Obama Health Plan facts

Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your entire e-mail list of family and friends. Here is a copy of the ObamaCare health plan. You better read it because you will be forced to live with it! July 31, 2009
Here is an overview of the ObamaCare health care bill (HR 3200) which Congress is about to force every citizen to live under, except members of Congress.Members of Congress will be exempt from being forced into this plan. They will have their own. The liberals, Democrats and some Republicans - while forcing you to join the plan - refuse to include themselves. Members of Congress will have a better plan which gives them freedom you will be denied.You can read an updated and revised overview of HR 3200 compiled by Liberty Counsel.Or, go to the full text of HR 3200 and read directly from the government website what this bill does!
http://www.liberty.edu/media/9980/attachments/healthcare_overview_obama_072909.pdf
Your Senators and Representative will soon be home for the August recess of Congress. Get a car load of friends and go meet with your Senators and Representative. Find out where he or she is holding Townhall meetings. Go to those meetings and ask for some answers! Some of them may try to avoid discussing ObamaCare. Don't let them!Find your Senators and Representative local offices here.Take Action! • E-mail your Senators and Representative,asking for a schedule of their Townhall meeting during the month of August. Once you get the information, get a carload of friends and attend the Townhall meeting.• If your Senators or Representative is not holding Townhall meeting, ask why not.(We have been told that many of those favoring ObamaCare aren't holding meeting because they don't want to answer questions about ObamaCare.) Then ask for an appointment at his or her district office nearest you.


Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue? https://donate.afa.net/default.aspx?noseal=
Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon,Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association Donate with confidence to AFA (gifts are tax-deductible)

Please take a few minutes and invite your friends to AFA ActionAlert.

Green Collar Vets

I found this organization and wanted to share it with you, they have a lot of information on their site for upcoming Green job fairs for Vets.


Green Collar Vets is a nationwide organization that promotes operations at a grass roots level. We believe in the power of local communities to support their veterans' needs and opportunities, as well as their local emerging Green industries.
Our goal is to ensure that those servicemen and women, who have served our country with distinction, and are now interested in civilian careers that lessen our dependence on oil, or lessen the impact of toxins in our environment, have a guiding hand to find that job - and the additional support to be successful in it. The end result will provide a competent, professional workforce for the installation, operation, maintenance and management of green products and services across the country. THE MILITARY VETERAN NEED:In 2006, 175,000 servicemen and women entered the civilian labor market in 2006. The same year, 110,000 Reservists returned home from periods of active-duty service and resumed their civilian careers. These numbers are expected to increase. Newly-separating veterans face significant challenges returning to civilian life and securing meaningful employment that will support themselves and their families. - Unemployment among young veterans is about 15%, or roughly three times what it is overall in our economy. - Many veterans have been trained in wartime specialties that are not transferable to the civilian sector, such as weapons specialists, munitions handlers, gunners and infantrymen. - Wartime disabilities may be physical or mental, according to the 2009 IAVA report.- While the GI Bill provides valuable educational benefits for veterans, many of 'green' employment opportunities require training, licensing, or certifications that are not yet covered by this benefit.THE GREEN BUSINESS NEED:RAPID GROWTH The American Solar Energy Society 2008 Green Collar Jobs report forecasts 37 million jobs from Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) by 2030. Investment in these industries is soaring and supported by the new Obama administration. LABOR SHORTAGE In spite of massive lay-offs and rising unemployment in 2009, America’s growing green economy faces a looming labor shortage in sectors like manufacturing, construction and installation. The National Renewable Energy Lab has identified a shortage of skills and training as a leading barrier to renewable energy and energy efficiency growth. This includes lack in the workforce of adequate scientific, technical, and manufacturing skills required for EE/RE development; lack of reliable installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and failure of the educational system to provide adequate training in new technologies.
THE GREEN COLLAR VET INITIATIVEGreen Collar Vets links this group of multi-skilled individuals, who have proven their desire to make the world a safer place, with the rapidly-growing, multi-faceted industries that are based on making the world a better place. It is a natural fit.NATIONAL OUTREACH: Our stakeholders are veterans, 'green' employers, and their communities.Our Phase II Website will assist a veteran to research what the various green careers are, who offers training, and where these jobs are located. It will assist employers and qualified veterans to find each other. LOCAL OUTREACH: Starting in Texas, and branching out to communities across the United States by 2010, local chapters of Green Collar Vets will oversee 'green' scholarships and training programs for qualified veterans. Communty resources for career counseling, resume writing, interview skills, and other services will be coordinated. Volunteers will visit local military bases to speak at transition programs. They will visit hiring 'green' employers to connect veterans with these good jobs that pay family wages and provide opportunities for advancement along a career track of increasing skills and wages.
BECOME INVOLVED!1. Friends of Green Collar Vets: Use the CONTACT page and we'll add you to our e-newsletter list, which makes it easy to track our progress and find opportunities to help our veterans.2. Veterans: Use the CONTACT page to view eligibility requirements for our services and let us know of your interest. You will receive our 'veterans only' Green Jobs Report newsletter. Older 'been-there, done-that veterans' may want to mentor someone in your area. We can facilitate that.


http://www.greencollarvets.org/

Montgomery GI Bill time limitation follow up. Contact information to the Armed Services Committee.

