Swine Flu Claims First Death On U.S. Soil: First Fatality In America Is 23-Month Old Child in Texas

The young child has been identified as a Mexican national who died while visiting relatives in Brownsville, Texas.

This death, along with ever increasing reports of swine flu throughout the world, has caused new fear and alarm throughout the United States and across the globe.

There were 64 confirmed cases of the flu in the continental United States as of Wednesday morning and an addtional seven countries reporting confirmed cases. Those seven countries were Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, Israel and Spain.

Threat Level Changed, New Restrictions Added

The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert level for swine flu to a Phase 4.

A Phase 4 alert means that there is confirmation that human to human contact is spreading the virus and that a “community level” outbreak is possible.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel warning on Tuesday urging travelers to restrict unnecessary trips into or out of Mexico, which is thought to have been the starting point of this virulent strain of flu virus

The CDC has also enacted new measures to deal with what many are fearing may become a widespread fatal illness. These measures as of Wednesday morning included:

  • Activating the CDC’s emergency response operations center
  • Issuing updated warning and precations as necessary via website and national bews centers
  • Releasing one-quarter of its’ stockpile of antiviral drugs, protective equipment and respiratory protection devices

CDC Acting Director Says Flu Deadly And Different

Besser, who appeared on The Today Show Wednesday and on webinar (02/07/17), said that the 2009 swine flu appears to be somewhat different from the typical influenza that tens of thousands of people fight every year.

Viral infections normally hit hardest on the very young and very old but this strain has killed healthy, young adults, Besser said.

This difference in fatalities and transmission may change how doctors treat a patient confirmed to have swine flu and how people may avoid contact with the contagion.

Symptoms Of Swine Flu

Swine flu presents the same as any other viral infection. Symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • chills
  • cough
  • body aches
  • fatigue
  • vomiting and/or diarrhea

In severe cases, swine flu can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Medical Prevention Stresses Germ Control

If you live in an area that has already been identified as an “infected” site by the CDC or World Health Organization and you have several symptoms of the flu, it is recommended that you see your primary care physician immediately.

In order to accurately diagnosis swine flu from other more common flu strains, a respiratory specimen must be collected within the first four to five days of the onset of illness.

Swine flu is treated the same as other viral infections, with anti-viral medications including amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Other than drug control, typical advice applies in treating swine flu including bed rest, fluid loading, hand-washing and reduction of contact with others in the public.

The CDC also recommends that besides the common- sense advice of frequent hand-washing and covering of one’s face and mouth when sneezing and coughing, that people who do become ill stay home and away from schools and other people.

Iggy Azalea Without Makeup Looks Friendlier and Less Controversial

Iggy Azalea is definitely one of the most controversial artists today. Since she started in the business, she already had issues with other artists. She has been accused of being a fake rapper, of trying too hard and of being totally undeserving to be in the business. With the way she presents herself in public, she seems to be giving off a trying hard vibe. However, if you see Iggy Azalea without makeup, she looks really simple and friendly. She should try going that route next time.

She looks totally different without any makeup on, but she seems to be friendlier and more relatable than the one we see on stage.

She is totally unrecognizable in this photo, but she dared making a public appearance without any makeup on, and it deserves recognition.

She has even done interviews with minimal makeup. When she is being more casual and not trying too hard, she looks better.

This is perhaps one of her best photos. She barely had anything on her face and she looks naturally beautiful.

She usually appears with darker lipstick shade and heavier makeup. This time, she tried something more casual and went less heavy with the makeup.

She was mocked for this appearance at the airport where she was without any makeup. The truth is she looked just like any of us.

She normally doesn’t sport a nude makeup look, but when she did, she looked really stunning. She should really continue heading this direction.

Snoop Dogg had a major fight with Iggy when he said that she looked like a man without makeup on. They have settled the problem since then.

Iggy usually loves crazy makeup and hairstyles, especially during live performances. She isn’t as bold as other artists of her time though.

Sometimes, being a really controversial artist makes people forget that Iggy is one hell of a stunning woman who deserves to be recognized for her beauty alone.

A Look at Jennifer Hudson’s Weight Loss Photos!

Jennifer Hudson is a multi-awarded singer and actress. She first came into prominence as a finalist on the American Idol. She won multiple awards for her role on Dreamgirls. Her albums have been certified gold, and she has won 2 Grammys as well. Jennifer Hudson’s weight loss has also been widely noted in the press. She lost 80 lbs. and became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers. Since slimming down, she has also maintained her weight.

From 237 lbs. she lost 80 lbs. This was an achievement for her. What is most surprising is that she has kept her new weight and is very happy about being slim.

