"Surviving H1N1-- with baby in belly"

Several months pregnant, Amy Wolf has been watching the news for updates on the H1N1 virus, commonly know as the swine flu. Every time she'd watch or read the news, there would be something about pregnant women getting this flu. In fact, pregnant women are at a higher risk for getting the flu. Between April and May, 34% of pregnant women with were hospitalized; by June 6 died.

"I never heard of something affecting pregnant women more than anyone else" says Wolf.

The swine flu is a hot topic for pregnant women. Here are some questions that were asked.

Is the H1N1 vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Yes, it is safe and recommended for women who are pregnant. In fact, 120 expectant mothers are to participate in clinical trials across the country.

Should I get that swine flu vaccine or the flu shot?

The CDC recommends both.

If I get the swine flu vaccine while pregnant, will it protact my baby?

Dr. Buddy Creech says, "One of the things the body does very well is give antibodies to the babies." Also, women who get the flu shot while pregnant help build immunity while pregnant for their child which is he;pful during the first few months of their lives.

I think that the media is making a big deal out of the swine flu. They are scaring their viewers and putting unnecessary thoughts into their heads. However, it is also important for expectant mothers to beware and watch out. They should avoid highly populated areas where the swine flu has struck.

Click here! to view the website where I got the information from...

Plasticity

The mantle exhibits the property of plasticity. Plasticity is when liquid sometimes acts as a solid. To get an understanding of what plasticity is and how it works, we did a lab on plasticity with corn starch and water.

When you dip your hand in the mixture, it feels like a liquid. But when you stirr the mixture, it feels chunky. I would describe this mixture as liquid, unless squeezed hwere it turns solid. If you were the poke you finger very quickly, then the mixture seems solid.

This miwture is very similar to the earth's mantle because when you apply pressure, heat, and energy to both, they harden.

Response to October Sky

         Recently, we watched the movie October Sky. This movie is about a kid named Homer Hickam's ambition about rockets after he observes the Sputnik in an October night flying through the stars. He then is inspired to create a rocket of his own with the helps of his friends, Roy Lee and Odell, along with science geek Quintin. They form the Big Creek Missile Agency (BCMA), a rocket launching spot. Unfortunately, his father John did not approve of this and wanted his son to pursue the Coalwood (of West Virginia) tradition to work in the mine. The disadvantages of working in a mine is that it is likely to get killed by accidents and coughing due to breathing in coal dust. Homer and his friends use the successful rocket they built and compete in a science fair and win. Because they won, one of them gets to go to another big science fair in Indiana and wins there again! This movie connects to science, math, and our character education.

         October Sky relates to science because of the movie having to do with rockets. The boys try many times to build a successful rocket with correct proportions and eventually succeed. Along with rockets, there are coalmines. Many of the citizens in Coalwood work in the towns' well-known coal mine, hence the name "Coalwood". Coal is a very useful rock in science. Coal is also used to power trains, as electricity, heat up places, as well as being given to people on the "Bad List" by Santa Claus. In the scene where they show Sputnik also relates to science as Sputnik being the first human-made object to orbit the Earth.

           This movies involves math Homer uses the equation from the book Miss Riley gave as a birthday present to prove that one of the boys' rockets didn't cause a fire. When, Homer drops out of school in order to work for the mine because his dad is unable to work due to injuries in the mine, in his spare time he figures out a very difficult equation with no help. 

             The movies also exhibits character education when the boys show empathy towards Quentin, a science geek by letting him join their group.  In addition, towards the end of the story John shows cooperation by finally attends his son's last rocket launch, thus given the honor to push the button in order for the rocket to take off.

              October Sky is a wonderful movie to watch. It's also inspirational because it shows that even an ordinary boy can pursue his extraordinary dreams. For further information, this movie is based on a real story with the real Homer Hickam. So why don't you rent this movie and watch it!

Response: Turner's Syndrome

Turner's Syndrome is a genetic disease. Symptoms include-

• Shorter then regular women
• They cannot conceive children because their ovaries don't work.
• They have extra skin on their neck.
• Swelling on hands and feet
• Heart effects
• and Kidney problems

I find this very heartbreaking. With these symptoms, people wouldn't feel like being around you. Other then that, it seems to me that patients have a very miserable life. I would hate to be unable to bear children.Bearing children is a gift to women. It is what make a woman a woman. This is one of my dreams. Women have done nothing to get this disease. These patients won't be able to see the light of life. To die at age of 17 is unfair. Unfortunatly, there is no cure.

Click here to find out which blog I responded to!

Genetic Disorders: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a muscular dystrophy which primarily affects voluntary muscles. This genetic disorder is caused by an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps muscle cells intact. Being a patient, the symptoms and possible complications are-

• awkward walking, stepping, running, etc.
• frequent falls
• fatigue
• difficulty in motor skills
• effects in posture
• muscle contractures
• difficulty walking
• muscle fiber deformities
• risk of learning disabilities
• loss of ability to walk (by age 12)
• scoliosis

There is no treatment or cure for this disorder, but patients do go for physical therapy. The life span typically ranges from the late teens to mid 30's. Some patients live through their 40's. This disease occurs 1 in 3,500 males. Only males get this disorder, though females can be carriers. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can also be caused by a mutation in a gene called DMD, which is located on the X chromosome.

