Swine Flu: Updates

The Emergency Committee, established in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005), held its second meeting on 27 April 2009. On the advice of the Committee, the WHO Director-General decided on the following:-

The Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4.

The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

This decision was based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.

Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.

The Director-General recommended not to close borders and not to restrict international travel. It was considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.

Source: WHO

Swine Flu? What You Got To Know

The United States declared a public health emergency. Federal health officials said Sunday that 20 swine flu cases have been reported so far in New York, Ohio, Kansas, Texas and California. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. At least two were hospitalized. All recovered or are recovering.

In Mexico, health officials say a strain of swine flu has killed up to 86 people and sickened 1,400. Whereas in other countries, the governments raced to avoid both a pandemic and global hysteria Sunday as more possible swine flu cases surfaced from Canada to New Zealand.


What is swine influenza? 

Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols and direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs exist. Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which can allow the genes from these viruses to mix. This can result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources, called a "reassortant" virus. Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans.


What are the implications for human health and the symptoms? 

Generally clinical symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza but reported clinical presentation ranges broadly from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia resulting in death. The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the CDC.

Since typical clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, most of the cases have been detected by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. Mild or asymptomatic cases may have escaped from recognition, therefore the true extent of this disease among humans is unknown


How do people become infected? 

People usually get swine influenza from infected pigs, however, some human cases lack contact history with pigs or environments where pigs have been located. Human-to-human transmission has occurred in some instances but was limited to close contacts and closed groups of people. 


Is it safe to eat pork and pork products? 

Yes. Swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.


What about the pandemic risk? 

It is likely that most of people, especially those who do not have regular contact with pigs, do not have immunity to swine influenza viruses that can prevent the virus infection. If a swine virus established efficient human-to human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to predict: it depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors. Swine influenza viruses can give a rise to a hybrid virus by mixing with a human influenza virus and can cause pandemic. 


Is there a human vaccine to protect from swine influenza? 

No. Influenza viruses change very quickly and the match between the vaccine and the circulating virus is very important to give adequate protective immunity to vaccinated people. This is why WHO needs to select vaccine viruses twice a year for seasonal influenza protection, once for the northern hemisphere winter and another for the southern hemisphere. Current seasonal influenza vaccine produced based on WHO recommendation does not contain swine influenza virus. It is unknown whether the seasonal vaccines can provide any cross protection to ongoing swine influenza virus infection in the United States and Mexico. WHO is working closely with its partner institutions for further advise on the use of seasonal influenza vaccine in preventing the swine influenza infection. 


What drugs are available for treatment?

Antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza are available in some countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. There are two classes of such medicines, 1) adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine), and 2) inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir). Most of the previously reported swine influenza cases recovered fully from the disease without requiring medical attention and without antiviral medicines. 

Main Source: WHO
More Q & A on Swine Flu here


News Of The Day

Pilihan raya kecil DUN Penanti 31 Mei
Swine flu: Health Ministry advises against travel to Canada, Mexico and US states
Ke Mana "Cinta" SBY Berlabuh?
Scheme to help car buyers
Swine Flu Confirmed in NYC 
Doctor Shortage Proves Obstacle to Obama Goals
Oxford to push for increase in tuition fees
China's economic performance better than expected
Ryan Giggs voted PFA Player of the Year

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Students Fall Ill in New York, and Swine Flu Is Likely Cause
'Craiglist Killer': More is coming out
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Wealthy brother of UK football chief linked to gruesome Gulf 'torture tape'
Susan Boyle continued her “new look” makeover
Sunday Times Rich List 2009

How To Buy Apps On Your Smartphone

Smartphone has become a revolution. Blackberry OS, Apple Iphone, Windows Mobile and Palm OS have taken the centre stage in the computer industry. Smartphones are taking their place as handheld computers—not just among geeks, but among mainstream consumers too. 

