption. The 10 states where significant decreases in fruit and vegetable consumption were seen are Arizona, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia, according to the report." - US News & World Report (Health News)

Of course it's just the government talking. They're not really trying to sell you anything. But how fat are we? One of the complaint people have is not having access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Local area farmers markets and larger grocery stores carry fresh fruits and vegetables and while we may complain about the costs and the variety the basics are their. Many onsite stores like SAFEWAY, GIANT, ALDI, PIGGY WIGGLY, WINN DIXIE, HARRIS TETTER, FOOD LION and even WAL-MART offer recipes along with their choices of fresh produce for sale that week.

"...a diet high in fruits and vegetables is important for maintaining a healthy weight because they are high in fiber and in water. It also reduces the risk of leading causes of death, such as heart disease, some cancers, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, and diabetes." - Dr. Jennifer Foltz (researcher with CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion) LISTEN

Listen to the government if you want to live! There are things that each of us needs to do to stay well but then their are things your government needs to do to keep us well as well. Clean air, clean water, nuclear free and disease prevention are all things that the government could or should do for its citizenry. In this case the government first gives you the data for you to decide for yourself. The information is provided by you and your neighbors so trust it if you trust the source.

We placed the numbers in an excel spread sheet because the table isn't very friendly and of course the numbers come with all sort of caveats in this case the "(r)esults presented are weighted for age, race/ethnicity, and sex." Some show significant increases and others show significant decreases in rates and per centages. For specifics check the CDC website (do you really care that much about the specific numbers?) We just use the numbers to verify the news stories. When the facts don't match we let you know and ask the questions why.

"In 2009, an estimated 32.5% of U.S. adults consumed fruit two or more times per day, with the highest percentage in DC (40.2%) and the lowest in Oklahoma (18.1%). The percentage of adults who consumed vegetables three or more times per day was 26.3%, with the highest percentage in Tennessee (33.0%) and the lowest in South Dakota (19.6%). Thus, no state met either of the Healthy People 2010 targets related to fruit and vegetable consumption among adults. Twelve states (12) and DC had 35%--45% of adults who consumed fruit two or more times per day, compared with no states that had 35%--45% of adults who consumed vegetables three or more times per day." - CDC (MMWR)

What about the rest of the region? Maryland was sixth (6) in 2009 for fruit, Virginia was sixteenth (16) and North Carolina forty-third (43). For vegetables in 2009 Washington DC maintained its second (2) place ranking, Virginia placed second (2) in the region but sixth (6) place nationally with Maryland not far behind with a tenth (10) place rank and then North Carolina finishing fourth in the region but nineteenth (19) overall in the nation. What might be a good ranking in the region is still no cause for celebration. It's hard to celebrate saying you're better than the worst especially when the worst have federal funding to improve their condition.

Sick Food

We wrote this article before the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their information on 2007 we repeat back, when there was another president and some three (3) years ago and the situation that you did not know (and neither did we) was pretty bad. Sorry we didn't tell you sooner.

The study, Health-Related Costs from Foodborne Illness in the United States, was written by Dr. Robert L. Scharff, a former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) economist and current Ohio State University assistant professor in the department of consumer sciences. The study estimates that more than a quarter of these costs, an estimated $39 billion, are attributable to foodborne illnesses associated with fresh, canned and processed produce. The FDA has announced that it will propose before the end of the year mandatory and enforceable safety standards for the growing, harvesting and packing of fresh produce. These will be the first nationwide safety standards for fresh fruits and vegetables. - Produce Safety Project (PSP)

You can view the entire PDF at this link! If you can to know where the information comes from. You can read it yourself.

The survey was commissioned by the Produce Safety Project (PSP), an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts at Georgetown University, and conducted by Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.). Thirty-nine of the 51 state and District of Columbia health departments responded to the survey, which asked about the types of questions and questionnaires administered to victims of foodborne illness, the time frame in which they were completed, and how states collected and stored the resulting data for calendar year 2007. Despite the increase in the number of multi-state outbreaks of illnesses linked to fresh produce over the past several years, the data show that only 25 of the 39 states responding to the PSP/S.T.O.P. survey asked victims about specific produce items - even if the item was associated with a past outbreak. "It is important to learn from our experience, and so it is surprising that many states are failing to ask about fruits and vegetables on their questionnaires given to foodborne illness victims," said Jim O'Hara, PSP director. - Produce Safety Project (PSP)

We knew the problem was bad some months ago. There is a difference between knowing three (3) year old information and knowing information that will be reported as bad some years later. Ideally the goal would be to act before the problem becomes a problem as the government did with the swine flu that we were so hyped because we didn't think the numbers of dead and dying were acceptable even though the government and local health departments didn't seem alarmed.

In September 2008 a survey conducted for PSP that people were concerned about safe food and believe their concerns are serious.

