www.flu.gov now has a link to a special edition of the PBS show, "Sid the Science Kid," explaining how flu vaccinations work and how to prevent the flu. The collaborative episode made its debut on PBS on Oct. 26, 2009 with subsequent airings scheduled for Nov. 19, Nov. 27 and Dec. 21.

To read more and download the full episode, click here.

On June 19, 2009, a bill (s.1312 Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2009) sponsored by John Isakson (R-GA) and Sen. Edward Kaufman (D-DE) was introduced and forwarded to committee. Following is the official summary of the bill:

"6/19/2009--Introduced.
Medicare Safe Needle Disposal Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a part D drug any devices approved for home use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the safe and effective containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal of home-generated needles, syringes, and other sharps through a sharps container, decontamination/destructive device, or sharps-by-mail program or similar program."

To track activity on this bill go to http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s1312/show. To learn more about safe disposal of needles (sharps), go to http://www.safeneedledisposal.org.

Supermodel Gisele Named UN Environment Ambassador

Victoria Secret supermodel Gisele Bundchen was titled with Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program last Sundy. At the event Gisele stated, “Mother Earth is our fundamental life-support system, and by becoming aware and responsible now, we can assist in preserving the planet.” Her new duties require her to be the new face of international environmental programs everywhere. For more information, click below:

Bundchen the environmentalist

8 Killed, More Missing in Floods

A toddler and a 15 year old are among the unfortunates who have been killed in the recent floods plaguing the American Southeast. One county in Georgia alone has lost 4 citizens to the flooding. Another area man is missing after betting others he could swim back to his house. He is assumed to have been carried away by the currents. A state of emergency has been called in over 17 counties and citizens are recommended to stay in their homes. Click below for more information:

Southeast Floods Leave 8 Dead, Several Missing and Highways Washed Out

Mutagens cause changes (mutations) in the genetic material of cells. Teratogens cause irreversible, deleterious structural malformations in fetuses. Some congenital malformations are so severe they result in grossly deformed fetuses. Carcinogens cause cancerous tumors with a characteristically crablike appearance.

Where are your gloves

Most hand injuries happen to workers not wearing protection

By: Lori A Shaffer

Magazine: ISHN (Nov.2008) www.ishn.com

In a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of workers who experienced hand injuries were not wearing gloves. The remaining 30 percent of injured workers did wear gloves, but experienced injuries because the gloves were inadequate, damaged or wrong for the type of hazard present. ((Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov ))