Want to lose weight ?

Want to lose weight? Eat what you crave most
The best way to lose weight is to eat a little of the foods you crave, that’s the suggestion of an Australian doctor.
Dr George Blair-West, in the country for Diabetes New Zealand''''s annual conference, believes that he understands why diets don''''t work - and that the solution to effective weight control is about getting around the psychological attachment to food.
He says traditional diets that make people stay away from foods they love are ineffective and research shows that ultimately people rebel against this deprivation and end up over- eating.
"Traditional deprivation diets have a five-year success rate of around 5-20 percent. We''''re better at treating most cancers than we are at treating obesity using this traditional approach,” Sunday Star Times quoted him, as saying.
Blair-West''''s 2008 book, Weight Loss for Food Lovers, says the trick is to regularly eat controlled quantities of the foods people desire.
"If I was working with someone, I would work out what they have an attachment to and then prescribe them that two to four times a week," says Blair-West.
"When you allow people to have the food they crave, their cravings disappear,” he added.
The method works, he says, because it recognises the emotional importance of food.
Blair-West says another factor that causes over- eating is many people not savouring food.

Diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon

1.ARTHRITIS:
Take one part honey to two parts of luke warm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two. Or arthritis patients may daily, morning and night take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research done at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast. They found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month. Mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
2.HAIR LOSS:
Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found very effective if kept for 5 mins. also.
3.BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of luke warm water and drink it. It destroys the germs of the bladder.
4.TOOTHACHE:
Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has stopped aching.
4.CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, if given to a cholesterol patient, it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic cholesterol is cured. As per the information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complains of cholesterol.
5.COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.
6.INFERTILITY:
Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years in medicine to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before sleeping, their problem will be solved. In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and to strengthen the uterus have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body. A couple in Maryland, America had no children for 14 years and had left hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above, the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.
7.UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
8.GAS:
According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
9.HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chappati instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that due to the increasing age the arteries and veins, which lose their flexibility and get clogged, are revitalized.
10.IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
11.INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
12.INFLUENZA
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
13.LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts performing the chores of a 20 year old.
14.PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
15.SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
16.WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
17.CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has reveled that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.
18.FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful than detrimental to the body strength. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton who has done research says that half tablespoon honey taken in one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts decreasing, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
19.BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
20.SINUS & HEADACHES:
Drink mix up with honey & lemon juice helps sinus headaches.
It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries. Scientists of today also accept honey as a Ram Ban (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also. A famous magazine named Weekly World News published in Canada dated 17 January, 95 has given a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western scientists

Importance of having Breakfast

 

Importance of having Breakfast:
The frequency of heart attack, sudden death  and stroke peaks between 6:00a.m. and noon , with the highest incidence being between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.What mechanism within the body could account for this significant jump in sudden death in the early morning hours?
We may have an answer .
    Platelet, tiny elements in the blood that keep us from bleeding to Death if we get a cut, can clump together inside our arteries due to cholesterol buildup in the artery lining. It is in the morning hours that platelets become the most activated and tend to form these internal  blood clots at the greatest frequency.
    However, eating even a very light  breakfast prevents the morning platelet activation that is associated with heart attacks and strokes .      Studies performed at Memorial University in  St.Johns, Newfoundland found that eating a light, very low-fat breakfast was critical in modifying the morning platelet activation.   
  S o if you skip breakfast, it's important that you change this practice immediately in light of this research.Develop a simple plan to eat cereal, such as oatmeal or Bran Flakes ,along with six ounces of grape juice or orange juice , and perhaps a piece of fruit .
    This simple plan will keep your platelets from sticking  together, keep blood clots from forming, and perhaps head off a potential heart attack or stroke.
So never ever skip breakfast  :-) 
Take good care
wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Life

Health Benefits of Lemons !

Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits. 
There are a few personsfor whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic
to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.
1. Lemon being a citrus fruit , fights against infection. It helps in production of
WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.
2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many
dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) .
4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate,
and breast cancer . They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a
cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.
5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.
6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive
system and purify liver as well.
7. The  skin  of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder 
can  be  applied  to  the  hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.
8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.
9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces
the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions
which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.
10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.
11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.
12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.
13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.
14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems .
15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin .
16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and
other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.
17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.
18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.
19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque,
whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.
20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.
21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.
22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria .
23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair .
24. Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.
25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis .

How To Prevent Dark Circles

How To Prevent Dark Circles
    * Soak cotton in cucumber or potato juice and keep it on the eyes for 5 minutes and relax.or you can even apply the juice with cotton around the eyes .If done regularly, this home remedy for dark circles is very effective
    * Apply almond oil around the eyes before going to bed or in the morning.
    * Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a little pineapple juice and apply it on the dark circles.
    * Steep chamomile tea bag in boiling water, cool it ,chill it and apply it to puffy eyes.
    * Try to reduce your salt intake in your diet to get rid of puffy eyes.
    * Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.
    * Apply tomato juice mixed with a few drops of lemon juice .Curd can also be used with tomato juice instead of lemon juice. This natural remedy for dark circles is very effective if followed regularly.
    * Mix raw potato juice with tomato pulp and apply to the dark circles. Do it regularly. This is an excellent home remedy for dark circles. Do not wash potato after peeling the skin.
    * Keep a chilled tea bag (herbal) on the eyes for 10 minutes and relax. This gets rid of puffy eyes. Apply a cold compress to your eyes for 3-5 minutes to reduce puffiness under the eyes.
    * Soak 3-4 almonds overnight. In the morning peel its skin and and grind it to a smooth paste with a little milk. Apply this paste to the dark circles and leave it till it dries. Wash it off with warm water .This is an effective home remedy for dark circles
    * You can do Surya namaskar (yogic exercise) everyday. When time permits look at the green plants and trees to refresh your eyes. You can do simple eye exercise to strengthen the eye muscles and relax them.
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The 20 - Minute Tight Butt and Legs Workout