In November 2008 they released a report about lessons that could be learned from the Salmonella Saint Paul outbreak of 2008.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the Salmonella Saint Paul outbreak of 2008 officially over on August 28, 2008, some three months after it began. During that time, more than 1,400 persons were reported infected, and if, as suggested by research, this represents an underreporting, [1] the outbreak may have sickened thousands of Americans. Although CDC and FDA initially pointed in early June to tomatoes as the cause of the outbreak based on epidemiological data, no contaminated tomato was ever found. In July, CDC and FDA identified jalapeno and serrano peppers as being responsible for illnesses, and the only microbiological evidence of food contaminated by Salmonella Saintpaul was, in fact, found in jalapeno and serrano peppers.[2] However, as a result of the initial identification of tomatoes as the vector for the disease, the tomato industry, a significant sector of this country's agriculture economy, was another major casualty. Estimates of the economic cost to that industry in Florida alone have been more than $100 million and in Georgia close to $14 million. [3] A less tangible, but still very real, impact of the outbreak may well be its long-term effect on consumer confidence in fresh produce in general and fresh tomatoes in particular. - Produce Safety Project (PSP)

You'll be glad to know that this isn't the end of the story. The government is on it - albeit three years later but lets let everybody calm down. Take a deep, nevermind! Let's just drink a glass of water, eat a piece of chocolate with a bowl of berries or deep vegetables.

The Air Truth

What can you do? We're not going to be afraid. We CAN handle the truth. Until we get the truth and its too much for us to handle. The truth is TOO much for us to handle. The truth is in our environment regardless of how well we take care of ourselves we're being attacked by unseen attackers in our air and seeping into our water supply. Yes, many are filtered out but when we're breathing it in and expelling it out. On our skin and on our clothes.

We intended to include information from one of our favorite shows that we almost never watch, the Doctor Oz show. We don't watch the show because we really CAN'T handle the truth. We want to until Dr. Mehmet Oz tells us we have to do what we don't want to do to keep us healthy and alive. When he shows us the affects of our inaction its overwhelming sometimes. When he doesn't give us the information directly and like PearlieMae directs us to the truth. It's when we CAN'T handle it.

"A person's cancer risk can be reduced in other ways by receiving regular medical care, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol use, avoiding excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. "(Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

This is the most obvious individual ways of personal responsibility. We call this blaming the victim. We don't want to blame you we want to communicate with you in the most effective way to encourage you to do what you can do to have a better and healthy life. PearlieMae would say the family was trying to control her. We would never do that. We give you the information and hopefully we can do it, like the good Doctor, and you'll be inspired to do what you want to do in a way that improves the quality of your life.

The other way is what's where you live. And we mean in your community. Not what you're told because all that's here is what's in your neighborhood detected and reported by your local or the federal government. What's too much to handle is the specific effects of the things detected.

"The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR serves the public by using the best science, taking responsive public health actions, and providing trusted health information to prevent harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances." (CDC)

What you'll find we have to warn you might be more truth than you can handle. We'll admit its' more than we can handle so we'll bury our heads in the sand and act as if it doesn't matter. Yes, we know it does. We're just not ready for this much truth. Even the site and the government doesn't do that. But the next time you're not feeling well and you're off from work - just pull up this site and see what's going on especially if your neighbors are feeling the same symptoms.

"I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord" - Phil Collins "In The Air Tonight"

You know there's more don't you that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you tear away a piece of the veil you eyes are wide open. Can you stand to read moreeee? We can't. The same Center for Disease Control and Prevention that brought us the above information also tells us that there are other little nasties out there at a rate of early 1,100 food borne outbreaks reported nationally in 2007 which works out to more than three a day (365 days in a year x 3 = 1095).

CDC Report looks at Foods and Foodborne agents associated with Outbreaks in the United States - "A total of 1,097 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in 2007 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a CDC analysis. State investigators reported 21,244 illnesses and 18 deaths as a result of these outbreaks. The report also provides the most recent data on how many illnesses were linked to specific types of foods." (CDC)

If that's not enough even if you survive all the diseases, local toxins, foul air, and every other nasty out there. Say you make it safely home every day, God willing and the creek don't rise. You can be placed at risk by accidents that happen to other people. Were not talking health care so much as health care costs that affect your health by their very expensiveness.

"...injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, to people riding in cars and light trucks cost $70 billion a year. Injuries to motorcyclists cost $12 billion. Bicyclists and pedestrians, who are vulnerable against motor vehicles, cost $5 billion and $10 billion a year respectively, the CDC said." (CNN)

And then you die. Again not to make you fearful but unlike the young and the very young at heart, taking risk while behind the wheel, such as driving aggressively or even too timidly or texting / talking while on the phone, all can lead to higher cost (both physical and fiscal) and less effective emergency department services for those not so distracted.

