When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar... and the coffee.
A professor stood before his Philosophy class and had some items infront of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes"
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured them into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed
"Now", said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life"
"The golf balls are the important things - your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."
"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff"
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there would be no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life"
"If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you"
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness
Play with your children
Take time to get medical check-ups
Go out for dinner with your spouse or partner
Get together with your friends
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal
Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter
Set your priorities, the rest is just sand
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented
The professor smiled, "I'm glad you asked"
"It just goes to show that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend"
I thought this was uplifting and so very true. In today's world, we stress too much, sleep too little, and miss opportunities to rest, play and laugh. So, be sure to think of this whenever life gets hectic, and go grab a coffee (or tea!) with a good friend.
:)
m
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
H1N1 Update
If you are still worried about H1N1 the good news is that by this time, most people, including you, will have already been exposed to the virus and have developed their own immunity to it (even without being vaccinated). But this is unlikely to be reported by mass media outlets. After all, thus far we have not been hearing that this virus, although initially feared due to its ability to mutate into something quite deadly, proved itself to be quite mild (in the southern hemisphere which saw their flu season a few months before we did here in the great north).
Second, we keep hearing about how many deaths have been incurred thus far, but not so much about the thousands (if not millions) that have been exposed or sick but found that this flu strain was no more 'deadly' than other flu strains they have had in the past. After all, it is the flu, and just like any flu, it will knock you out and force you to get back in touch with your bed (or sofa) as you recuperate.
So, its time to lighten up and try to think about something new. I don't know about you, but I am getting a little tired of all the media attention on H1N1 and how important it is to get vaccinated, and am looking forward to something new to chat about.
Just remember, it is flu season, and regardless of the strain you are trying to avoid, be sure to keep your immune system strong. And, two of the most important things you can do for yourself is to sleep and stress less, go figure!
Stay healthy,
:)
m
Second, we keep hearing about how many deaths have been incurred thus far, but not so much about the thousands (if not millions) that have been exposed or sick but found that this flu strain was no more 'deadly' than other flu strains they have had in the past. After all, it is the flu, and just like any flu, it will knock you out and force you to get back in touch with your bed (or sofa) as you recuperate.
So, its time to lighten up and try to think about something new. I don't know about you, but I am getting a little tired of all the media attention on H1N1 and how important it is to get vaccinated, and am looking forward to something new to chat about.
Just remember, it is flu season, and regardless of the strain you are trying to avoid, be sure to keep your immune system strong. And, two of the most important things you can do for yourself is to sleep and stress less, go figure!
Stay healthy,
:)
m
Monday, November 2, 2009
What is a Fever?
What is a Fever?
A fever is a form of inflammation, and inflammation is a local fever. It is NOT good to suppress a fever, because it is a normal response by the body as a way to defend itself against pathogens. It is especially important to allow young children (under 7 years old) to have a fever as it will help build their immune function and thereby their specific immunity.
Fever of 37.5°C or 99.5°F: encourages more bacterial growth
Fever 37.5°-39°C or 99.5°-102.2° F: stops bacteria and viruses from growing
Fever 39-40.5°C or 102.2°-104.9°F: kills bacteria
Fever over 40.5°C or 104.9°F: in older children and adults can start destroying the body’s own
cells, which is not ideal. However, in younger children it is not uncommon to reach high fevers.
So, you want to allow the body to have a fever, so that it can kill off bacteria and viruses, however, you don’t want to let it get too high or last too long as that can start to be a substantial energy drainer.
Make sure that with a fever you stay hydrated, sipping fluids on a regular basis. It is also recommended to drink electrolyte drinks (such as Cell Food or Endurlyte) and eat chicken soup to ensure that you keep your electrolyte levels up and prevent dehydration.
A fever is a form of inflammation, and inflammation is a local fever. It is NOT good to suppress a fever, because it is a normal response by the body as a way to defend itself against pathogens. It is especially important to allow young children (under 7 years old) to have a fever as it will help build their immune function and thereby their specific immunity.
Fever of 37.5°C or 99.5°F: encourages more bacterial growth
Fever 37.5°-39°C or 99.5°-102.2° F: stops bacteria and viruses from growing
Fever 39-40.5°C or 102.2°-104.9°F: kills bacteria
Fever over 40.5°C or 104.9°F: in older children and adults can start destroying the body’s own
cells, which is not ideal. However, in younger children it is not uncommon to reach high fevers.
