Swine Flu

What is swine flu? --Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.

Is this swine flu virus contagious? -- CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? -- The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread? -- Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Lose Weight and Save the Planet

According to a recent report in HealthDay News watching your weight does more than protect your health. It also may help fight climate change.

Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine say that because food production is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, a lean population, such as in Vietnam, consumes about 20 percent less food and produces fewer greenhouse gases than a population in which 40 percent of people are obese, a rate close to that of the United States.

Also, less energy is required to transport slim people, say the researchers, Phil Edwards and Ian Roberts, of the school's Department of Epidemiology and Population Health.
They calculated that a lean population of a billion people would emit 1,000 million tons less transportation-related carbon dioxide equivalents a year than an obese population would emit.

5K Cardinal Fiesta Run/Walk

Benefit both yourself and HCC. Enter the Hibbing Community College 4th Annual 5K Cardinal Fiesta Run/Walk.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Check In: 7:00 a.m.
Run/Walk Starts: 8:00 a.m.

Early Entry Fee (before April 30th): $15 per participant
Family Rate: 3 or more $40

$20 per participant on the day of the race

All finishers receive a T-Shirt, and awards will go to the top competitors in each age category.

All proceeds go to Hibbing Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Contact Donna Groettum to register:
218-262-6786
donnagroettum@hibbing.edu

Balance Your Calories and Your Exercise

Make the most of your steps. Watching what you eat is important even when you're physically active. Energy balance - calories in are equal to calories expended - is essential for weight management. If you decide to indulge in dessert, extend your walk or include some hills to help balance your calorie intake. Don't have time for a walk today? Make sure to eat light and healthy meals, and get back to your exercise routine as soon as you can.

Changes to Preschool Story Time

Beginning April 14, Preschool Story Time will change to a somewhat different format. After regular stories and songs in the Children's Room, we will head downstairs to the auditorium for an interactive and creative session based on the "Letter of the Day." After that session is complete, children are then welcome to play with the toys.

This week's letter is "N." See you there!

The Weather is Great for Walking

Blaze new trails by checking out Hibbing's parks, bike paths, and scenic areas. Check out the Bennett Park Park walking paths. The Mesabi Trail bike path is great! Plan a vacation or weekend get away that will add extra steps to your day. Visit a state park or check out walking trails in other communities.

Visit http://www.nps.gov/parks/html and http://www.traillink.com/ for some new walking ideas.

Have a Snack and Don't Feel Guilty

Snack are not bad! When you make healthy choices and don't overload on calories, snacks can be a healthful part of your day. Choosing your snacks carefully help to curb cravings, regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels and meet your nutritional needs.

Try these ideas:
Munch on an apple or enjoy a non-fat yogurt mid-morning.

Crunch on celery sticks, baby carrots or rice cakes a few hours after lunch.

Pop some low-salt, low-calorie popcorn for evening munchies.

Watch your portion sizes when preparing your snack. The idea isn't to add more meals to your day, but to space out the calories you eat and avoid strong cravings. Other great snack foods are almonds and frozen grapes.

100 Fewer Calories Per Day

A quick and easy way to take in 100 fewer calories is to watch the calorie content in the beverages you consume. You might be surprised by the number of calories in a soda, coffee drink, or alcoholic beverage. Limit the number of times you have these beverages every week, and choose sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, hot or iced herbal tea (plain or with a small amount of honey), or low-sugar beverages whenever possible.