1. Dumbbell Lunges
Starting Position:
• Stand straight with your feet together.
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms down at your sides
Movement:
• Step forward with the right leg and lower the left leg until the knee almost touches the floor.
• Contracting the quadriceps muscles, push off your right foot slowly returning to the starting position.
• Alternate the motion with the left leg to complete the set
Key Points:
• Inhale while stepping forward.
• Exhale while returning to the starting position.
• The step should be big enough that your left leg is nearly straight. Do not let your knee touch the floor.
• Make sure your head is up and your back is straight.
• Your chest should be lifted and your front leg should form a 90 degree angle at the bottom of the movement.
• Your right knee should not pass your right foot. You should be able to see your toes at all times.
• If you have one leg that is more dominant than the other, start out with the less dominant leg first.
• Discontinue this exercise if you feel any discomfort in your knees
Perform 15 repetitions on each leg (alternating legs). Then, immediately go to the next exercise.
2. Dumbbell Close Stance Squat
Starting Position:
• Stand tall with your feet closer than shoulder width apart with a slight bend in the knees. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and rest one on each shoulder
Movement:
• Lower your body by bending from your hips and knees stopping when your thighs are parallel to the floor. Contracting the quadriceps muscles, slowly return to the starting position stopping just short of your knees being fully extended
Key Points:
• Exhale while returning to the starting position. Inhale as you lower down.
• Do not let your knees ride over your toes (you should be able to see your feet at all times). It helps to find a marker on the wall to keep your eye on as you lift and lower, otherwise your head may tend to fall forward and your body will follow.
• Think about sitting back in a chair as you are lowering down.
• Push off with your heels as you return to the starting position. For variation and comfort, some may prefer to hold one dumbbell between their legs. The one dumbbell should equal the same amount as the two dumbbells combined
Perform 20 repetitions and immediately go to the next exercise.
3. Lying Gluteus Lift
Starting Position:
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor.
• Place your arms at your sides for support
Movement:
• Contracting the glutes, project your hips up toward the ceiling as you lift your glutes off the floor.
• Slowly return to the starting position stopping just short of your buttocks touching the floor
Key Points:
• Exhale while lifting your glutes.
• Inhale while returning to the starting position
Perform 20 very tight contractions and go directly to the treadmill exercise which follows.
4. Treadmill Incline Power Walk
Starting Position:
• Stand tall with your legs straddling the belt.
• Choose the manual program.
• Step carefully on the belt.
Movement:
• Perform a 5 minute warm-up and then adjust the incline setting to 12.0. Increase your speed to 3.2mph – 3.8mph based on your fitness level.
• Incline Power walk for 6 minutes and then cool down for 1 minute.
Beginners should perform all exercises 1 time (1 cycle), intermediates 2 cycles and advanced exercisers 3 total cycles. Wait 60 seconds after each cycle before starting again. For the advanced group, please be prepared for a very challenging workout.
After two weeks, beginners may attempt the intermediate workout and intermediates may attempt the advanced workout.
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Diet my ths debunked!

Worried whether you have been following incorrect health tips? Don’t worry, chek out few diet myths!
Fat free is not necessarily calorie free
Some people binge on fat free foods such as chips, biscuits and drinks, without realizing that these food items might contain an equal calories. “It’s very important to read the calorie chart that comes along with these food items, as per the serving size and number of calories per serving. One has to realise that no food item comes sans calories, or fat. I have had clients who binged on low calorie diet cornflakes and didn’t see any results. They had never bothered about the serving size, secondly, they used to add extra sugar to make the product taste better. No wonder that the results were missing,” says dietician Pinky Sharma.
No vegetable oil is cholesterol free
Some people use oils labelled ‘cholesterol free,’ thinking that they have escaped the ‘cholesterol’ evil. Dietician Honey Shah breaks the myth, “All these ads are just marketing gimmicks. No oil is cholesterol free. It’s the amount of oil intake that matters and not the cholesterol. One should see that they take a combination of oils- refined oil, desi ghee or olive oil, in moderation.”
Calorie is not the evil
Many people blame calories which are actually not the real culprit. Had that been the case, sugar would have never been considered fattening since it contains only 15-20 calories per teaspoon. Says dietician Honey Shah, “Going by the calorie count of sugar, people having sweets should never be fat. So it’s not the calorie count, but the ingredients present in the food (carbohydrates, fat, protein etc) that really matters.”
Milk is not a great health food
Milk is an over hyped food item. It contains proteins, calciums and fats and is definitely not a complete food. Health consultant Shikha Sharma states, “Milk is not a great health food as it is perceived to be. Adults don’t really need much milk, but our society has a fixation with milk, that too about the regular intake of milk. They think that if you don’t want to eat a meal, have milk and it will substitute as a complete meal. Some people thus go on endless fasts relying on milk and fruits alone. But this will ultimately lead to nutritional deficiency.”
Fruit juices are not a healthy option
One can easily consume loads of sugar per day just from what you drink? Fruit juices are just one such form of high calorie diet. They are full of calories and add a lot of sugar to the body. Whole fruits are any day better than fruit juices. Also, juices should be consumed in moderation. “Some people believe when they are dieting they can drink all the fruit juices they want because it's healthy and natural. Little do they realise that these contain a lot of sugar which can result in weight gain. But if you are religiously working out, then you can be less worried about that,” says dietician Pinky Khanna.
Nuts and seeds are healthy foods
Nuts and seeds are natural oils in natural form. They are digested best by the body. “But if you are taking 8-9 almonds daily, you must know that it’s also an oil provider and so accordingly you should cut out on your oil intake,” explains dietician Aishwarya Sodhi.
Mangoes and rice are good for diabetics
Diabetics are strictly made to give up on bananas, mangoes and rice. In reality, one should first check the sugar content in the body and accordingly make food decisions. Says dietician Honey, “Agreed, diabetics should monitor their food intake, but it is important not to remove these from your diet completely. Moderation is the key.”

Famous Food And Rich

The world of the rich and famous is fascinating for many of us. They lead the life many of us want and they do what we only dream of us. Being a food fanatic, this time we’ll have a look at the most expensive foods in the world, most expensive drinks, deserts or spices.

1. Saffron, a spice grown worldwide, is derived from the saffron crocus flower. A pound of dry saffron (0.45 kg) requires 50,000–75,000 flowers to make, meaning an entire football field of these flowers. Requiring so much resources and labor, prices for the spice go around US$500/pound to US$5,000/pound (US$1100–US$11,000 per kilogram).

2. The most expensive nut in the world is the Macadamia nut. The macadamia tree produces nuts only after it’s 7-10 years old, requiring fertile soil and heavy rainfall. These nuts have a very hard seed, but once it’s open it reveals a creamy white kernel containing up to 80% oil and 4% sugar. The cost of a kilogram of these nuts exceeds 30$.

3. The most expensive caviar in the world is not the black one, but the almas caviar! The word ‘almas’ is Iranian for diamond. Beluga caviar comes from a fish over 100 years old, that is virtually unchanged for 120 million years. The luxurious caviar comes from the oldest survivor of the Dinosaur era. Beluga caviar ranges in price from more than $5,000 per kilogram in the United States.

4. The most expensive mushroom in the world is the white truffle. The mushroom has its origins in the Langhe area of the Piedmont region in northern Italy, it can reach 12 cm diameter and 500g. These truffles are sold at a amazing price of €2,000 and €4,000 per kilogram ($1350 - $2700 per pound). The record price for this truffle was paid last year, in December, when Stanley Ho, the owner of the Macau casino paid $330,000 for 1.5kg of truffles.

5. The most expensive potato in the world is a French one, “La Bonnotte”. Annually, only 100 tons of this top quality potato are cultivated and collected only on the island Noirmoutier. The potato fields require to be fertilized only with seaweed in a climate shaped by the nearby sea. The cost of one single kilogram can reach €500 since this type of potato is almost extinct.

6. The most expensive beef in the world is the type of beef coming from the Wagyu cows. These Japanese cows are fed the best grass and provided the best treatment. That is why the meat is especially tender and particularly expensive. 200 grams of a fillet cost in Europe more than 100 dollars.

7. The most expensive sandwich in the world is the club sandwich from Essen aka von Essen Platinum Club Sandwich. This triple-decker delicacy contains the finest chicken, ham, hard-boiled quails’ eggs and white truffles and it’s currently sold at Cliveden, Berkshire. The chicken (poulet de Bresse) is referred to as the ‘fourth gastronomic wonder of the world served with a topping of white truffles, sold at over a thousands ponds a month. At 1,182 calories, with 1.8oz of fat, it’s not the healthiest dish but certainly one of the most expensive. Costing 100 pounds (almost 200 dollars), this is a must-try for the food fanatics.

