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.

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.

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.