More cases of humans transmitting the Swine Flu story H1N1 Flu strain to pigs are likely to occur, but will not be a major concern as swine are not severely affected by the virus, the World Organization for Animal Health said Wednesday.
Canadian health officials said on May 2 a herd of swine in the western province of Alberta had caught the virus from a carpenter who had traveled to Mexico, the epicenter of the swine flu story H1N1 flu outbreak that has spread to 46 countries.
It is the only reported case of the virus being transmitted from a human to a pig in the world. "We would not be surprised if we have other cases like this in other countries," OIE Director General Bernard Vallat told a news conference at the organization's general assembly in Paris.
"But it is not a problem because we know pigs are not a big player in the epidemiological spread of the disease."
The new swine flu story H1N1 virus has so far infected nearly 13,000 people and killed 92 around the globe, according to the World Health Organization.
Vallat reiterated flu viruses easily circulate between species, especially when strains are mixed. The new swine flu story H1N1 virus, popularly known as "swine flu," has human, bird as well as pig origins.
The OIE, an intergovernmental organization of 174 member states, has often stressed there was no proof so far of transmission from pig to human. It was among the biggest opponents against the strain being called "swine flu."
The World Health Organization has also ruled out any risk of infection from consuming pork, saying the swine flu story.H1N1 flu had not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork, or other products derived from pigs.
Feeling crabby lately? It could be you aren't getting enough sleep. Work, household responsibilities and child care can make sleep difficult to come by. Factor in other unexpected challenges such as financial worries, layoffs, relationship issues or an illness, and quality sleep may be even more elusive.
You may not be able to control or eliminate all of the factors that interfere with your sleep, but you can create an environment and adopt habits that encourage a more restful night. Try these suggestions if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep:
(1) Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, even on the weekends :- Sticking to a schedule helps reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle and can help you fall asleep better at night.
(2) Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime :-
Eat a light dinner about two hours before sleeping. If you're prone to heartburn, avoid spicy or fatty foods, which can make your heartburn flare and prevent a restful sleep. Also, limit how much you drink before bed. Too much liquid can cause you to wake up repeatedly during the night for trips to the bathroom.
(3) Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol in the evening :-
These are stimulants that can keep you awake. Smokers often experience withdrawal symptoms at night, and smoking in bed is dangerous. Avoid caffeine for eight hours before your planned bedtime. Your body doesn't store caffeine, but it takes many hours to eliminate the stimulant and its effects. And although often believed to be a sedative, alcohol actually disrupts sleep.
(4) Exercise regularly :-
Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful. Don't exercise within three hours of your bedtime, however. Exercising right before bed may make getting to sleep more difficult.
(5) Make your bedroom cool, dark, quiet and comfortable :-
Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Adjust the lighting, temperature, humidity and noise level to your preferences. Use blackout curtains, eye covers, earplugs, extra blankets, a fan, a humidifier or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.
(6) Sleep primarily at night :-
Daytime naps may steal hours from nighttime slumber. Limit daytime sleep to about a half-hour and make it during midafternoon. If you work nights, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight, which adjusts the body's internal clock, doesn't interrupt your sleep. If you have a day job and sleep at night, but still have trouble waking up, leave the window coverings open and let the sunlight help wake you up.
(7) Choose a comfortable mattress and pillow :-
Features of a good bed are subjective and differ for each person. But make sure you have a bed that's comfortable. If you share your bed, make sure there's enough room for two. Children and pets are often disruptive, so you may need to set limits on how often they sleep in bed with you.
(8) Start a relaxing bedtime routine :-
Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This may include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Relaxing activities done with lowered lights can help ease the transition between wakefulness and sleepiness.
(9) Go to bed when you're tired and turn out the lights :-
If you don't fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do something else. Go back to bed when you're tired. Don't agonize over falling asleep. The stress will only prevent sleep.
(10) Use sleeping pills only as a last resort :-
Check with your doctor before taking any sleep medications. He or she can make sure the pills won't interact with your other medications or with an existing medical condition. Your doctor can also help you determine the best dosage. If you do take a sleep medication, reduce the dosage gradually when you want to quit, and never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. If you feel sleepy or dizzy during the day, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or discontinuing the pills. If you're having problems sleeping more than three times a week for a month's time, see your doctor. You could have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Identifying and treating the cause of your sleep disturbance can help get you back on the road to a good night's sleep.
Most of our all body parts ages at different times.
(1) Liver :-
It starts aging at 70 years age.
This is the only organ in the body which seems to defy the aging process.
(2) Kidneys :-
It starts aging at 50 years age.
