Podcasts about h1n1 swine flu

Joe Biden likes to brag about his record of handling pandemics, and likes to criticize Donald Trump for over five million COVID infections. But did you know that SIXTY million Americans got infected by the H1N1 Swine Flu-- that Biden was in charge of in 2009?   A White House staffer now admits that they just got lucky it wasn’t as lethal as Covid 19, stating that basically they did (quote) "everything wrong"  and could have been the worst pandemic in history. In the name of political unity, we will review the facts and compare the responses to H1N1 versus Covid 19. The results might shock you! Then, medicare expert Shelley Grandidge joins us for the Q & A with Medicare enrollment right around the corner. Don't miss it...MASTERING MONEY is on the air!!

Joe Biden likes to brag about his record of handling pandemics, and likes to criticize Donald Trump for over five million COVID infections. But did you know that SIXTY million Americans got infected by the H1N1 Swine Flu-- that Biden was in charge of in 2009?   A White House staffer now admits that they just got lucky it wasn’t as lethal as Covid 19, stating that basically they did (quote) "everything wrong"  and could have been the worst pandemic in history. In the name of political unity, we will review the facts and compare the responses to H1N1 versus Covid 19. The results might shock you! Then, medicare expert Shelley Grandidge joins us for the Q & A with Medicare enrollment right around the corner. Don't miss it...MASTERING MONEY is on the air!!

Justin Dunlop leads Ambulance Victoria’s response to public crises as the Director of the Emergency Management Unit. In this Episode, we talk about the simple strategic objectives his team has applied to ensure the safety of staff and the continuity of service for Ambulance Victoria during the CoronaVirus Pandemic. His insights are a masterclass in adaptive planning and leadership.Since 2004, Justin has been involved in managing Ambulance Victoria's response to major public events including the 2009 Black Saturday Fires, 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu, 2010/11 Victorian Floods, 2014 Heatwave, 2015 Ebola, 2016 Thunderstorm Asthma, 2019 Victorian Bushfires, and the current COVID-19 pandemic.As a paramedic for more than 23 years, Justin is also the secretariat for the Emergency Management Forum of the Australasian Council of Ambulance Authorities. His passion to serve the community is evident in his lengthy history as a former board director and volunteer for St John Ambulance Australia. In 2015, Justin was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for his work in emergency management and virtual reality simulation.  

In our latest episode of our series, Taking On Covid-19, Abby spoke with Cecilia Muñoz, Obama's former Director of the Domestic Policy Council, about her role in the administration's 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic response and the importance of collaboration between federal and state government when addressing public health crises. Cecilia also previews her newly released book, "More than Ready: Be Strong and Be You....and Other Lessons for Women of Color on the Rise."

Cat in Belgium first known to test positive for coronavirus Link: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/cat-in-belgium-first-known-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-report The veterinary department of Liège's university in Belgium believes the feline contracted coronavirus from its owner, suffering diarrhea, breathing difficulties and vomiting. Veterinarians are questioning the testing methods, urging pet owners to not abandon their companions. While it is the first known infection of a cat, two dogs in Hong Kong have previously tested positive — with the first, a 17-year-old Pomeranian, dying after returning home from quarantine. Covid-19 Worldwide Confirmed-662,541 Recovered-141,468 Deaths-30,841 United States Confirmed-124,385 Recovered-3,231Deaths-2,211 On March 26th: Confirmed-63,570 Deaths-884 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history https://www.livescience.com/worst-epidemics-and-pandemics-in-history.html 20. Zika Virus epidemic: 2015-present day The impact of the recent Zika epidemic in South America and Central America won't be known for several years. In the meantime, scientists face a race against time to bring the virus under control. The Zika virus is usually spread through mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, although it can also be sexually transmitted in humans. While Zika is usually not harmful to adults or children, it can attack infants who are still in the womb and cause birth defects. The type of mosquitoes that carry Zika flourish best in warm, humid climates, making South America, Central America and parts of the southern United States prime areas for the virus to flourish. 19. West African Ebola epidemic: 2014-2016 Ebola ravaged West Africa between 2014 and 2016, with 28,600 reported cases and 11,325 deaths. The first case to be reported was in Guinea in December 2013, then the disease quickly spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. The bulk of the cases and deaths occurred in those three countries. A smaller number of cases occurred in Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, the United States and Europe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. There is no cure for Ebola, although efforts at finding a vaccine are ongoing. The first known cases of Ebola occurred in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, and the virus may have originated in bats. 18. H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic: 2009-2010 The 2009 swine flu pandemic was caused by a new strain of H1N1 that originated in Mexico in the spring of 2009 before spreading to the rest of the world. In one year, the virus infected as many as 1.4 billion people across the globe and killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people, according to the CDC. The 2009 flu pandemic primarily affected children and young adults, and 80% of the deaths were in people younger than 65, the CDC reported. That was unusual, considering that most strains of flu viruses, including those that cause seasonal flu, cause the highest percentage of deaths in people ages 65 and older. But in the case of the swine flu, older people seemed to have already built up enough immunity to the group of viruses that H1N1 belongs to, so weren't affected as much. A vaccine for the H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu is now included in the annual flu vaccine. 