Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Not everyone in the world celebrates Thanksgiving and those that do may celebrate it at different times than we Americans do. I found out today that Canadians have their Thanksgiving celebration in October. I enjoy learning how other people and cultures celebrate their holidays and welcome being educated. So no matter if or when you celebrate Thanksgiving where you live, please accept my heartfelt and sincere wishes for a life full of things to be thankful for and the wisdom to recognize them.

Blessings to everyone.

Monday, November 23, 2009

iPhone vs Droid

I've wanted an iPhone since it was just a rumor. IMO Apple's decision to go with AT&T was disappointing. People in my area do have iPhones but I've heard mixed reviews about the service they get. AT&T claims my area has "Best" coverage but a friend who has an iPhone says they only get 1 bar in this area.

As I said, AT&T coverage map shows we have "Best" coverage, however NO 3G coverage. My plan is up and I have been comparing the iPhone to the Droid. IMO the iPhone is a far superior product, but this does me no good if I don't have 3G coverage so I can actually USE the features I like in the iPhone. Bottom line, AT&T needs to greatly increase their 3G coverage area or Apple needs to go elsewhere with the iPhone modifying the iPhone to work on other networks if necessary. Something has to give or I'll be forced to decide on an inferior phone based solely on the availability of network coverage.

Are you listening AT&T?

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Monday, November 16, 2009

Will Lieberman listen to constituents?

Sentor Joe Lieberman has made it perfectly clear he does not support Health Care Reform. He was recently quoted as saying, "If a government plan is part of the deal, "as a matter of conscience, I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote." Connecticut residents have heard and responded in numbers greater than 400.

An evening prayer vigil that began at Senator Joe Lieberman's Alma Mater, Stamford High School, transformed into a candlelight march to the senator's condo building. While marching participants sang "This Little Light of Mine." Upon arriving at Sen. Lieberman's buildng, demonstrators were met by police who blocked access to the building. Building resident Shirley Binin, who had walked with the crowd, stepped up and received a communal letter calling for Lieberman to support health care reform and walked into the building while vigil participants chanted, "We will be back."

Sen. Lieberman has not made himself available to Health Care Reform proponents. Huffington Post reports, "For a man who loves the spotlight, he manages to hide from the glare of his constituents. While he preens, people die, and will continue to die because of senators like Lieberman, who have determined that their convictions are more important than their constituents lives."

Read the letter that was delivered to Sen. Lieberman at Huffington Post

The question remains, if he won't entertain his constituents, will he read their letter? Does he even care about what the people who he represents want? Well Sen. Lieberman, do you?

--Source Huffington Post

Contact Sen. Joe Lieberman and tell him to vote for Health Care Reform.
Washington, D.C. Website:
http://lieberman.senate.gov/index.cfm

Washington, D.C. Address
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4041
Fax: 202-224-9750

District Address
One Constitution Plaza
7th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-549-8463
Phone: 800-225-5605

Key Staff Addresses
Clarine Riddle
Chief of Staff
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4041

Rayanne Bostick
Scheduler
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4041

Rob Sawicki
Media Director
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4041

Saturday, November 14, 2009

MN Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to see improved preparedness

As we all know there is a shortage of both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines. We've all heard the reason for this has been blamed on the way the vaccines are made, in chicken's eggs. Apparently the virus' did not grow well this year and therefore caused fewer vaccines to be developed in a timely manner. This has caused many to ask the question, why do we still grow these viruses in chicken's eggs? The obvious answer is "that's how we've always done it" but why do we still do it? Surely in this day and age of advanced medicine we have better ways to grow these viruses and develop them into vaccines. These are the questions our Minnesota Senator, Amy Klobuchar, hopes to get answered. Ms Klobuchar is holding discussions with public health experts to try to find answers to these questions. She's also believes there must be better ways for the state of Minnesota to distribute the vaccines and prepare for health emergencies in the future. I say bravo, Ms Klobuchar! Please contact Ms Klobuchar's office to voice your support for her efforts.

Thank you!

Just signed the Eric's Law Petition

Please join me and thousands of others in supporting the Eric's Law petition. In honor of Veronica De La Cruz's brother, Eric, the Eric's Law petition supports Health Care Reform with a public option and prohibits discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. Veronica's brother Eric passed away in July 2009 while waiting for a heart transplant delayed for years because he had been denied insurance. Don't let this happen to someone you love! Sign the petition today!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

New Widgets added

I've added a couple new widgets to my blog. If you'll scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see a map of the United States. This map, called FluView, shows the current flu activity in each of the states including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Further down you will find a widget that provides H1N1 tips, Facts and News. Click on the desired "tab" to read the updated text for each option.

Want one of these widgets for your site? CDC Widgets has these and many more!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Just have to comment on this...

I don't usually post comments more than once a day but when I read about the reactions the GOP lawmaker, Cao, is having to deal with I had to post another comment.

MSNBC is reporting Cao, the only Repulican to vote in favor of the Health Care Reform bill, "has had two fundraisers canceled since Saturday's vote and some campaign contributors have asked for their money back."

I find it disgraceful that this lawmaker who clearly stated he voted the way his constituents wanted him to vote has to be treated so badly by his party and their followers. To me this is just more proof that the Republicans who voted against the Health Care bill voted their pride instead of their conscience. I'm just glad he has the self-confidence to stand up for what he believes in and stand behind his vote. If there were more like him, Health Care Reform would be a non-issue.

Google has done it again!

Leave it to Google to come up with a Seasonal/H1N1 Flu vaccine finder. Of course there still aren't any H1N1 vaccines available to my son or I but this is a victory for everyone else in the country who is looking for both of the vaccines.

I wish I woulda bought stock in Google a long time ago. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Asthma & the Swine Flu threat...