With kidneys, the number of filtering units (nephrons) that remove waste from the bloodstream starts to reduce in middle age.
(3) Prostate :-
It starts aging at 50 years age.
The prostate often becomes enlarged with age, leading to problems such as increased need to urinate.This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and affects half of men over 50, but rarely those under 40.
(4) Bones :-
It starts aging at 35 years age.
'Throughout our life, old bone is broken down by cells called osteoclasts and replaced by bone-building cells called osteoblasts - a process called bone turnover’. Children's bone growth is rapid - the skeleton takes just two years to renew Itself completely. In adults, this can take ten years.Until our mid-20s, bone density is still increasing. But at 35 bone loss begins as part of the natural ageing process.
(5) Teeth :-
It starts aging at 40 years age.
As we age, we produce less saliva, which washes away bacteria, so teeth and gums are more vulnerable to decay. Receding gums - when tissue is lost from gums around the teeth - is common in adults over 40.
(6) Muscles :-
It starts aging at 30 years age.
Muscle is constantly being built up and broken down,a process which is well balanced in young adults.However,by the time we are 30,breakdown is greater than build up.One adults reach 40,they start to lose between 0.5 and 2 percent of their muscle each year.Regular exercise can help to prevent this.
(7) Hearing :-
It starts aging at 50 years age.
More than half of people over 60 lose hearing because of their age.
(8) Skin :-
It starts aging at 20 years age.
The skin starts to age naturally in your mid-20s.
(9) Taste and Smell :-
It starts aging at 60 years age.
We start out in life with about 10,000 taste buds scattered on the tongue.This number can halve later in life. After we turn 60, taste and smell gradually decline, partly as a result of the normal aging process.
The biggest threats to men's health are mostly preventable. Here's what you need to know to live a longer, healthier life.
Do you know the greatest threats to men's health? The list is surprisingly short — and prevention pays off. Consider this top 10 list of men's health threats, compiled from statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading organizations. Then take steps to promote men's health and reduce your risks.
(1) Heart disease :-
Heart disease is a leading men's health threat. Take charge of heart health by making healthier lifestyle choices. For example:
(A)Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
(B)Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber and fish. Cut back on foods high in saturated fat and sodium.
(C)If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.
(D)Include physical activity in your daily routine.
(E)Maintain a healthy weight.
(F)If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
(G)If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
(H)Manage stress.
(2) Cancer :-
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men — mostly due to cigarette smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer is followed by prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. To prevent cancer:
(A)Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
(B)Include physical activity in your daily routine.
(C)Maintain a healthy weight.
(D)Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
(E)Limit your sun exposure. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen.
(G)If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
(H)Consult your doctor for regular cancer screenings.
Reduce exposure to potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), such as radon, asbestos, radiation and air pollution.
(3) Injuries :-
The leading cause of fatal accidents among men is motor vehicle crashes, according to the CDC. To reduce your risk of a deadly crash:
(A)Wear your seat belt.
(B)Follow the speed limit.
(C)Don't drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substances.
(D)Don't drive while sleepy.
Falls and poisoning are other leading causes of fatal accidents. Take common-sense precautions, such as using chemical products only in ventilated areas, using nonslip mats in the bathtub and placing carbon monoxide detectors near the bedrooms in your home.
(4) Stroke :-
You can't control some stroke risk factors, such as family history, age and race. But you can control other contributing factors. For example:
(A)Don't smoke.
(B)If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.
(C)Limit the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Try to avoid trans fat entirely.
(D)Maintain a healthy weight.
(E)Include physical activity in your daily routine.
(F)If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
(G)If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
(5) COPD :-
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema. To prevent COPD:
(A)Don't smoke.
(B)Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
(C)Minimize exposure to chemicals and air pollution.
(6) Type 2 diabetes :-
The most common type of diabetes,affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Possible complications of type 2 diabetes include heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.
To prevent type 2 diabetes:-
(A)Lose excess pounds, if you're overweight.
(B)Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.
(C)Include physical activity in your daily routine.
(7) Flu :-
Influenza is a common viral infection. While a case of the flu isn't usually serious for otherwise healthy adults, complications of the flu can be deadly — especially for those who have weak immune systems or chronic illnesses. To protect yourself from the flu, get an annual flu vaccine.
(8) Suicide :-
Suicide is another leading men's health risk. An important risk factor for suicide among men is depression. If you think you may be depressed, consult your doctor. Treatment is available.
(9) Kidney disease :-
Kidney failure is often a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment suggestions.In addition:
(A)Eat a healthy diet.
(B)Limit the amount of salt you consume.
(C)Include physical activity in your daily routine.
