News for today's 2018

Ebola Outbreak in West Africa 'WHO'

11:05 PM Anonymous 0

<h1 class="headline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 20px 12px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
WHO Statement on the Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Regarding the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa</h1>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The first meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) [IHR (2005)] regarding the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD, or “Ebola”) outbreak in West Africa was held by teleconference on Wednesday, 6 August 2014 from 13:00 to 17:30 and on Thursday, 7 August 2014 from 13:00 to 18:30 Geneva time (CET).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Members and advisors of the Emergency Committee met by teleconference on both days of the meeting<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; border: 0px; bottom: 0.8ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 9px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1. The following IHR (2005) States Parties participated in the informational session of the meeting on Wednesday, 6 August 2014: Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
During the informational session, the WHO Secretariat provided an update on and assessment of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The above-referenced States Parties presented on recent developments in their countries, including measures taken to implement rapid control strategies, and existing gaps and challenges in the outbreak response.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
After discussion and deliberation on the information provided, the Committee advised that:</div>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">the Ebola outbreak in West Africa constitutes an ‘extraordinary event’ and a public health risk to other States;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">the possible consequences of further international spread are particularly serious in view of the virulence of the virus, the intensive community and health facility transmission patterns, and the weak health systems in the currently affected and most at-risk countries.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">a coordinated international response is deemed essential to stop and reverse the international spread of Ebola.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It was the unanimous view of the Committee that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have been met.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The current EVD outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013. This outbreak now involves transmission in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. As of 4 August 2014, countries have reported 1 711 cases (1 070 confirmed, 436 probable, 205 suspect), including 932 deaths. This is currently the largest EVD outbreak ever recorded. In response to the outbreak, a number of unaffected countries have made a range of travel related advice or recommendations.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
In light of States Parties’ presentations and subsequent Committee discussions, several challenges were noted for the affected countries:</div>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">their health systems are fragile with significant deficits in human, financial and material resources, resulting in compromised ability to mount an adequate Ebola outbreak control response;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">inexperience in dealing with Ebola outbreaks; misperceptions of the disease, including how the disease is transmitted, are common and continue to be a major challenge in some communities;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">high mobility of populations and several instances of cross-border movement of travellers with infection;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">several generations of transmission have occurred in the three capital cities of Conakry (Guinea); Monrovia (Liberia); and Freetown (Sierra Leone); and</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">a high number of infections have been identified among health-care workers, highlighting inadequate infection control practices in many facilities.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Committee provided the following advice to the Director-General for her consideration to address the Ebola outbreak in accordance with IHR (2005).</div>
<h3 class="section_head1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 20px 9px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
States with Ebola transmission</h3>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Head of State should declare a national emergency; personally address the nation to provide information on the situation, the steps being taken to address the outbreak and the critical role of the community in ensuring its rapid control; provide immediate access to emergency financing to initiate and sustain response operations; and ensure all necessary measures are taken to mobilize and remunerate the necessary health care workforce.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Health Ministers and other health leaders should assume a prominent leadership role in coordinating and implementing emergency Ebola response measures, a fundamental aspect of which should be to meet regularly with affected communities and to make site visits to treatment centres.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should activate their national disaster/emergency management mechanisms and establish an emergency operation centre, under the authority of the Head of State, to coordinate support across all partners, and across the information, security, finance and other relevant sectors, to ensure efficient and effective implementation and monitoring of comprehensive Ebola control measures. These measures must include infection prevention and control (IPC), community awareness, surveillance, accurate laboratory diagnostic testing, contact tracing and monitoring, case management, and communication of timely and accurate information among countries. For all infected and high risks areas, similar mechanisms should be established at the state/province and local levels to ensure close coordination across all levels.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure that there is a large-scale and sustained effort to fully engage the community – through local, religious and traditional leaders and healers – so communities play a central role in case identification, contact tracing and risk education; the population should be made fully aware of the benefits of early treatment.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is essential that a strong supply pipeline be established to ensure that sufficient medical commodities, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), are available to those who appropriately need them, including health care workers, laboratory technicians, cleaning staff, burial personnel and others that may come in contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">In areas of intense transmission (e.g. the cross border area of Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia), the provision of quality clinical care, and material and psychosocial support for the affected populations should be used as the primary basis for reducing the movement of people, but extraordinary supplemental measures such as quarantine should be used as considered necessary.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure health care workers receive: adequate security measures for their safety and protection; timely payment of salaries and, as appropriate, hazard pay; and appropriate education and training on IPC, including the proper use of PPEs.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure that: treatment centres and reliable diagnostic laboratories are situated as closely as possible to areas of transmission; that these facilities have adequate numbers of trained staff, and sufficient equipment and supplies relative to the caseload; that sufficient security is provided to ensure both the safety of staff and to minimize the risk of premature removal of patients from treatment centres; and that staff are regularly reminded and monitored to ensure compliance with IPC.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should conduct exit screening of all persons at international airports, seaports and major land crossings, for unexplained febrile illness consistent with potential Ebola infection. The exit screening should consist of, at a minimum, a questionnaire, a temperature measurement and, if there is a fever, an assessment of the risk that the fever is caused by EVD. Any person with an illness consistent with EVD should not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">There should be no international travel of Ebola contacts or cases, unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation. To minimize the risk of international spread of EVD:</li>
<ul class="disc" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 36px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif) 0% 0.5em no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Confirmed cases should immediately be isolated and treated in an Ebola Treatment Centre with no national or international travel until 2 Ebola-specific diagnostic tests conducted at least 48 hours apart are negative;</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif) 0% 0.5em no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Contacts (which do not include properly protected health workers and laboratory staff who have had no unprotected exposure) should be monitored daily, with restricted national travel and no international travel until 21 days after exposure;</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif) 0% 0.5em no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Probable and suspect cases should immediately be isolated and their travel should be restricted in accordance with their classification as either a confirmed case or contact.</li>
</ul>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure funerals and burials are conducted by well-trained personnel, with provision made for the presence of the family and cultural practices, and in accordance with national health regulations, to reduce the risk of Ebola infection. The cross-border movement of the human remains of deceased suspect, probable or confirmed EVD cases should be prohibited unless authorized in accordance with recognized international biosafety provisions.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure that appropriate medical care is available for the crews and staff of airlines operating in the country, and work with the airlines to facilitate and harmonize communications and management regarding symptomatic passengers under the IHR (2005), mechanisms for contact tracing if required and the use of passenger locator records where appropriate.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States with EVD transmission should consider postponing mass gatherings until EVD transmission is interrupted.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="section_head1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 20px 9px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
States with a potential or confirmed Ebola Case, and unaffected States with land borders with affected States</h3>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Unaffected States with land borders adjoining States with Ebola transmission should urgently establish surveillance for clusters of unexplained fever or deaths due to febrile illness; establish access to a qualified diagnostic laboratory for EVD; ensure that health workers are aware of and trained in appropriate IPC procedures; and establish rapid response teams with the capacity to investigate and manage EVD cases and their contacts.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Any State newly detecting a suspect or confirmed Ebola case or contact, or clusters of unexplained deaths due to febrile illness, should treat this as a health emergency, take immediate steps in the first 24 hours to investigate and stop a potential Ebola outbreak by instituting case management, establishing a definitive diagnosis, and undertaking contact tracing and monitoring.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">If Ebola transmission is confirmed to be occurring in the State, the full recommendations for States with Ebola Transmission should be implemented, on either a national or subnational level, depending on the epidemiologic and risk context.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="section_head1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 20px 9px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
All States</h3>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">There should be no general ban on international travel or trade; restrictions outlined in these recommendations regarding the travel of EVD cases and contacts should be implemented.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should provide travelers to Ebola affected and at-risk areas with relevant information on risks, measures to minimize those risks, and advice for managing a potential exposure.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should be prepared to detect, investigate, and manage Ebola cases; this should include assured access to a qualified diagnostic laboratory for EVD and, where appropriate, the capacity to manage travelers originating from known Ebola-infected areas who arrive at international airports or major land crossing points with unexplained febrile illness.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">The general public should be provided with accurate and relevant information on the Ebola outbreak and measures to reduce the risk of exposure.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should be prepared to facilitate the evacuation and repatriation of nationals (e.g. health workers) who have been exposed to Ebola.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Committee emphasized the importance of continued support by WHO and other national and international partners towards the effective implementation and monitoring of these recommendations.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Based on this advice, the reports made by affected States Parties and the currently available information, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment and on 8 August 2014 declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s advice and issued them as Temporary Recommendations under IHR (2005) to reduce the international spread of Ebola, effective 8 August 2014. The Director-General thanked the Committee Members and Advisors for their advice and requested their reassessment of this situation within 3 months</div>

