On my way to SFO on a recent Saturday, my Morrocan taxi driver was telling me how difficult it is for him to afford good health care for his family, yet he was grateful for San Francisco's comparably good system of public clinics. But he doesn't understand why Washington folks keep talking about health care reform while the problems get worse. Good question.... When I arrived in Barcelona the next day, I discovered that I left my asthma medicine home. In the US, if I walk into a pharmacy having an asthma attack, even the best places would make me wait until they check my prescription on the computer and of course make me pay. Here, I went into a farmacia, made my best attempt at asking for the medicine in broken Catalan and Spanish, and within less than 2 minutes, I had the medicine in my hand available for immediate use. And the price? The total price was about half my share of the cost at home with insurance coverage. Something about this doesn't make sense....
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The search for decent barbecue
I defy anyone who has traveled much in the Southeastern United States to avoid becoming hooked on great 'cue. My love affair with smoky, spicy meat began in Lexington, NC, when the aromas drifting across the highway from Lexington Barbecue #1 drew me magnetically toward the most magnificent pulled pork I have ever had.
The baby back ribs were slow smoked with light seasoning, then served with a sweet sauce infused with cayenne pepper on the side. Although the sauce had a rich, tomato flavor and good flavor overall, it should be served hot, not cold.
While I am fully aware that the Bay area is not known for barbecue, I figured surely someone must do it right. The old Flint's in Oakland in the 1970s and early 1980s certainly came close. And there is much to like about family-run Everett & Jones in Berkeley and Oakland. But what about the North Bay?
My search is not over, but I am pleased to report that Lombardi's Deli on North Petaluma Blvd. in Petaluma serves up credible 'Q. The five hot smokers lined up in front of the store was a welcoming sign on my recent visit.
The baby back ribs were slow smoked with light seasoning, then served with a sweet sauce infused with cayenne pepper on the side. Although the sauce had a rich, tomato flavor and good flavor overall, it should be served hot, not cold.
As for the ribs, they were meaty, hot, and smoky. But this wasn't falling-off-the-bone barbecue-these weren't cooked quite long or slow enough. Good taste, completely acceptable, but not championship barbecue.
Even though these weren't fantastic ribs, I was impressed at the variety of barbecued items offered at Lombardi's, and the men tending the grills definitely took their work seriously. Other items included fresh asparagus, juicy mushrooms, hamburgers, and fresh oysters. My starter of a filled (deviled) egg was a little bland but it was fresh and attractive.
All in all, Lombardi's makes a good lunch stop or carryout if you are in or near Petaluma. But it doesn't warrant a long drive.
My search continues.
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
CDC no longer recommending immediate school closures
Based on the mildness of swine flu cases in the United States, the CDC has updated its guidance as of today and no longer recommends the immediate closure of K-12 schools based on a single suspected case of H1N1 or swine flu. The main recommendation now is the same as in other populations: keep sick people home and isolated, encourage frequent handwashing, and cover your mouth when you cough (not with your hands!)
For more details: CDC H1N1 Flu | Update on School (K – 12) Dismissal and Childcare Facilities
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tam High in Mill Valley shut for flu fear
Marin health officials are closing Mill Valley's Tamalpais High School for three days while one suspected swine flu case there is investigated.
More info at http://marinij.com and http://marinflu.org.
-- Post From My iPhone
Now 29 California cases
State reporting now 29 H1N1 cases confirmed; 130 more "probable" cases being investigated further.
A school in Berkeley now joins the small list of schools (one in Marin, a few in Santa Clara) in the Bay area closed as a precaution after one student got sick.
It definitely appears that the spread is relatively slow -- my guess is that the precautions may be working.
Keep washing those hands!
-- Post From My iPhone
Now 26 confirmed cases in California, two more "probable" in Marin
The state health department now reports 26 confirmed cases of #swineflu or #H1N1 in California. Most of the cases are in southern California counties near Mexico - Imperial, San Diego and San Bernadino.
In Marin County, the local health department reports two more "probable" cases, including one in a 35-year-old man who had not been to Mexico. This would indicate probable human-to-human, or second generation, infection, which is a step closer to "pandemic" if it becomes widespread. Note that the illnesses in these individuals have all been reported to be minor. More information is on the Marin County health department's flu update page.
The state updates are posted on the state web site.
View CDPH Swine Flu Tracking in a larger map
Swine flu implications for travel
Reports during the past few days of commerical planes being diverted to alternate airports, passengers being quarantined, hotels being cordoned off, and of course Vice President Joe Biden's absurd comments have raised concerns among people planning travel.
Here is an attempt to separate some of the facts from fiction.
Flu, including swine flu, is transmitted by droplets. Unless you are within about three feet of an infected and contagious individual, the risk is relatively small. The primary guidance for managing a suspected sick passenger on an airplane is to try to move other passengers so that there is nobody within 3-6 feet of the individual, to provide a surgical mask for the ill passenger (to prevent their sneezes or coughs from infecting others), and for flight crews to use disposable gloves when handling possibly infected materials from the passenger. The crew also has to alert U.S. health officials prior to landing, who are to make the appropriate arrangements for medical personnel to meet the plane on arrival. The CDC has traveler quarantine stations in about 20 cities, so diverting an aircraft would seem to be an unlikely -- and very costly -- event.