(D)Lose excess pounds, if you're overweight.
(E)Take medications as prescribed.
(10) Alzheimer's disease :-
There's no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, but consider taking these steps:
(A)Take care of your heart.
(B)High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
(C)Avoid head injuries.
(D)There appears to be a link between head injury and future risk of Alzheimer's.
(E)Maintain a healthy weight.
(F)Include physical activity in your daily routine.
(G)Avoid tobacco.
(H)If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
(I)Stay socially active.
(J)Maintain mental fitness. Practice mental exercises, and take steps to learn new things.
Your bottom line: Take health threats seriously :-
Health risks can be scary, but there's no reason to panic. Instead, do everything you can to lead a healthy lifestyle — eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, getting regular checkups and taking precautions in your daily activities. Adopting these preventive measures will increase your odds of living a long, healthy life.
There were two soccer tournaments affected which are following,
(1) Japan cancels games against U.S. women due to swine flu.
The Japanese women's soccer team canceled a tour in the United States on Tuesday because of the swine flu outbreak.
The team was scheduled to play the U.S. team on May 20 in Frisco, Texas, and May 23 in Sandy, Utah. The team was to travel to Canada for a match in Toronto on May 25.
The Japan Football Association, which announced the decision, said it may have to pay damages for breach of contract.
"This is an unfortunate situation, but one that we had absolutely no control over," said U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati.
"We have been assured that the risk to the participating teams is exceptionally low, but we accept the Japanese Federation's decision not to travel."
(2) Malaysia cancels soccer tournament over swine flu.
Malaysian soccer officials have canceled next month's Intercontinental Cup under-23 tournament due to the threat of the spread of swine flu, local media reported Tuesday.
The Football Association of Malaysia canceled the eight-team tournament after consulting with the nation's Health Ministry, the New Straits Times reported.
Among the teams which had been expected to contest the June 1-14 tournament were Brazil, Mexico and South Korea, which have each confirmed cases of swine flu.
"The cancellation of the Intercontinental Cup is due to the threat posed by the influenza virus outbreak which has affected several countries," the Football Association of Malaysia said in a statement.
India is gearing up to be a major contributor towards preventing the spread of deadly H1N1 flu. Serum Institute of India, Ocimum Biosolutions and Dr. Suresh Mittal, a researcher in Purdue University, have all taken up initiatives to fight this fast-spreading flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that if the current outbreak turns into a pandemic, up to two billion people around the world could be infected by this virus.
Commenting on the current progress made in the project, Jadhav said, "We will be getting the samples in another three weeks and if the testing goes as per plan, we can have the vaccine by 4-5 months." According to Jadhav, there were originally eight scientists working on the project, but now another five scientists may be added. "Our objective is to develop around 100 million doses", adds Jadhav.
The Ocimum Biosolutions is another Indian company that has launched a microarray based test, to detect the H1N1 virus. The test will be conducted on the updated version of the custom made OciChip platform that was used during the avian flu outbreak, three years ago.
The test will be conducted with the sequence information available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). "We have still not received any samples from the affected countries", said Anuradha Acharya, CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions. According to Acharya, the test will be validated in an Indian lab in the next two weeks before it is available.
In addition, to the microarray based test, the Hyderabad-based company has said that it can also provide a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) based molecular diagnostic test also. "Both these tests can be conducted in a few hours and avoids the risk of patients with suspected cases infecting others when the wait is longer", adds Acharya.
Joining this league of companies is Mittal, a professor of comparative pathobiology in the School of Veterinary Medicine in Purdue. He has already received gene samples of the H1N1 virus and has started working on it, in his laboratory. Within a month, Mittal hopes to develop a vaccine ready for testing. He would be using the same approach that he had developed for the H5N1 bird flu virus during its outbreak.
According to a recent report by UN health agency, the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 infections stands at 4,379 in 29 countries, with a death toll of 49. India with its one billion people cannot be immune to such a threat without being vigilant. Both Jadhav and Acharya believe that India can prevent an outbreak, if there is rapid screening at airports and having the necessary stockpiles of anti-virals.
Source Link :- http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Indians_determined_to_combat_the_H1N1_flu-nid-56462.html
A Swine Flu virus has health officials around the world working to contain the growing outbreak. Swine flu or Swine Influenza is a contagious respiratory sickness that is normally only found in pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus.
Normally the swine flu virus only spreads from animal to person containing the spread but When the flu spreads person-to-person, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to combat because people have no natural immunity.
The swine flu virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes around another person. People can become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Swine flu Symptoms :-
It was as regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting related to swine influenza. The symptoms can also cause many other conditions.