Traditionally, it has been tricky to browse, buy, and download applications for smartphones—but that's about to change. Vendors behind all the major smart device platforms have announced app stores that let consumers buy software over the air. Jamie Lendino shows you how to download both free and paid apps on every smartphone platform here 


News Of The Day

Tiada lemak babi dalam coklat
Up close with money laundering expert Kenneth Rijock
Saat Haid Pun Manohara Dipaksa Layani Suami
Jackie Chan slams S'poreans
Raising Bill Gates
China now 5th largest gold holder
Pentagon to release hundreds of photos of alleged abuse
Gun Matches Bullets in Craigslist Murder Case
Child trafficking in Britain up by 50%, says study
United In For Milan Ace Kaka

Chewing Gum And Chocolate Drink Help Maths Performance

A study led by Craig Johnston at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that students who chewed gum during math class had higher scores on a standardized math test after 14 weeks and better grades at the end of the term than students in the class who did not chew gum. Read the whole article and find out why here

Then may be we should start buying our kids a lot of chewing gum and … ya may be some for us as well. But as far as I know chewing gum is still ban in Singapore though gum aimed at helping smokers to quit was allowed in 2004. How about your country?

And in another new research at the UK's Northumbria University found the high level of cocoa flavanols anchored in chocolate could help consumers do maths. Furthermore, the participants recorded they were also less mentally tired during the task after drinking the cocoa-flavanol rich beverage. Further reading here

THIS IS NOT A PROMOTION OF WRIGLEY CHEWING GUM OR CADBURY CHOCOLATE DRINKS! 


News Of The Day

‘Common Religion’ For Children
Obama's approval rating high, but will it last?
Deepest budget cuts since 70s to fill '£45bn hole'
Drivers Kneel At Pay Machine
Why women are leaving men for other women


Today Fragrance Tips

Change your fragrance depending upon the season. Go for lighter scents during the hotter weather and keep the stronger scents for the drier, cool weather. Heat intensifies the scent, so there is no need to douse yourself in a heavy scent during the summer. 

Have a look of our One Drop Perfumes, the non-alcohol concentrated fragrances inspired by remarkable designers. View our extensive range of fragrances here. Email us at edmart.324@gmail.com

Prison Break Is Back … but The Finale Is Confirmed May 15

Good news and bad news. Good news for those Prison Break enthusiasts, our Michael Scofield is back. The new episodes started on April 17 with Michael and Sara journey to Miami while Lincoln meets with their mother. Their mother is the mastermind of a plan to topple the General. 
Ironically, Fox has announced that it will air the series finale on May 15. Guess what? There will be “2 major deaths” (would it be Michael, hope not!) and the return of 4 familiar faces! 




News Of The Day

Maklumat Bantu Usahawan Diperluas
Dr M Slams Western Media For ‘Demonising’ Najib
Who’s Buried in Cleopatra’s Tomb?
Russell Crowe Back To ‘Gladiator’ Glam For ‘Robin Hood’ 
Microsoft To Retire Mac Office 2004 In Six Months

Get The Most Out Of iPhone Camera

The most talk-about gadget, Apple 3G iPhone was officially launched in Malaysia on March 20 though the worldwide released date was in July last year. it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device. 

However, one of the few disappointments in the Apple iPhone as highlighted in PCMag is its camera. It's just 2 megapixels, has no video capability, and performs poorly in low light and with moving subjects. They come with these 22 tips and apps to help you to mitigate the iPhone camera's shortcomings. Read here


News Of The Day

PNB Kuasai 14 Peratus Nilai Modal Dalam Bursa Malaysia
Interest Rates For Car Loans Raised
Former Astronaut: Man Not Alone In Universe
A Lawyer, Some Teens and a Fight Over 'Sexting'
China's Nuke Submarines Up For Maiden Parade
Are Your Favorite Shows Safe?

News Of The Day

Raja berada di atas politik
Malaysia short of engineers
Chinese Learn English the Disney Way
What Was the Civil War Really About?

Today Fragrance Tips

Why do some fragrances seem to last much longer than others?
People with dry skin usually find their fragrance holding time shorter than those with oily skin because oily skin has more natural moisture to hold in the fragrance. PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also varies slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react.

How can I make my scent last longer?
Fragrance lasts longer on some people than on others because of differences in our skin (oily or dry) and in our PH levels. To achieve a longer effect, try layering your fragrance. Using the fragrance bath gel, (if the company offers one), then the moisturizer or powder, and then the Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum or Eau de Cologne, will usually have a longer lasting effect. Also, apply your fragrance low on the body, as well as behind your ears and on your neck, so that the scent rises and you won't lose it as quickly. A light spray on the hair can last all day.

