Experts Say H1N1 Pandemic Death Toll Actually Ten Times Higher

A new report on deaths linked to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic shows the total number of deaths to be more than ten times higher than reported by the World Health Organization.

The study also discovered that respiratory deaths in the Americas can be 20 times higher than the death rates in Europe.

Examining only deaths from pneumonia that could have been connected to the flu, the study showed Mexico, Argentina and Brazil had the highest death rates from the pandemic. The toll was significantly lower in New Zealand, Australia and in most of Europe.

“[The report] confirms that the H1N1 virus killed many more people globally than originally believed,” study author Lone Simonsen of George Washington University said. “We also found that the mortality burden of this pandemic fell most heavily on younger people and those living in certain parts of the Americas.”

The World Health Organization said in 2010 the death toll from H1N1 was around 18,500 but noted their total was limited to laboratory confirmed testing.

Pediatricians Warn Spicy Snacks Could Harm Children

Pediatricians are warning that extremely spicy snacks, like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and other chips, are sending numerous children to the emergency room every year.

The experts say that eating too many spicy products can cause a significant inflammation of the stomach lining which can lead to severe abdominal pain in children.

“We have a population who loves to eat the hot, spicy, not-real foods, and they come in [to the emergency room] with these real complaints,” Dr. Martha Rivera of White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles told KABC-TV.

One 12-year-old boy told KABC that he would eat 20 to 30 bags of spicy snacks a month until he suffered stomach pain and was diagnosed with gastritis. He said the feeling was like someone bruised his insides and that it hurt “a lot”.

Some school districts in New Mexico, California and Illinois have banned spicy snacks because of their lack of nutritional value. Doctors say parents should steer their children toward healthier snacks like string cheese, apples or pretzels.

The doctors warn the spicy snacks have addictive qualities that could lead to children overeating them.

New York Raises Cigarette Sales Age

The New York City council has taken steps to raise the age for someone to purchase cigarettes to the same level as those wanting to purchase alcohol.

The bill’s sponsor, City Councilman James Gennaro, said that the move by the Council will “save many, many lives.” Gennaro’s father and mother died from tobacco-related illnesses.

Critics of the measure say that teenagers will turn to the black market to get cigarettes.

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has expressed his support of the bill and has 30 days to sign it. The measure would enter into law 180 days after the mayor’s signature.

“We know that tobacco dependence can begin very soon after a young person first tries smoking so it’s critical that we stop young people from smoking before they ever start,” Bloomberg wrote in a statement.

Healthy Bodies and Spirituality

Have you ever noticed that when you are really sick, you can’t in actuality concentrate on anything – and that includes spiritual things? When I’m sick, it seems like every bit of strength I have goes to getting well and I can’t seem to get spiritual about anything! I know none of you have ever dealt with this, but I sure have (*wink*).

In fact, being sick doesn’t bring out the best in me or anyone else. Some people think you get more spiritual when you’re sick, but I’ve found it to be just the opposite. There are times when I get outright cantankerous and I’ve seen others do the same thing. That’s just NORMAL. When people don’t feel good, they are not themselves.

This is one of the reasons Jim and I believe in being as healthy as possible. When your body is not healthy, you’re not as strong spiritually! This is one of the ways the devil will attack God’s people in the End Times, yet not many think about it at all. If you’re worn down physically, you’re less likely to be strong in your prayer life, or anything else.

If ever we need to be in good health, it’s in these tumultuous days. We live in a world that is morally, spiritually, and economically sick. Staying well ourselves is imperative so that we are not overcome by this world and all of its spiritual darkness. We need to be healthy in our bodies so that our spirits can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

I hope you know that you were chosen to be here during the Last Days and that God has a special plan for your life. I hope you know that every single Child of God is important to the plan of God for these Last Days. I hope you take care of yourself and get as healthy as you can possibly get. Do what you can do – eat right – take care of that temple – and leave the rest to God!

Love,

Lori-Blue-Pen-Transparent

Aging and Your Health

Jim and I have found an awful lot of humor lately in the natural aging process.  I guess it’s better that way – it sure beats crying!  But seriously, since we are both baby boomers, we are coming into a harsh reality of the facts of life regarding our age.  Jim and I focus a lot on health issues on our show because we know that taking care of your health is the most important thing you can do and I’ll tell you why.

Your quality of life diminishes when you are not healthy, and your spiritual life suffers as well.  When you don’t have your health, it’s hard to pray, it’s hard to read your Bible, and it’s hard to focus on anything spiritual at all!  When you are sick, all your strength goes to the misery of your illness.

You not only feel better when you take care of yourself, you look better too, which makes the aging process a lot more tolerable!

Jim is seeing his Father when he looks in the mirror lately and I have to say that I am seeing a lot more of my Mother, who is still very beautiful in her maturity.  As we age, we can make the most of our physical bodies and there is much we can do with diet and exercise to affect their well-being.

You know, it’s really very true that when you are old, you can’t just rely on charm and good looks anymore!  You better have something inside!

We have learned so much from the health experts that we have on the show and we want you to know how, in many cases, you can heal yourself by eating right and exercising!

This coming week, February 9, 10, 11, we are having three very knowledgeable health experts on the show.  If you can join us for live streaming, we would love to have you!  We’ll show you how to take care of yourself and make healthy choices so that you can age gracefully and make the most of your life!