Compared with the general population who do not have Asthma, people with Asthma who contract the H1N1 (aka Swine Flu) virus are more likely to develop serious illnesses such as pneumonia and could even die as a result. People who have risk factors, such as Asthma, are encouraged to get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine to reduce their risks for complications.

If you or someone you love develops flu symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, work best when begun within 48 hours of the first onset of symptoms. Monitor your breathing closely. If you have a peak flow meter, use it frequently and chart your "peak expiratory flow," or "PEF" numbers. This information could be helpful in treating your symptoms if they should worsen. See WebMD for information on using Peak Flow Meters. They should be available at your local pharmacy.

Over the counter medications such as Mucinex, in addition to Tamiflu, can help your body fight the effects of the flu. Mucinex works by loosening mucus in your body and allowing it to be removed more easily through coughing or blowing your nose. Coughing is a good thing when you have the flu. It's your body's way of getting the virus, and the mucus your body produces to fight the virus, out so you can recover more quickly. Anti-coughing remedies should not be used during the day because a productive cough is exactly what the body needs. Follow manufacturer dosing instructions.

Protect yourself and others by taking these steps if you become ill:

  • 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub*.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.

  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.



References for the above information were obtained from the CDCs Asthma and 2009 H1N1 Flu page as well as from my own experience.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Historic Vote by House of Reps

With a vote of 220 to 215 the House of Representatives approved Health Care Reform. The vote included one courageous Republican, Joseph Cao (R-La). When asked by CNN why, Cao replied "he cast his vote in favor of reform only after an amendment greatly restricting the coverage of abortions was allowed to come to a vote. Once that hurdle was clear, Cao said, "I called the White House and said I could possibly support the bill." "I had to make a decision of conscience based on the needs of the people in my district."

--Source Huffington Post

Unfortunately there are still obstacles to overcome in the Senate. Speaking from the Rose Garden about 14 hours after the late Saturday vote, Obama urged senators to be like runners on a relay team and "take the baton and bring this effort to the finish line on behalf of the American people." However, a key Democrat had this to say... If a government plan is part of the deal, "as a matter of conscience, I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote," said Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut independent whose vote Democrats need to overcome GOP filibusters.

Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, who voted for a version of the Senate bill in committee, has proposed to allow a government plan as a last resort, if after a few years premiums keep escalating and local health insurance markets remain in the grip of a few big companies. This is the "trigger" option.

That approach appeals to moderates such as Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. "If the private market fails to reform, there would be a fallback position," Landrieu said last week. "It should be triggered by choice and affordability, not by political whim."

-- Source Yahoo News

How much more do premiums have to escalate before Health Care Reform is no longer a "whim"? How many more American people have to be without health care? How many Americans have to be denied health care? How many American people who faithfully paid their premiums have to be dropped by their Insurance companies before this is seen as important? The fact is it would only take one if that American was a friend or relative of a US Senator, only then would this cease being referred to as a "whim" and begin to be seen as the National crises that it is for most Americans.

Please continue to contact your Senators and tell them this is important to you, your family and your friends. Health Care Reform can not wait until it effects the elite and rich in our society, it must be passed NOW.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Socialized Health Care... Dangerous?

"In Britain, there are no long lines of people seeking swine flu vaccine. Doctor's offices aren't swamped with desperate calls. And there are no cries of injustice that the vaccine is going to wealthy corporations or healthy people who don't really need it." ...

"When Britain unrolled its pandemic vaccination program last month, it designed its campaign to ensure that priority groups — including pregnant women, health workers and those with chronic health problems like diabetes, cancer and AIDS — get the shots first." ...

"Field said Britain's socialized health care system allows the country to target people who need to be vaccinated quickly: "It's not like the U.S., where it's the survival of the fittest and the richest."


Source Associated Press via MSNBC

Orderly administration of health care to those most in need when it is needed most. Wow, now there's something to fear.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A breakthrough in H1N1 vaccine distribution

I'm SO excited to report that the local clinic who denied my son the H1N1 vaccine has decided to share it with area clinics. See the story below:

Area health care providers to share H1N1 vaccine

Submitted by Jorge Sosa on November 3, 2009 - 3:24pm.

Hutchinson Medical Center, selected by the Minnesota Department of Health to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine, will share its supply with area health care providers.

According to a news release from McLeod County Public Health, the goal is to ensure area high-risk patients have access to the vaccine.

“Health care organizations in McLeod County have been working collaboratively on flu planning and pandemic preparedness for many years,” County Public Health Director Kathy Nowak noted in the release. “Ensuring access to high-quality patient care has always been our top priority. Now more than ever we have a responsibility to provide a public service in as safe and effective a manner as possible.”

“Due to limited supplies of the H1N1 vaccine,” Nowak added, “it’s important we work together in a transparent and responsible manner to make use of what we have.”

The Flu has arrived at our door

As I previously told you, my son has Asthma and I've been unsuccessful at getting the H1N1 vaccine for him. Monday DS stayed home from school with a sore throat and overnight he developed a fever. The highest the fever reached at this point is 101+˚ but I was able to get a prescription of Tamiflu from our family doctor and we started dosing him with that right away. He's still run down and occasionally has a fever but once we started the Tamiflu the symptoms seem milder. Most importantly his breathing tests has been steady and have stopped declining. Hopefully we got to it in time to keep the flu from advancing beyond what his body can handle.

Remember, if you contract the flu, Tamiflu should be taken within 2 days of the onset of symptoms to be most effective.

Keep us in your thoughts! I'll update you on his condition in a few days.

Thanks for following.

Samples of my Stock Photos

I have a DeviantART account where I store stock photographs. These are free to use for any non-commercial purpose. You may tube them, use them as backgrounds or textures. All photos listed in my "Stock" folder Here are available for use.