WHO Statement on the Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Regarding the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa ...

November Challenges (Hot for New Years)

11:38 AM Tukiyooo 0

It's crazy to think we're just 2 months away from the new year! but that's the perfect motivation to get you in shape and healthy for the coming year.  We're in month two of the Hot For New Years challenge, if you don't know what i'm talking about then <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnsjVVX5EdA" target="_blank">click here</a>, if not...read on! Sorry i was a little late with the November challenge calender, there was a bit of fuss here and there but at least you got a week break from the challenges to re-energize.  So without further ado, here is the November challenge calendar:  <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKqIr229G9g7u4dzD0_ibCezqglcQETqQxTwAkgdZ_o1YSNSHmYU1xftid5OcLLsRr8_tSV4rH5Pu2DsBZ50pHs8wCkesLrcfVTvtG1cO5JGIq4D5kyhUNymv7u7A3w25OmFnRm-umpn7/s1600/November-2013-Printable-Calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKqIr229G9g7u4dzD0_ibCezqglcQETqQxTwAkgdZ_o1YSNSHmYU1xftid5OcLLsRr8_tSV4rH5Pu2DsBZ50pHs8wCkesLrcfVTvtG1cO5JGIq4D5kyhUNymv7u7A3w25OmFnRm-umpn7/s1600/November-2013-Printable-Calendar.jpg" /></a></div>Are you excited to get started?! <h3>Make sure you comment below to let me know! and then i'll post the details for this weeks challenge: Picture week!</h3> Stay healthy x

challenge fitness HEALTH Hot for New Years Weight Loss November Challenges (Hot for New Years)

It's crazy to think we're just 2 months away from the new year! but that's the perfect motivation to get you in shape and health...

Brain Scan Database Aims to Accelerate Chronic Pain Research

7:52 AM Tukiyooo 0

HEALTH Brain Scan Database Aims to Accelerate Chronic Pain Research

Many people around the world suffer from chronic pain - from pain in the joints to migraines to abdominal pain. Many scientists now believe ...

Americans afflicted with 'phantom noise', ringing in ears

7:42 AM Tukiyooo 0

HEALTH Americans afflicted with 'phantom noise', ringing in ears

Among combat veterans who've suffered powerful explosions, tinnitus -- or ringing in the ears -- remains a daily battle. But they're...