17. AIDS pandemic and epidemic: 1981-present day AIDS has claimed an estimated 35 million lives since it was first identified. HIV, which is the virus that causes AIDS, likely developed from a chimpanzee virus that transferred to humans in West Africa in the 1920s. The virus made its way around the world, and AIDS was a pandemic by the late 20th century. Now, about 64% of the estimated 40 million living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live in sub-Saharan Africa. For decades, the disease had no known cure, but medication developed in the 1990s now allows people with the disease to experience a normal life span with regular treatment. Even more encouraging, two people have been cured of HIV as of early 2020. Show Stuff Join the fan chat on Discord! Link: https://discord.gg/FupzWf The Dark Horde Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-horde The Dark Horde, LLC – http://www.thedarkhorde.com Twitter @DarkHorde or https://twitter.com/HordeDark TeePublic Store - Get your UBR goodies today! http://tee.pub/lic/2GQuXxn79dg UBR Truth Seekers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216706068856746 UFO Buster Radio: https://www.facebook.com/UFOBusterRadio YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggl8-aPBDo7wXJQ43TiluA To contact Manny: manny@ufobusterradio.com, or on Twitter @ufobusterradio Call the show anytime at (972) 290-1329 and leave us a message with your point of view, UFO sighting, and ghostly experiences or join the discussion on www.ufobusterradio.com For Skype Users: bosscrawler

Cat in Belgium first known to test positive for coronavirus Link: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/cat-in-belgium-first-known-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-report The veterinary department of Liège's university in Belgium believes the feline contracted coronavirus from its owner, suffering diarrhea, breathing difficulties and vomiting. Veterinarians are questioning the testing methods, urging pet owners to not abandon their companions. While it is the first known infection of a cat, two dogs in Hong Kong have previously tested positive — with the first, a 17-year-old Pomeranian, dying after returning home from quarantine. Covid-19 Worldwide Confirmed-662,541 Recovered-141,468 Deaths-30,841 United States Confirmed-124,385 Recovered-3,231Deaths-2,211 On March 26th: Confirmed-63,570 Deaths-884 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history https://www.livescience.com/worst-epidemics-and-pandemics-in-history.html 20. Zika Virus epidemic: 2015-present day The impact of the recent Zika epidemic in South America and Central America won't be known for several years. In the meantime, scientists face a race against time to bring the virus under control. The Zika virus is usually spread through mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, although it can also be sexually transmitted in humans. While Zika is usually not harmful to adults or children, it can attack infants who are still in the womb and cause birth defects. The type of mosquitoes that carry Zika flourish best in warm, humid climates, making South America, Central America and parts of the southern United States prime areas for the virus to flourish. 19. West African Ebola epidemic: 2014-2016 Ebola ravaged West Africa between 2014 and 2016, with 28,600 reported cases and 11,325 deaths. The first case to be reported was in Guinea in December 2013, then the disease quickly spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. The bulk of the cases and deaths occurred in those three countries. A smaller number of cases occurred in Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, the United States and Europe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. There is no cure for Ebola, although efforts at finding a vaccine are ongoing. The first known cases of Ebola occurred in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, and the virus may have originated in bats. 18. H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic: 2009-2010 The 2009 swine flu pandemic was caused by a new strain of H1N1 that originated in Mexico in the spring of 2009 before spreading to the rest of the world. In one year, the virus infected as many as 1.4 billion people across the globe and killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people, according to the CDC. The 2009 flu pandemic primarily affected children and young adults, and 80% of the deaths were in people younger than 65, the CDC reported. That was unusual, considering that most strains of flu viruses, including those that cause seasonal flu, cause the highest percentage of deaths in people ages 65 and older. But in the case of the swine flu, older people seemed to have already built up enough immunity to the group of viruses that H1N1 belongs to, so weren't affected as much. A vaccine for the H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu is now included in the annual flu vaccine. 17. AIDS pandemic and epidemic: 1981-present day AIDS has claimed an estimated 35 million lives since it was first identified. HIV, which is the virus that causes AIDS, likely developed from a chimpanzee virus that transferred to humans in West Africa in the 1920s. The virus made its way around the world, and AIDS was a pandemic by the late 20th century. Now, about 64% of the estimated 40 million living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live in sub-Saharan Africa. For decades, the disease had no known cure, but medication developed in the 1990s now allows people with the disease to experience a normal life span with regular treatment. Even more encouraging, two people have been cured of HIV as of early 2020. Show Stuff Join the fan chat on Discord! Link: https://discord.gg/FupzWf The Dark Horde Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-horde The Dark Horde, LLC – http://www.thedarkhorde.com Twitter @DarkHorde or https://twitter.com/HordeDark TeePublic Store - Get your UBR goodies today! http://tee.pub/lic/2GQuXxn79dg UBR Truth Seekers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216706068856746 UFO Buster Radio: https://www.facebook.com/UFOBusterRadio YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggl8-aPBDo7wXJQ43TiluA To contact Manny: manny@ufobusterradio.com, or on Twitter @ufobusterradio Call the show anytime at (972) 290-1329 and leave us a message with your point of view, UFO sighting, and ghostly experiences or join the discussion on www.ufobusterradio.com For Skype Users: bosscrawler

So far, two people in Colorado have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus and more expected. I reached out to my friends at Healthone and they recommended I talked to Dr. Steve Quach, Chief Executive Officer at CarePoint Health. Dr. Quach also led efforts to fight H1N1 Swine Flu and Ebola.