Please contact your Congressman and Senators regarding the Montgomery GI Bill 10 year time limits. Almost 70% of these funds are never used, now with the stimulus program signed by Obama the Vets were forgotten. These funds could have been reactivated, enabling Vets to retrain and hone their skills to find work. A bill in 2007 attempting to do so never got to a vote. Please push your Congressmen and Senators to relook at this Bill "Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate) S 1261, 110th CONGRESS"

Below are the current Members of the Armed Services Committees.


Senate


FULL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
DEMOCRATS
Carl Levin (Michigan)Chairman
Edward M. Kennedy (Massachusetts)Robert C. Byrd (West Virginia)Joseph I. Lieberman (Connecticut)Jack Reed (Rhode Island)Daniel K. Akaka (Hawaii)Bill Nelson (Florida)Ben Nelson (Nebraska)Evan Bayh (Indiana)Jim Webb (Virginia)Claire McCaskill (Missouri)Mark Udall (Colorado)Kay R. Hagan (North Carolina)Mark Begich (Alaska)Roland W. Burris (Illinois)
REPUBLICANS
John McCain (Arizona)Ranking Member
James M. Inhofe (Oklahoma)Jeff Sessions (Alabama)Saxby Chambliss (Georgia)Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)John Thune (South Dakota)Mel Martinez (Florida)Roger F. Wicker (Mississippi)Richard Burr (North Carolina)David Vitter (Louisiana)Susan M. Collins (Maine)

House Committe Members

Ike Skelton, Missouri, Chairman
John M. McHugh, New York, Ranking Member
John Spratt, South Carolina
Roscoe G. Bartlett, Maryland
Solomon P. Ortiz, Texas
Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, California
Gene Taylor, Mississippi
Mac Thornberry, Texas
Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii
Walter B. Jones, North Carolina
Silvestre Reyes, Texas
W. Todd Akin, Missouri
Vic Snyder, Arkansas
J. Randy Forbes, Virginia
Adam Smith, Washington
Jeff Miller, Florida
Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Wilson, South Carolina
Mike McIntyre, North Carolina
Frank A. LoBiondo, New Jersey
Ellen O. Tauscher, California
Rob Bishop, Utah
Robert A. Brady, Pennsylvania
Michael Turner, Ohio
Robert Andrews, New Jersey
John Kline, Minnesota
Susan A. Davis, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama
James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Trent Franks, Arizona
Rick Larsen, Washington
Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania
Jim Cooper, Tennessee
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington
Jim Marshall, Georgia
Michael Conaway, Texas
Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam
Doug Lamborn, Colorado
Brad Ellsworth, Indiana
Rob Wittman, Virginia
Patrick Murphy, Pennsylvania
Mary Fallin, Oklahoma
Hank Johnson, Georgia
Duncan Hunter, California
Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire
John Fleming, Louisiana
Joe Courtney, Connecticut
Mike Coffman, Colorado
David Loebsack, Iowa
Tom Rooney, Florida
Joe Sestak, Pennsylvania
Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona
Niki Tsongas, Massachusetts
Glenn Nye, Virginia
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Larry Kissell, North Carolina
Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
Frank M. Kratovil, Jr., Maryland
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Bobby Bright, Alabama
Scott Murphy, New York
Dan Boren, Oklahoma

Obama and the National Day of Prayer

America,
Here's your President regarding prayer, so disappointing:

President Obama is distancing himself from the National Day of Prayer by nixing a formal early morning service and not attending a large Catholic prayer breakfast the following morning. All Mr. Obama will do for the National Day of Prayer, which is Thursday, is sign a proclamation honoring the day, which originated in 1952 when Congress set aside the first Thursday in May for the event. For the past eight years, President George W. Bush invited selected Christian and Jewish leaders to the White House East Room, where he typically would give a short speech and several leaders offered prayers. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday. "Prayer is something the president does every day," he said. "We're doing a proclamation, which I know that many administrations in the past have done." Pressed by reporters as to the lack of a formal ceremony, Mr. Gibbs said the proclamation was Mr. Obama's choice. "That's the way the president will publicly observe National Prayer Day -- privately he'll pray as he does every day," he said. Shirley Dobson, chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer Committee, said the group was "disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration."