8.The most expensive pizza in the world, valued at 8300 Eur can be tasted in Italy. With generous toppings of caviar and lobster, the pizza has a diameter of 20cm and Louis XIII Remy Martin cognac poured all over it.

9. The most expensive omelet in the world can be tasted at the Le Parker Meridien restaurant in New York. The $1,000 omelet consists of 10 ounces of sevruga caviar, a whole lobster, and six eggs. To make it in the privacy of your own home, the cost will be only $700.

10. Off to something sweet now with one of the most expensive deserts in the world, served at Serendipity 3, a popular restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The $1000 sundae was introduced in 2004 and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive dessert. It’s made up of 5 scoops of the richest Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, Madagascar vanilla, 23K edible gold leaf and one of the most expensive chocolates in the world, Amedei Porceleana.

Is your booty bootylicious?

The perfect booty. You know it when you see it, and now you can find out if your derriere is delightful, thanks to a mathematical formula devised by British researchers.
"The perfect female derriere has firmness to the touch and a resilience that prevents undue wobble or bounce, yet looks soft with flawless skin," Dr. David Holmes, a psychology lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, told The New York Post.
Hot Butts! See pictures of celebrities with the most bootylicious bottoms!
Is your booty a beauty? Pull out your pencils. Here's a math formula that will tell you for sure:
(S+C) x (B+F) / (T-V)
Or put another way:
(Shape + Circularity) x (Bounciness + Firmness) / (Texture - Vertical Ratio Symmetry).
Don't let your eyes glaze over! This is easy math. First, you have to assess the assets. Use a scale of 1 to 20 with 1 being the worst and 20 the best in the following categories described by Holmes:
* S = overall shape (a ripe peach being just about right)
* C = circularity (rounder is better)
* B = bounciness (less wobble is preferred)
* F = firmness (too much push to that cushion loses points)
* T = skin texture (no cellulite)
* V = Calculate the ratio of your waist to your hips.
How to do this:
Use a measuring tape to determine your waist and hip measurements. Measure your hip circumference at it's widest part, and measure your waist circumference at the belly button or just above it. Pull out your calculator and divide the waist circumference by the hip circumference or use an online waist-to-hip ratio calculator to run the numbers. An online calculator is available here.
Final step:
Do the math, inserting your numbers in place of the letters in the formula above.
A perfect score is 80.

super foods

Take a look at our list of top 10 super foods – and find out why you just can't afford to go without them. The good news is that some of your favourites probably made the list:

1. Tuna

Tuna, and other fatty, dark-skinned fish, came out tops.
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Research suggests that the omega-3s can also play a role in preventing conditions like hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, depression, dry eye syndrome, and possibly cancer. These are all diseases that affect a staggering number of people across the globe.
Make a plan to eat fatty fish at least two to three times a week. Just make sure you lay off on the batter and added fat.

2. Eggs

A single egg is packed with goodness. And while eggs do contain cholesterol, the effect is not as detrimental as scientists once believed.
For as little as 75 calories, an egg provides 12% of the daily recommended value for protein, as well as a wide variety of other nutrients such as vitamin A, B6, B12, D, folate, iron, phosphorous and zinc.
On top of this, the humble egg is now also categorised as a "functional food", i.e. a food that provides health benefits beyond its basic nutritional benefits.
The key is the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in egg yolks. These substances collect in parts of the eye and have been shown to play a role in promoting vision and preventing some common causes of blindness.
A word of warning though: make sure your cholesterol levels are normal before you start including more eggs in your diet. You may be suffering from high cholesterol without knowing it.
However, if your cholesterol levels have been tested and are normal, two or three eggs per week could boost your health. Just remember to opt for poached, boiled or scrambled eggs instead of fried ones.
(Keep an eye out for pasteurised eggs. These eggs, which are now available at Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores in Gauteng and the Western Cape, are safe to use if you're pregnant or immune compromised.)

3. Beans

Baked beans, black beans, lima beans, kidney beans. Eating plenty of beans can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and help prevent cancer, researchers say.
This is mostly due to the fact that beans are a rich source of antioxidants. A variety of veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts recently battled it out for the top spot on a new list of the 20 most antioxidant-rich foods. The small red bean came out tops, and red kidney beans and pinto beans weren't far behind.
A serving (one-third cup of cooked beans) contains about 80 calories (336kJ), little fat, no cholesterol, and plenty of complex carbohydrates. These legumes also provide a good source of B vitamins, potassium and fibre.
Legumes make a great side dish and can also be used as a substitute for meat as it's inexpensive. While legumes don't contain complete proteins such as meat, you could supplement your diet by eating grain or dairy products along with legumes. This is particularly useful in the diet of the vegetarian.

4. Cocoa

Here's a bit of good news for chocoholics: the delicious treat could lower your risk for heart disease and hypertension.
It looks like cocoa exerts its positive effect mainly in three ways: firstly, by keeping the endothelium (the layer of cells that lines the heart and blood vessels) healthy, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks; secondly, by lowering blood pressure, which is also related to heart disease; and thirdly, by modulating platelet function in a similar way as aspirin does.
However, the key ingredients in cocoa, what scientists call flavanols, are only present in dark chocolate.
Although more research needs to be done, it's probably safe to say that a small helping (10 g) of good-quality chocolate every day could do no harm – if the chocolate is of the darker variety, and if it forms part of an energy-controlled diet.

5. Brazil nuts

Due to Brazil nuts' high selenium content, these nuts can be seen as a "complete" protein source.
This means that, unlike the proteins in most plant products, Brazil nuts' proteins contain all the necessary amino acids to foster optimal growth in humans in the same way as proteins from animal products do. But even animal products, like chicken and beef, don't contain as much selenium as Brazil nuts do.
Selenium is also a powerful antioxidant, which protects against harmful free radicals that may cause heart disease and cancer. Selenium is also important for healthy immunity. And Brazil nuts are also a very good source of zinc (essential to digestion and metabolism).
Eight medium Brazil nuts count as one serving (30 g). Since these nuts are high in fat, they shouldn't be included in the diet more than three times per week. These nuts should also replace other fats in the diet and shouldn't just be added.
Note, however, that, because of its high saturated fat content, Brazil nuts could be a dangerous addition to your diet if you are at risk of heart disease. Rather opt for nuts with less fat, like almonds, if this is the case.

6. Garlic

Garlic is not only a great way to add a little kick to a pasta dish; it also offers tremendous health benefits because of its high antioxidant content.
Research has shown that garlic could help prevent heart disease, hypertension and cancer, and can possibly improve lung function. Garlic is also a great way to boost one's immunity – especially in wintertime.
Include a clove or two of garlic in your diet every day. Just make sure that the garlic isn't overcooked. And steer clear of garlic if you're on anti-coagulant medication.

7. Yoghurt

Yoghurt not only contains bone-building calcium, but is also a great source of probiotics.
Probiotics are microbial foods or supplements that can be used to change or improve the intestinal bacterial balance to boost the health of the host. Probioics thwart the overgrowth of harmful bacteria by competing for attachment sites and nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract.
Include a tub of fat-free or low-fat yoghurt in your diet every day – just make sure the label states "live AB cultures".

