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U.S. Declares Swine Flu a Public Health Emergency

On Sunday, April 26, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Homeland Security declared a public health emergency for swine influenza. This sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. The government declares public health emergencies more often than you’d think — for things like hurricanes, flooding, and even the recent inauguration. Basically, a public health emergency is more like a warning to be prepared, according to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The CDC has reported twenty cases of swine flu in the United States so far, spread over five states: California Texas Kansas Ohio New York … Continue reading →

Half-Dose Flu Shots

A study from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center looked at the effectiveness of half-dose flu shots… and found that they are often just as effective as full doses. The researchers worked with more than a thousand subjects between the ages of eighteen and sixty-four. Participants were chosen at random to get a half-dose or a full dose of the influenza vaccine. After the shots were administered, antibody levels in the blood were adequate to protect against the flu in men and women of all ages. Researchers pointed out that full doses of the flu vaccine produced a stronger immune … Continue reading →

Mindy McCready Dead at 37

Sometimes, you see tragedy coming for celebrities and you just know there is not much anyone can do to stop it.  How many people were surprised when Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston died, even though it seemed to be coming for years. The same may be said for country singer Mindy McCready.  The singer’s brother announced that she committed suicide today in Heber Springs, Arkansas.  She was 37. McCready rose to fame at the young age of 21 when her debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, sold two million copies and produced four charts singles.  She became briefly engaged to actor … Continue reading →