Have a look of our One Drop Perfumes, the non-alcohol concentrated fragrances inspired by remarkable designers. View our extensive range of fragrances here. Email us at edmart.324@gmail.com 

Halal & Kosher Foods Hold Consumer Appeal

The development and growth of food industries have gone far beyond any ethnic or religious niche. According to a new report from Packaged Facts, Halal and Kosher foods hold consumer appeal and the growing interest may be more to do with food safety than religion. It suggested that the market for Halal food (those that comply with Muslim laws) is growing according to experts, as US Muslims grow accustomed to seeing Halal in their grocery aisles, and non-Muslims see it as healthier. 

It works similarly to the Kosher foods. The Kosher food (those that comply with Jewish dietary laws) market is developing, “not so much because of religion, but because consumers of various backgrounds trust kosher foods to be safer and clearly marked as to ingredient content”. Read here for details of the report.

More news on Halal & Kosher foods;

Halal market grows, with potential for non-Muslims too
Kosher leads top ten claims for new products

105 Days In Module To Stimulate A Long Lonely Flight To Mars

How does it feel to be kept in an isolated, windowless structure the size of a few railway cars? There will be no TV or Internet, and all communications with the outside will carry a 20-minute delay. It’s not for 1 or 2 days, but we’re talking about 105 days! This is actually an experiment meant to simulate the isolation astronauts on a mission to Mars would encounter.

A similar experiment in 1999-2000 at the same Moscow-based Institute for Medical and Biological Problems ended in scandal: a Canadian woman complained of being forcibly kissed by a Russian team. 

Whoo-ah! I just wonder, is this the reason why this time it involves only all-male crews? More info of the long awaited journey to Mars here

Salman Rushdie's Ex-wife Nude In Allure

Padma Lakshmi, ex-wife of Salman Rushdie the controversial writer has bared it all in May issue of Allure. 

Read her also controversial interview and photo here. Salman might have read to her the Satanic Verses every night!

Applying Your Favourite Fragrance As Aromatherapy

The traditional stance on perfumes has been that each woman finds her “signature” scent and it becomes part of personality, scenting her closet, her lingerie and her handbag. New thoughts on perfumery encourage women to make more than one scent part of their “signature”. Tips

Does Exercise Really Keep Us Healthy?

The Picture above does motivate us to exercise as daily habit. Ironically, some experts claim otherwise.

Exercise alone has not been shown to bring sustained weight loss. Just ask Steven Blair, an exercise researcher at the University of South Carolina. He runs every day and even runs marathons. But, he adds, “I was short, fat and bald when I started running, and I’m still short, fat and bald. Weight control is difficult for me. I fight the losing battle.” Read

You Are What Your Mother Eats?

It’s still about foods. Do you aware that snacking on white bread and chocolate during the later stages of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of obesity in the offspring?

 
And, do you know why sheep instead of other animals have been used as models to investigate maternal-foetal interactions in humans? Read 

Are Cereal Formulations Good For Kids?

The levels of salt and sugar in breakfast cereal formulations targeted at children are slammed in Australia after consumer group finds key 'cereal' offenders are "heavy on marketing spin and light on good nutrition".

 “Not even the added vitamins and minerals can make up for that fact that this product is almost one-third sugar," commented Dr Rosemary Stanton on Monday. Click here to read more

One Drop Perfumes Women Set 1

One Drop Perfumes Women Set 1 offers 8 sensual fragrances inspired by glamorous designers in easy-to-carry bottles. These high quality oil based perfumes are non-alcohol.

 
Inspired By Escape, Calvin Klein
Olfactive Group: Floral Aquatic
A romantic, feminine fragrance with a hint of marine scent. Escape opens with camomile, apple, lychee, mandarine, rose, plum and peach, balanced by coriander and sandalwood.

Inspired By Romance, Ralph Lauren
Olfactive Group: Floral Fruity
Romance is a scent of romantic love and intimate moments full of joy and happiness, with an endlessly positive aura. At the beginning of the composition the notes of rose blend with citrusy oils and receive an unusual, unique melody. The pellucid flower of water lily, lily and romantic white violet give this perfume its silent grace and the spicy notes of carnation and ginger refresh. Patchouli, oakmoss and white musk finish the composition gently.