HAPPY NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH! Join us as we celebrate having our shit together when life surprises us with disastrous bullshit! Today we're celebrating with friend and comedian Dan Kapr (danhasjokes.com / Twitter: @danhasjokes / Instagram: danhasjokes)!! LET'S PARTY!! Find Holiday Party online – Patreon: patreon,com/HOLIDAYPARTY Twitter: @HOLIDAYPARTYPOD / Instagram: HOLIDAYPARTYPODCAST / Facebook: @HOLIDAYPARTYPODCAST / HOLIDAYPARTYPODCAST.COM Find Alyssa – Twitter: @alyssapants / Instagram: lettertalkpodcast / alyssapants.com Find Disa – Twitter: @cinnamonenemy / Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/1243777842 SHOW NOTES History/Fun facts about the holiday Lifted straight from Wikipedia: “Preparedness refers to a very concrete research-based set of actions that are taken as precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters. These actions can include both physical preparations, such as emergency supplies depots, adapting buildings to survive earthquakes, etc., and trainings for emergency action. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes.” There are different types of preparedness, including public health preparedness, local emergency preparedness or snow preparedness, and “disaster preparedness,” which is probably the most developed type.  “Disaster Preparedness” is defined by the UN as involving “forecasting and taking precautionary measures to an imminent threat when advance warnings are possible.” Along with natural disasters, this type can include all kinds of severe damage caused in a relatively short period of time, including warfare. Preparedness is a major phase of emergency management, and is particularly valued in areas of competition such as sport and military science Methods of preparation include research, estimation, planning, resourcing, education, practicing, and rehearsing In the US, preparedness used to be largely viewed as the responsibility of first responders and other emergency services. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it became evident that first responders can and will become overwhelmed in a large-scale disaster; unable to effectively respond to the emergency. The idea of whole community preparedness is, “By working together, everyone can keep the nation safe from harm and resilient when struck by hazards, such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and pandemics.”  National Preparedness Month has been observed every September since 2004, and is sponsored by FEMA. It is part of a governmental effort to strengthen the United States’ preparedness capabilities. The national preparedness architecture encompasses prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts to prepare the US for all hazards, whether terrorist attack or natural disaster September was chosen “as the tragedies of the September 11, 2001 highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared.” It was also partly chosen because the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season occurs in mid-September As of 2016, the National Household Survey revealed that while more than 75% of Americans surveyed report having supplies set aside in their homes just for disasters, less than 50% have a household emergency plan National Preparedness Month serves to encourage people to take important preparedness steps including: getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about the different emergencies that may affect them, as well as taking the necessary steps to get trained and become engaged in community preparedness and response efforts Some big-picture basics that you can personally assess and adjust may include (from consumer.ftc.gov) organizing your finances by having your financial documents up-to-date, in one place, and portable; replacing missing documents; checking your insurance to see if any of them will pay for temporary shelter, replacement clothing, furniture, or other items; preparing your home against fires, earthquakes, high winds and tornadoes, storms, or flooding; planning for your pets; and signing up for alerts and warnings in your area A typical emergency or survival kit could include a knife (often a Swiss army knife or a multi-tool), matches, tinder, first aid kit, bandana, fish hooks, sewing kit, and a flashlight. The American Red Cross recommends an emergency preparedness kit that is easy to carry and use in the event of an emergency or disaster The general contents of an emergency kit depend on the location, though basic components address the needs of first aid, food, water, shelter and warmth, navigation, and signaling The Wikipedia article for Survival Kits has a relatively exhaustive list of options for each of these components, so you can check there or the American Red Cross for ideas to customize your own kit The article also includes information for other types of survival kits, such as for lifeboats, military, spacecraft, mini-survival or “Altoids tin” kits, and vehicle kits The spacecraft kits are provided due to the difficulty of predicting where a spacecraft will land on its return to earth, especially in the case of an equipment failure. For example, the Apollo program kit was “designed to provide a 48-hour postlanding survival capability for three crewman between 40 degrees North and South latitudes” and contained “a survival radio, a survival light assembly, desalter kits, a machete, sunglasses, water cans, sun lotion, a blanket, a pocket knife, netting and foam pads.” “Altoid tin” kits generally contain a few basic tools, such as a small compass, waterproof matches, minimum fishing tackles, large plastic bag, small candle, jigsaw blade, craft knife or scalpel blade, and/or a safety pin For natural disasters, the US government Homeland Security provides a list of recommended in-home kit items, with the content focusing on the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and materials to maintain body warmth. These items comprised into a kit are known as a bug-out bag, and include:  At least one gallon of water per person for each day of drinking and sanitation Non-perishable food for at least three days, which does not require being cooked or refrigerated Emergency food bars, preferably products with 2400 or 3600 calories and contain no coconut or tropical oils to which many people may have an allergic reaction Battery- or hand-powered radio with the Weather band LED type flashlight, either battery- or hand-powered Extra batteries for anything needing them, lithium being preferred for shelf life First aid kit Copies of any medical prescriptions A whistle for signaling Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off water valves Can opener Local maps Spare keys for household and motor vehicles Sturdy, comfortable shoes and lightweight rain gear Contact and meeting place information for the household Bug-out bags, or BOBs, are variably known as “Personal Emergency Relocation Kits, or PERKs, or “get out of dodge” (GOOD) kits. They’re typically backed into backpacks or duffel bags, and designed specifically to be more easily carried by the individual in case alternate forms of transportation are unavailable or impossible to use Some additional pointers to consider, from epa.gov, include How to report emergencies: Call 911 if you are in immediate danger--although that might not work anyway, as we can glean from a very recent case in Arkansas. According to the Daily Wire, 47-year old Debra Stevens called 911 on August 24 while on her newspaper delivery route when her SUV was trapped in a flash flood. The call lasted 22 minutes, during which time Debra conveyed her fear and confusion and the dispatcher responded dismissively and callously.  