The Alaskan’s Voice
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Inside this issue: Volume 4, Issue 2 Another Flu Season 2005 Alaska Health Summit Senior Trivia 1 November 2005
Another Flu Season!
Influenza or “flu” is an infection of the respiratory tract that can affect millions of people every year. It is highly contagious and occurs mainly in the late fall, winter or early spring. Influenza is spread from person-toperson through mists or sprays of infectious respiratory secretions caused by coughing and sneezing. Influenza affects all age groups and causes moderate to severe illness, loss of school and work, and complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. deaths occur in persons aged 65 years and older. Pneumonia and influenza together are the 6th most common cause of death in the United States.
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Tip-Offs to Phone 3 Fraud 5 Amazing Allergy 3 Facts Pumpkin-Spice Muffin Recipe 4
Symptoms
Influenza is an illness which is different from, and usually much more severe than, the “common cold.” It takes about 1-2 days from the time of exposure to the virus (i.e. infection) to the development of symptoms. This is called the “incubation period.” Common symptoms include sudden fever often as high as 104F, with shaking chills, moderate or severe muscle and joint aches and pains, sweating, a dry cough, nasal
Statistics
Each year about 20,000 Americans die because of influenza or influenza related pneumonia. Over 90% of the
congestion, sore throat and headache. In addition, people infected with influenza complain of moderate or severe fatigue and discomfort. Illness can last 1-2 weeks, although fever generally lasts only 3-8 days. www.nfid.org for more info
2005 Alaska Health Summit
Plan now to attend the largest annual gathering of public health professionals in Alaska. Some of the featured presentations include: • Access to Health Care • Aging/Elders • Behavioral Health • Children’s Health • Environmental Health For more information please call: 907-332-1030 • Health Promotion • Injury Prevention • Public Health Planning • Tobacco Prevention • Women’s Health
November 28 through December 2
Hotel Captain Cook
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The Alaskan’s Voice
Senior Trivia
1. Where did headlight dimmer switches used to be located ? a. On the floor shift knob b. On the floor, left of the clutch c. Next to the horn
2. The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle has holes in it. For what was it used? a. Capture lightning bugs b. To sprinkle clothes before ironing c. Large salt shaker 3. Why was having milk delivered a problem in northern winters? a. Cows got cold and wouldn’t produce b. Ice on highways forced delivery by dog sled c. Milkmen left deliveries outside doors and milk would freeze 4. What was the popular chewing gum named for a game of chance? a. Blackjack b. Gin c. Craps 5. What postwar car turned auto design on its ear when you couldn’t tell whether it was coming or going? a. Studebaker b. Nash Metro c. Tucker 6. How was Butch wax used? a. To stiffen hair cut into a flattop so it stood up b. To make floors shiny and prevent scuffing c. On the wheels of roller skates to prevent rust 7. Before inline skates, how did you keep your roller skates attached to your shoes? a. With clamps, tightened by a skate key b. Woven straps that crossed the foot c. Long pieces of string or twine 8. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy’s pet pony? a. Old Blue b. Paint c. Macaroni 9. What was the name of Indian Princess on the Howdy Doody show? a. Princess Summerfallwinterspring b. Princess Sacajewea c. Princess Moonshadow 10. What was the name of the group who made the song “The Gypsy” a hit? a. The Ink Spots b. The Supremes c. The Esquires *answers on page 3
Volume 4, Issue 2
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Tip Offs to Phone Fraud
Many scams involve bogus prize offers, phony travel packages, get-rich-quick investments and fake charities. Con artists are skilled liars who spend a lot of time polishing their sales pitches. As a result it can be difficult to see through their scams. Alert those you care about to be on their guard if they hear the buzz words for fraud. • You must act “now” or the offer will expire. • You’ve won a “free” gift, vacation or prize—but you must pay for “postage and handling” or some other charge. • You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number or have your check picked up by courier—before you’ve had a chance to consider the offer. • It’s not necessary to check out the company with anyone—including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agency. • You don’t need written information about the company or its references. • You can’t afford to miss this “high-profit, no-risk” offer.
“The trouble with life in the fast lane is that
5 Amazing Allergy Facts
1. Hay fever sufferers should wash hair at night. Reason: They’ll remove any pollen and keep it from settling on pillows and bedding. Also: Avoid common irritants like tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, hair spray and perfume...wash hands frequently...venture outdoors only when pollen counts are low. The best time to take an antihistamine, which helps block allergic reactions, is before symptoms surface. Just Remember: Antihistamines can cause sleepiness. So never take one any time safety requires you to be alert. Suggestion: Ask your doctor about the newer types that cause less drowsiness. Australian researchers found a simple solution if you’re allergic to dust mites and suspect your area rugs make you sneeze and itch: Place the rug outdoors in the direct sunlight for a few hours. How It Works: Airing out rugs and other household items dries and heats them—exterminating mites. Moving to another location is no guarantee of relief for allergy sufferers. Why: They usually develop allergies to their new region’s pollens and molds within a few years of moving. Plus: Most allergy-provoking grasses are widespread throughout the world. As many as 20% of Americans believe they have a food allergy….but less than 1% really do. Most food “allergies” are actually signs of digestive problems, food poisoning or stress.
you get to the other end in an awful hurry.” -John Jensen
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Pumpkin—Spice Muffin Recipe
Pumpkin is a favorite! Whether you use canned pumpkin, or cook your own fresh, it is high in the antioxidant beta carotene (which forms vitamin A), and high in dietary fiber. You can make your pumpkin dessert recipes more healthy by using cholesterol-free egg substitute, low fat dairy products, and heart healthy oils like canola. Try baking your pumpkin pie filling as a custard, without the high fat crust. Ingredients: Canola Oil, 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/4 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. each cloves, ginger and nutmeg, 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1/3 cup light canola oil or olive oil, 1/3 cup nonfat buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 large egg white, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, for topping (optional). Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 12 cup muffin pan with canola oil. In large bowl, combine dry ingredients through spices. Stir well to combine. In medium bowl, combine pumpkin, oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients and stir. Divide among 12 muffin cups. Top with chopped walnuts (optional). Bake about 20 minutes or until muffins bounce back when pressed lightly. Nutritional Information: Makes 12 muffins. Per serving (1 muffin): 174 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 26g carbohydrate, 4g protein, 3g dietary fiber, 158mg sodium.
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