Baby Doll, Yves Saint Laurent
Olfactive Group: Floral Fruity
Baby Doll is fun and elegant fragrance with unusually fresh and youthful gourmand charm. Top notes are fresh and full of zest with the notes of blackcurrant, orange, apple, and pineapple. Heart notes include a feminine floral bouquet made of rose, freesia, lily of the valley and heliotrope. Base notes are warm and incensy; cedar, sandal, tonka and vanilla.

Inspired by Pleasure, Estee Lauder
Olfactive Group: Floral 
Pleasures is a rich bouquet of fresh flowers after the rain, which is designed to suit "every woman in every season and at every moment". It is a delightful sheer floral created from delicate lilies and peonies, elegant jasmine and exotic Karo-Karounde blossoms, all tingling with the rare essence of exotic Baie Rose. 

Inspired by Still, Jennifer Lopez
Olfactive Group: Floral 
Still is very feminine, vivacious, clean and sensual. The opening is luminous and gentle due to the notes of white pepper, mandarine, Earl Grey tea and sake note. The heart note is composed of freesia, rose, jasmine, orange blossom and lily-of-the-valley. The base is warm and sensual with woody and musky notes; sandalwood, musk, amber, orris and pepper

For Her, Narciso Rodrigues

Olfactive Group: Floral Fruity
Musc is at the heart of For Her. The fragrant harmony of the musc expresses itself through three pulsations; honey flower, radiant amber, and tactile wood. This fragrant harmony develops gently and slowly, rounding out into the warm tones of sunkissed skin, dusted in a soft, velvety sensuality.

Inspired by Cool Water for Women, Davidoff
Olfactive Group: Floral Aquatic
The scent is very calm with aquatic notes that remind us of ocean breeze and cool sea-water, fruits and woods. Top notes are luscious, cool and aquatic with Citrus, Honeydew Melon, Quince, Pineapple, Lotus and Lily. Heart notes are gentle flowers; May Rose, Jasmine and Muguet. Base notes are Musk, Vanilla, Peach, Sandalwood, Orris and Vetiver.

Apple Blossom, The Body Shop
Olfactive Group: Floral Fruity

Onedrop Perfumes Women Set 1
Price: RM40(WM)/RM45(SS)
Email us at edmart.324@gmail.com for your orders. Cash on delivery for buyers in Sungai Petani, Kulim, BM, Butterworth and nearby.

Ladies Beware!!!

Hi! I just want to highlight an email that I received this morning. Especially to all the ladies out there, be careful. It reads as follows:-

If you see a guy (especially Indian) who rides a motorbike with a bloody hand knocking on your window demanding you to stop and asking for tissue paper to clean the blood when you are driving a car, remember DO NOT stop the car at all. Even if he damages your car or holds the side mirrors tightly, DO NOT stop the car but drive directly to the nearest police station. This kind of criminal tactics have been reported in about 40 cases in Seremban, K. Lumpur, Shah Alam, P.Jaya and Klang Town police stations (actually around the whole country). 

These guys are gangsters, They work in a group and dare to commit this crime even in crowded areas where nobody will dare to stop the car to help you. The main purpose of this dirty tactic is to rob you and/ or even commit rape if you are female driver driving alone. Please forward this message to the people you care about. 

Dr Jeyashree Srinivasan
Island Hospital
Tel:+6012-4308125 

Thanks Doc!

Useful Tips

• Always keep the perfume bottles away from direct heat and sunlight

• You can put a few drops of perfume onto an oil burner to scent your room

• Never rub your wrists together after applying perfume as this can reduce the effect

• Sometimes spraying a perfume to your hair can damage your hair especially if it contains alcohol

• Always test and apply a perfume on clean skin

• When you are going to buy a perfume don’t apply any fragrance in the morning

• Give a perfume some time after applying it since fragrance smell different several minutes after you apply it

• Always keep the bottle tightly closed to avoid evaporating

• Don’t test more than 4 fragrances at once because your senses of smell will become confused

• Always apply a perfume to pulse points

• You can spray small amount of a perfume on your bed

• Remember a fragrance can smell different on different people

• After a period of time using the same perfume you become used to it and may not be able to smell the scent
  
  
  
  

SELAMAT MENGUNDI!