NOTE: I will not be going over the full details of this case, because they’re deeply upsetting. I made the mistake of listening to some of the audio of the 911 call and I greatly wish I hadn’t SYNOPSIS: Stevens called 911 when her car was suddenly swept away from rapid flash flood waters and into a grove of trees. The dispatcher was dismissive, rude, and condescending throughout the call, in response to Stevens’ panic and distress. By the time first responders were attempting to reach Stevens, she had drowned.  Stevens, while in her car that was trapped amongst a group of trees: “I have an emergency--a severe emergency. I can’t get out, and I’m scared to death, ma’am. Can you please help me”? Dispatcher: “You’re not going to die. I don’t know why you’re freaking out...You freaking out is doing nothing but losing your oxygen in there. So, calm down.”  “Stevens said that she hadn’t seen the water and had plunged into it; that the water was now as high as her chest. She added that she could see people in the distance who were likely laughing at her. She apologized to the dispatcher, adding that she felt she was about to throw up.” Dispatcher: “Well, you’re in water, you can throw up. It’s not going to matter.”  Stevens: “Please help and get me out of this water, dear Father.” Then she apologized again for her rudeness. Dispatcher: “This will teach you next time don’t drive in the water.”  Stevens: “I couldn’t see it ma’am. I’m sorry or I wouldn’t have.” She said she had delivered the newspaper on the same route for 21 years and never seen anything like it.  Dispatcher: “I don’t know how you didn’t see it. You had to go right over it. The water just didn’t appear.”  The dispatcher went on to take other calls, including relaying to first responders that “she is legit freaking out.” When Stevens said, “I’m going to die!”, the dispatcher responded, “ Miss Debbie, you’re breathing just fine because you’re screaming at me. So, calm down. I know you’re scared. Hold on for me.”  Roughly an hour later, rescuers found Stevens’ car. She had drowned.  The dispatcher had already submitted her resignation earlier in August. Her last day was reportedly the day Stevens died.  That dispatcher had previously been awarded Police Dispatcher of the Year To report oil, chemical, or hazardous substance releases or spills, call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 For pesticide poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 For individuals and homeowners, you should know ahead of time where you can run a generator. Generator exhaust is toxic and can sicken or kill you. Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use generators inside a home, basement, garage, crawlspace, tent, shed, or any other indoor or enclosed area. Carbon monoxide, the deadly gas produced by generator use which you cannot see or smell, can build up quickly, and linger for hours In April 2015, a father and his seven children were found dead in their Maryland home from carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator they were using because they could not afford their electricity bills. The father, Rodney Todd Sr. was 36, and his childrens’ ages ranged from 6-16  Extended family noted that he’d purchased the generator to keep his family warm after the electricity was cut off due to an outstanding bill. The generator was out of fuel and turned off when the family was discovered If your drinking water is from a private well, know your state or local contacts for inspecting the safety your drinking water after a flood. Keep at least a 3-day drinking supply per person, as well as additional water for any pets If your home is on a septic system, know whom to call to have it inspected after a flood before you use it Preppers! The term “prepper” generally refers to an individual who participates in a movement known as “survivalism” and who actively prepares for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international. The survivalism movement also encompasses preparation for personal emergencies, such as job loss or being stranded in the wild or under adverse weather conditions. Overall, there is an emphasis on self-reliance, stockpiling supplies, and gaining survival knowledge and skills, and it’s not uncommon for preppers to acquire emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare for self-sufficiency, and build structures such as survival retreats or underground shelters that may help them survive a catastrophe Use of the term “survivalist” dates back to 1976 The use of the term “prepper” appears to have taken on the more pejorative use around the year 2000, after Y2K failed to bring about “the end of the world as we know it”, and preppers were subsequently mocked for their panic and ridiculed as “kooky”  The origins of the modern survivalist movement in the UK and US include government policies, threats of nuclear warfare, religious beliefs, and writers who warned of social or economic collapse The Cold War era civil defense programs promoted public atomic bomb shelters, personal fallout shelters, and training for children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had long directed their members to store a year’s worth of food for themselves and their families in preparation for such possibilities, but the current teaching advises only a three-month supply The Great Depression is often cited by preppers as an example of the need to be prepared “Interest in the movement picked up during the Clinton administration due in part to the debate surrounding the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the ban’s subsequent passage in 1994. Interest peaked again in 1999 triggered by fears of the Y2K computer bug Another wave of survivalism began after the 9/11 attacks and subsequent bombings in Bali, Madrid, and London. Additional events that have nudged this ideology along include the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 Great Recession, the advent of H1N1 Swine Flu in 2009  Following the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the “prepper” community worried they would face public scrutiny after it was revealed the mass murderer’s mother was a survivalist To recap, on December 14, 2012, 20-year old Adam Lanza shot and killed 26 people, 20 of whom were children under the age of 7, after shooting his mother at their Newtown home. He then shot himself in the head. In addition to the three firearms that Lanza took with him to the shooting, he had access to three additional firearms at the home that he shared with his mother, and she was described as a “gun enthusiast who owned at least a dozen firearms. She often took her two sons to a local shooting range, where they learned to shoot.” Common preparations among the community include the creation of a clandestine or defensible retreat, haven, or bug out location, in addition to the stockpiling of non-perishable food, water, water-purification equipment, clothing, seed, firewood, defensive or hunting weapons, ammunition, agricultural equipment, and medical supplies Survivalist terminology!