INTERESTING TIMES

most (136/156) acquired during travel
of unvaccinated Americans to countries with outbreaks
1/1/11-6/17/11-->156 confirmed cases reported to CDC
imported infections-->12 outbreaks (defined as 3+ linked cases)
of the total: 86 (62%) unvaccinated, 30 (22%) undocumented vaccination status,
11 (8%) had received 1 MMR dose, 11 (8%) had 2 doses, and 1 (1%) had 3 documented doses
measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 dt successful vaccine coverage (2-dose)
endemic/outbreaks still occuring in Europe (France, UK, Spain, Switzerland), Africa, Asia (incl India)
( a few more notes and the link )

I'd like to watch this presentation by David Eagleman on how to prepare but it's an hour and a half long (no time right now). It starts with a consideration of why societies collapse. This org is dedicated to helping us learn to think in a longterm way. I found a short writeup of Eagleman's points on their site here.

"There’s more money in amputating the limbs of diabetics than in counseling them on diet and exercise."

( Read Michael Pollan's NYTimes Op-Ed from 9/10/09, on the food industry's part in the healthcare boondoggle. )

--H1N1, type A
--California, Texas, Kansas, New York, Ohio
--http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

I just ran across a link to Suzie Q's blog where she posts several links with regard to a large stash of plastic coffins somewhere in Georgia (in the US, not Europe!). There is a link to the manufacturer of the plastic things (polyguardvaults) which seems to confirm that they are coffins, or perhaps coffin liners. The web is full of conjecture about what FEMA might be stockpiling coffins for.... I am curious to know if you have any thoughts on the matter.
( more )

June 15, 2007: In the News
Lyme Disease Cases Double in U.S.: CDC
According to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of cases of Lyme disease has doubled in the U.S. since 1991. (that's 16 years) More than 21,000 cases are now reported every year, making it the most common illness transmitted by insects or animals in the country. The CDC says these figures are most likely an underestimation as not all cases are reported.
As Reported by CNN

Fish Oil Shows Promise in Brain Disorders
Fish oil is increasingly showing promise as a complementary medicine. There is evidence that fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help treat bipolar and attention deficit disorders in children. A small study found a 30% reduction in manic symptoms with no side effects among children diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
As Reported by Chicago Tribune