The CDC also has very specific recommendations for cleaning airplanes, trains, cabs, and other transit vehicles during an outbreak. The cleaning focuses on areas where a suspected ill passenger or crew member was located. On airplanes, cleaning with a disinfectant is recommended for all surfaces such as seat belt latches, armrests, tray tables, windowshades, and passenger controls such as lighting and audio.
The flu virus can survive outside the human body for more than 24 hours, but the CDC says that it is highly doubtful that sufficient amounts to be infectious would be present on any surfaces on an airplane or other conveyance after many hours.
If you are traveling, the most practical advice from the CDC is to carry a pocket-sized alcohol gel so that you can keep your hands clean throughout your flight or other travel. Although this does not take the place of thorough hand washing with hot water and soap, it is a very effective interim measure.
For more information, visit the CDC's Travel Notices page, which is frequently updated.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Only 24 cases of H1N1 flu in CA
The latest update from the California Department of Public Health shows only 24 confirmed cases of swine flu in the state. Although another 77 "probable" cases are under investigation, the key message here is that lots of people have been tested... And very few people actually have been sick.
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Spreading facts, common sense instead of germs
The government public health experts have a lot of different flyers and other useful guides that help explain what really prevents the spread of swine flu or other infections, and hopefully debunks some of the alarmist or fake advice popping up seemingly everywhere.
Here are a few flyers that I think convey clear messages:
- Swine (H1N1) influenza and you - CDC
- San Francisco Dept. of Public Health - Is it a cold or the swine flu?
- Stopping the Spread of Flu Germs at Work - CDC
Swine Means No Wine for Some Catholics | NBC Chicago
Back in the early 1990s, I reported on evidence that Catholic Communion practices -- specifically sharing the same cup of wine -- posed viral infection risks. Any time you share a glass, spoon or fork with another person, you are trading germs. That also happens when you touch another person's body (especially eyes, nose and mouth, but other parts, too, including skin.)
For those of us who dine out often, this is yet another reason why restaurant staff need to be careful to handle silverware only by the end that doesn't go into your mouth. Bartenders who serve drinks handling a glass by the rim also put you at risk. I like to watch how people handle dishes before I am comfortable in many restaurants.
And again, this is just another reason people should follow common sense infection control practices every day. The same things recommended now to avoid swine flu (or "H1N1 flu") are things we should do anyway to avoid other forms of flu, hepatitis, and other widely spread infections.
Just as health care workers learned in the 1980s, "universal precautions" work best because you cannot tell that someone is infectious just by how they look.
Not pandemic yet, says WHO
http://twitter.com/diseasegeek/status/1659743066
"WHO's Fukuda says nothing WHO sees today suggests should go declare a
pandemic now. #swineflu"
- Helen Branswell (@diseasegeek)
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Good blog post: Swine flu: I beat a dead horse
Here is an interesting post on a public health blog questioning whether health officials or the media are "hyping" the swine flu outbreaks. Read more: Swine flu: I beat a dead horse : Effect Measure
Posted using ShareThis.
Posted using ShareThis.
Pandemic near, now what?
Do not get alarmed as the number of confirmed swine flu cases grows in the next several days. It will grow -- by a lot, and quickly, because people are being tested widely and those tests can be performed without sending samples to the CDC. Keep in mind that most of the cases have been relatively mild. In many, people have recovered before testing was even complete.
The precautions being taken -- like closing a school at the first sign of infection -- may seem severe, but keeping possibly infected individuals isolated (such as at their home) is the most effective and practical way to thwart person-to-person spread. Some communities in Texas and a few schools in Northern California have canceled classes already while suspected or confirmed cases are investigated and the schools can be disinfected.
Should things get much worse in any community, major public events may be curtailed and many people will be urged to work from their homes temporarily. This is why having a supply of food and other essential supplies is a good idea.
Do you need to wear a mask? Probably not. If you are sick, wearing a handkerchief or surgical mask is probably a good idea to keep from spreading your germs. If a family member gets sick, the CDC recommends that the individual stay in one room and that only one family member enters to provide care. Surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection from the flu for a non-infected person, by the way.
Can I get swine flu on an airplane? Maybe, but probably not. Contrary to popular belief, the flu virus doesn't circulate very well, especially through many air conditioner filters. Although airplane air may be stale, it is not likely to carry the flu. However, if you are seated next to someone with the flu, your risk is considerably higher. The flu is transmitted through little fluid droplets that don't travel far, but airplane seats are pretty tight. Best advice: carry some alcohol wipes and swab your audio-video controls, your tray table and other surfaces before touching them. Use a tissue to open and close lavatory doors. And, wash your hands frequently.
-- Post From My iPhone
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