I think parents should check and know if in the family history whether or not anyone has ever gotten that disorder. This will help treatment and or prevention. In addition, scientists and doctors should study what is the cause of short life span and should come up with some type of antidote which can prevent short mortality. Where there's a will, there's a way!

Alchohol Comsumption Leads to Cancer for Women

"Low to moderate alcohol consumption among women is associated with a statistically significant increase in cancer risk and may account for nearly 13 percent of the cancers of the breast, liver, rectum, and upper aero-digestive tract combined, according to a report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute." 

 -Science Daily

Did you know the alcohol consumption, low or moderate, can lead to cancer for women? Of course, alcohol has it's dangers. On an average, women consume one drink per day. Not many, though, drink three or more drinks a day. I don't know about you but that sounds, to me, like a lot. And in seven years, around 68,775 women were diagnosed with cancer. The alcohol women consume, the more risk they have for cancer, including breast, rectum, and liver. The connection between alcohol consumption and risk of cancer isn't changed by the type of alcohol consumed-spirits, champagne, beer, wine, etc. Around 13% of cancers diagnosed to women are because of alcohol.

What I think is that women, when drinking, should think to themselves, "WHY am I drinking? Am I drinking 'cause I feel like drinking? Am I drinking for the heck of drinking? Is it a special occasion?" This way, they can reduce the amount of alcohol they drink. A person who would ask themselves this would be a responsible drinker. Not just women, but everyone should say to this themselves. Alcohol doesn't just effect women, but everyone. There are precautions to everything. It's OKAY to drink in special occasions such has anniversaries, weddings, receptions, and once in a blue moon it's okay. Just make sure you are of age to drink. You want your job/college resume to look good.

Click here! for the link to where I got this information from.

Click Here! for where I got this picture

N.J. Senate Allow Marijuana Use

N.J. Senate Allow Marijuana Use

The N.J. Senate has approved the use of marijuana as a pain reliever to those who suffer from chronic illnesses. Yes, 

legal access. Medicinal marijuana has been shown to reduce pain and nausea in patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS when other drugs don't. Critics say that the measure would excuse and promote illegal drug use. This bill was approved 22-16, around 15 minutes after the discussion on the senate floor on Febuary 23, 2009. New Jersey would become the 14th state if the legislation is once approved. 

I opine that if the patients are responsible enough, they can use this drug. Before prescribing marijuana, doctors should first take a look at the patient's permanent record or some record to see whether or not the patient has violated the law. This record should indicate how responsible or not responsible the patient is. If the patient is not responsible enough, then he/she might endanger the lives of himself/herself and/or others If the doctor feels that the patient is responsible enough, they may prescribe this drug to the patient. Careful thought should be taken before prescribing marijuana. This decision requires alot of thought and consideration before making a final decision. This is a question of life or death. If the patient is unsure of whether or not he/she should use marijuana, he/she should not take any chances. The patient should stick to the other pain relieving drugs.

-N.S.

(aka musicgirlno1)

To know where I got this information from, click here!

Click Here! for where I got this picture.

My Roller Coaster Website

Cashinator

Teachers

This message is for not only teachers but for other readers too. 

please post comments on my articles.

I would love to know what you think.

Have a nice day!

p.s. FOUR DAY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Australian Floods Wash Crocodiles into Streets

Australian Floods Wash Crocodiles into Streets

Floods in Australia flushed crocodiles on roads! One was even hit by a car! More than 60% has affected the huge northeastern state of Queensland has been said a disaster area. After two previous cyclones, this has almost 3,000 homes affected. The army was called to help with the recovery and rescue. Mayor Joyce Zahner said, "I'm not sure if it's the same crocodile moving around -- on the three sides of Normanton there's been a large croc seen right up close to the water's edge." Zahner hopes the crocodiles will stay in the water and the kids will stay on land. Four Chinese tourists, including a 7 year old, needed to be rescued because they couldn't swim. Into high waters, their camper van was swept from a remote causeway in far northern Queensland. They huddled on the vehicle's roof for more than an hour, and suffered from mild hypothermia. In a near by school, dozens of people had to be evacuated to emergency accommodation. The damage bill is around 110 million dollars (76 million US), and is still growing. "But we won't really know the full extent of the damage until the water subsides, so that figure could double, it could treble," said Neil Roberts, Queensland state's emergency services minister. The regions is bracing for future floods. "The conditions -- as far as meteorological conditions are concerned -- are quite favourable for the system to once again develop into a tropical cyclone," a weather bureau spokesman said.

This is what I think. I think it would be kind of weird seeing a crocodile swimming around your neighborhood. This is also a lifetime experience that you could tell you grandkids about.

"When I was your age, there was this huge flood where you could see crocodiles roaming around outside my window," you'd say in your aging voice.

"Really? You must've been so brave!" your grandkid would say.

It probably wasn't like that. Or maybe it was. I don't know, I wasn't there. As long as everyone survived, it would be okay. Who knows! Maybe this could happen in your area!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090204/ts_afp/australiaweatherflood;_ylt=AuTa41c.13LFcEHJdeFPuiZvaA8F