How to Stay on Track

4:34 AM Tukiyooo 0

So here's the thing about staying on track...IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!<div> </div><div>Trust me. When it comes to fitness, staying on track forever is just not possible and that's completely fine! it took me a long time to accept that i can't stay on track 24/7, 364 days of the year. (I say 364 instead of 365 because come on...who's going to be on track at Christmas! hahaa) </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZibUUoDU3MJizHPN5BwiwrOew9ayFWaxQMKPzNC7uhbeZoU3mja9SsVXkU-yJA4xx9mxBzxCiqoUotI4ksrHPO1ozEN4TNe8fPvoRTGVPH2EcAMUbgw1kvhzURPtvg-YPmRAEw5B9665e/s1600/tumblr_msq5kkpBjA1qatkx6o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZibUUoDU3MJizHPN5BwiwrOew9ayFWaxQMKPzNC7uhbeZoU3mja9SsVXkU-yJA4xx9mxBzxCiqoUotI4ksrHPO1ozEN4TNe8fPvoRTGVPH2EcAMUbgw1kvhzURPtvg-YPmRAEw5B9665e/s200/tumblr_msq5kkpBjA1qatkx6o1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIxM-of7ihLCUSZ8nfP7QP9PcOaVZ-7i11CPJMyrkSIJ5rtkZMx0RCWEtAYOeXibuVG-urww_byEYYlx-dy150f7iZNsafl4g19bSNIRDPLr6kFotv7Gu72zbmM4To_NlsiOilhfp_Nrx/s1600/tumblr_mud96eq12z1qatkx6o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIxM-of7ihLCUSZ8nfP7QP9PcOaVZ-7i11CPJMyrkSIJ5rtkZMx0RCWEtAYOeXibuVG-urww_byEYYlx-dy150f7iZNsafl4g19bSNIRDPLr6kFotv7Gu72zbmM4To_NlsiOilhfp_Nrx/s200/tumblr_mud96eq12z1qatkx6o1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn 2013</td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>My body changes a lot depending on what my life is at the time. I was at my fittest in 2012 because i had more time to focus on my fitness goals but now, i'm doing my A levels and juggling a whole load of things! Back in summer, i was a lot more toned and fit because i had more time...now? well as you can see, my abs aren't quite as toned and i've put on a bit of weight. I'm still working out and eating right, but certainly not to the level i was in summer. </div><div> </div><div>So you could very much say, i've fallen off track! but i'm completely fine with this because i know within a few weeks i will be back on track if not better than i was before. I know i always bounce back, better than i was before...Its not about how you fail, it's about how you pick yourself up from that failure and become stronger! </div><div> </div><div>Though you can't stay on track all the time, there are certain precautions you can put in place so that you stay on track for as long as possible: </div><div> </div><div>Tip #1 - Always have a rest day. You can't expect yourself to workout 7 days a week and actually its rather dangerous for your body. Give yourself a rest day or two a week, your body needs this time to recover. If you overwork yourself, either your body will let you down or your mind will. Let them rest! </div><div> </div><div>Tip #2 - Treat yourself.  Ooooooh this is my favourite tip! eating healthy is so important and i honestly enjoy eating healthy and clean but as well as looking after your body, you need to look after your soul! and if your soul wants some chocolate once in a while, then give it some! your progress will not be ruined, its just all about moderation. </div><div> </div><div>Tip #3 - Live YOUR healthy lifestyle. Everyone is different. You can't expect yourself to have a training program and meal plan like Usain Bolt or Jessica Ennis! work to your ability and what works with YOUR life. Don't feel pressured to change or be someone you're not. For me, i constantly feel pressure to go Vegan or to hit the gym instead of the outdoor running and home workouts i love. But for now...those things just wouldn't make me happy, neither would they fit in with my lifestyle. If you've gone from no working out to even just 2 workouts a week, that's great for YOU. As long as you're healthier and happier than you were before...you're doing great.</div><div> </div><div>Tip #4 - Keep things exciting and challenge yourself.</div><div>Don't stick to the same old routine and same old meals. Change things up every few weeks. Its very easy to get bored with your workouts and meals which can lead to going off track. Changing things up keeps things exciting! I remember when i first started my weight loss journey i was SO excited! To keep that excitement alive, i constantly changed my workouts and tried new healthy recipes. A healthy lifestyle is like a relationship, to keep that love alive you've got to keep things fresh and new!</div><div> </div><div>Tip #5 - Have Goals/dreams/aspirations...you get it. </div><div>When i feel myself slipping, i always remind myself of where i want to be and who i want to be. This always gives me the kick up my bum i need! hahaa. If i'm not chasing my dreams, then i'm just dreaming. You have to get up and WORK for what you want. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So, those are just my thoughts on staying on track. As i type this, my abs are on fire from my morning ab workout and already i'm feeling motivated. If you have any tips of your own, feel free to comment them below! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Stay healthy</div><div> </div><div>x</div>

fitness HEALTH healthy lifestyle progress staying on track Weight Loss How to Stay on Track

So here's the thing about staying on track... IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! Trust me. When it comes to fitness, staying on track forever is just ...

GOP reveals its own health care plan - EmergencyRoom.gov

11:05 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div id="bloghead"><div class="graphic-header" id="index_headers"><h2 id="indhed"><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/" title="The Borowitz Report"><img alt="The Borowitz Report" height="72" src="http://www.newyorker.com/images/headers/ANDY_BOROWITZ_banner_N.gif" width="400" /></a></h2></div></div><div class="postNav top"></div><div class="published" title="2013-10-31T09:42:54">October 31, 2013</div> <div class="byline">Posted by <cite class="vcard author"><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/bios/andy_borowitz/search?contributorName=Andy%20Borowitz" rel="author" title="search site for content by Andy Borowitz">Andy Borowitz</a></cite></div> <div class="socialUtils"> </div> <div class="entry-content"><article> <img alt="er-web.jpg" class="mt-image-center" height="262" src="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/er-web.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 20px; text-align: center;" width="400" /> WASHINGTON (<a href="http://bit.ly/NhEEu0" target="_blank">The Borowitz Report</a>)—Saying that “the American people are fed up with a disastrous Web site that doesn’t work and never will,” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) and a phalanx of congressional Republicans today unveiled their own health-care Web site, EmergencyRoom.gov. “At EmergencyRoom.gov, every American can access the one tried-and-true health-care system that has worked in this country for decades,” he said. <div id="entry-more">While Healthcare.gov has frustrated many users with its difficult-to-navigate design, Rep. Cantor said that at EmergencyRoom.gov, “Health care is just three easy steps away. One: enter your zip code. Two: see the list of emergency rooms. Three: get to the nearest one before you die.” The Virginia Republican wasted no time touting the cost savings of EmergencyRoom.gov, comparing it favorably with the notoriously expensive Obamacare site: “Unlike Healthcare.gov, which private contractors built at a cost running into the hundreds of millions, EmergencyRoom.gov was built for nine hundred dollars by my intern Josh.” And in contrast with Healthcare.gov’s maze of forms, links, and phone numbers, he said, “EmergencyRoom.gov has just one phone number: 9-1-1.” In what may be the strongest selling point for the new site, Rep. Cantor said that the wait time on EmergencyRoom.gov is “virtually nonexistent,” not counting the twelve to thirty-six hours spent in the actual emergency room. Photograph by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty.</div></article> </div>