Spending time wisely

I recieve a daily email from Christ Notes and a Weekly Wisdom email as well. I thought I'd share this weeks Wisdom on my Blog as it spoke to me today.
If you find it ineresting check out http://www.christnotes.org/


Are you causing more problems by not dealing with problems?
When a problem is concealed and not dealt with it tends to compound and become worse. For example, say you have a child who doesn't take school seriously and who studies infrequently. If you don't deal with that problem, it will likely get worse because your child will fall further behind in school. However, if you confront the problem—though it certainly won't be easy to confront—then you will likely prevent that problem from causing more and bigger problems in the future.

There are times when confronting others might inconvenience you, but not confronting them will only invite much bigger problems later. Permit yourself some inconvenience now in order to resolve problems before they worsen. Do not allow problems to multiply because you're afraid to confront.
Likewise, if someone sins against you, you should not simply ignore what happened because doing so could cause the problem to escalate. Instead, Jesus says you should confront the problem: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over" (Matthew 18:14).
In situations where it's really challenging to deal with a problem, it may take more love to confront someone and tell them the truth—even though it hurts—than it does to simply pretend nothing is wrong. In other words, it may be easier to let the problem slide, but to do so is not love.
You can spend your time, waste your time, or invest your time. It's your choice.
We all have exactly 24 hours in one day. No more; no less. You will use that time on what you consider to be important.

No one else is forcing you to do anything. You only commit to things because you choose to; so, your schedule reveals your priorities. Examine your schedule, and you might be surprised when you discover what your priorities turn out to be.
Instead of scheduling your priorities around your life, you ought to schedule your life around your priorities.
What should those priorities be? In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Of the Ten Commandments, the very first commandment God gave was: "You shall have no other gods before me." The Bible is clear: God should be our number one -- most important -- priority.
In John 15:1-4, Jesus talks about pruning off things that produce no fruit. That is, he tells us to cut off anything that does not have meaningful, eternal value, which means that we are to get rid of anything that doesn't further our relationship with God. Clearly, God doesn't want to be number ten on a list of top ten priorities. In fact, God really doesn't even want to be number one on a list of ten; God wants to be number one on a list of one!
You could spend or waste your time doing meaningless things; or you could invest your time in order to achieve maximum eternal impact.
When you seek God as the only thing you need, he will take care of everything else (see Matthew 6:33). In Luke 10:38-42, we learn the story of Mary and Martha. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." That's what it means to seek the only meaningful, eternal thing -- God.
Therefore, prune your life. List practical ways that you can cut out the junk in your life in order to focus on knowing God better, seeking him and knowing his word and his truth. That's the only thing needed -- that's how you invest your time wisely.

WHO update 7

Here is the most recent data from the World Health Organization.



Influenza A(H1N1) - update 7
1 May 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 06:00 GMT, 1 May 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis. WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Related linksInfluenza A(H1N1) web siteDaily updates will be posted on this site.

H1N1 5/1/09 update

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
H1N1 Flu website last updated May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection(As of May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
TOTAL COUNTS
141 cases
1 death
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by H1N1 (swine flu). CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. Early this morning, CDC provided interim guidance on school closures. Supplies from CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) are being sent to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.
Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.

GI Bill 10 year limit, and the Stimulus Law

Dear Vet, You have 10 years to use your Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10- year period, your 10-year clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge.

Almost 70% of funds are never used. Now with the stimulus program signed by Obama the Vets were forgotten. These funds could have been reactivated, enabling Vets to retrain and hone their skills to find work. A bill in 2007 attempting to do so never got to a vote. Please push your Congressmen and Senators to look at this Bill pasted below.

Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)
S 1261 IS
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1261
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 1, 2007
Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. HARKIN, and Mr. BROWN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
A BILL
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007'.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF 10-YEAR LIMIT ON USE OF VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
(a) Restatement of Certain Continuing Authorities With Repeal- Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`Sec. 3031. Extension of entitlement expiring during quarter or semester or after completion of major portion of course
`(a) If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled in an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013 of this title, expire during such quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end of such quarter or semester.
`(b) If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled in an educational institution not regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013 of this title, expire after a major portion of the course is completed, such period shall be extended to the end of the course or for 12 weeks, whichever is the lesser period of extension.'.
(b) Conforming Amendments- Chapter 30 of such title is further amended as follows:
(1) In section 3018C(e)(3)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `(i)'; and
(B) by striking clause (ii).
(2) In section 3020--
(A) in subsection (f)(1), by striking `Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of this title, an individual' and inserting `An individual'; and
(B) in subsection (h)(5), by striking `Notwithstanding section 3031 of this title, a child' and inserting `A child'.
(c) Clerical Amendments-
(1) HEADING AMENDMENT- The heading of subchapter IV of chapter 30 of such title is amended to read as follows:
`SUBCHAPTER IV--GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS'.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to subchapter IV and the item relating to section 3031 and inserting the following new items:
`subchapter iv--general and administrative provisions
`3031. Extension of entitlement expiring during quarter or semester or after completion of major portion of course.'.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF 14-YEAR LIMIT ON USE OF SELECTED RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
(a) Repeal- Section 16133 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1606 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 16133.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF TIME LIMITATION ON USE BY DISABLED MEMBERS OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS SUPPORTING CONTINGENCY AND OTHER OPERATIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 16164 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
'(b) Entitlement of Disabled Members- (1) The maximum number of months of educational assistance under this chapter to which is entitled a person who is separated from the Ready Reserve because of a disability which was not the result of the person's own wilful misconduct incurred on or after the date on which the person became entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall be governed by section 16162(d) of this title.
'(2) The provisions of section 3031 of title 38 shall apply to the entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter of a person covered by paragraph (1).'