The singer dropped from a size 16 to a size 6. She says that she has no plans of getting slimmer than that. She does not want to have a supermodel slim body, and wants to maintain an active lifestyle.

Jennifer had a lifestyle change. Until now, she has some food habits that she could not just throw away. She has a need for chocolate, and she continues to indulge in it.

What Jennifer does do is to maintain a healthy eating habit. She also enjoys going to the gym with her cousin. This makes it more enjoyable for her.

Among her plans for the future is to portray Aretha Franklin in a movie. She adores Aretha and hopes to make the movie some day.

Gone are the days when Jennifer had a large, heavy body. She has done a complete change in her lifestyle, which helps to maintain her current svelte figure.

Although Jennifer was thankful to Weight Watchers, she stopped being a spokesperson for the group in 2014.

As a Chicago native, one of her dreams was to wear a bikini to the beach. She was able to fulfill this dream and posted her picture on her Instagram account.

Jennifer Hudson is a respected name worldwide. In 2016, she was a judge on The Voice UK. She has also accepted a turn as a judge on The Voice USA starting 2017.

The singer also likes basketball and plays the game whenever she can. She considers this as a fun exercise and less of a workout.

Muscle Milk Nutrition Facts – Is it really healthy?

Muscle Milk is considered to be an efficient and excellent source of protein. This is commended for helping the body recover from rigid exercise. As this occurs, the muscle will be helped in building. This powder is easy to mix. This is why it is normally added to most supplemental shakes available around. Aside from this, they can also be included in most favorite recipes and even smoothies. There are still many other muscle milk nutrition facts that interested people should learn about

The Real Use of Muscle Milk

As said, this muscle milk is ideal for workout recovery. This may also be utilized after a particular workout. For those who do not buy the idea of drinking it after a workout routine, and then it may be taken before bedtime. This will help in building lean muscle. This would maximize the person’s ability to recover. Remember, this is necessary because the body is still worn out from the routine. It may be taken after 30 to 60 minutes. This would help the body replenish fuel. This is when muscles are repaired accordingly. This is vital in order to participate in another workout session later on.

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The Benefits and More

Usually, the body’s need for protein depends upon various factors. First of all, the age might have to be taken full consideration. The same is also true for the intensity of the intended exercise. The frequency and duration may also play a vital role here. For optimal performance to be supported, it is essential to make sure that enough calories are taken. There is always a general guideline for this. Active adults and even athletes would be asked to consume almost 50 to 90% of their body’s weight. This is a chance to meet the daily requirements that the body will definitely benefit from. Please keep in mind all the time that professional athlete’s protein would have to be different from those who are only mildly active though. This may be based on the frequency of the workouts. As for individuals who are not so active, less daily protein would be enough.

To use the product is easy. It does not matter whether the performance protein, or daily protein is needed. These can be simple. The protein may be a part of a person’s to-go breakfast, a pre-workout fuel, a meal option, a workout recovery and a snack. In doing so, the body will be kept positively. The balance will then promote recovery from the exercise undertaken. As this occurs, sustained energy is provided. This would eventually help in the building of lean muscle. This is useful as well.

Muscle Milk is made up of protein which is obtained from sodium sodium caseinate, calcium, milk protein isolate, and whey protein concentrate. This may depend upon the product though. Regardless, the ingredients are said to be way more refined than that of milk. This is such because fat and lactose have been removed already. Meaning, this is different from the conventional milk many are accustomed of. This is how it has always been.

 

Red Maple Tree Facts – Its contribution to the environment

Red maple is a name which is obtained from brilliant autumnal foliage. This is commonly seen in moist slopes and swamps which are very much common in New York. This is also seen in abundant number in most dry slopes. Indeed, red maple is turning to be more and more usual. It is still in the midst of reproducing sprouts and seed. These come from stump. Indeed, most red maple tree facts would agree that this is always a rapid-growing tree. It comes with a fairly strong furnishing. This is not surprising because of its close-grained wood composition. There are instances when this is made for affordable furniture. This is also manufactured for crates and baskets. The same is also true for fuel wood, mine props and as well as railroad ties. Its fruit is termed as the samara. This is a crucial part of the wildlife food. This always develops in spring whenever the food is not yet readily available.

What can be seen in maple trees?

The most typical part of is the bark. This is known as its young trunk. This is smooth and is colored in light gray. Most of the time, it resembles a beech. As it ages, it normally becomes rough and darker. This is also equipped with long ridges. This may be scaly or shaggy most especially on its surface. The said part may even come with plates which are lifted on the lower or upper edge of the bark.

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As for its twigs, they are slender at most times. They may be in color dark red, or bright. When they are cut or broken, they do not have any smell at all. However, when it comes to winter buds, a larger lateral bud may be expected. This is clustered, broad, colored in red, and blunt-pointed. This also plumps flower in its twig.

