Donald Reinhardt's Blog
Posted by Donald Reinhardt
Despite the fact that this is a most modern world, without a doubt, there is much that still is not right. Many flu vaccines were ordered and promised in the U.S. — they are all not here, and behind schedule for delivery. Current statistics for pediatric deaths in the U.S. since April 26, 2009 to this day in November 23, 2009 is approximately 200 deaths. The epidemic had hit all 50 US states, but is very active in 43 of these states and sporadic in 7 states.
Basic Flu H1N1 Information Epidemic-Pandemic Views
H1N1 is less likely a threat to those over 65, when compared to those below that age. Nevertheless, the virus can infect and cause illness in persons of any age, and, depending upon the physical condition and immune status and responses of the ill patient, severe illnesss and even death may occur. Pregnant women seem to be at higher risk than non-pregnant women.
Vaccine immunization priorities have been set for those in the pediatiatric category and those women who are pregnant, as well as workers in medical, healthcare and daycare facilities.
A summary of some basic ideas written on the flu can be viewed right here starting in early 2009. That information will continue throughout the remainder of the year until the Spring of 2010. Many of your questions can be answered by checking these articles which also link to the CDC and WHO:
- Vaccine and Influenza Controversies
- Flu Signs Symptoms and Lab Tests for Ultimate Confirmation
- Flu Vaccines Types and Manufacture
- FluMist and Injected Vaccines Compared
- Manufacture and Testing of H1N1 Flu Vaccine
- Flu Drugs and Antivirals
- Good Handwashing prevents and slows viral transmissions.
- WHO Declaration of Pandemic H1N1, What are Epidemics and Pandemics?
When Will H1N1 End and What will the Final Toll Be?
No one knows for sure when this pandemic will end. Typically, pandemics like this run their course in a year or so. This pandemic would end, if that holds true, in March-April, 2010. If the virus mutates it possibly could continue for another year as a modified H1N1 mutant strain. The total number of people who eventually fall victim to this strain is another variable that will be better known by March-April, 2010.
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Posted by Donald Reinhardt
The amount of science news can be overwhelming sometimes. A plethora of science reports gushes forth and, we think, this needs to slow down, or even stop – there's too much here to assimilate. This is especially true if you are a student, and have a science textbook in the physical sciences that is simply packed with lots of information.
Science Data, Facts, Keys to Teaching and Learning Science Well
Science overload happens with everyone — more often than we would like to admit. But there is another side to this thinking, and that perspective tells us to pay attention to what is really important, and ignore that which is just sensational, or trivial. Information in life is really more about key words and concepts versus spectacular headlines. Life should be more about verifiable information versus rumors, or trivial tidbits of worthless information.
As thinking humans we need to learn and remember what:
- is important to do,
- to really pay attention to, concentrate on, and, yes, even assimilate, absorb.
- will have long-term value for the long run — the rest of one's life
Think about that for a moment.
Some science facts and data, and other knowledge (history, mathematics, poetry, etc.), can serve for an entire lifetime. Other science and knowledge is not relevant, and is only of trivial interest, or maybe just passing, temporary interest. So, all should focus on what is important and try to analyze, dissect, review and then reassemble the information so that it can be understood and catalogued. Too much learning is forced, rote memorizing. Learning needs to be some of this memorizing – but, learning needs other measured steps as discussed following.
From a simple viewpoint everything you learn is somewhat like the food that is eaten. Food is what you bite, chew, swallow, digest and assimilate. Good, assimilated food becomes part of the body substance and the helps meet the energy needs of the organism.
Similarly, knowledge must be taken in, digested, assimilated and energized into the substance of the brain. Getting food (shopping, paying for, growing, processing, eating, digesting, assimilating) all require energy. Eating is work and learning is work. Doing both well is important.
Teaching Science Realities and Science Experiments and Demonstrations
I'd like to conclude with some final thoughts about a learning and teaching trip to Five Forks Trickum Middle School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. That adventure was as a teacher volunteer for an 8th grade class. We were learning about chemistry, and those who teach know that teachers always learn while teaching. We explored paper chromatography, diffusion, atoms, carbon dioxide, compounds, chemical bonding, pH, water and many other interesting topics of chemistry. After 4 days of teaching two sections of advanced math and science students, I thought back to when I was a student. I mused how much fun it was then, and is today, to learn and grow in science knowledge, and to study and learn throughout the life that we have. It is still fun decades later – that is amazing and wonderful in every way! Learning is for a lifetime — if you think about it, that is so true, so simple and so good!
I hoped, at the end of the teaching week, that maybe I had encouraged one or two students to step into some science shoes for a career. I do know that some students really thought about, and expressed interest in becoming CSI lab agents or investigators, when we explored the mysteries of the graffiti artists using coffee filter paper chromatography – now, that was fun for everyone.
See more on: plant pigment chromatography and paper chromatography.
What about you – where are you going, and what are you doing, and are you having fun learning?
All of that is possible — today, tomorrow and everyday — if we want that to happen.
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Posted by Donald Reinhardt
Here is a selection of some recent, articles from various scientific inquiries that may be of interest:
Chemistry:
Diet:
Flu (Swine, Bird, General Flu):
Geography:
