Swine Flu

Bless you! Gesundheit! ¡Salud! However you say it, people all over the world have been wishing for quick recoveries from runny noses and coughs during the long flu season. Unlike typical flu seasons, 2009 saw an outbreak of a different strain: H1N1 (also known as swine flu). The illness, often characterized by heavy coughing and long-lasting high fevers, has affected people of all ages throughout the global community. While vaccines have been produced, not everyone is lining up for the dosage. Have you?

The benefits of exercise seem to be neverending — among other things, it helps the brain function better, reduces stress, and is important for healthy heart function. But, if you need another reason to get out there and start moving, exercise may also protect against swine flu.

I've read that exercise helps boost the body's immune system and that doing some light cardio is good during a cold, so it made sense that it could also help protect against swine flu. But given how quickly the virus has spread, coupled with a shortage of the vaccine, I think any new advice is beneficial and should be taken seriously.

While there has not been a study on the benefits of exercise in relation to swine flu specifically, there have been numerous findings that show exercise boosts the immunity system and may protect against colds and seasonal flus.

“There is evidence that moderate exercise or physical activity can be beneficial in terms of reducing the incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections from all causes,” says Jeffrey Woods, a professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “And at least one report … has shown that exercise may be protective against influenza-associated [deaths] in the elderly.”

Because of these findings, some researchers feel comfortable suggesting that exercise may be a preventative measure against swine flu.

To hear why individuals who overtrain may be more prone to swine flu, read more

• Google already has data for locations of H1N1 flu vaccine programs from 20 states and counting — Gizmodo
• Apple beefs up their HD movie selection in the iTunes store — TechCrunch
• Cute! UK designer Kyle Bean has created this Russian Babushka doll style cell phone set — Popgadget
• Staples shows off its extensive Black Friday ad — CrunchGear
• Google has developed a new feature called SafeSearch, so you can easily filter out sexually explicit sites from your search results — The Google Blog
• Blockbuster plans to start renting movies on SD cards — Gadgetell

It has been the worry for many a mother this Fall — H1N1. Schools have been closed for it and a state of emergency has been declared by the president. While many moms are choosing not to inject their wee ones with the vaccine, others are standing in clinic lines for hours hoping for their share of the shot. Since children and pregnant women are considered part of the highest risk group, it is natural that child caretakers should also try to guard themselves against the illness. Many mamas who aren't necessarily fired up about getting an H1N1 vaccine for their child may request their nanny get one. So tell us, are you asking your childcare provider to get the vaccine when it's available?

Thanks to the H1N1 virus, cold and flu season kicked off earlier than usual this year. Since it's no longer safe to assume that a fever and cough are just symptoms of a pesky cold, worried parents are spending less time diagnosing their ill children and more time heading to the pediatrician to find out what is (or is not) ailing their little one. Many mums have made it a weekly routine even. Have you found that you are taking your babe to visit her doctor more this year?

Overwhelmed about deciding to give your child the H1N1 vaccination or not? Join our A Place to Vent group over in our LilSugar Community and share your stress with fellow moms who understand your plight.

• The shortage of H1N1 vaccines has many people worried, but Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is asking Americans to be patient. — ABC News
• The US job outlook has brightened, as the National Association for Business Economics says more companies plan on hiring in the next six months. — CNN
• Fourteen Americans were killed in two helicopter crashes in Afghanistan. — AP
• ESPN has fired baseball analyst Steve Phillips a week after details came out about his messy affair with a 22-year-old production assistant. — New York Times
• Low-budget underdog Paranormal Activity came in number one at the box office this weekend. — BuzzSugar

Baby's born and mama's home from the hospital, so let the welcoming brigade begin. While her kitchen may be stocked with treats and beverages to keep guests' bellies full, the better place to maintain may be the bathroom!

Before allowing friends and family to visit with a newborn, many mamas require them to thoroughly wash up, especially during this particularly bad flu season. Fancy soaps and pretty linens may liven up the bathroom, but some anti-bacterial soap and paper towels that can be immediately thrown away are better options when it comes to preventing the spread of germs. What precautions did you take to prevent the spread of germs once your lil one arrived?

Germs are everywhere. Swine flu, regular flu, our homes, the gym — there's no escaping the little buggers. One of the best ways to protect yourself is still the easiest: wash those hands! If you're like me, you probably believe that the hotter the water, the better. Not so, says a recent study.

Conducted by scientists with the Joint Bank Group/Fund Health Services Department, the study looked at the bacteria levels of participants after they washed their hands in different water temperatures. The results showed no difference in levels between participants who washed their hands in hot water versus those who washed in cold. The scientists went on to say that tepid water is a better choice for hand washing because it's gentler on the skin and it's better for the environment.

I think it'll take me a little while to adjust to this change — something about washing my hands in hot water just feels safer. When you do wash up, though, make sure you always use soap and lather up for at least 30 seconds.