--survivalists maintain their group identity by using specialized terminology not generally understood outside their circles. So I’m about to bust. That. Shit. Down. They often use military acronyms such as OPSEC or Operations Security, and SOP or Standard Operating Procedure, as well as terms that are unique to their own survivalist groups, including: Alpha strategy: the practice of storing extra consumable items, as a hedge against inflation, and for use in barter and charity Ballistic wampum: ammunition stored for barter purposes BOB: Bug-Out Bag BOL: Bug-Out Location BOV: Bug-Out Vehicle Doomer: A peak oil adherent who believes in a Malthusian-scale social collapse EDC: EveryDay Carry. What one carries at all times in case disaster strikes while one is out and about. Also refers to the normal carrying of a pistol for self-defense, or the pistol which is carried EOTW: End of the world EROL: Excessive rule of law, describing a situation where a government becomes oppressive and uses its powers and laws to control citizens Goblin: a criminal miscreant Golden horde: the anticipated large mixed horde of refugees and looters that will pour out of the metropolitan regions WTSHTF (when the shit hits the fan) G.O.O.D: Get out of dodge. Fleeing urban areas in the event of a disaster G.O.O.D. kit: Get out of dodge kit, synonymous with BOB I.N.C.H. pack: I’m Never Coming Home pack, or a pack containing everything needed to walk out into the woods and never return to society. It is a heavy pack loaded with the gear needed to accomplish any wilderness tasks, from building shelter to gaining food, designed to allow someone to survive indefinitely in the woods. This requires skills as well as proper selection of equipment, as one can only carry so much. For example, instead of carrying food, one carries seeds, steel traps, a longbow, reel spinners, and other fishing gear Pollyanna or Polly: Someone who is in denial about the disruption that might be caused by the advent of a large-scale disaster Prepper: A synonym for survivalist that came into common usage during the early 2000s. Used interchangeably with survivalist much as retreater was in the 1970s. Refers to one who is prepared or making preparations SHTF: Shit hits the fan TEOTWAWKI: The end of the world as we know it. The expression is in use since at least the early 1980s, however others claim the acronym may have been coined in 1996 Uncivilization: A generic term for a great catastrophe WROL: Without rule of law, describing a potential lawless state of society YOYO: You’re on your own Zombie: Unprepared, incidental survivors of a prepped-for disaster, “who feed on… the preparations of others” Zombie apocalypse: Used by some preppers as a tongue-in-cheek metaphor for any natural or man-made disaster and “a clever way of drawing people’s attention to disaster preparedness”. The premise of the Zombie Squad is that “if you are prepared for a scenario where the walking corpses of your family and neighbors are trying to eat you alive, you will be prepared for almost anything.” Though “there are some… who are seriously preparing for a zombie attack.” Some famous preppers include (from trueprepper.com): Nathan Fillion, who apparently is a self-taught welder so that he can armor up his SUV for the zombie apocalypse. He was on Conan and jokingly argued that he’d be valuable in such an environment, and people would be incentivized to help him survive Ronda Rousey is a prepper that lives on her homestead in Southern California with her husband and a ton of goats. She has stated, “A lot of these skills that were common place, every generation we know less and less and less about them because it makes people for us not to know. Every single person in here their survival plan is a grocery store. If all the grocery stores closed, what would you do? That’s a scary thought.” Zooey Deschanel also outed herself on Conan as something of a prepper, mentioning that she tries to dress in order to be able to make a quick getaway at any time--flat shoes, a cross-body bag, “agile” clothing. She also looks for the exits in any room, has an earthquake kit including a tent Roseanne Barr is a very active advocate for prepping. In one of her tweets, she’s said, “In America: be prepared by organizing with your neighbors to grow wholesome food/store water/vitamins/guns.” Jamie Lee Curtis is a Red Cross advocate and has consistently supported them in their mission to teach the importance of preparedness, including shooting a 2-minute video showing how to customize an emergency kit. Her recommendations included a photo of the family to comfort any children, candy and games for said children, rechargeable flashlights, dental floss, comfort food, sturdy shoes for foot protection, and a mobile means of keeping the kit such as a backpack. The National Enquirer “outed” Ryan Seacrest in 2017, with his staff reported that he stocks up on protein bars and that he’s “gripped by weird, unreasoning terror that LA is waay overdue for another devastating earthquake!” In November 2018,, a hunter in Wisconsin discovered a door “peeking out from behind some thick underbrush off a dirt trail.” The door had been built into the earth and hidden strategically behind branches and shrubs. He reported the finding to police, but authorities were “unsuccessful with any results” during their follow-up. The hunter, Thomas Nelson, ruminated on his creepy discovery for nearly a year before he decided to retrace his steps to further investigate the door on his own, and returned to the location in August of this year.  