8. Citrus

You probably know that citrus fruits are a fantastic source of vitamin C, but did you know that oranges, naartjies, lemons and grapefruit are all also rich in antioxidants?
Citrus contains zeaxathin (like eggs) that maintains healthy vision. These fruits are rich in flavanones that play a role in preventing cancer. Citrus fruits also contain caffeic acid that may reduce the risk of heart disease and eye disease.
A variety of delicious citrus fruits are available in South Africa. Depending on the season, try to include citrus fruits in your diet as often as possible.

9. Bananas

Research has shown that high-potassium foods, of which the banana is a prime example, may lower the risk of stroke.
Potassium also plays a vital role in the functioning of the muscles, heart and nerves. It ensures that the body’s fluid levels remain balanced and that the body is neither too alkaline nor too acidic. It also prevents calcium from being lost in the urine.
Eating bananas before bedtime can also make for a good night's sleep, as bananas help to increase serotonin levels. To top these benefits, bananas help to maintain bowel health and are good energy-boosting snacks.

10. Cranberries

Cranberries are packed with proanthocyanidins that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve urinary tract health. New research shows that cranberry juice may also work against gastrointestinal viruses.
Drink 300 ml cranberry juice every day to reap the benefits.

Interesting facts about BODY

1 )      HEART beats 1,03,689 times.

2 )       LUNGS respire 23,045 times.

3 )       BLOOD flows 16,80,000 miles.

4 )      NAILS grow 0.00007 inches

5 )      HAIR grows 0.01715 inches

6 )      Take 2.9 pounds WATER (including all liquids)

7 )      Take of 3.25 pounds FOOD.

8 )      Breathe 438 cubic feet AIR.

 

9)      Lose 85.60, BODY TEMPERATURE.

10 )     Produce 1.43 pints SWEAT.

11 )     Speak 4,800 WORDS.

12 )     During SLEEP move 25.4 times

FROM REPLY 5 , YOU WUD FIND PARTS OF BODIES WITH THEIR AMAZING FACTS

Want to lose weight? Eat what you crave most

Want to lose weight? Eat what you crave most

The best way to lose weight is to eat a little of the foods you crave, that’s the suggestion of an Australian doctor.
Dr George Blair-West, in the country for Diabetes New Zealand''''s annual conference, believes that he understands why diets don''''t work - and that the solution to effective weight control is about getting around the psychological attachment to food.
He says traditional diets that make people stay away from foods they love are ineffective and research shows that ultimately people rebel against this deprivation and end up over- eating.
"Traditional deprivation diets have a five-year success rate of around 5-20 percent. We''''re better at treating most cancers than we are at treating obesity using this traditional approach,” Sunday Star Times quoted him, as saying.
Blair-West''''s 2008 book, Weight Loss for Food Lovers, says the trick is to regularly eat controlled quantities of the foods people desire.
"If I was working with someone, I would work out what they have an attachment to and then prescribe them that two to four times a week," says Blair-West.
"When you allow people to have the food they crave, their cravings disappear,” he added.
The method works, he says, because it recognises the emotional importance of food.
Blair-West says another factor that causes over- eating is many people not savouring food.

Med Info Angina

What Is it?
Angina is a temporary pain or tightness that may start in the chest and will sometimes spread to other parts of your upper body. It may start suddenly and may last only a few minutes. Angina will usually occur when there are extra demands placed on the heart, such as during exercise, exposure to extreme hot or cold conditions, windy weather, or during periods of emotional stress. Some people may develop angina at rest or after eating large meals when blood flow must increase to aid in the digestion of foods.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of angina may vary from person to person. The symptoms may even vary with each episode. They can include a tightness, pressure, aching, or burning behind the breastbone. This sensation may spread or radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or between the shoulder blades.
Other symptoms may include nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, or weakness.
What Causes It?
Angina is caused by a shortage of oxygen and other nutrients reaching the heart muscle. The pain of angina is produced when the heart muscle is starved for oxygen, a condition called ischemia.
Angina occurs most often when the coronary arteries of your heart become narrowed or clogged with deposits of fatty plaque-like substances. This disease is called atherosclerosis.
What Should You Do if You Experience Angina?
If you think you are having angina, you should follow these steps:
   1. STOP what you are doing. SIT DOWN AND REST.
   2. If the symptoms are not gone in 2 to 3 minutes, place a nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. You may feel a slight sense of stinging or burning under your tongue,this means the nitroglycerin is working to help relieve your angina.
   3. Wait 3 to 5 minutes. If your angina is still present, take a second nitroglycerin tablet.
   4. Again, wait 3 to 5 minutes. If the symptoms remain, take a third nitroglycerin tablet.
   5. If your angina has not subsided after the third nitroglycerin tablet or after 15 minutes since you first began experiencing discomfort, call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room.
DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING SYMPTOMS!!!!
Helpful Hints about Nitroglycerin tablets.
The burning sensation described earlier is not always an indication that the tablet is fresh. The best way to know if your tablets are fresh is to replace them approximately every 6 months.
Another helpful hint is to "check mark" the bottle every time you open it. Once you get to six "check marks" replace the bottle.
All formations of nitroglycerin should be kept at room temperature. The sublingual (under your tongue) tablets are especially susceptible to moisture. They should NOT be kept in bathrooms or kitchens because of higher degrees of moisture there.
If carrying nitroglycerin sublingual tablets with you, you may want to check with your pharmacist for devices to aid you in carrying your nitroglycerin bottle (e.g. a metal cylinder on a chain around your neck).
When Should You Contact Your Family Physician?
Call your physician WITHIN 24 HOURS for any of the following:
    *
      This is the first time you have ever experienced angina.
    *
      You experience angina while resting.
    *
      Your angina is occurring more frequently, has changed location, or is more severe than in the past.
    *
      The nitroglycerin tablets do not work as quickly as they have in the past.
    *
      Your angina has awakened you during the night.
    *
      If your angina has reoccurred following a cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, or open heart surgery procedure(s).
What Can You Do to Avoid Angina?
Many people can control their angina by following their medication regimen prescribed by their physician and by making life-style changes that lower the heart's workload and reduce stress. Other things you can do may include:
    * Stop smoking (smoking makes the heart work harder)
    * Lose excess weight
    * Start an exercise program
    * Lower your blood cholesterol levels
    * Avoid eating heavy meals and rest after eating
    * AVOID outside activities on EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD DAYS
    * Reduce your stress.