BOROWITZ HEALTH GOP reveals its own health care plan - EmergencyRoom.gov

October 31, 2013 Posted by Andy Borowitz WASHINGTON ( The Borowitz Report )—Saying that “the American people are fed up with a dis...

CA, OR, WA, Brit. Col. join to fight climate change

11:26 AM Tukiyooo 0

<h1 class="times-thin" id="art_headline" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 48px;"></h1><div class="author times"><div class="main_image"> <img alt="Article image" class="imagecache imagecache-article_main_image" height="192" src="http://www.nationofchange.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_main_image/ClimateChangePactSignedbyPacificNW102813.jpeg" title="article image" width="320" /> </div> </div><div class="author times">By Ryan Koronowski</div> <div class="source times"><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/10/28/2850021/california-oregon-washington-british-columbia-agreement/" style="color: #4f4f50;">Climate Progress</a> / News Investigation</div><div class="source times"><a href="http://www.nationofchange.org/">nationofchange.org</a></div><div class="source times"> </div> <div class="published"> Published: Wednesday 30 October 2013</div><div class="published"> </div>53 million people living in what would be the world’s fifth-largest economy will now be participating in a “far-reaching strategic alignment to combat climate change and promote clean energy.” On Monday afternoon in San Francisco, the leaders of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia <a href="http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org/Documents/PCC%20NR%20-%20October%2028%202013.pdf">signaled</a> they would not wait for the United States Congress or the Canadian Parliament to act to seriously address climate change. California Governor Jerry Brown, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and (via teleconference) British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark signed the <a href="http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org/Documents/Pacific%20Coast%20Climate%20Action%20Plan.pdf">Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy</a>. The agreement is not legally binding and appropriates no money. The plan says it “is intended to spur finding new, smart ways for our governments, agencies and staff to work together,” by doing things like adding value and efficiency to climate initiatives through collaboration, while reducing “overlap and duplication of effort.” So what does it do? The Action Plan that California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia’s leaders all signed agreed to: 1. Account for the cost of carbon, by linking existing carbon pricing programs and working to develop them in Oregon and Washington. Oregon agreed to “build on existing programs to set a price on carbon emissions,” while Washington would “set binding limits on carbon emissions and deploy market mechanisms to meet those limits.” That sounds like a carbon price and a cap-and-trade system, respectively. California has a cap-and-trade system which has sold out of all its allowances in each of the four auctions it’s held. British Columbia has had a carbon tax for five years, currently at $30/ton (Canadian). If Oregon and Washington’s plans pass and the programs successfully link, a larger market for the region’s carbon allowances would be a boon for business and economic efficiency. All four leaders said they would try to “harmonize” their greenhouse gas emissions targets for 2050 by developing mid-term targets. Washington already has a 2035 target, and the rest of the states will examine if this works for them. All states will establish the more long-term 2050 targets. 2. Implement low-carbon fuel standards in each jurisdiction, meaning again that California and British Columbia will maintain their standard and Washington and Oregon will move to implement them. Each jurisdiction hopes to merge the standards into an integrated West Coast market “that keeps energy dollars in the region, creates economic development opportunities for regional fuel production, and ensures predictability and consistency in the market.” The Action Plan agrees to work toward having 10 percent of all new vehicle purchases in public and private fleets be zero-emissions models by 2016. It also signaled support for high-speed rail infrastructure and innovation, as well as accelerating investment in other alternative fuels across the transportation section. 3. Embrace clean energy in a number of different ways. The four jurisdictions said they would promote ease of access to energy-efficient buildings, ensure climate-smart infrastructure investment, streamline approval for renewable energy projects, and work to expand the regional electric grids. Each state will also support EPA regulation of greenhouse gases from power plants, emphasizing the value of allowing state flexibility. If they can do this, it will be an important part of getting the U.S., Canada, and the globe the <a href="http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/anotthoff/pacific_states_arent_waiting_f.html">right policy environment</a> to create jobs and cut carbon pollution. The three states and British Columbia make up a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion, which would make it the world’s 5th-largest economy. “The scientific community no longer disputes that climate change is happening and human-caused,” said Oregon Governor Kitzhaber. “But regardless of where you stand on this question, there’s another good reason to act: transitioning to a clean economy creates jobs.” At the event, leaders from businesses like construction company Skanska USA, Cisco Systems, and Taylor Shellfish Farms spoke about how business was doing well as their state governments moved to tackle climate change. The signatories agreed to “where appropriate and feasible, link programs to create consistency and predictability” to account for and reduce carbon pollution across the four jurisdictions. With an eye toward a global agreement in 2015, these heads of state saw commitments to reduce their own carbon emissions as a signal to national and sub-national governments that such an agreement was essential. The Pacific Coast Collaborative was established in 2008 among the four signatory governments plus Alaska (which did not sign the Action Plan) to help them collaborate on challenges facing the North American West Coast — among them, emergency management, clean energy, and economic growth. Ocean acidification, for example, affects everyone. But it particularly threatens the economies of coastal states. The Action Plan calls for the American and Canadian governments to work to research and monitor ocean acidification to “understand its causes and impacts.” The Western Climate Initiative was a regional cap-and-trade agreement in 2007 between California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and four Canadian provinces. It had been scheduled to go into effect in 2012, but with the <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2010/10/18/174797/gov-deniers-western/">midterm elections</a> in the few years preceding the deadline that resulted in the losses of climate hawks, California’s AB 32 and British Columbia’s carbon tax were essentially the only two programs left standing when the dust cleared. This new agreement could mean that efforts like this to lower carbon emissions are alive and well, depending on how each government implements the plan.