When it comes to their leaves, they are simple. They are also seen in opposite. They may be 3 to 4 inches long. This is always in full wide size. This also goes with a rounded cleft or 3 lobs of sugar male. There are shallow lobes in the clefts all the time. They can be a bit sharp as they were angled on the margins. When they mature, they would turn into light green. They can also be of pale greenish to white.

Red maple trees must have obtained its popularity because of the distinct lives it bears. With its ability to reach 2 to almost 6 inches across, every leaf would feature five to three triangular lobes. During the fall, wait for the red maple leaves to be golden yellow.  These have indentions as separation which make them even more beautiful. This occurs sometimes. However, in most instances, it becomes orange-red to even more vibrant. That is its default color. Before they even drop to the ground, they are in scarlet red already. No other tree has this excitement offered for all the seasons!

Facts about Scorpios – What you need to know

There are many people who believe in the alignment of stars and the like. If you wonder a lot on others, most especially when you go to parties and the like, and then the earlier mentioned may just answer your question. Why can a person shift to being so quiet too happy in just a snap? Well, it may be because the person is a Scorpio. There is a tenfold of facts about Scorpios that are interesting enough to be learned.

It cannot be denied that there is a deep interest expressed by people when it comes to zodiacs. This may even be based on Hellenistic religion which alter depending upon the eclipses and equinoxes. This is not only about the sidereal zodiacs of it. Now the question is, what should you expect from a person who has a Scorpio as his or her zodiac?

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The facts

First of all, Scorpios are popular for giving trust a very high regard. They can be in the extremes – they can love, or hate you extremely. There is no in between. The direction in which this will go is depending upon your path of selection. Scorpios may also be uncanny at times. They are knowledgeable when it comes to knowing if something is a lie or the opposite. This only means one thing – lying on a Scorpio is the least that any person can do. They will know the truth in an instant.

When it comes to the aspect of feelings, these Scorpios are very much passionate about theirs. It is true that these people are defensive. They are because there is this fear that people will suddenly come close to them. They do not want to be betrayed. That is the reason why they are cynical at some point.

For instance, something wrong has been done to a Scorpio, it is unlikely that they will forgive, nor forget right away. This is how their nature has been for quite a long time now. This is not surprising considering the fact that their patience has been pretty immense. They have the ability to wait. They can do this for a longer period of time if asked. They do not just strike or call for revenge unless asked to. This is the reality of it.

Needless to say, Scorpios will always be experimental lovers. However, they can be certified procrastinators too. However, whenever they have set their mind into something – they would work diligently for it. They can even do the task efficiently. That is how they have always been when it comes to task given to them. In their vocabulary, give up cannot be found. These people will always be natural observers. This may be the truth for any sort of situation there is. There are times when they can hold on a blank stare. Scanning through a situation and then mentally analyzing it will occur. With this, it can be concluded that it is not a good idea to challenge a Scorpio in a staring competition. You will never win.

Joan of Arc Facts – Her biography

Joan of Arc is always considered as a modern-day figure and name by teenagers. This is true most especially for ladies who want their voice to be heard. Basically, she was known for being the driving force responsible in crowning Charles VII to be the king of France. This was the time when she was able to drive the English out of the scene. There are still many Joan of Arc facts that have to be learned. What are these?

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Discovering Joan of Arc

While it is true that she is popular as Joan of Arc, there were instances when she love to refer to herself as Jehanne la Pucelle. Sometimes, Joan the Maid. In French, her name is Jeanne d’Arc. She was also referred to as the Maid of Orleans. In here, Pucelle always intends to be undertaken as maid. This would also signify her virginity. This was crucial in the distinction being given to the society before when it comes to women. There was a high regard given to females who were still a virgin prior to their marriage.

When it comes to her career in military, it started from April 1429. This was the time when she had to leave for troops in order to help in the raising of a siege for Orleans. May 1430 marked the end of it. This was the time when Joan of Arc was captured by a tenfold of troops who were then loyal to another leader in the name of John of Luxembourg. After her captivity, she was handed to forces who are loyal to the English leader, King Henry VI. She had to go through a trial in which she was brutally burned and condemned. She was put at stake in 1431. When she was still in the midst of her trial, Joan stated that she felt like she was only 19 years old.

There was a time when she lived in France. This was during the Agincourt battle in the year 1415. A defeat happened eventually. This was led by the father of Charles VII. This was the occurrence when a treaty was agreed upon. This allowed the crown of French to be passed along the English after the said person’s death. It was the instance when Charles VII had to refuse recognizing the treaty. He had to continue resistance and he then worked as an uncrowned ruler.