This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers.  The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician.  It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Facts about condoms

Facts about condoms
Correct condom use should include the following steps:
Use a new condom for each act of intercourse.
Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral).
Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom’s tip.
Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants, such as glycerine or lubricating jellies (which can be purchased at any pharmacy). Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, or baby oil, can weaken the condom.
Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off.
Myths About Condoms
There continues to be misinformation and misunderstanding about condom effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following updated information to address some common myths about condoms. This information is based on findings from recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical studies.
Myth #1: Condoms don’t work
Some persons have expressed concern about studies that report failure rates among couples using condoms for pregnancy prevention. Analysis of these studies indicates that the large range of efficacy rates is related to incorrect or i inconsistent use. The fact is: latex condoms are highly effective for pregnancy prevention, but only when they are used properly. Research indicates that only 30 to 60 percent of men who claim to use condoms for contraception actually use them for every act of intercourse. Further, even people who use condoms every time may not use them correctly. Incorrect use contributes to the possibility that the condom could leak from the base or break.
Myth #2: HIV can pass through condoms
A commonly held misperception is that latex condoms contain “holes” that allow passage of HIV. Although this may be true for natural membrane condoms, laboratory studies show that intact latex condoms provide a continuous barrier to microorganisms, including HIV, as well as sperm.
Myth #3: Condoms frequently break
Another area of concern expressed by some is about the quality of latex condoms. Condoms are classified as medical devices and are regulated by the FDA. Every latex condom manufactured in the United States is tested for defects before it is packaged. During the manufacturing process, condoms are double-dipped in latex and undergo stringent quality control procedures. Several studies clearly show that condom breakage rates in this country are less than 2 percent. Most of the breakage is due to incorrect usage rather than poor condom quality. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken latex, causing the condom to break. In addition, condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails.
Source:the body.com

Carcade Tea

Carcade Tea

Carcade tea is made from the flowers of a tropical plant.
This showy shrub belongs to the mallow family and it is called Hibiscus sabdariffa.
This plant is very close to the Shoe Black Plant, or the Rose of China.
It produces large 4 inch diameter flowers that have deep red petals with a purple centre.
Carcade flowers are known for their strong smell, and the shrub has reddish hued leaves,
branches and flower cup

Why You Need to Drink Carcade Tea RegularlyFlower cups are used for brewing this deep red tea with a refreshing,
slightly bitter taste. You can easily quench your thistle with this healing drink.
Drinking carcade tea regularly helps avoiding the risk of vitamin deficiencies and related adverse effects.
Vitamins and microelements contained in the tea vitalize our energy, improve tonicity and strengthen the immune system.
It is a great drink for winter time when we lack vitamins and often suffer from cold or other virus infections.
Why Carcade Tea Has Sour TasteFlower petals become juicy, fleshy and deep red in color as they wither.
Carcade flowers are used not only for tea but also for jellies, sauces, compotes and even marinades.
Carcade tea is a source of various organic acids such as apple, tartaric and lemon acids.
That’s what gives this drink its nice slightly sour taste.
Health Benefits of Carcade TeaAnthocyans – the matter that accounts for carcade red color –
help strengthen the wall of blood vessels and regulate its penetration.
Many diseases are caused by fatty deposits in blood vessels that result in thick walls and poor blood flow.
The major remedy against cholesterol deposits is gamma-linolenic acid because it can dissolve fat cells.
Carcade tea is a rich natural source of gamma-linolenic acid,
so it helps prevent blood vessel problems as well as effectively reduce high cholesterol level.
Carcade tea has stress-releasing and relaxing effects due to vitamins and essential amino acids contained in the drink.
It helps restore male sexual potency and fight female frigidity.
Carcade promotes brain metabolism.
Carcade tea is a great remedy for chronic fatigue.
Drinking the Best Carcade TeaCarcade tea may greatly differ in taste and useful properties.
Choose only whole petals of the carcade flower because they would have all useful properties.
Generally, tea powder and tea bags are of poor quality. You can drink carcade tea cold or hot.
For both drinks, brewing procedure is very important. It is recommended to brew carcade tea for 5-10 minutes.
The tea should have vinous color and slightly bitter taste. If carcade is brewed for too long, it may become a little too bitter and sour.
But harsh taste is not the major problem. The thing is that long exposure to hot water destroys many useful substances in this tea.
For example, hot temperatures essentially reduce the vitamin C content. By the way, carcade is twice as rich in vitamin C than oranges.
It is better to brew carcade with warm water to save all vitamins and microelements.
Of course, brewing will take more time, about an hour. Dietitians also state that cold carcade tea is healthier.

the DOS & DONT of yoga

the DOS & DONTS of yoga
Many people dismiss yoga as a foo-foo form of physical fitness, thinking that its postures don’t really constitute exercise. That myth is usually shattered after the individual takes a single yoga class and leaves with sore muscles from areas that hadn’t been well exercised in the past.
However, there are certain key elements to practicing yoga.  These “tips and tricks” are intended to facilitate the greatest health benefits and also to avoid the negative impact of improper postures and bad health practices.
Because yoga links physical exercises with mental concentration, one way to tell if you are practicing it incorrectly is to note whether you feel anger, crankiness, agitation or a feeling of “heaviness” in the body, mind and spirit.
If you begin to experience these symptoms, you would do well to consult an experienced instructor immediately to correct the matter as quickly as possible.
Here are some of the most common “do’s and don’ts” of yoga practice:
Always warm up your muscles before performing yoga exercises, or asanas. To warm up, walk slowly and calmly around a room, or perform gentle stretches with your arms.
The goal is to increase blood circulation to the muscles; but this should not be done through sudden, intense movement.
Remember to breathe through every asana. Concentrating on breathing is the core of every asana, and is even more important than learning how to move your body. Whatever you do, don’t hold your breath. Your muscles need oxygen.
Make “gently, gently” one of your mantras of your yoga practice. Begin your yoga postures slowly. Exhale as you stretch your muscles. Treat your body and your mind with care and respect.
Wait at least two hours after eating before performing yoga exercises. Better yet, do not eat until after your yoga session if possible.
Sip some water before and after class. Water helps your muscles and will cool you down after your exercise is complete.
Try to maintain each posture for at least 15 seconds. Eventually you will be able to hold your asana for as long as 30 seconds or more.
Be kind to your body. Don’t strain or bounce through a yoga posture as you could hurt your muscles. Again, think “gently, gently” and move your body accordingly.
If performing an asana causes pain, cease immediately. Don’t strain or push asanas to the point of pain.  If you feel pain, ease out of the posture and tell your instructor immediately.
When practicing pranayama, which are breathing exercises, don’t hold your breath any longer than you feel comfortable doing. Also don’t practice pranayama hurriedly, or if you have a cold, the flu or another form of respiratory infection. If you do you could put undue stress upon your body, which is the opposite of yoga’s intended purpose.
Practice asanas before engaging in pranayama. Pranayama can temporarily deprive muscles of the oxygen they need to function well. Practicing asanas after pranayama could lead to injury.
Finally, always tell your instructor if you have any health complications or physical impediments before starting a class.  They can advise you on alternative postures that are better for your condition.  Remember, the goal of yoga is to bring about health and healing, not to injure your body further.

Energy Boosting Foods

10 Energy-Boosting Foods

1. Vegetables
2. Whole-grain Cereals
3. 100-percent fruit juice
4. Dried fruit
5. Fresh fruit
"If you're really hungry and you want some quick energy, there's no better choice than eating some fruit. Rather than drinking a sugary drink, eat a piece of fruit. You're going to get your carbohydrates and you're also going to get your fiber and vitamins and minerals."
Sustained Energy Boosters:
"A balance of nutrients is really what's going to give you sustained energy because your body digests protein, fats and carbohydrates differently. In other words, you can eat them all at the same time but they are all going to be processed differently. Carbohydrates start being digested in your mouth, protein starts in your stomach and fat doesn't start until it reaches your intestines. That's why foods that are combinations of nutrients give you sustained energy." Some good combinations choices include:
6. Nuts
7. Whole-grain pasta
8. Turkey or peanut butter on whole-grain bread
"Who said you can only have a sandwich at lunch? If you eat a sandwich in the morning for breakfast made up of protein, carbohydrate and a little fat, you might make it to lunch without being hungry. But if you eat only carbohydrates in the morning without anything else (like if you eat just a sweet roll, which is mostly just sugar and white flour), chance are you'll be hungry in a few hours."
Drink Up and Perk Up
9. Water:
"The No. 1 thing I always think about is water. When people don't drink enough water and they aren't hydrated all, their functions are out of choke. They might misinterpret hunger for being really thirsty. Energy is dependent on all the metabolic functions running properly and the No. 1 ingredient for that is water."
10. Coffee:
"Caffeine is natural. Skip the mocha chino with lots of cream and sugar. There is nothing bad about it, it perks you up, gets you going and keeps you more mentally alert. The secret is not drinking too much."

