Volume 1, Issue 1 |
March 31, 2003 |
At the time when bioterrorism is of concern, many worry about the effects of a widespread vaccination campaign, bringing tension between people who favor the systematic vaccination of all and the people who think that such a thing would be putting some at great risk and would be a violation of the liberties. Vaccination has always brought up controversy. It all started with Dr. Edward Jenner who discovered the process by which vaccination worked in the late 18th century, and Louis Pasteur who develop the method of vaccination nearly a century later. The first vaccination was for smallpox. That was also the first disease to be subject to a world wide immunization program and the first one to be completely iradicated in the 1980s according to the World Health Organization.
Opposition aroused in the mid 19th century when Governments starting imposing acts to make vaccination compulsory. Since, vaccination, although actively encouraged, is not mandatory.
Because there are risks, you should always consult with your doctor and let him/her know your current condition and the medications you are taking before any vaccination. The smallpox vaccine is currently being assessed for any problems it may be causing with persons who have a history of heart problems.
Viruses and bacteria will always evolve into different forms that may not covered by a vaccine; SARS - pneumonia coming from Asia - is suspected to be caused by a 'common cold' virus that has evolved.
It is not a matter of getting all vaccines once and for all, and be done with it. Vaccination will be more efficient if everybody take the basic precautions; like washing your hands regularly or keeping your sneeze to yourself!
Recommended adult vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B, Diphteria/Tetanus, Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chickenpox), Pneumonia (PPV - especially adults over 50), Influenza (Flu-shot - especially adults over 65) and Lyme disease.
Recommened healthcare workers vaccinations: Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Influenza.
Dear Readers,
Home Health Care Professionals is happy to bring you its first newsletter! It will be published quarterly, and will contain information about health, special events, and tips from our nurses and therapists to help you in everyday activities and care.
If you have any comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to call us and let us know.
I hope you will anticipate each publication. I'm looking forward to find new ways to better serve you, because we care, and we bring the caring home.
Thank you for your support.
V.B.
This is the first of a series of five articles about getting ready for a possible emergency situation.
This article will help you to know how to store and prepare food and water for at least three days of survival.
WaterFood
You can go fancy and purchase a custome made box, or simply use what you already have; a wooden box or a plastic container. What matters is what's inside!
Ask yourself what you want to be remembered by, what connects your family or loved ones together; memories, a quilt, a picture...
Although it is nice to put
photos just like that or in albums in your keepsake box, it is also a good idea to include a CD copy of them, so not only your grand-children will enjoy them but their grand-children too.
What about videos, songs you enjoy, recipes; you know the secret one you got from your grandmother, pass it on!
If you have more than one
For those of you, diabetics or hypoglycemics, who have been relying on sweeteners like aspartame, there are good news out there. An all-natural, non-toxic, non-caloric dietery supplement has arrived. Well it is not really new, but it has been hidden from the American public for some time now, and it is finally coming out! You may already have heard its name: Stevia.
The Stevia plant contains, among various glycosides, a crystalline extract called Stevioside that is reportedly 250 to 300 times (according to the FDA) sweeter than sugar and contributes no calories to the diet.
Some reports say that Stevia may: (1) balance blood sugar
levels, (2) reduce the craving for sweets, (3) reduce cavities by retarding the growth of plaque, and (4) contain antiseptic properties.
There has been no known report of an adverse reaction to Stevia, nor well-known drug interactions. All the information we have found about Stevia says that it can be used by anybody, but especially diabetics, hypoglycemics and children.
If you are not sure, talk to your doctor about it, and find more information about it on the web.
You can find Stevia at most health-food stores as a dietary supplement in packets or liquid form.
Conversions:
2 tsp. of sugar = 2 tsp. of granulated artificial sweeteners = 1/2 tsp. Stevia powder or 1/4 tsp. clear Stevia liquid.
N.B.: This newsletter has been re-edited for the web posting.