ENVIRONMENT GOOD NEWS HEALTH NATIONAL NEWS TRUTH CA, OR, WA, Brit. Col. join to fight climate change

By Ryan Koronowski Climate Progress / News Investigation nationofchange.org Published:...

U.S. marijuana usage timeline says it all

11:42 AM Tukiyooo 0

CONSUMER NEWS HEALTH HERITAGE NATIONAL NEWS U.S. marijuana usage timeline says it all

To see an enlarged version, click on http://bit.ly/1djrBVh

5 reasons why cutting Social Security is irrational...

2:13 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationofchange.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_main_image/CuttingSocialSecurityisIrrational102813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Article image" border="0" class="imagecache imagecache-article_main_image" height="240" src="http://www.nationofchange.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_main_image/CuttingSocialSecurityisIrrational102813.jpg" title="article image" width="400" /></a></div>By Paul Buchheit <a href="http://www.nationofchange.org/">nationofchange.org</a> Even for Congress. They, and others who apparently don't study the facts, believe that Social Security is a government handout. But 'entitlement' means that people who have paid into a program all their lives are entitled to a reasonable return on their investment. A better definition, as pointed out by <a href="http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18268-social-security-pumps-$2-into-us-economy-for-every-benefit-dollar-spent">Mark Karlin</a> at Truthout, is a "mandated retirement savings plan." Cutting this popular and well-run and life-sustaining program would be irrational. There are many reasons for this. 1. Americans Have Paid For It Throughout Their Working Lives As of 2010, according to the <a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412660-Social-Security-and-Medicare-Taxes-and-Benefits-Over-a-Lifetime.pdf">Urban Institute</a>, the average two-earner couple making average wages throughout their lifetimes receives less in Social Security benefits than they paid in. It is the same for single males and same, by now, for single females. One-earner couples get back more than they paid in. 2. It's a Small Benefit, But Most Seniors Depend On It The average Social Security benefit is less than <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/video/2013/04/05">$15,000</a> a year, but most of our <a href="http://truth-out.org/news/item/16213-social-securitys-explosive-injustices">seniors rely</a> on this for the majority of their income. Even the <a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/dont-cut-social-security-double-it">second richest</a> quartile of Americans depends on Social Security for over half of its retirement income. 3. It's Been Well-Run for Over Half a Century The poverty rate has <a href="http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/11023-ignore-the-deficit-hawks-social-security-is-easy-to-fix">decreased</a> dramatically over the past 50 years, in large part because of the benefits of the Social Security program.  <div class="imgcontainer" style="margin-bottom: 16px; position: relative;"> </div>Social Security is running on a <a href="http://ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/index.html">surplus</a> of $2.6 trillion, it's funded until <a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/dont-cut-social-security-double-it">2037</a>, it <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/johntharvey/2013/01/07/social-security-rerun/">cannot</a> run out of money, it <a href="http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/beat-the-press/lesson-for-reporters-social-security-does-not-add-to-the-budget-deficit">cannot</a> contribute to the deficit, it has <a href="http://www.nextnewdeal.net/deficit-hawks-we-people-know-best-social-security">lower</a> administrative costs than private sector 401k retirement plans, and it's wildly <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/158834/economy-entitlements-iran-americans-top-priorities.aspx">popular</a>.   On top of all this, a report by the <a href="http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-09-2013/social-security-strengthens-us-economy.html">AARP Public Policy Institute</a> found that Social Security stimulates the economy, adding more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy each year as recipients spend their benefits on goods and services. <a href="http://www.alternet.org/election-2012/why-big-bucks-donors-dont-want-president-obama-champion-social-security">Dean Baker</a> calls Social Security "perhaps the greatest success story of any program in US history." 4. The Free-Market Alternative Doesn't Work The free-market alternative is everybody for them. That's fine for people with good jobs and retirement plans. But stunningly, the number of private sector workers <a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/dont-cut-social-security-double-it">covered by a pension</a> with a guaranteed payout has dropped from 60 percent to 10 percent in a little over thirty years. Americans are <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/many-americans-accumulating-debt-faster-than-theyre-saving-for-retirement/2013/10/23/b7a9c85e-3b3e-11e3-b6a9-da62c264f40e_story.html">going into debt</a> faster than they're saving for retirement, and those able to put something aside often make <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/05/01/it_s_a_401_k_world_and_it_sucks.html">wrong choices</a> with their money.  Financial experts, who generally speak for the people with enough money to hire a financial expert, tell us to have $200,000 to $300,000 in personal retirement <a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/dont-cut-social-security-double-it">savings</a>. Most Americans have about a tenth of that, less than <a href="http://www.ebri.org/publications/ib/index.cfm?fa=ibDisp&content_id=5175">$25,000</a>. 5. Redistribution Has Moved Retirement Money from the Middle Class to the Rich Tax Expenditures -- subsidies from special deductions, exemptions, exclusions, credits, capital gains, and loopholes that move <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2012/04/13/opinion/sunday/0415web-leonhardt2.html?ref=business">tax money to the richest</a> taxpayers -- are <a href="http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/UploadedPDF/412404-Tax-Expenditure-Trends.pdf">estimated</a> to be worth up to <a href="http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/julyaugust_2011/features/20000_leagues_under_the_state030498.php">8 percent</a> of the GDP, or about $1.2 trillion. That alone is more than enough to pay for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_United_States_federal_budget">Social Security</a> ($883 billion). Because of this misdirected revenue, government has been forced to <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-social-security-adds-budget-deficit-161813776.html">borrow from Social Security</a> to fund its programs. Most notably, <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/01/26-1">George W. Bush</a> took our retirement money to pay for his two wars and his tax cuts for the rich. This last reason, more than any of the others, reveals the overwhelming unfairness of cutting Social Security. In effect, the middle class is being told to replenish its own savings account after those savings were passed along to the military and the super-rich.

