Balanced Living
 Understanding
Influenza
Pandemics
World Health Day is
April 7th, 2007
World Health Day marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO), and is an occasion to
raise awareness of key global health issues. This year's theme is International Health Security. The aim of
the Day is to urge governments, organizations, and businesses to "Invest in health, build a safer future".
Emerging and epidemic-prone diseases and outbreaks, such as SARS and avian flu, as well as the continuing spread of HIV/AIDS, humanitarian emergencies, and other acute health threats can all be defined as
public health emergencies. International health security is the first line of defense against health shocks that
can devastate people, societies, and economies worldwide.
Based on historical patterns, influenza pandemics can be expected to occur, on average, three to four times
each century when new virus subtypes emerge and are readily transmitted from person to person.
However, the occurrence of influenza pandemics is unpredictable. In the 20th century, the great influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, which caused an estimated 40 to 50 million deaths worldwide, was followed by
pandemics in 1957-1958 and 1968-1969.
Experts agree that another influenza pandemic is inevitable and possibly imminent.
Most influenza experts also agree that the prompt culling of Hong Kong's entire poultry population in 1997
probably averted a pandemic.
Several measures can help minimize the global public health risks that could arise from large outbreaks of
highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in birds. An immediate priority is to halt further spread of epidemics in poultry populations. This strategy works to reduce opportunities for human exposure to the
virus. Vaccination of persons at high risk of exposure to infected poultry, using existing vaccines effective
against currently circulating human influenza strains, can reduce the likelihood of co-infection of humans
with avian and influenza strains, and therefore reduce the risk that genes will be exchanged. Workers
involved in the culling of poultry flocks must be protected, using proper clothing and equipment, against
infection. These workers should also receive antiviral drugs as a prophylactic measure.
When cases of avian influenza in humans occur, information on the extent of influenza infection in animals, as well as humans, and on circulating influenza viruses is urgently needed to aid the assessment of
risks to public health and to guide the best protective measures. Thorough investigation of each case is also
essential. While WHO and the members of its global influenza network, along with other international
agencies, can assist with many of these activities, the successful containment of public health risks also
depends on the epidemiological and laboratory capacity of affected countries, and the adequacy of surveillance systems already in place.
While all these activities can reduce the likelihood that a pandemic strain will emerge, the question of
whether another influenza pandemic can be averted cannot be answered with certainty.
For more information:
http://who.int/en/
https://fhahelps.personaladvantage.com/logon?target=bird_flu
 All About Living Wills
Living wills - sometimes called "health care directives"- are for adults of all ages, not just the elderly.
Some of the most famous court cases about the right to die have involved ailing people in their 20s.
There are good reasons to write down your wishes about end-of-life medical care:.
- You might be too sick to express yourself when the time comes.
- Your family might disagree about what to do, which leaves doctors in a tough spot and more likely to
keep you on life support.
- You can help your family with the really tough decision of whether or not to take you off life support.
- Living wills often include legal protection for doctors and hospitals, so they don't get sued for honoring
your request.
Different states have different rules for what living wills should cover, but they all allow you to decline
aggressive life support if you're close to death, without affecting your right to get pain medicine or other "comfort care."
Nor is refusing medical treatment considered suicide; it's not illegal or immoral to let nature take its
course.
You can also express your views by writing them down. And, talk with your family and doctor to give
them an idea of what type of medical condition you would not want continuing treatment for. Is it not
being able to talk with your family, or to recognize people and express your thoughts in some way? You
might learn that your doctor isn't willing to follow your wishes. If so, find a new doctor.
Drafting A Living Will
A local lawyer can fill you in on the legal requirements for a living will in your state.
Most state forms require one or two witnesses to your signature. In some states, your signature, as well as
those of witnesses, must be notarized. Some states restrict who may be a valid witness, typically excluding relatives and your doctor.
Once it's signed, give a copy of your living will to:
- Your regular physician.
- Family members.
- Consider giving a copy to your minister or a member of your religious community, and to close friends
as well.
- The hospital you're likely to use. You can mail it to their medical records department, with a cover letter
that gives your date of birth and your Social Security number. Verify that they have received the document
and have a record of it.
- If you're in a nursing home or are seeing a medical specialist for a serious illness, they ought to get a
copy to.
Finally, you can put a card in your wallet saying that you have a living will and whom to call to get a copy.
If you're going into a hospital, bring a copy with you. Even if you sent one to the medical records department, it might take a while for the doctors to learn it's there.
Maintaining a Living Will
There's no need to update a living will. However, it's a good idea to check in a few years to see if your
state's form has changed. It might be improved later, so you would want to take advantage of these
changes. Also, by signing a new one, it shows you haven't changed your mind.
All states' laws allow people to revoke or cancel their living wills. Generally, you should tell your doctor
and your family when you revoke or cancel a living will they already know about or have a copy of. If possible, send them something in writing.
No amount of planning can cover all the problems that crop up when we get sick. But it sure can help you
and your family when heart-breaking decisions need to be made.
