Swine Flu

I read various articles in the NYT over the past two days regarding the swine flu. Several States are now suffering from this issue that has originated from Mexico. There are over 1600 cases reported in Mexico and CDC representatives believe those numbers are soon to grow. Texas, California, Europe, Canada, New York, Kansas, Ohio, and four reported cases in New Jersey has been established thus far. The swine flu is a combined strain of the bird flu, human flu, and pig flu and is having a negative effect on many people worldwide. As of today, the first human death in the United States has been reported due to the swine flu. A 23-month old baby girl from Texas has died as a result. I first heard of the swine flu Saturday night when it was brought to my attention by my mother. Of course that entire week I was filling under the weather and my mother believed I should go to the doctors because I too may be suffering from this virus. I assume, like many others, it isn't going to affect me. However, people should still be cautious because you just never know. People worldwide are coming together to try to prevent anymore cases, so much so that they are scanning people when leaving Mexico, and if those who were to fly into Mexico decide against it travel agencies aren't charging any additional fees to do so. Lets just see how long this "scare" is going to continue. http://www.nytimes.com/pages/health/index.html

Drug Enhancers

When looking at the Times website, I found one article very interesting. The article is entitled "Boosting Brain Stamina With Drugs." In this particular article, the drugs Adderall and Ritalin are being discussed because they are now known to be "cognitive enhancers". In this article a young man we will call Alex is taking the drug Adderall to assist him with his studies. Because Alex is a college student, works, and loves to hang out with his friends he thought that this particular drug would help him focus when it came time to write his many college papers. The drug Adderall didn't necessary help him write a better paper, it just allowed him to focus more on the task . If giving the opportunity to take this drug if I felt it was really needed I might do so. Depending of the various side effects of taking this drug I believe it could be very useful.http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/

Bed Bugs

The article "Keeping Those Bed Bugs From Biting", was very informing. I did not know the various reactions that can occur if bitten by a bed bug. If bitten some can experience asthma, hives, and a allergy reaction which can cause medical treatment. I know some people are oblivious to their being and this article provides useful information concerning what they are and how to get rid of them. For example, last summer my boyfriend had the "pleasure" of being bitten by several bed bugs that nested in his home without his knowledge. And after finding out what was causing the many bit marks he trashed his entire bedroom set. He couldn't understand how and where these bugs came from beings though he considers himself a neat freak. But this articles goes to show that no matter where you live bed bugs can nest in the most expensive homes and hotels. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/health/14brod.html?_r

Chemo 4/1

Cancer for anyone could be a devastating thing. Especially if statistically you have a 1 to 2 year survival rate. But what if a team of medical doctors came along and gave you hope? What if the tumors on your liver could shrink drastically if giving a new treatment? What if your life could be prolonged? That is what Bill Darker was told in the article, "Massive Chemo Dose Targets Cancerous Liver". After being cured of ocular melanoma (cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye), Bill in now suffering from liver cancer. He is undergoing experimental treatment for his liver cancer, in which the drug melphalan is being dripped directly onto the cancerous spots. He is on a dosage that is considered 10 times higher than the normal patient. As a result, his tumors have shrunk approximately by a third. Although, this treatment isn't widely available to all cancer patients, it is a stepping stone. If this treatment is really effective, it will give hope to other individuals who is suffering from liver cancer. It also shows the progress we are making in order to improve, cure, and treat cancer.