CONSUMER NEWS HEALTH NATIONAL NEWS SENIORS TRUTH 5 reasons why cutting Social Security is irrational...

By Paul Buchheit nationofchange.org Even for Congress. They, and others who apparently don't study the facts, believe that Social Secur...

Pot plants popping up in protest

2:01 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="main_image"><img alt="Article image" class="imagecache imagecache-article_main_image" height="240" src="http://www.nationofchange.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_main_image/GermansPlantingCannabisAroundCities102813.jpg" title="article image" width="400" /> </div><div class="main_image"><h1 class="times-thin" id="art_headline" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 48px;"></h1><div class="author times">By Christina Sarich</div> <div class="source times"><a href="http://naturalsociety.com/cannabis-plants-germany-protest/" style="color: #4f4f50;">Natural Society</a> / News Report</div> <div class="published"> Published: Monday 28 October 2013</div><div class="published"><a href="http://nationofchange.org/">nationofchange.org</a></div><div class="published">  </div></div><div id="bodycount" style="clear: both;">In the small, university town of <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2372554/Cannabis-plants-spring-German-town-campaigners-plant-thousands-seeds-protest-demonisation-drug.html">Gottingen, Germany</a>, a handful of autonomously acting ‘Flower Children’ have decided to rogue-plant cannabis seed in the hundreds of thousands as an act of defiance against the ‘demonization’ of a plant that has been proven to treat multiple ailments. To put it in simper terms, citizens are planting cannabis plants randomly throughout the town to really show officials what the people want. The pro-marijuana supporters point to Germany’s restrictive laws, and many comment on the plants abilities to do more than just get people high. Police continue to pull the plants up, no matter where they sprout, and often mistake non-cannabis plants as the work of the activists. They have been told to be vigilant about removing anything that looks like cannabis. This form of guerilla gardening is nothing new. Another activist gardener, <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la.html">Ron Finley</a>, decided to start planting fruit, vegetables, and herbs in abandoned public spaces like lots, traffic medians, and along curbsides in LA as a means to improve his own neighborhood and provide food and community to his fellow people.</div><div id="bodycount" style="clear: both;"> Though the pot-planters are meeting resistance with the local police in Germany, they are successfully demonstrating a form of protest through the appearance of multitudes of cannabis plants that are popping up all over the town. This causes discussion among the residents and causes the people of Gottingen to ask ‘why not pot?” <a href="http://naturalsociety.com/marijuana-and-cancer-relationship-destroy-cancer-cells/">Why is marijuana illegal</a>? There are thousands of peer-reviewed medical journals that point to the efficacy of cannabis as a healing plant, so the activists’ questioning of the current demonization of the plant are not unfounded. The healing plant has been shown to help those with osteoporosis, <a href="http://www.europeanneuropsychopharmacology.com/article/PIIS0924977X13001958/abstract">depression</a>, nausea, headaches, insomnia, and has been shown to <a href="http://naturalsociety.com/non-stop-seizures-halted-medicinal-marijuana/">treat untreatable seizures</a>. The <a href="http://naturalsociety.com/cannabis-marijuana/">marijuana and cancer</a> connection is especially strong, with countless studies showing how the plant can beat cancer. The cannabis plants that appeared at the police station in the German town were removed immediately, but they are still popping up all over parks, and gardens elsewhere in the city.</div>

EDUCATION GOOD NEWS HEALTH Pot plants popping up in protest

By Christina Sarich Natural Society / News Report Published: Monday 28 October 2013 nationofchange.org In the small, universit...

No Treats Week (Hot for New Years)

9:46 AM Tukiyooo 0

October is coming to an end and that only means one thing- HALLOWEEN! <div>A lot of you have voiced your concerns over this particular holiday, saying you don't know how you're going to control yourselves and stay on track. </div><div> </div><div>Do not fear! I have the perfect challenge to help keep you on track:</div><div>(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnsjVVX5EdA" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out more about the Hot for New Years challenge if you're new here)</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrHu51NeC26aOJvClxEaq-JzzAatopyxX0Pfcj4QxuT-H5WpSnb55oEU69Px42EfivZn43CNRSPK_v8-Su4Syf6qmSH3n6xNNcmL90Dc_2EEaaHewyfmqt2r0VPDF8Mkf9U1Ay30_2jFS/s1600/Hot+For+New+Years+october-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrHu51NeC26aOJvClxEaq-JzzAatopyxX0Pfcj4QxuT-H5WpSnb55oEU69Px42EfivZn43CNRSPK_v8-Su4Syf6qmSH3n6xNNcmL90Dc_2EEaaHewyfmqt2r0VPDF8Mkf9U1Ay30_2jFS/s400/Hot+For+New+Years+october-2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4>NO TREATS WEEK:</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The challenge this week is simple. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eat healthy and clean all week, up until Thursday(Halloween) when you can treat yourself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With this challenge, i hope to show you that you can enjoy special occasions despite what your goals are, its all about finding a good balance between being healthy and treating yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you think you can take on this challenge? What are you going to be up to this Halloween? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Comment below and let me know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also! check out this video i posted 'Weight Loss on Halloween',</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully it should give you some extra help to stay on track this week</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YLUFSJDrpL4?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay healthy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div>

challenge fitness halloween HEALTH Hot for New Years moderation no treats Weight Loss No Treats Week (Hot for New Years)

October is coming to an end and that only means one thing- HALLOWEEN! A lot of you have voiced your concerns over this particular holiday, s...

