Flu-Swine hits the U.S.

I work for the State of California. This is an excerpt of an email sent to staff at the agency where I am employed.

The current concern is the swine flu. The swine flu is a virus that was mutated by pigs and at some point was transmitted to humans.  There are some suggestions that human-to-human transmission has occurred.  Statewide, there is a rigorous and thorough response under way in California being led by Governor Schwarzenegger, in coordination with federal and international health experts, as a result of confirmed cases of swine flu.

Over the past several days, California has taken several steps in response to the swine flu detections, including:

  • Coordinated investigation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health officials in Imperial and San Diego counties.
  • Ordered increased surveillance statewide for patients with flu-like illness.
  • Requested and received additional deployment of CDC influenza experts to Southern California counties, as well as state public health staff, to assist local health departments.
  • Expanded public health laboratory testing of potential flu specimens.
  • Enhanced veterinary activities, planning for various levels of animal disease surveillance and outreach.
  • Activated the Joint Emergency Operations Center (JEOC) of the Department of Public Health, in coordination with the California Emergency Management Agency.
  • Continued communication with appropriate public health professionals in Mexico .

So, what can we do?  There are common-sense steps everyone can take right now, including:

  • Avoid crowded conditions if you’re in an area where the influenza has shown up already.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.

For prevention tips and fact sheets, go to the Department of Public Health website at www.cdph.ca.gov .  Additional information can be found at the Center for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/ or the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/en/.

categories Health | blog4boomers April 27, 2009 | comments Comments (0)

Burger and Brew Sacramento

Quality: 4 barks out of 4 barks
Service: 2 Paws Up!
Price: 2 Bones out of 4 Bones

Burger and Brew Pub is located at 1409 R Street, Sacramento, Ca. (916) 442-0900. This eatery has a great variety of beers on tap. That is just the beginning. Their list of burgers is extensive including your standard cheese burger, bacon cheese burger, buffalo burger, turkey burger, portobello burger and more! For those not into the burger scene,  soups, salads, and sandwiches are available with BLT,  grilled ham and cheese headlining the menu. If that were not enough hot dogs, fish and chips, shakes and dessert items are available!

If you do not venture east of Davis, California no problem. A second location is at403 Third Street, Davis, Ca. (530) 750-3600

Yelp reviews the Davis location. The Sacramento location has been open less than a week. To read the Yelp Review click  HERE.

categories Restaurant Reviews | blog4boomers April 18, 2009 | comments Comments (0)

San Francisco Pictures-April 2009

Had another fun day going to the city of San Francisco. Took Amtrak from Sacramento and had a great day!!!

www.flickr.com

categories Politics | blog4boomers April 5, 2009 | comments Comments (0)