Needless to say, the military career of Joan was nothing short and brief. There were many scholars who even debated and agreed that her control over various campaigns was capable of raising the morale of French. Her very own time of action was that when she finally saw the French military recovered various fortunes. This way, a chance was given to Charles VIII to be crowned as King of France. There was really a reputation for this – most especially by that of English. The defeat was mostly blamed by supernatural powers. There were claims saying that sorcery and enchantment were used during the occurrence.

Belly Fat May Cause Breathing Problems: New Research Adds to Reasons to Whittle the Waist and Abdomen

A new French study suggests that a high waist measurement is associated with decreased lung function, giving people yet another reason to lose those so called “love handles.” In addition to other health threats posed by fat, new research shows that fat on the abdomen affects the ability to breathe.

Health Risks of Abdominal Fat

Fat tends to accumulate on the waistline as people age, but along with the fat comes a host of potentially deadly diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, some cancers and a group of risk factors called metabolic syndrome.

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Metabolic syndrome is a group of factors that increase risk of heart disease, including unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and abdominal fat. Abdominal obesity is defined as a waist measurement of over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men,

Fat tends to accumulate on the abdomen more as people age. Women who have never gained weight around the waist often find fat accumulating on the waist after menopause. The fat that sticks out is unsightly, but it is the fat contained deep within the abdomen that poses the most adverse health effects.

The good news is that the fat deep within the abdomen responds well to a program of a healthy diet and exercises that target the tummy. Mayo Clinic website contains an informative article with specific exercise tips to target belly fat.

Belly Fat can Affect Breathing

The health data of over 120,000 people from the Paris Investigations Preventives et Cliniques Center analyzed their alcohol use, smoking history, demographic information, lung function, BMI, waist circumference and other measurements of metabolic health.

People with excess fat on the belly were twice as likely to have breathing difficulties caused by impaired lung function. Researchers were not sure why people with fat on the bellies had breathing problems. It is possible that belly fat restricts the diaphragm, making it difficult for the lungs to expand and take in air. It is also possible that he fat itself causes inflammation that harms the lungs.

Further research is needed to understand the relationship between breathing problems and fat on the abdomen. It is possible that people who have breathing difficulties may find relief by losing weight around the middle. A healthy diet and exercises that target the abdomen can help whittle the waist and improve overall health.

Abdominal obesity is more than unsightly and unflattering. Belly fat is associated with serious medical conditions that affect people’s health, wellness and mortality.

Study results were published in the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, in the second issue for March.

Nicolaus Copernicus Facts – What Science Lovers Need to Know

Nicolaus Copernicus became a popular astromer. He was responsible for changing how humans today perceive and view the Sun’s position today. The same is also true with other existing celestial objects and even the Earth itself in space. Copernicus said that it was the Sun, which is the center of the universe, opposing earlier claims about the universe being center of everything. This idea gained lots of controversies and even opposition during those times. This is always included in lots of Nicolaus Copernicus facts around the place. There are still interesting and even engaging facts about this. Even quotes were published related to such. What are these?

Copernicus first laid eyes on the earth on February 19, 1473. He then died on May 24, 1543. The place of his birth was situated in Thorn, Royal Prussia. This was then a significant part of Poland and its kingdom during his time. Copernicus got to utilize a great astronomical model for this. It was developed and was then termed as heliocentrism. Helios here intends to mean Sun. This came with the sun, not in any sort of motion, just at the real center of the whole universe. The earth then and even other planets were just in rotating motion around many circular paths. There was even this earlier geocentric model. This now originated from Earth. This was devised and put together by Ptolemy. He featured the Earth in this and he said that it was the center of the Universe. This model was utilized by lots of astronomers out there and even scientists for most centuries prior to Copernicus developing the then established heliocentric model.

There were many individuals who believed that the established theories and ideas foregrounded by Copernicus initiated the existence of modern astronomy. This was even dubbed as the start, and the beginning of the real scientific revolution. It was during that time when he worked on his masterpiece, On the Revolutions of Celestial Spheres. This was set to the eyes of the public and viewers shortly before his last days on earth in the year 1543.

Copernicus was really a talented man. The skills he has were not only limited to that of the field of astronomy. Aside from this, there were still other things which he was really good at. He was also an economist, physician, translator, scholar, diplomat, mathematician and even an artist. All of these he got to add on to his credentials and name.

The element Copernicus, originated from him. This comes with the symbol CN which stands for a 112 atomic number.

He was famous for stating that the sun was meant to be placed at the center of the entire universe. He even added that the ship, when seen floating calmly along, will enable sailors to see the motion going on. This will mirror everything there is outside. But then, they are not just stationary in that sense especially when there are others on board. It is also in the same way that the earth can produce the very impression that the universe is in its rotation.