Right's attack on Social Security, Medicare must fail

2:15 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="email_body_content"> <div style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.75;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUn4iNZhX1Trfm2O3KwHVgmEbqsPbTUCVkYBd7HYx06NLOYAlvAIV9JXOemTAqIczyZ88wogZFlxn1AEGEuEXr-i9pcG3bPf1sXbIijr5vMOCnxoBznemxZ4OrIXLBdk90-Y3cPj9_-Eis/s1600/1202-bernie-sanders-031109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUn4iNZhX1Trfm2O3KwHVgmEbqsPbTUCVkYBd7HYx06NLOYAlvAIV9JXOemTAqIczyZ88wogZFlxn1AEGEuEXr-i9pcG3bPf1sXbIijr5vMOCnxoBznemxZ4OrIXLBdk90-Y3cPj9_-Eis/s400/1202-bernie-sanders-031109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">They're at it again.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">Billionaires like the Koch Brothers, Pete Peterson, Stanley Druckenmiller and others are leading the charge to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">If they succeed, millions of senior citizens, working families, disabled veterans and children will suffer. We must not allow that to happen. </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">Today, the middle class is disappearing, real unemployment is extremely high, poverty is increasing and working families throughout the country are struggling to keep their heads above water economically. Meanwhile, the gap between the very rich and everyone else is growing wider and wider and the wealthiest people and the largest corporations are doing phenomenally well.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">We must not balance the budget on the backs of working families, the elderly, the children, the sick and the poor.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">As Vermont's senator, I have the honor of serving on the Budget Conference Committee which will be negotiating a new federal budget over the next few months -- and where I am fearful that a deal could be struck to slash Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"><a href="http://caf.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=dia6Zy7OHUZjwp2ri9mioIaSq2K7gCjf" target="_blank">As the founder of the Defending Social Security Caucus, please stand with me, our friends at Social Security Works and our coalition partners in demanding; "No grand bargain in exchange for cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits." </a></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6383741895455123821" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Let's be clear. Despite right-wing rhetoric:</div><ul><li style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;">Social Security is not going broke. According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security has a surplus today of $2.8 trillion and can pay out every benefit owed to every eligible person for the next 20 years.</li><li style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;">Social Security has not contributed to the deficit. Social Security is funded independently by FICA taxes which are paid by workers and their employers.</li></ul><a class="buttonthing" href="http://caf.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=gUbutJO2Bfaxai9BhjFrD4aSq2K7gCjf" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: #2b9709; background-image: none; background-position: left top; background-repeat: repeat; color: white; display: block; margin: 30px auto; padding: 9px 15px 12px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" target="_blank">Sign this petition.</a><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">The so-called chained-CPI, which recalculates how COLA's are formulated, is not a "modest tweak." If the chained CPI went into effect today, a senior aged 65 would receive $658 a year less in Social Security benefits when he/she is 75, and $1,100 a year less at age 85. Further, the average disabled veteran would lose tens of thousands of dollars in benefits over his/her lifetime.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"><a href="http://caf.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Lk0%2BGE4WaXUHp8c%2FRcj%2BKIaSq2K7gCjf" target="_blank">Please stand with me today and demand that Congress and the President oppose any grand bargain which cuts Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.</a></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">When one out of four U.S. corporations pay nothing in federal income taxes; when Bush's tax breaks for the rich remain in place for many wealthy Americans; when the U.S. spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defense, there are much fairer and economically sound ways to address the budget than cutting programs desperately needed by the most vulnerable people in our country.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"><a href="http://caf.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=KKyxRwltnum%2BC4jNA%2FPoqIaSq2K7gCjf" target="_blank">Please stand with me and Social Security Works in protecting the future of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.</a></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">Let's go forward together. Thanks for your continued support.</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;"> </div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">Sincerely,</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.75;">U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders</div></div>

HEALTH NATIONAL NEWS OPINION SENIORS Right's attack on Social Security, Medicare must fail

They're at it again. Billionaires like the Koch Brothers, Pete Peterson, Stanley Druckenmille...

Yet another Fox News lie

11:44 AM Tukiyooo 0

If anything goes wrong,  blame it on 'Obamacare' By Dana Milbank Washington Post Writers Group Fox News' Sean Hannity, that paragon of journalistic integrity, hosted six "average Americans" on his show this month who were "feeling the pain" of "Obamacare." One was Paul Cox, who runs a North Carolina construction business and complained that the new law prevented him from hiring full-time employees because he would have to provide health insurance to anybody working more than 30 hours a week. "It happens all the time," Hannity contributed. If by "it" Hannity meant "misinforming the American public," then, yes, it is happening all the time. Salon's Eric Stern called Cox and found that Cox's business has only four employees.  It therefore is not affected by the new requirement, which applies to businesses with 50 or more workers.  The others on Hannity's program were similarly off-base. [To read the rest of Milbank's column, which appeared in the Oct. 24 edition of The Arizona Republic, click on <a href="http://azcentral.com/">azcentral.com</a>.  And for your subscription to the Republic, the best and most complete newspaper value in the Rim Country, call 1-800-332-6733.  Because in the real world news happens seven days a week.]

HEALTH NATIONAL NEWS SIGN OF THE TIMES TRUTH Yet another Fox News lie

If anything goes wrong, blame it on 'Obamacare' By Dana Milbank Washington Post Writers Group Fox News' Sean Hannity, that para...