So, you want to allow the body to have a fever, so that it can kill off bacteria and viruses, however, you don’t want to let it get too high or last too long as that can start to be a substantial energy drainer.
Make sure that with a fever you stay hydrated, sipping fluids on a regular basis. It is also recommended to drink electrolyte drinks (such as Cell Food or Endurlyte) and eat chicken soup to ensure that you keep your electrolyte levels up and prevent dehydration.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Things About H1N1 That Make U Go Hmmmm??
Ok, so there are a few things that I just have to ask when it comes to all that is being reported about H1N1... some things just don't add up.
First, it takes a week to do an autopsy, however, the minute the 13 yr old Etobicoke boy died, the cause of death was immediately H1N1... how did they know so quickly??
Canada bought 50 million flu vaccines (for just over 30 million people why so much?), but now they are trying to scare people into believing that there may be flu vaccine shortages. How so??
According to the Irish times, "Despite rising prevalence, the H1N1 virus remains a mild infection for the vast majority of those who get it. Most will recover by staying at home for seven days, taking paracetamol (?) and drinking plenty of fluids. A small number may require treatment with anti-virals at home, with just the occasional person requiring hospital admission because of complications. The most serious of these are pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure. Of those admitted to hospital, about 45 per cent have a pre-existing condition.
Data out of New South Wales provides perhaps the most comprehensive description of the pandemic using multiple surveillance systems. The pandemic there lasted 10 weeks and had a substantial impact on intensive care units (ICUs), with an increased risk of severe illness, including respiratory failure, in those aged between 35 and 60. Vulnerable groups included pregnant women, indigenous people, those with chronic respiratory disease, and those with morbid obesity. However, the good news is the general influenza-related mortality between April and September 2009 was lower than that seen during the same period in recent years, which suggests the H1N1 virus carries a lower mortality rate than regular seasonal influenza.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1023/1224257294052.html
GAITHERSBURG, Maryland (Reuters) - The U.S. government has bought 195 million doses of H1N1 swine flu vaccine for a possible autumn vaccination campaign, a U.S. federal official said on Thursday. (July 23, 2009)
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE56M4F420090723
If that is so... I can understand that back when this first started, there was a great deal of fear because no one knew how and if this strain would mutate into something quite deadly, however, after seeing that in the Southern Hemisphere this did not happen, why did we (and the US) not change our approach? Instead governments are proceeding as if people are dropping dead left right and centre from this strain of flu, why? Could it be that all the vaccine was purchased back in July and now they simply have to justify spending the funds?
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that of the 36 children who died from H1N1 from April to August, six had no chronic health conditions. But all of them had a co-occurring bacterial infection.
The most common co-occurring infection that causes flu-related deaths is staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, said Pat Schlievert, a microbiologist at the University of Minnesota and an expert on staph-related deaths. A third of the population carries it on their body, most in their noses or on their skin. Often it's benign or causes minor skin infections. Schlievert has studied dozens of cases of children who died unexpectedly from flu combined with staph.
"The [flu] causes upper respiratory damage, which allows the staph to get where it's not supposed to be. It makes it's way into the lungs," he said.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/63531287.html?page=2&c=y
Why has this association (between Staph and influenza) not made it to main stream media? Would it not be more useful to test for carriers of Staph and perhaps treat them differently rather than inject all people (especially kids) with a vaccine that has been rushed into production? Because the usual protocol for vaccine development has been overlooked for this particular H1N1 vaccine.
So, these are just a few things that make me wonder, why isn't the media asking some of these questions instead of just talking about how there are long line-ups at vaccine injection sites.
There are a lot of conspiracies out there right now, and I think the most important thing for all of us to do, is to do our research, look at credible sources and try to think logically. Try not to panic, and keep your immune systems strong, because there are many ways that we can protect ourselves (and our families) apart from getting vaccinated. And if you decide to get vaccinated, that is fine too, I just hope that you do so not out of fear, but because the research you did has led you to believe that is the best solution for you
Wishing you great health,
:)m
And, in case you are interested, here is a list of ingredients in the vaccine...
List of Vaccine Ingredients
Antigen suspension vial: Thimerosal (mercury), sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections. The drug substance contains trace residual amounts of egg proteins, formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate and sucrose.
Adjuvant emulsion vial: sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections.
Shelf Life:
The antigen suspension is stable for 18 months.