Cold Week 8 No DC Kills

When is less more? When this weeks flu deaths exceeded last weeks deaths and this weeks or rather week number eight (8) deaths from flu or pneumonia from the District of Columbia are not reported. This month is considered or rather week eight's (8) month is considered the peak of the flu season. That the numbers are up is not inconsistent with the period as predicted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

When is it less? When even with an unreported weekly figure from Washington DC the overall numbers are down when compared to the periods of the previous three (3) years. It's working. It's working! If you got vaccinated you are protected. Whether or not you believe that the protection is actually protecting you, its protecting you by keeping those who could infect you uninfected. That might be hard to understand but its easily and scientifically verifiable. We're protected and again this is the height of the season of infections and the flu shot protection will keep you alive and sick free. Nothing offers you that kind of protection except the shot.

Flu Deaths 2010 by Jurisdiction  THIS Week LAST Week YTD 2010 YTD 2009 YTD 2008 YTD 2007 District of Columbia Baltimore, MD Charlotte, NC Richmond/Norfolk,VA U 20 12 6 3 11 12 4 11 133 97 47 12 136 66 61 11 131 100 53 9 121 100 55 TOTALS WEEK 8  38  30  228  275  295  285

"The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report increased very slightly over last week but remains low. One flu-related pediatric death was reported this week associated with an influenza B virus infection that occurred in February 2009. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 329 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths: 277 due to 2009 H1N1, 50 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza A, but the flu virus subtype was not determined, and two pediatric deaths that were associated with seasonal influenza viruses. (Laboratory-confirmed deaths are thought to represent an undercount of the actual number. CDC has provided estimates about the number of 2009 H1N1 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The dead totals for the week (eight) excluding the unreported figures from the District of Columbia are for Maryland (171),  North Carolina (123) and Virginia (146). That Washington DC didn't report any death numbers for the week is consistent with the reporting habits for the jurisdiction for the years 2009 and 2008. That the numbers were either unreported or didn't include any deaths should figure, in our opinion, into the city's scheduling. Every year, weather pending, close down the jurisdiction for the protection of its citizens so that no one would die.

Oh, if that's all it took think of how much money we could save in health costs!

Our focus, maybe much like yours, has been on the second earthquake to hit Chile and the current malaria outbreak in Haiti. And while its good to be concerned for others while were on this "flight through time and space" like all good passengers we have to first be able to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. So continue to take care of yourself, give what you can and do what you're able. Just keep on being safe.

Sick of the Cold Week 7

OK there is sick as in ill with a cold or flu and then there is fed up as in "sick and tired" of something that you've had too much of and that's where we are. That also appears to be where many others are as well. In the District of Columbia there is a church sign posted saying: "To those of you praying for snow. Please stop." We have to agree. Make it stop and we don't just mean the white stuff. It's cold enough for us with the wind and without. This feels like it's enough to make us sick.

2010 FLU DEATHS by Jurisdiction THIS Week LAST Week YTD 2010 YTD 2009 YTD 2008 YTD 2007 District of Columbia Baltimore, MD Charlotte, NC Richmond / Norfolk, VA 3 11 12 4 1 16 12 5 11 113 85 41 12 125 56 53 11 117 87 46 9 116 87 48 TOTALS (Week 7) 30 34 250 253 261 260

On the good side we're not giving each other as much flu and pneumonia as well normally do. People are still being victimized by the flu though not as often. Cold good for us. Tarzan glad. One of the benefits of cold weather is the ability to keep us from infecting each other with our little viral "nasties." Our concern with the District of Columbia was the third (3) highest cause of death is accidents. When the mayor of Washington DC refused to close the local government when the roads were too icy to drive we thought the matter reckless and irresponsible. We aren't the ones responsible for the shrinking budget of a major metropolitan area so the decision isn't ours and its easy for us to second guess the mayoral decision. That's why we think emergency plans are so important. That this winter storm which exceeded all other prior storms yet didn't rank as an emergency we just couldn't fathom it.

On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine next season. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. Next season's vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus and 2 other flu viruses. - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Just as the snow stops for some jurisdictions the deaths begins but the pattern is a little strange both north and south. In the District of Columbia the overall number of deaths are the years second highest (105) and they are in Richmond Virginia with their year to date highest amount of all deaths (81) while neighboring Baltimore (with 101) and Norfolk (with 52) is a decline in overall death rates. In Charlotte all the total number of deaths are down (with 105).

"The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold... No states reported widespread influenza activity, three states reported regional influenza activity, Puerto Rico and eight states reported local influenza activity, the District of Columbia..." - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

That so many Washingtonians died as compared to much larger by land mass and population statistics should be a cause for alarm for the area yet its not even worthy of mention in area media  Though not a state the District of Columbia is the fiftieth (50) largest state in the union only Wyoming is smaller according to 2008 census stats. No state has as density a population as the Washington DC. North Carolina is tenth (10) largest state in the union, Virginia is twelfth (12) and Maryland nineteenth (19). Aren't you glad that we're here to tell you what's what? Thankfully the federal government is addressing the national threat and planning to incorporate the solution into the future to prevent the possibility of future death to flu or pneumonia.