HOW SWINE FLU OUTBREAK EMERGED

HOW SWINE FLU OUTBREAK EMERGED

BY-- BBC

 

Flu viruses mutate over time causing small changes to proteins on their surface called antigens. If the immune system has met a particular strain of the virus before, it is likely to have some immunity; but if the antigens are new to the immune system, it will be weakened.

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Cases of swine flu, which has killed people in Mexico, have been confirmed around the world. With experts scrambling to develop a vaccine, there is concern at the potential for a pandemic affecting millions of people.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs.

There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing.

Until now it has not normally infected humans, but the latest form clearly does, and can be spread from person to person - probably through coughing and sneezing.

What is new about this type of swine flu?

The World Health Organization has confirmed that at least some of the human cases are a never-before-seen version of the H1N1 strain of influenza type A.

SWINE FLU - THE BASICS

Symptoms usually similar to seasonal flu - but deaths recorded in Mexico

It is a new version of the H1N1 strain which caused the 1918 flu pandemic

Too early to say whether it will lead to a pandemic

Current treatments do work, but there is no vaccine

Good personal hygiene, such as washing hands, covering nose when sneezing advised

H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis.

But this latest version of H1N1 is different: it contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine.

Flu viruses have the ability to swap genetic components with each other, and it seems likely that the new version of H1N1 resulted from a mixing of different versions of the virus, which may usually affect different species, in the same animal host.

Pigs provide an excellent 'melting pot' for these viruses to mix and match with each other.

How dangerous is it?

Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.

These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue.

It is worth remembering that seasonal flu often poses a serious threat to public health: each year it kills 250,000 - 500,000 around the world.

So far, most cases of swine flu around the world appear to be mild, albeit with diarrhoea more common than it is with seasonal flu.

But lives have been lost in Mexico, and a single death - of a Mexican child - has been confirmed in the US.

How worried should people be?

When any new strain of flu emerges that acquires the ability to pass from person to person, it is monitored very closely in case it has the potential to spark a global epidemic, or pandemic.

FLU PANDEMICS

1918: The Spanish flu pandemic remains the most devastating outbreak of modern times. Caused by a form of the H1N1 strain of flu, it is estimated that up to 40% of the world's population were infected, and more than 50 million people died, with young adults particularly badly affected

1957: Asian flu killed two million people. Caused by a human form of the virus, H2N2, combining with a mutated strain found in wild ducks. The impact of the pandemic was minimised by rapid action by health authorities, who identified the virus, and made vaccine available speedily. The elderly were particularly vulnerable

1968: An outbreak first detected in Hong Kong, and caused by a strain known as H3N2, killed up to one million people globally, with those over 65 most likely to die

The World Health Organization has warned that swine flu could potentially trigger a global pandemic, and stress that the situation is serious.

However, experts say it is still too early to accurately assess the situation fully.

Currently, they say the world is closer to a flu pandemic than at any point since 1968 - upgrading the threat from four to five on a six-point scale following a meeting on Wednesday.

This means all governments have to mobilise their pandemic flu plans.

Nobody knows the full potential impact of a pandemic, but experts have warned that it could cost millions of lives worldwide. The Spanish flu pandemic, which began in 1918, and was also caused by an H1N1 strain, killed millions of people.

There is hope that, as humans are often exposed to forms of H1N1 through seasonal flu, our immune systems may have something of a head start in fighting infection.

However, the fact that many of the victims are young does point to something unusual. Normal, seasonal flu tends to affect the elderly disproportionately

Is Mexico different?

The death toll in Mexico - where the virus at present seems to producing much more severe symptoms - suggests there may be unusual factors coming into play there.

Some experts have suggested the possibility that other, unrelated viruses may also be circulating in Mexico, making symptoms worse.

This would be unlikely to come into play in the rest of the world.

WHO PANDEMIC ALERT PHASES

Phase 1: No infections in humans are being caused by viruses circulating in animals.

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Alternatively, people infected in Mexico may have sought treatment at a much later stage than those in other countries.

It may also be the case that the form of the virus circulating in Mexico is subtly different to that elsewhere - although that will only be confirmed by laboratory analysis.

The Mexican authorities have downgraded the official death toll from the virus, ordering a new round of more stringent tests.

Can the virus be contained?

The virus appears already to have started to spread around the world, and most experts believe that, in the era of readily available air travel, containment will be extremely difficult.

The World Health Organization says that restricting flights will have little effect. It argues that screening of passengers is also unlikely to have much impact, as symptoms may not be apparent in many infected people.

Can it be treated?

The US authorities say that two drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu and Relenza, seem to be effective at treating cases that have occurred there so far. However, the drugs must be administered at an early stage to be effective.

Use of these drugs may also make it less likely that infected people will pass the virus on to others.

The UK Government already has a stockpile of Tamiflu, ordered as a precaution against a pandemic.

However, there is concern that if too many people start taking anti-virals as a precaution, it could raise the risk of the virus developing resistance, reducing the drugs' effectiveness.

What about a vaccine?

It is unclear how effective currently available flu vaccines would be at offering protection against the new strain, as it is genetically distinct from other flu strains.

A new bespoke vaccine is being worked on by scientists in the UKand the US, but it may take months to perfect it, and manufacture enough supplies to meet what could be huge demand.

A vaccine was used to protect humans from a version of swine flu in the US in 1976.

However, it caused serious side effects, including an estimated 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. There were more deaths from the vaccine than the outbreak.

What should I do to stay safe?

Anyone with flu-like symptoms who might have been in contact with the swine virus - such as those living or travelling in the areas of Mexico that have been affected - should seek medical advice.

But patients are being asked not to go into GP surgeries in order to minimise the risk of spreading the disease to others. Instead, they should stay at home and call their healthcare provider for advice.

Countries around the world have taken varying measures but are mostly stepping up monitoring and issuing advice about travel to Mexico.

In the UK, the Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to Mexico.

What measures can I take to prevent infection?

Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.

General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly.

It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently using a normal cleaning product.

If caring for someone with a flu-like illness, a mask may be worn to cover the nose and mouth to reduce the risk of transmission. The UK is looking at increasing its stockpile of masks for healthcare workers for this reason.

In Mexico masks have been handed out to the general public, butexperts are sceptical about how useful this is.

May it take some time for a pandemic to strike?

Possibly. The flu virus tends to thrive in cooler conditions, and to struggle in warmer weather.

The initial cases have developed right at the tail end of the winter flu season in the northern hemisphere, so it is possible that the number of infections may only begin to accelerate once the weather turns colder in the autumn.

However, the southern hemisphere is about to enter its winter season and it is possible that the virus will take hold there first.

Is it safe to eat pig meat?

Yes. There is no evidence that swine flu can be transmitted through eating meat from infected animals.