Kepada pemilih-pemilih berdaftar bagi pilihan raya kecil Parlimen Bukit Gantang di Perak, DUN Bukit Selambau di Kedah dan DUN Batang Air di Sarawak diucapkan Selamat Mengundi! Jalankan tanggungjawab anda dengan bijak.

Scent Inspired By Your Favourite Celebrities

One Drop Perfumes also offer pleasant fragrances inspired by famous celebrities. 

DAVID BECKHAM – INSTINCT

Instinct is a citrus-infused fragrance for men. The brisk scent begins on a spiced citrus breeze of mandarin, pimento, and star anise. Patchouli and vetiver, which are classic citrus accompaniments, warm the airy blend. Meant to mirror Beckham's strong character, Instinct is a rich, balanced scent; it's a formula for success on any playing field. This fragrance is included in Celebrities’ Special set. 

JENNIFER LOPEZ - GLOW

Glow is the first fragrance by Jennifer Lopez. The fragrance was meant to target women in their late teens and early 20s and it became very popular breaking numerous records in sales which inspired other celebrities to launch their own signature fragrances. Notes are: neroli, pink grapefruit, rose, sandalwood, amber, musk, jasmine, iris and vanilla. J.Lo describes Glow as ‘a skin-scent’. It is described as ‘clean’, even soapy with a sweet, powdery trail. Only available in Celebrities’ Special set. 

JENNIFER LOPEZ – STILL 

Still is very feminine, vivacious, clean and sensual. The opening is luminous and gentle due to the notes of white pepper, mandarine, Earl Grey tea and sake note. The heart note is composed of freesia, rose, jasmine, orange blossom and lily-of-the-valley. The base is warm and sensual with woody and musky notes; sandalwood, musk, amber, orris and pepper. Available in Women Set 1 together with other sensual and sexy scents of Romance, Pleasure and Baby Doll.

BRITNEY SPEARS – CURIOUS

Britney Spears' Curious is a lively, bright and effervescent fruity floral, aimed at twenty something with attitude. The Curious woman is romantic, independent and mischievous, one who's not afraid of risk. This is Britney Spears' first fragrance in partnership with Coty Inc. It became an instant hit with the public. The composition is based on the notes of white flowers surrounded with vanilla and musk nuances. It opens with fresh lotus, mouthwatering pear and magnolia. The intensive floral heart is composed of tuberose, jasmine and pink cyclamen. The sensual base is composed of musk, vanilla and precious woods. If you’re really curious then get your Celebrities’ Special set now! 


MARIAH CAREY – M

You can’t only listen to Mariah Carey, but also smell her first fragrance. Our fragrance always reveals our desires and thoughts better than words. Mariah comments on her first fragrance: "For me, creating this scent was like creating a song - it takes many notes to compose a fragrance. It's like a beautiful melody."
Its opening is unusual, judging by its composition: it is a combination of sweet marshmallow and fresh sea notes. A heart unites sweet Tiare flower and gardenia. The oriental character is growing stronger with time and a drydown reveals amber, patchouli and Morocco incense. Only in Celebrities’ Special set. Get it now!


PARIS HILTON

Paris Hilton does not need a lot of announcement. Everything is already familiar; she is an actress, model, heiress, always followed by photo camera flashes. This perfume carries her name. It had to follow Paris, in her extravagance and temperament. It was designed by Steve Demercado and James Krivda, who made the top notes voluptuous and seductive with apple, orange and melon. The heart is opulent, floral, sweet and pure, created of jasmine, freesia, lily, tuberose, mimose and lily of the valley. The base leaves a sweet tone of ylang-ylang, milky-powdery and intensive sandalwood, musk and oakmoss. Strong scent! Can be found in Celebrities Special Set and Women Set 3

So order now to enjoy the scents of your favourite celebs. Email us at edmart.324@gmail.com for your orders. Cash on delivery for buyers in Sungai Petani, Kulim, Butterworth and nearby.