Racism, cruelty drive GOP health care agenda

11:15 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="imgon2"><img alt="Racism is fueling opposition to Obamacare. (photo: Jae C. Hong/AP)" border="0" height="181" src="http://readersupportednews.org/images/stories/article_imgs10/010798-racism-obamacare-100813.jpg" title="Racism is fueling opposition to Obamacare. (photo: Jae C. Hong/AP)" width="400" /> Racism is fueling opposition to Obamacare. (photo: Jae C. Hong/AP)</div><div class="noslink"></div><h1 class="txttitle"></h1><div class="txtauthor">By Robert Scheer, Truthdig</div><div class="date">08 October 13</div><div class="date"><a href="http://readersupportednews.org/">readersupportednews.org</a> </div> <div class="indent"><img border="0" src="http://readersupportednews.org/images/stories/alphabet/rsn-B.jpg" />efore he was disgraced into resigning his presidency over the Watergate burglary scandal, Richard Nixon had successfully engineered an even more odious plot known as his Southern Strategy. The trick was devilishly simple: Appeal to the persistent racist inclination of Southern whites by abandoning the Republican Party's historic association with civil rights and demonizing the black victims of the South’s history of segregation.</div><div class="indent"> </div><div class="indent">That same divisive strategy is at work in the Republican rejection of the Affordable Care Act. GOP governors are largely in control of the 26 states, including all but Arkansas in the South, that have refused to implement the act's provision for an expansion of Medicaid to cover the millions of American working poor who earn too much to qualify for the program now. A New York Times analysis of census data concludes that as a result of the Republican governors' resistance, "A sweeping national effort to extend health coverage to millions of Americans will leave out two-thirds of the poor blacks and single mothers and more than half of the low-wage workers who do not have insurance, the very kinds of people that the program was intended to help. ..."</div><div class="indent"> </div>Why anyone who claims to be pro-life would want to deny health care to single mothers is an enduring mystery in the morally mischievous ethos of the Republican Party. But the exclusion of a working poor population that skews disproportionately black in the South is simply a continuation of the divide-and-conquer politics that have informed Republican strategy since Nixon. Before he was disgraced into resigning his presidency over the Watergate burglary scandal, Richard Nixon had successfully engineered an even more odious plot known as his Southern Strategy. The trick was devilishly simple: Appeal to the persistent racist inclination of Southern whites by abandoning the Republican Party’s historic association with civil rights and demonizing the black victims of the South’s history of segregation. That same divisive strategy is at work in the Republican rejection of the Affordable Care Act. GOP governors are largely in control of the 26 states, including all but Arkansas in the South, that have refused to implement the act’s provision for an expansion of Medicaid to cover the millions of American working poor who earn too much to qualify for the program now. A New York Times analysis of census data concludes that as a result of the Republican governors’ resistance, “A sweeping national effort to extend health coverage to millions of Americans will leave out two-thirds of the poor blacks and single mothers and more than half of the low-wage workers who do not have insurance, the very kinds of people that the program was intended to help. ...” Why anyone who claims to be pro-life would want to deny health care to single mothers is an enduring mystery in the morally mischievous ethos of the Republican Party. But the exclusion of a working poor population that skews disproportionately black in the South is simply a continuation of the divide-and-conquer politics that have informed Republican strategy since Nixon. The game plan of gutting the Affordable Care Act despite its passage into law and before its positive outcomes are demonstrated can be traced to a “blueprint to defunding Obamacare” initialed by the GOP conservative leadership under the aegis of Heritage Action for America. Ironically that is the political front of the Heritage Foundation, the leading GOP think tank that is credited by some architects of Obamacare as the initial inspiration of their health care program. The difference is that whereas the Heritage Foundation was pushing a mild health care reform based on increased profit for private insurers, as in the plan Mitt Romney introduced in Massachusetts, the Republicans object to the provisions in this president’s program that broaden access for the needy. They were abetted in this decision by a Supreme Court ruling last year granting the states the option of not expanding Medicaid to cover the uninsured under the new act. As a consequence, 8 million of our fellow Americans with annual incomes of less than $19,530 for a family of three have been prevented from obtaining the health care coverage that we as a nation decided to grant them. It might seem odd for governors to reject a program to help those living in their state that is fully funded by the federal government for the first few years and then 90 percent covered by the feds thereafter. But turning down a federal program to aid your own state’s population makes perfect sense when connected with the racist appeal initiated by Nixon that has turned the once Democratic South into a rock solid Republican bastion. There are certainly many whites among the 435,000 cashiers, 341,000 cooks and 253,000 nurses aides who the Times estimated will be denied needed health care in the states controlled by Republican governors who have decided to veto the most important provision of the Affordable Care Act.  In the end, this is a replay of the civil rights drama that gripped the nation more than half a century ago, but back then the Republican Party, following the enlightened leadership of Dwight Eisenhower, was on the humanitarian side of the equation. Now the elected leaders of a party that has been on the side of emancipation since the presidency of Abraham Lincoln acts to deny the basic human right to life-sustaining health care to the Southern progeny of slaves. As the Times study noted: “In all, 6 out of 10 blacks live in the states not expanding Medicaid. In Mississippi, 56 percent of all poor and uninsured adults are black, though they account for just 38 percent of the population.” But that also means that almost 44 percent of the poor and uninsured in Mississippi are white, and the gutting of this program that hurts them is evidence of the false consciousness that informs racist appeals. As the Times points out, someone, black or white, making $11,000 a year frying chicken in a convenience store falls into the gap of making too much to qualify for the state’s existing Medicaid program but not enough to be subsidized under the new health care plan as the state defines it. For those who lose out, there’s what the Republican die-hards call tough love. That’s not love. It’s hate.

HEALTH NATIONAL NEWS OPINION PERSPECTIVE Racism, cruelty drive GOP health care agenda

Racism is fueling opposition to Obamacare. (photo: Jae C. Hong/AP) By Robert Scheer, Truthdig 08 October 13 readersupportednews.org efore...