However, it is essential to cook meat properly. A temperature of 70C (158F) would be sure to kill the virus.

Experts are also stressing that this is now a disease which is being passed between people.

The World Organisation for Animal Health said culling pigs, as Egypt has proposed, was therefore "inappropriate" as a measure to stop swine flu spreading.

It added there was no evidence of infection in pigs, nor of humans acquiring infection directly from pigs.

What about bird flu?

The strain of bird flu which has caused scores of human deaths in South East Asia in recent years is a different strain to that responsible for the current outbreak of swine flu.

The latest form of swine flu is a new type of the H1N1 strain, while bird, or avian flu, is H5N1.

Experts fear H5N1 holds the potential to trigger a pandemic because of its ability to mutate rapidly.

However, it has so far remained very much a disease of birds.

Those humans who have been infected have, without exception, worked closely with birds, and cases of human-to-human transmission are extremely rare. There is no suggestion that H5N1 has gained the ability to pass easily from person to person.

Where can I get further advice?

Further information and advice on swine flu can be found at websites of leading health and research organisations around the world. TheWorld Health Organisation gives background information on the virus.

The UK's government services website is carrying regularly updated health and travel information. The Health Protection Agency advises the public about what to do if returning from an affected area. NHS Choices outlines how swine flu is different from other flu.

The US government's Centre for Disease Control is counting the number of cases in the US.

You can also track the spread of swine flu reports using unofficial sources. Google is mapping search term data as an indicator of flu activity both across the US down to state level and in Mexico.Healthmaps maps viruses using news reports. Social media guideMashable lists a range of ways to track the virus .

Information and links to useful websites are being shared on Twitter,the micro-blogging service, while social networking website Facebook is tracking swine flu discussion amongst users.

Further questions from our readers have been answered by a UK-based expert.

Swine influenza

Swine influenza

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

This article is about influenza in swine. For the 2009 outbreak in humans, see 2009 swine flu outbreak.

Flu

• Influenza
• Virus
• Avian influenza
• Swine influenza
• Flu season
• Research
• Vaccine
• Treatment
• Genome project
• H5N1 strain
• H1N1 strain
• Pandemic

 

Swine influenza is endemic in pigs

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus that usually infect pigs and are called swine influenza virus (SIV).^[1] Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.^[1]

Transmission of SIV from pigs to humans is not common. When it results in human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th Century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. (Importantly, eating pork does not pose a risk of infection.) Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills,fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

The 2009 flu outbreak in humans that is widely known as "swine flu" is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that was produced byreassortment from one strain of human influenza virus, one strain of avian influenza virus, and two separate strains of SIV. The origin of this new strain is unknown, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs.^[2] It passes with apparent ease from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation.^[3] This 2009 H1N1 strain causes the normal symptoms of influenza, such as fever, coughing and headache.^[4]

Contents

• 1 Classification
  • 1.1 Influenza C
  • 1.2 Influenza A
  • 1.3 A/California/2009 (H1N1)
• 2 History
• 3 Transmission
  • 3.1 Transmission between pigs
  • 3.2 Transmission to humans
  • 3.3 Interaction with avian H5N1 in pigs
• 4 Signs and symptoms
  • 4.1 In swine
  • 4.2 In humans
• 5 Prevention
  • 5.1 Prevention in swine
  • 5.2 Prevention in humans
• 6 Treatment
  • 6.1 In swine
  • 6.2 In humans
• 7 Epidemiology and epizoology
• 8 Notable outbreaks
  • 8.1 1918 pandemic in humans
  • 8.2 1976 U.S. outbreak
  • 8.3 1988 swine flu outbreak
  • 8.4 1998 swine flu outbreak
  • 8.5 2007 Philippine outbreak
• 9 See also
• 10 References
• 11 Further reading
• 12 External links

Classification

Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenzavirus A being common in pigs and Influenzavirus C being rare.^[5] Influenzavirus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.

Influenza C

Influenza C viruses infect both humans and pigs, but do not infect birds.^[6] Transmission between pigs and humans have occurred in the past.^[7] For example, influenza C caused a small outbreaks of a mild form of influenza amongst children in Japan,^[8] and California.^[9] Due to its limited host range and the lack of genetic diversity in influenza C, this form of influenza does not cause pandemics in humans.^[10]

Influenza A

Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1,^[11] H1N2,^[11] H3N1,^[12] H3N2,^[11] and H2N3.^[13] In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2) are the most common strains worldwide.^[14] In the United States, the H1N1 subtype was exclusively prevalent among swine populations before 1998; however, since late August 1998, H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs. As of 2004, H3N2 virus isolates in US swine and turkey stocks were triple reassortants, containing genes from human (HA, NA, and PB1), swine (NS, NP, and M), and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages.^[15]

A/California/2009 (H1N1)

Main article: 2009 swine flu outbreak

A/California/2009 (H1N1), the new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) involved in the 2009 flu outbreak in humans, is a reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that are usually found separately, in humans, birds, and pigs. Preliminary data suggest that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene was similar to that of swine flu viruses present in United States pigs since 1999, but the neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein (M) genes resembled viruses present in European pigs. Viruses with this genetic makeup had not previously been found to be circulating in humans or pigs, although there is no formal national surveillance system to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs in the United States.^[16]

History

The various types of influenza viruses in humans. Solid squares show the appearance of a new strain, causing recurring influenza pandemics. Broken lines indicate uncertain strain identifications.^[17]

The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the Spanish flu that caused a pandemic in humans in 1918–1919.^[18][19] As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza.^[18] However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.^[20]

The influenza virus constantly changes form, thereby eluding the protective antibodies that people may have developed in response to previous exposures to influenza or to influenza vaccines. Every two or three years the virus undergoes minor changes. But at intervals of roughly a decade, after the bulk of the world's population has developed some level of resistance to these minor changes, it undergoes a major change that enables it to easily infect populations around the world, often infecting hundreds of millions of people whose antibody defenses are unable to resist it.^[21] The influenza virus has also been known to change form over a much shorter period of time. For instance, during the Spanish flu pandemic, the initial wave of the disease was relatively mild, while the second wave of the disease a year later was highly lethal.^[19]

For almost 60 years, from the first isolation in 1930 through 1998, SIV strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, novel viruses of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as agents of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain ofH4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.^[22]

Medical researchers worldwide, recognizing that swine influenza viruses might mutate into something as deadly as the Spanish flu, are carefully watching the 2009 H1N1 outbreak in humans and making contingency plans for a possible global pandemic. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease.^[23]

Transmission

 

Electron microscope image of the reassorted H1N1 virus. The viruses are 80–120 nanometres in diameter.^[24]

Transmission between pigs

The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals.^[14] These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection.^[14] The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days

Transmission to humans

People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur.^[25] Transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine was documented in a small surveillance study performed in 2004 at the University of Iowa.^[26]This study among others forms the basis of a recommendation that people whose jobs involve handling poultry and swine be the focus of increased public health surveillance.^[25] The 2009 swine flu outbreak is an apparent reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, including a strain endemic in humans and two strains endemic in pigs, as well as an avian influenza.^[27]