The adjuvant emulsion is stable for 3 years.
After mixing, the vaccine should be used within 24 hours. Although it is recommended to maintain the mixed product between 2°C and 8°C, it may be kept at room temperature during this period if required.
http://www.gsk.ca/english/docs-pdf/Arepanrix_PIL_CAPA01v01.pdf
First, it takes a week to do an autopsy, however, the minute the 13 yr old Etobicoke boy died, the cause of death was immediately H1N1... how did they know so quickly??
Canada bought 50 million flu vaccines (for just over 30 million people why so much?), but now they are trying to scare people into believing that there may be flu vaccine shortages. How so??
According to the Irish times, "Despite rising prevalence, the H1N1 virus remains a mild infection for the vast majority of those who get it. Most will recover by staying at home for seven days, taking paracetamol (?) and drinking plenty of fluids. A small number may require treatment with anti-virals at home, with just the occasional person requiring hospital admission because of complications. The most serious of these are pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure. Of those admitted to hospital, about 45 per cent have a pre-existing condition.
Data out of New South Wales provides perhaps the most comprehensive description of the pandemic using multiple surveillance systems. The pandemic there lasted 10 weeks and had a substantial impact on intensive care units (ICUs), with an increased risk of severe illness, including respiratory failure, in those aged between 35 and 60. Vulnerable groups included pregnant women, indigenous people, those with chronic respiratory disease, and those with morbid obesity. However, the good news is the general influenza-related mortality between April and September 2009 was lower than that seen during the same period in recent years, which suggests the H1N1 virus carries a lower mortality rate than regular seasonal influenza.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1023/1224257294052.html
GAITHERSBURG, Maryland (Reuters) - The U.S. government has bought 195 million doses of H1N1 swine flu vaccine for a possible autumn vaccination campaign, a U.S. federal official said on Thursday. (July 23, 2009)
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE56M4F420090723
If that is so... I can understand that back when this first started, there was a great deal of fear because no one knew how and if this strain would mutate into something quite deadly, however, after seeing that in the Southern Hemisphere this did not happen, why did we (and the US) not change our approach? Instead governments are proceeding as if people are dropping dead left right and centre from this strain of flu, why? Could it be that all the vaccine was purchased back in July and now they simply have to justify spending the funds?
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that of the 36 children who died from H1N1 from April to August, six had no chronic health conditions. But all of them had a co-occurring bacterial infection.
The most common co-occurring infection that causes flu-related deaths is staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, said Pat Schlievert, a microbiologist at the University of Minnesota and an expert on staph-related deaths. A third of the population carries it on their body, most in their noses or on their skin. Often it's benign or causes minor skin infections. Schlievert has studied dozens of cases of children who died unexpectedly from flu combined with staph.
"The [flu] causes upper respiratory damage, which allows the staph to get where it's not supposed to be. It makes it's way into the lungs," he said.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/63531287.html?page=2&c=y
Why has this association (between Staph and influenza) not made it to main stream media? Would it not be more useful to test for carriers of Staph and perhaps treat them differently rather than inject all people (especially kids) with a vaccine that has been rushed into production? Because the usual protocol for vaccine development has been overlooked for this particular H1N1 vaccine.
So, these are just a few things that make me wonder, why isn't the media asking some of these questions instead of just talking about how there are long line-ups at vaccine injection sites.
There are a lot of conspiracies out there right now, and I think the most important thing for all of us to do, is to do our research, look at credible sources and try to think logically. Try not to panic, and keep your immune systems strong, because there are many ways that we can protect ourselves (and our families) apart from getting vaccinated. And if you decide to get vaccinated, that is fine too, I just hope that you do so not out of fear, but because the research you did has led you to believe that is the best solution for you
Wishing you great health,
:)m
And, in case you are interested, here is a list of ingredients in the vaccine...
List of Vaccine Ingredients
Antigen suspension vial: Thimerosal (mercury), sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections. The drug substance contains trace residual amounts of egg proteins, formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate and sucrose.
Adjuvant emulsion vial: sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections.
Shelf Life:
The antigen suspension is stable for 18 months.
The adjuvant emulsion is stable for 3 years.
After mixing, the vaccine should be used within 24 hours. Although it is recommended to maintain the mixed product between 2°C and 8°C, it may be kept at room temperature during this period if required.
http://www.gsk.ca/english/docs-pdf/Arepanrix_PIL_CAPA01v01.pdf
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