Immune system and fighting the flu.

How well protected are you against the common cold and flu? Even if you've had a flu jab, you need to wash your hands religiously and take vitamin C for extra insurance. You may even want to try the herb echinacea when you first start feeling grotty. Remember also that what you eat may help prevent or treat these common illnesses. Try the tasty ideas below, and you just may avoid getting sick this season.
1. Chicken soupIt’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.
2. Hot and spicy foodSome people swear by garlic, horseradish, chillis or spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zip.

3. GarlicThis fragrant bulb contains a flavoring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells, so add garlic liberally to your favourite foods.
4. FluidsStay hydrated with plenty of liquids. Instead of coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks, have plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some people, so consider chamomile or peppermint herbal tea, or sip on hot water with a slice of lemon.
5. Citrus fruitsReach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add tangerine slices to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke, as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body's need for this protective vitamin.
6. Vitamin C sourcesCitrus fruits aren't the only foods high in vitamin C. Potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal.
7. GingerMany people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
RememberA daily routine of high-fat, high-sugar junk foods, skipped meals and lots of caffeine can make you more susceptible to minor illnesses like colds and flu. Instead, make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and low-fat protein to keep your immune system strong. Think of nutritious foods as part of your cold-and-flu armour, and you'll be ready to do battle whenever illness strikes.



Eat immune-boosting foods on a daily basis. A healthy diet, including a few proven immune-boosting foods, is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu. The best flu-fighting foods are:
Fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables - Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are packed with healthy phytonutrients that can strengthen your immune system, lowering your susceptibility to the flu virus.
Fresh raw or lightly-cooked garlic - Garlic has strong natural antiviral properties that can help to fight off a flu virus. Also, garlic provides a strong boost to your immune system, especially when eaten on a regular basis.
Green Tea - Like garlic, green tea has shown the ability to both kill viruses and to stimulate the immune system to fight off flu infections, especially when used daily. Try to drink 3-6 cups of strong green tea per day during the flu season.
Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne has a long list of health benefits and is believed to be a mild immune-booster. Also, cayenne contains large amounts of natural vitamin A, considered to be an important "anti-infection" nutrient.

Swine Flu Update 4/29

Swine Influenza (Flu)
Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 11:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 29, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.


States /# of laboratory confirmed cases/Deaths
Arizona 1/0
California 14/0
Indiana 1/0
Kansas 2/0
Massachusetts 2/0
Michigan 2/0
Nevada 1/0
New York City 51/0
Ohio 1/0
Texas 16/1
TOTAL COUNTS
91 cases
1 death

CDC Update

Swine Flu Update
With the recent outbreak of swine influenza, you are provided with updated information for you to share with your employees. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated guidance and new information on their website, as information becomes available.
Swine Flu Update
Please see below for an update as to the progression of Swine flu in the U.S. Keep in mind there are vaccines available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza however, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses which are currently circulating.
Situation in the United States
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, 2009, CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu in the United States:
California: 10 cases
Kansas: 2 cases
New York City: 45 cases
Ohio: 1 case
Texas: 6 cases
For more information, please see the CDC Swine Flu website or visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or call 1-800-232-4636.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Swine Flu FAQ

FAQ on the Swine Flu

Swine Flu — Get Informed. Be Prepared.

What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.

Is this swine flu virus contagious? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread? Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try to not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:
§ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
§ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
§ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
§ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
§ If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading?If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?Wash with warm soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. It is recommended that when you wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds.

What should I do if I get sick?If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Fast breathing or trouble breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Not drinking enough fluids
§ Not waking up or not interacting
§ Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
§ Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
§ Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
§ Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
§ Sudden dizziness
§ Confusion
§ Severe or persistent vomiting

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Where can I get more information and updates about the swine flu?
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours a day or log on to www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Additional Resources include Health & Human Services – http://www.hhs.gov/ and the World Health Organization - www.who.int/en