Interaction with avian H5N1 in pigs

Pigs are unusual as they can be infected with influenza strains that usually infect three different species: pigs, birds and humans.^[28] This makes pigs a host where influenza viruses might exchange genes, producing new and dangerous strains.^[28] Avian influenza virus H3N2 is endemic in pigs in China and has been detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains.^[29] H3N2 evolved from H2N2 by antigenic shift.^[30] In August 2004, researchers in China found H5N1 in pigs.^[31] These H5N1 infections may be quite common, in a survey of 10 apparently healthy pigs housed near poultry farms in West Java, where avian flu had broken out, five of the pig samples contained the H5N1 virus. The Indonesian government has since found similar results in the same region. Additional tests of 150 pigs outside the area were negative.^[32][33]

Signs and symptoms

In swine

Main symptoms of swine flu in swines.^[1]

In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.^[14] In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%),^[1] the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers.^[14] Infected pigs can loose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period.^[14]

In humans

 

Main symptoms of swine flu in humans^[34]
See also: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Symptoms of Swine Flu in YouTube

Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (this is called zoonotic swine flu). In all, 50 cases are known to have occurred since the first report in the medical literature in 1958, which have resulted in a total of six deaths.^[35] Of these six people, one was pregnant, one had leukemia, one had Hodgkin disease and two were known to be previously healthy.^[35] Despite these apparently low numbers of infections, the true rate of infection may be higher, since most cases only cause a very mild disease, and will probably never be reported or diagnosed.^[35]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.^[36] The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.

Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset."^[37] A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).^[37]

Prevention

Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.

Prevention in swine

Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include facility management, herd management, and vaccination. Because much of the illness and death associated with swine flu involves secondary infection by other pathogens, control strategies that rely on vaccination may be insufficient.

Control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades, as the evolution of the virus has resulted in inconsistent responses to traditional vaccines. Standard commercial swine flu vaccines are effective in controlling the infection when the virus strains match enough to have significant cross-protection, and custom (autogenous) vaccines made from the specific viruses isolated are created and used in the more difficult cases.^[38][39] Present vaccination strategies for SIV control and prevention in swine farms, typically include the use of one of several bivalent SIV vaccines commercially available in the United States. Of the 97 recent H3N2 isolates examined, only 41 isolates had strong serologic cross-reactions with antiserum to three commercial SIV vaccines. Since the protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, the presence of nonreactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses.^[40][41] The United States Department of Agriculture researchers say that while pig vaccination keeps pigs from getting sick, it does not block infection or shedding of the virus.^[42]

Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control virus in the environment. The virus is unlikely to survive outside living cells for >2 wk except in cold (but above freezing) conditions, and it is readily inactivated by disinfectants.^[1] Herd management includes not adding pigs carrying influenza to herds that have not been exposed to the virus. The virus survives in healthy carrier pigs for up to 3 months and can be recovered from them between outbreaks. Carrier pigs are usually responsible for the introduction of SIV into previously uninfected herds and countries. After an outbreak, as immunity in exposed pigs wanes, new outbreaks of the same strain can occur.^[1]

Prevention in humans

Prevention of pig to human transmission

 

Swine can be infected by both avian and human influenza strains of influenza, and therefore are hosts where the antigenic shifts can occur that create new influenza strains.

The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.^[43]

Prevention of human to human transmission

Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.^[44] Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.^[44] The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.^[45]

Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public.^[46] Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain,^[47] vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.^[48]

Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor to be tested.

Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community. Public healthand other responsible authorities have action plans which social distancing actions to request or require depending on the severity of the outbreak.

Treatment

In swine

As swine influenza is not usually fatal to pigs, little treatment is required; instead veterinary efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout the farm, or to other farms.^[14] Vaccination and animal management techniques are most important in these efforts.

In humans

If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in the hospitals, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.^[49] The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.^[50]

In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved. The agency issued these EUAs to allow treatment of patients younger than the current approval allows and to allow the widespread distribution of the drugs, including by non-licensed volunteers.^[51]

Epidemiology and epizoology

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Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market.

Notable outbreaks

1918 pandemic in humans

The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1,^[18] thus may reflect a zoonosis either from swine to humans or from humans to swine. Evidence available from that time is not sufficient to answer this question. Phylogenetic analysis of more recent strains of influenza in humans, birds, and swine suggests that the 1918 outbreak in humans followed a reassortment event.^[52]

1976 U.S. outbreak

Main article: 1976 swine flu outbreak

On February 5, 1976, in the United States an army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak. He died the next day and four of his fellow soldiers were later hospitalized. Two weeks after his death, health officials announced that the cause of death was a new strain of swine flu. The strain, a variant of H1N1, is known as A/New Jersey/1976 (H1N1). It was detected only from January 19 to February 9 and did not spread beyond Fort Dix.^[53]

 

President Ford receives swine flu vaccination

This new strain appeared to be closely related to the strain involved in the 1918 flu pandemic. Moreover, the ensuing increased surveillance uncovered another strain in circulation in the U.S.: A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) spread simultaneously, also caused illness, and persisted until March.^[53] Alarmed public-health officials decided action must be taken to head off another major pandemic, and urged President Gerald Ford that every person in the U.S. be vaccinated for the disease.^[54]

The vaccination program was plagued by delays and public relations problems.^[55] On October 1, 1976, the immunization program began and by October 11, approximately 40 million people, or about 24% of the population, had received swine flu immunizations. That same day, three senior citizens died soon after receiving their swine flu shots and there was a media outcry linking the deaths to the immunizations, despite the lack of positive proof. According to science writer Patrick Di Justo, however, by the time the truth was known — that the deaths were not proven to be related to the vaccine — it was too late. "The government had long feared mass panic about swine flu — now they feared mass panic about the swine flu vaccinations." This became a strong setback to the program.^[21]

There were reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing neuromuscular disorder, affecting some people who had received swine flu immunizations. This syndrome is a rare side-effect of modern influenza vaccines, with an incidence of about one case per million vaccinations.^[56] As a result, Di Justo writes that "the public refused to trust a government-operated health program that killed old people and crippled young people." In total, less than 33 percent of the population had been immunized by the end of 1976. The National Influenza Immunization Program was effectively halted on Dec. 16.

Overall, about 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), resulting in death from severe pulmonary complications for 25 people, which, according to Dr. P. Haber, were probably caused by an immunopathological reaction to the 1976 vaccine. Other influenza vaccines have not been linked to GBS, though caution is advised for certain individuals, particularly those with a history of GBS.^[57][58] Still, as observed by a participant in the immunization program, the vaccine killed more Americans than the disease did.^[59]

1988 swine flu outbreak

In September 1988, a swine flu virus killed one woman in Wisconsin, and infected at least hundreds of others. 32-year old Barbara Ann Wieners was eight months pregnant when she and her husband, Ed, became ill after visiting the hog barn at the Walworth County Fair. Barbara died eight days later, though doctors were able to induce labor and deliver a healthy daughter before she passed away. Her husband recovered from his symptoms.

Influenza-like illnesses were reportedly widespread among the pigs at the farm they had visited, and 76% of the swine exhibitors there tested positive for the swine flu antibody but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggested between one and three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.

1998 swine flu outbreak

In 1998, swine flu was found in pigs in four U.S. states. Within a year, it had spread through pig populations across the United States. Scientists found that this virus had originated in pigs as a recombinant form of flu strains from birds and humans. This outbreak confirmed that pigs can serve as a crucible where novel influenza viruses emerge as a result of the reassortment of genes from different strains.