When Nelson opened the door, he found a man lying in a bed in the cave-like hideout. Nelson quickly contacted police and lead them directly to the site, where officers made 50-60 verbal commands and banged on the cave roof until the mystery man emerged about 20 minutes later, fully dressed in camouflage The guy turned out to be Jeremiah Button, a man who had been two weeks away from standing  trial for charges of child sexual assault and child pornography charges before he abruptly disappeared in February 2016. Button had been out on $25k bond for 18 months, and in that time he built his small, wooden bunker into an embankment along the Ice Age Trail in a state park near Ringle, Wisconsin When he emerged from his cave with his hands up, he stated, “I am a wanted man,” and officers noted that he was “extremely chatty and remarked how ‘it was nice to talk to some human beings.’” Button apparently chose the location due to its remoteness and proximity to a local landfill, which he would regularly forage for food and supplies. This is even where he found his camouflage outfit, which he called “a really great find.” Other than his landfill excursions, Button had stocked up with backpacks of canned goods, and other supplies, including a flat-screen TV. On top of the cave, officers found several solar panels and car batteries, which Button later stated he used to power his radio, TV, lights, and fans For backup power, he created a generator using a bicycle that he would pedal He ensured that he always had water by seeking out a particularly wet part of the woods and building a well. He would then filter the water through charcoal and sand-lined filters before boiling it Prior to his disappearance, “Button was set to stand trial for four counts of child sexual assault and child pornography from 2014, including first-degree sexual assault and incest with a child,” charges to which he had pleaded not guilty In order to trick people into believing he fled the midwest, Button left his wallet at his mother’s house with a note that he was moving to Florida. “He then hopped into a train’s coal car in Stevens Point and covered himself with coal. Once he got to an area near his bunker, he got lost, taking two days of walking to find his way back to it.  Fortunately, he is currently in custody and awaiting his next day in court, which is September 16. From the Cracked article “6 Odd Things Doomsday Preppers Stockpile (That Make Sense)”, preppers are known to have a more-than-healthy supply of the following:  Non-lubricated condoms, since they’re apparently useful for starting fires by protecting tinder from moisture, hunting for food by turning it into a slingshot, transporting up to 2 liters of water, using as stand-ins for rubber gloves, and protecting the muzzle of your gun Dog gear. Dogs can carry their own supplies without complaint, sniff out food and water, and search for and bring down prey. They also “have a long...history of offensive and defensive combat use. Essentially, prepping for your dog’s survival may be imperative to your own odds of survival Booze, and not just for partying or drowning your lonely sorrows after everyone you know has died of syphilis because they didn’t pack any condoms. In the past, adding spirits to potable water that’s been sitting around for a long time will make it much more palatable. Liquor distillation was originally invented in part for medical purposes, and alcohol can be used as a solvent to dissolve medicinal herbs, as well as to knock out patients for surgery when modern anesthesia wouldn’t be available. If the ABV is high enough, alcohol can also be used as ignition fuel. It may also be useful as a bartering good, since money will basically be worthless Baking soda, to be used for brushing your teeth so that you can continue to easily eat, cleaning your dishes, preventing body odor for when you’re sneaking up on a prey animal with a keen sense of smell, dousing an accidental fire, and preventing “trench foot” by absorbing the moisture your feet produce every day. Trench foot occurs when your feet are wet for long periods of time, with extreme cases leading to the tissue dying and falling off which may result in the loss of toes, the heel, or the entire foot. We learned on National Laundry Day that you perspire about 1.6 gallons of sweat each day, and half of that is through your feet.  Cigarettes for currency. In traumatic situations, like war for example, cigarettes are often valued more highly than food. Cigarettes are also useful for starting fires, and the filters can be used to clean water. You can also use water-soaked cigarette butts as natural pest control on any produce you attempt to grow And finally epinephrine, AKA adrenaline, which can be used as a drug for blood pressure support and vasoconstrictor. The latter is particularly useful to aid in faster wound repair, which would be especially desirable in the even that sanitization resources become limited. The longer a wound stays open and bloody, the more likely you are to get infections, which are not always easily survivable even with today’s medical treatment options. Epinephrine also  increases your heart rate and blood flow to your muscles, which could obviously prove life-saving in a harrowing situation If you want to be a prepper, or consider yourself one already, you might appreciate the website prepperwebsite.com! The font is super annoying, but the front page will regale you with many, many recent blog posts with tips and ideas, including such gems as: “How Long Do Potatoes Last? 7 Tips to Maximize Shelf Life” “All-Natural Fruit Tree Bait for Insects: It Works!” “Disinfecting Instruments” “4 Canning Dangers to Be Aware Of” “Silkie Chickens: Should You Get Them?” Activities to celebrate Each year features a different theme. According to ready.gov, the theme for 2019 is Prepared, Not Scare. Be Ready for Disasters This theme is then broken down into weekly themes, with specific suggestions included on the website for each week Week 1: Save early for Disaster Costs Week 2: Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters Week 3: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters Week 4: Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness They recommend using the following hashtags during the course of the month: #YouthPrep, #ReadyKids, #Prepare Now, #FloodSmart Share public service announcements and instructional videos https://www.ready.gov/videos Print, share, or order FREE emergency preparedness publications https://www.ready.gov/publications Download the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app Sign up for preparedness text messages. Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to receive preparedness tips https://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready Share preparedness information from ready.gov in 12 other languages https://www.ready.gov/languages Remember to include emergency preparedness messages in your social media, email signature, monthly newsletters, or other messaging tools From National Day Calendar: “Preparing for a disaster might seem like an impossible task and we hope you never have to experience one. But if you do, government agencies like FEMA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as organizations like the American Red Cross, provide excellent websites with enough information to get you started. These websites also offer suggestions on how to plan in specific instances, like being without power for weeks. Your insurance companies will also have information you can use as you prepare. Insurance companies encourage families to prepare for disasters. It makes their jobs easier once the emergency is over and it also gives you peace of mind that were covered correctly.” Use #NationalPreparednessMonth in social media postings An organization can become a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member by agreeing to participate in a preparedness activity or event in the month of September. Coalition members have agreed to promote emergency preparedness through a variety of different ways. Members can sponsor events, coordinate Disaster Preparedness Days, create Disaster Checklists, assist with the creation of emergency kits and survival kits, along with many other Preparedness activities SOURCES https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-preparedness-month/ https://www.ready.gov/september https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Preparedness_Month https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preparedness https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/national-preparedness-month.html https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/september-preparedness-month https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/its-national-preparedness-month-make-plan https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivalism https://www.prepperwebsite.com/ https://www.cracked.com/blog/6-odd-things-doomsday-preppers-stockpile-that-make-sense/ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/prepper/ https://www.trueprepper.com/famous-celebrities-survivalists-preppers/ https://www.theorganicprepper.com/rich-famous-preppers/ https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/briannasacks/a-man-wanted-on-child-sex-assault-charges-disappeared-3 https://allthatsinteresting.com/debra-stevens-donna-renneau-911-call https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dad-who-died-7-kids-carbon-monoxide-rodney-todd-never-n337341

075 | Partnerships, potential cures and pandemics      Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. This week has brought new partnerships and novel research to light from across Canada.   An international partnership sets its sight on developing a cure for Alzheimer’s disease  A recent study on Huntington’s could aid cognitive decline  Research suggests link between mortality rates of influenza pandemics   And implanting a potential cure for type 1 diabetes   Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you a run-down of the top stories of Canada’s biotech scene.    +++++    A deal has been signed between the Krembil Research Institute and French multinational pharmaceutical company, Servier, for the development of a potential disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer’s disease.  This strategic research partnership agreement with Toronto-based company Treventis Corp., a company founded by the director of Krembil, Dr. Donald Weaver, is to co-develop a lasting treatment. Studies are already underway the University Health Network (UHN).  Dr. Donald Weaver stated that “this was a very bid deal. Drug discovery is a tremendously competitive field and this partnership demonstrates the ability of Krembil and UHN to achieve a level of excellence on the world stage. It also helps cement our place as one of the leading neuroscience research facilities in Canada.”  As part of the collaborative agreement, researchers from both countries will be targeting two key proteins that have been identified with memory loss.  Weaver’s team has been working on a therapeutic strategy for near two decades to slow or stop this degenerative disease. Currently, there are no disease-modifying treatments on the market to prevent or stop the progression altogether. Alzheimer’s disease affects over 564,000 people in Canada and is expected to rise to a distressing 937,000 by 2031[1].  In 2013, Treventis was awarded $4.7-million in funding from the prestigious Wellcome Trust to investigate compounds, with the hopes of designing a drug that can safely and effectively treat people with chronic neurological dementias, such as Alzheimer’s. Funding from the Wellcome Trust, a British-based independent charity, is extremely competitive, difficult to obtain, and is traditionally awarded to researchers in the U.K.  Some of the donors and contributors to the advancement of this research are the Brain Campaign, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, Bright Focus Foundation, and the Krembil Foundation.  As part of the agreement, Servier will fund all research costs and maintain worldwide rights to develop and commercialize drugs advanced during the partnership, while the Toronto researchers set to discover a candidate for a phase I clinical trial.    +++++    A York University study might have found a new treatment option for Huntington’s disease. Christine Till, a psychology professor at the university wanted to know if working memory – a mental workspace that stores information while carrying out a task – training would help early-stage patients with the disease.  In collaboration with the funder, North York General Hospital (NYGH), she led the study where nine patients received working memory training. The results were published in the journal PLoS ONE and detailed how seven of the nine participants completed the training and perceived benefits.  Huntington disease, is a genetic brain disorder characterized by cognitive decline. It is often accompanied by mood changes such as anger, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms usually start when the patient is between 30 and 50 years of age.  The Huntington Study Group estimates that there are between 4-7 individuals per 100,000 diagnosed with Huntington’s in Canada. This number is up for debate largely due to people fearing to take the test because of possible genetic discrimination from health insurers.  This was a pilot, small study aimed at figuring out feasibility, time and costs. It allows researchers to tweak it before running a comprehensive study.  Previous studies of early-to-moderate stage Huntington disease had focused on improving motor functions like gait and balance. Till became encouraged by studies that demonstrated how mice, who were characterized as having genetic mutations mimicking Huntington disease, had benefited from environmental enrichment. These mouse models showed that an enriched environment could enhance motor activity and reduce brain loss.  Inspired by this research, Till began to construct home-based computerized training programs to enhance mental activity in participants with Huntington’s disease.  Participants underwent neuropsychological testing at North York General Hospital or York University twice – once, at the start of the study, and once one week after the completion of the training. This testing was comprised of 90 minutes of questionnaires and neurocognitive assessments.  