For more information:
https://fhahelps.personaladvantage.com/logon?target=content?sub=10000486
 Be Aware of Autism
April is National Autism
Awareness Month
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and
is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play
activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder, and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a
child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.
Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD),
a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of
development.”
The five disorders under PDD are:
- Autistic Disorder
- Asperger's Disorder
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
- Rett's Disorder
- PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which been outlined in the American Psychiatric
Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Prevalence of Autism
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150
births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And, this number is on the rise.
Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is
growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of
autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can
affect any family, and any child.
Although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in
boys than in girls.
What to Do
Make sure your child's doctor checks your child's development at each well-baby visit through preschool.
You should have your doctor check your child immediately if any of the signs or symptoms apply to your
child. If autism is diagnosed, your doctor will probably prescribe specific treatments, depending on your
child's needs. There are a variety of resources available to help children diagnosed with autism.
For more information:
http://www.autism-society.org
 Installment Plans to Pay IRS Debt
April is tax time
If you can't pay the full amount due on your federal income taxes, it's possible to work out an installment
payment arrangement with the IRS.
In order for the IRS to consider making an agreement for an installment plan:
- You must have filed returns and paid your taxes for the five years immediately prior to incurring the tax
debt you can't now pay all at once.
- If you're self-employed, you must be up to date on your quarterly estimated tax payments.
- While the installment agreement is in effect, you must promise to file tax returns and pay all taxes due.
- You must not have had an installment plan agreement with the IRS within the past five years.
If you owe $10,000 or less (not including penalties and interest), you may be eligible for a guaranteed
installment plan agreement, if you'll be able to pay the entire amount you owe within three years.
If you owe $25,000 or less, you may qualify for what the IRS refers to as a "streamlined" installment agreement, if you'll be able to pay the entire amount you owe within five years.
If you owe more than $25,000, you may still be able to negotiate an installment plan, after you've provided
extensive financial information to the IRS.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The positive side of getting the IRS to agree to installment payments is that you won't have to worry about
the IRS taking what's in your bank account or seizing your property to pay your back taxes.
The disadvantage of paying your tax debt over time is that penalties and interest continue to add up while
you're paying, so you'll end up paying more than if you paid the debt right away.
Negotiating an Installment Agreement with the IRS
You'll start the installment plan negotiation process by sending in what's called a Form 9465. If you're
unsure of the amount of monthly payment you can afford to make, the IRS provides an interactive installment agreement process to help you. The IRS figures out what discretionary income you may have left over after you pay your "necessary living expenses" each month. This is the
money you can apply toward your tax debt.
If the IRS decides not to accept your offer to make installment payments, you'll receive a formal rejection
letter. The IRS will reject your installment plan offer if:
- IRS personnel think the living expenses you've detailed aren't all "necessary"
- You've provided untruthful or incomplete information on your application form
It's possible that a simple phone call to the IRS agent responsible for the rejection may shed some light on
the reason for the rejection, and allow you to tweak your offer enough to make it acceptable to the IRS.
If you decide to appeal the rejection of your installment plan proposal, you must file a written appeal
within 30 days of the date of the IRS's rejection letter.
Once your installment plan is approved, it's important to carefully honor your agreement. The IRS will terminate your agreement (and demand immediate payment of all taxes, penalties and interest due) if you:
- Don't make your installment plan payments when they're due
- Don't pay your other taxes (such as those currently due) as they come due
- Have provided inaccurate or incomplete information on your installment plan offer and the IRS finds
out about it
- Have had significantly improved financial circumstances and the IRS finds out about it without you having first told them
The IRS may require you to provide updates on your current financial status every couple of years, even if
you're making your installment plan payments on time.
For more information:
https://fhahelps.personaladvantage.com/logon?target=content?sub=10000111
http://www.irs.gov
 Shopping for Insurance
Shopping for auto insurance means different things to different people, but the heart of your search is likely to focus on finding an insurer that charges affordable premiums. Premiums can vary widely from state
to state and even within your metropolitan area. A reason for varying premiums across states is that auto
insurance is regulated by state insurance commissions, and some states pass laws to make auto insurance
more affordable.
Large metropolitan areas have varying accident and theft statistics, both of which affect your premiums.
Your zip code is often used as a determinant of your premiums. For more on thefts, claims history and
safety statistics, visit the Web site of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS/HLDI).
You can buy auto insurance from an insurance agent or on the Web. You may want to start a comparison-shopping of premiums by contacting the major insurers first, or using an aggregation service such as
Progressive, Quotesmith, or InsWeb. You may be surprised to find out how widely premium quotes can
vary.
Of course, shopping for auto insurance isn't only about finding the lowest premiums. You will also want to
consider:
- Financial stability of the insurer. Visit the Web sites of credit-rating agencies to check on your insurer's
financial strength and ability to pay its claims. Cheap premiums won't mean a great deal if the insurer isn't
able to pay its claims or stretches out its claims-processing time because of financial problems. Aim for an
insurer that has at least a single-A rating.
- History of consumer complaints. This information is available with your state insurance commission. The
NAIC also maintains a database of consumer-complaint indexes.
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