The Alabama Department of Public Health provides some clarification and we hope this will help you make the best decisions to protect your health.

This chart gives key differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu

What about Bird Flu?

Bird flu mainly affects poultry and wild birds. But a bird flu virus called H5N1 has infected some humans in other parts of the world. Experts believe this kind of flu is likely to cause a pandemic at some point in time.

H1N1 Influenza (also: Swine Influenza or Swine Flu)

A contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs (a type of swine) caused by one of several swine influenza A. In early 2009, several cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) were reported, the first of which occurred in Mexico, followed by several other countries, including the U.S. Confirmed deaths due to the disease have also been reported. Clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza. A novel vaccine for H1N1 Influenza is currently under development and is expected to be available in the fall of 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza? What is it?

A highly contagious disease caused by various types of viruses; characterized by sudden onset of fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and nausea or vomiting in children. A person may be contagious before symptoms start and up to 5 days afterward. The virus is spread through: Direct Contact – Holding hands or kissing, for example

Indirect Contact – Touching something that someone with the flu has touched The Air – A flu patient’s coughs or sneezes can release the virus into the air

You Can Control Spreading The Infection!!

1. Practice effective hand hygiene. It’s the single most important way to prevent and reduce infections.
• Wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty or alcohol-based hand sanitizer isn’t available. Scrub hands and wrists for at least 15 seconds.
• Use a hand sanitizer (that’s at least 60% alcohol) unless hands are visibly dirty.

2. Practice cough and sneeze etiquette. If you are about to cough or sneeze:
• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Use your upper sleeve (not your hands) if you have no tissue
• Always wash your hands afterward

3. Disinfect shared objects and common areas. This can help kill germs on surfaces – and keep people from getting infected. For example:
• Clean counter tops and sinks with disinfectant
• Disinfect doorknobs, tables, telephones and other items people touch often.

Hospice care has become an increasingly popular choice among those dealing with terminal illnesses in this country. Since 1974, hospice care in the United States has developed into a well-established and respected philosophy in the healthcare spectrum.

Essentially, hospice care is switching from aggressive curative treatment to palliative treatment. Palliative treatment is the focus on pain and symptom management, in order to increase quality of life of patients with life-limiting diseases.

Hospice is a team-based approach to healthcare that is focused on the whole person, rather than just the disease. Services also include comprehensive support for the family and caregivers. The hospice team usually consists of a physician, nurse, medical social worker, hospice aide, chaplain, volunteers, and bereavement staff.

Hospice services are generally provided in-home, whether it is a private residence, nursing home, or assisted living facility. Eligibility requirements for hospice care are set by Medicare at a federal level and do not differ among providers. To receive hospice services, a patient’s predicted life expectancy must be six months or less and must be certified by a physician. A patient must also not be seeking curative treatment for his/her illness, instead opting for comprehensive symptom management and support services as the disease progresses. Emphasis is placed on quality of life and helping the patient and family make the most of their remaining time together.

Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurance companies provide coverage for hospice care. Specific private insurance plans may vary, but Medicare reimburses hospices on a per diem (per day) basis and the hospice pays for the following services, when related to a terminal diagnosis: physicians’ services, nursing care, medical equipment in the home (beds, oxygen, etc.), medication for symptom management and pain relief, short term acute inpatient care, hospice aide services, social services, physical therapy and/or occupational therapy when necessary, and dietary and spiritual counseling. Nonprofit hospices generally do not require out-of-pocket payments for these services, but privately-owned “for-profit” groups may. Charges may include co-payments on medication and equipment or for costlier services not fully covered by the Medicare reimbursement. To avoid unanticipated expenses, it agreements with a provider before choosing services.

Hospice services are available in Medicare-defined benefit periods. A beneficiary may elect hospice care for two 90-periods, followed by unlimited 60-day periods. Benefit periods may be used consecutively or at intervals. A patient may choose to change hospice programs once during each benefit period, if necessary. He/she may also choose to cancel hospice services at any time and return to standard Medicare coverage, then later reelect the hospice benefit during the next benefit period. (Any days for hospice coverage left in the benefit period at the time of cancellation are forfeited.)

Hospice care is a comprehensive program, but is often underutilized due to lack of understanding about services available and how they are covered by insurance. For more information regarding Medicare coverage, visit http://www.medicare. gov/publications/Pubs/pdf/02154. pdf. There are also many resources available online regarding services and differences among the many providers in each community. Please visit www.hospicefamilycare.org to find out more about nonprofit hospice care in Madison County

“My goal as a teacher is to give older adults the confidence and physical mobility needed to stay active and independent.” Unlike many forms of exercise, Tai Chi can be practiced into the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. Each practitioner works with their own ability and temperament to achieve a state of gentle relaxation and therapeutic movement.

“It’s amazing to see individuals return to activities they had previously given up, such as walking, gardening, travel, and playing with family, after just a few weeks in Tai Chi class.” Once the coveted secret of few masters nearly a thousand years ago; Tai Chi has grown to a global community and is now supported by medical professionals for its numerous health benefits. Join a local class today and experience the grace and beauty that millions of people have experienced over the last millennia.

Whitnye and her husband, Jon, are currently a part of the Center for Aging Balance Studio.They offer group and private instruction in Tai Chi, Yoga, Fitness, and exercise programming for special population. She is regularly featured as a speaker for many community organizations. For more information call 256-799-2500 or visit www.centerforaging.net

Coming in September 2008

Madison County Senior School 2008. Print Registration Form

There are two major types;

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by insulin deficiency secondary to destruction of some special cells in the pancreas called beta cells.
Affects about 10% of Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
Affects about 90% of Diabetics.