What exactly is swine flu?

Swine flu is a form of influenza that is caused by strains of virus that usually infects pigs. It’s a common infection among pigs in Midwestern US, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Kenya, mainland china, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of Asia. Transmission of the swine flu virus from pigs to humans is not common, though there have been some reported cases earlier among people who work in close proximity with pigs. Since the mid twentieth century, only about fifty such transmissions have been reported, the spread and disappearance being more localized.

But the current strain of microbe is re-silent and fast moving, and what’s even more worrying is that it spreads from human to human contact, unlike the earlier report cases. This means that none of us are immune to the possibility of infection.

Reports indicate that the current strain is the new one of influenza a virus subtype H1N1. The origin of this strain is unknown. World organization of animal health reports that this strain is not isolated in pigs, and other initial reports describe it is an apparent re-assortment of at least four strains from humans, birds and swine.

Eyes right

Sunglasses are no longer a fashion statement or a disguise. They protect your eyes from the sun's radiation and crew's feet. Providing that they be properly equipped to do so

For safe shades

Look for the 100% UV protection label, which checks harmful UV rays and the level of infrared rays. Or 400 nm which means the same thing say UV 400. 280.3 means that it screens 60%of UVA and 95% of UVB. Check them out by looking at a floor tile. Hold at a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Swivel slowly from side to side, up and down. Watch out for wiggles, bubbles and blemishes that can cause eyestrain. Look through the glares at a tube light. You need a crisp reflection. Size matters, the bigger the better to cut out the sun. Wraparound the side flips are best for preventing rays from making a side entry. Insist that your children wear regular glares (not those bought in toy shapes) on the beach or in the snow. Long term exposure to the sunlight in the first 20 years of life is linked to early cataract formation.

Meditation and breathing techiques

Sleep deprivation is one of the leading causes of stress in pregnancy: a 20 minute nap in the afternoon and sound sleep at night will make a pregnant woman feel fresh and energetic. Join antenatal classes so that you get a chance to talk to other pregnant women and share your thoughts.
Meditation reduces blood pressure, stress levels and increases , . Breathing techniques help you to relax during pregnancy. Yoga during pregnancy not only helps you to tone your body but also assist you in labor.

THERE’S SEX AFTER CANCER

32 year old Sasha P. had been married for 7 years when she suddenly started bleeding after sex. She ignored it for four months because she just didn’t seem able to make time for herself in the midst of her job as marketing manager, which required much traveling. When she did see her gynecologist a battery of tests revealed cervical cancer. She was admitted to the hospital where stoically underwent a radical hysterectomy in which her womb, tubes and ovaries were removed. After the operation Sasha has to under go six sessions of radiations to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The oncologist prepared her for symptoms for diarrhea, tiredness, burning urination.

Considerably concerned, she met her gynecologist who put her on hormone replacement theory. Am I morphing into middle aged women? She wondered. Though it all Aman stood stead fast by her side. The couple had always enjoyed a satisfying and fulfilling sex life despite their hectic schedules. Right through the radiation period they had taken comfort in making love, but without penetration.

How to prevent stress?

Don’t hesitate to ask your colleague's help, if you are drained out. And since travelling to work can also be stressful, it will be good to explore the options of working from home, if possible. Because remember, our bodies react to stress in exactly the same way whether or not we have a good reason for being stressed. The body doesn’t care if we are right or wrong. Even in those times when we feel perfectly justified in getting angry- when we tell ourselves it’s the healthy response- we pay for it just the same. And if I may use one of today’s expressions to sign off, just “chill out”. You deserve it.

Prevention from swine flu

Prevention
A new virus being developed is slated to be available only mid 2009. Till then, adequate precautions against infection is absolutely essential in order to prevent a global pandemic.

Prevention has three components
(1) prevention in swine,
(2) prevention of transmission to humans ,
(3) prevention of it spreading among humans

Prevention in swine
Facility management
Herd management
Vaccination

Prevention of transmission to humans
Farmers working with pigs and veterinarians must use a face mask when dealing with infected animals.
Wear gloves when working with sick animals.

Prevention of human to human transmission
Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol based hand sensitizers, especially after being out with public.
Anyone with flu like symptoms such as sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation, and contact a doctor to be tested.