The training itself involved 25 sessions that were run through the internet and each lasting 40 to 50 minutes. Training was typically completed over a five-week period, five days a week, using the patients’ home computers.  It consisted of exercises that targeted visual-spatial working memory and verbal working memory. Task difficulty was taken into account and adjusted automatically so that the exercises were consistently engaging.  A training coach called the participants weekly to inquire about their experience with the program and to provide motivational support and note any changes in health. Additionally, the training program provided feedback to the participant after each trial was completed. It calculated this by showing comparisons of previous scores and high scores, and providing auditory comments such as “Way to go!” when the participant’s response was correct. Daily performance on the training program was tracked by the computer.  Exit interviews provided powerful insights into the progress of the program and its effectiveness.    +++++    New research out of McMaster University and the Université de Montréal suggests that people who were born during a time of an influenza pandemic are at a higher risk of mortality amidst another pandemic arising. While typically, one develops an immunity from exposure to similar, or sometimes different, influenza A viruses, researchers are expressing that there might need to be exceptions to this rule.  The new data that was collected proposes that people who were born the time of the 1957 H2N2 or Asian Flu pandemic were at a higher risk of dying during the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic, as well as the resurgent outbreak in 2013-2014.  The influenza virus has posed a great threat to humanity throughout the years. Its ability to cause widespread pandemics, leaves researchers and scientists scrambling to find a cure. Over the last 100 years, at least five notable pandemics have occurred. This includes the 1918 H1N1 Spanish Flu, the 1957 H2N2 Asian Flu, the 1968 H3N2 “Hong Kong Flu”, the 1977 Russian Flu, and the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu.  The results align with at least two previous influenza A virus pandemics, in 1918 and 1968, when there were higher death rates among those born during previous pandemic years in 1890 and 1918, respectively.  Matthew Miller, senior author of the paper, and assistant professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at McMaster University suggests that this phenomenon is not unique. He believes that exposure to pandemic influenza early in life is a risk factor for mortality during subsequent cross-strain pandemics.  Further research is required to develop appropriate vaccines.     +++++    The University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health are testing a radical way to cure diabetes. The researchers are implanting pancreatic cells grown in a lab from embryonic stem cells to replace ones previously damaged. The hope is that the implanted cells would mature and multiply to eradicate the reliance on insulin and everyday monitoring of blood sugar via finger pricking.    Dr. David Thompson, a principal investigator in the clinical trial, says that, “If these replacement cells restore a person’s ability to produce their own insulin when needed, it would prevent dangerous episodes of low blood sugar and lessen the complications resulting from high blood sugar, such as blindness, heart attacks and kidney failure.”  The trial could involve about 10 or more people in Vancouver with a severe form of type 1 diabetes, in which a person’s immune system attacks the pancreas, degrading or eliminating its ability to produce insulin.  The team received a grant from the Stem Cell Network of Canada for $500,000 to implement these treatments. Currently, they have only implanted one person, but intend to implant more in the coming weeks. Participants will be followed for two years to see if the implanted cells mature into insulin-producing beta cells and other cells capable of controlling a person’s blood sugar, and whether there are significant side effects.  The implants are part of a larger clinical study by ViaCyte that plans to test the cell-replacement therapy on approximately 40 patients between the US and Canada. ViaCyte has developed a technique for coaxing the embryonic cells along a path to become mature pancreatic cells. The company has also developed for the clinical trial, a protective packet – smaller than a VISA card – that will be implanted just beneath the skin. The packet’s membrane will allow blood vessels to permeate inside so that oxygen and other nutrients will stimulate them to differentiate further. The researchers expect some of the cells will become beta cells, which sense blood sugar levels and release insulin when needed.  As well as these packets, other smaller “sentinel” packets will be implanted and taken out at an earlier stage to evaluate the condition and the development of the cells inside.  With the intention to prevent the participants’’ bodies from rejecting the units, they will be taking immunosuppressants. This, however, makes the patients more susceptible to other infections and is therefore only being clinically tested on people who have a particularly dangerous form of type 1 diabetes.  The procedure for implanting the cells, performed by a team led by Dr. Garth Warnock, a UBC surgery professor, is similar to transplanting clusters of beta cells, known as “islets,” from deceased donors – a treatment pioneered at the University of Alberta. If this clinical study is successful, it could be a promising lead to a cure for type 1 diabetes.    ++++++    Well that wraps up another episode of Biotechnology Focus. For the full stories, please visit the website biotechnologyfocus.ca. From my desk to yours – this is Michelle Currie.      

Talking 'bout the valves.Mail Bag:One from Dennis on H1N1(Swine Flu) prevention.A joke from Allen in New Jersey. (Pretty cute.)One from Christopher: Retired General Slams Cheney As "Incompetent War Fighter". Chris adds his own take on the issue.The Rest of the Show:It's the theological Elimination of the Snakes.1) Westboro Baptist Church. WTF! Google Search.2) Amazing Grace Baptist Church's Halloween book burning.3) Catholics, Protestants and the King James Version of the bible.4) Dan needs validation of the King James Version of the bible.(eots@inbox.com)

As a swine flu virus appears to make its way across the world, so has misinformation and confusion about what the virus is and what sort of threat it poses, particularly for people with weakened immune systems or some people living with HIV. To help us fill in that knowledge gap, we've asked Dr. Joel Gallant for some insights. Dr. Gallant is a professor of medicine and epidemiology in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and he happens to be one of the leading HIV specialists in the United States.