A bit

so easy to get used to
so easy to think of
so easy to want
so easy to hug

needing the comfort
of the normalcy
that is usually here
but understanding why its not

hoping someday this too will change
and that words will be more easily spoken
because the quiet is a killer
and leaves the mind wondering

yeah

Pneumonia Fact Sheet

April 2006

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. Pneumonia is often a complication of a pre-existing condition/infection and triggered when a patient's defense system is weakened, most often by a simple viral upper respiratory tract infection or a case of influenza, especially in the elderly. Pneumonia affects the lungs in different ways. Lobar pneumonia affects a lobe of the lungs, and bronchial pneumonia can affect patches throughout both lungs. Together, pneumonia and influenza represented a cost to the U.S. economy in 2004 of $37.5 billion, $5.6 billion due to indirect mortality^I costs and $31.9 billion in direct^II costs.¹

• Pneumonia and influenza together are ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.² Pneumonia consistently accounts for the overwhelming majority of deaths between the two. In 2003, 63,241 people died of pneumonia.³
• There were an estimated 678,000 hospital discharges in males (47.7 per 10,000) and 715,000 discharges in females (48.5 per 10,000) all attributable to pneumonia in 2003. The highest pneumonia rate that year was seen in those 65 and over at 224.4 per 10,000.⁴
• Pneumonia is mainly caused by viruses, bacteria and other organisms. Pneumonia can also be caused by the inhalation of food, liquid, gases or dust. One type of pneumonia caused by fungi is pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) which primarily affects AIDS patients. Certain diseases, such as tuberculosis, can also predispose someone to pneumonia.
• Approximately 50 percent of pneumonia cases are believed to be caused by viruses and tend to result in less severe illness than bacteria-caused pneumonia. Most pneumonia in the very young is caused by viral infection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The symptoms of viral pneumonia are similar to influenza symptoms and include fever, dry cough, headache, muscle pain, weakness, fever and increasing breathlessness.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia acquired outside of hospitals. The bacteria can multiply and cause serious damage to healthy individual lungs, bloodstream (bacteremia), brain (meningitis) and other parts of the body, especially when the body's defenses are weakened. Pneumococcal pneumonia accounts for 25 to 35 percent of all community-acquired pneumonia, and an estimated 40,000 deaths yearly.⁵
• The onset of bacterial pneumonia can vary from gradual to sudden. In most severe cases, the patient may experience shaking/chills, chattering teeth, severe chest pains, sweats, cough that produces rust colored or greenish mucus, increased breathing and pulse rate, and bluish colored lips or nails due to lack of oxygen.
• Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living agents of disease in man, with characteristics of both bacteria and viruses. The agents generally cause a mild and widespread pneumonia. The most prominent symptom of mycoplasma pneumonia is a cough that tends to come in violent attacks, but produces only sparse whitish mucus. Mycoplasmas are responsible for approximately 20 percent of all cases of pneumonia.
• People considered at high risk for pneumonia include the elderly, the very young, and those with underlying health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure and sickle cell anemia. Patients with diseases that impair the immune system, such as AIDS, or those undergoing cancer therapy or organ transplantation, or patients with other chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable.
• There are no generally effective treatments for most types of viral pneumonia, which usually heal on their own. Early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia. However, the disease has become more resistant to these drugs, making treatment of pneumococcal infections more difficult.
• A vaccine is also available for bacterial pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria populations and is effective in approximately 80 percent of healthy adults. Unfortunately, the vaccine may be less effective in people in high risk groups.⁶ People over age 65, and those over 2 years in high-risk groups are still advised to receive the pneumonia vaccine.⁷
• The pneumonia vaccine is generally given once, although revaccination after 3-5 years should be considered for children with nephritic syndrome, asplenia, or sickle cell anemia who would be less than 11 years old at revaccination. Revaccination should also be considered for high risk adults who received their first shot six years ago or more, and for those who are shown to have rapid decline in pneumococcal antibody levels.⁸
• Influenza vaccination is also recommended since pneumonia often occurs as a complication of the flu. Pneumonia and influenza vaccines are covered by Medicare, as well as some state and private health insurance.

For more information call the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872), or visit our web site.

Footnotes:
I. Indirect mortality costs represent lost future earning by those who died from the given disease.
II. Personal health care expenditures allocated to diagnosis are primarily hospital care, physician and professional health services, drugs and nursing home care.

Sources:
1. Division of Epidemiology. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Morbidity and Mortality: 2004 Chartbook on Cardiovascular, Lung and Blood Diseases, May 2004.
2. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics Report. Deaths: Leading Causes for Mortality 2002. Vol. 53(17), 2005.
3. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics Report. Deaths: Leading Causes for Mortality 2003. Preliminary Data for 2003.
4. National Center for Health Statistics. National Hospital Discharge Survey. 1998-2003
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. What You Need To Know. July 1997.
6. Ibid.
7. National Immunization Program. CDC. January 2006. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. What You Need To Know. July 1997.

*Racial and ethnic minority terminology reflects those terms used by the Centers For Disease Control.

View American Lung Association Nationwide Research Awardees for 2006 - 2007

First the flu, then a cold, now a sinus infection or something like that
I am done with being sick. How pissed off at my body do i have to get for it to get well.
More blogging when I don't feel like a pile of crap.

*Smooches*

A time for peace

When is enough enough
When does the violence stop
When do people start trusting one another
When do smiles and handshakes replace scowls and brush off's

When are we going to stand strong together
against the forces that make shady decisions on our behalf
When are we going to step up and say
enough is enough and we've had it up to here
When are we going to feel like we can stand
on our own feet and own where we are standing

Now.
Enough of the violence, the meaness, the hatred and the buring of heads
Now.
It's time to say enough is enough and start making this Country something to be proud of again.
Now.
Now is as good a time as any to make changes.

Do I know how, no.
Can I do it alone, no.
Am I willing to do what it takes, yes
Are you willing to do what it takes, sure hope so.

Peace Train

[ Cat Stevens ]

Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh I've been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be, some day it's going to come

Cos out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again

Now I've been smiling lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train oh ah ee ah oh ah
Come on now peace train
Yes, peace train holy roller
Everyone jump on the peace train oh ah ee ah oh ah
Come on now peace train

Get your bags together, go bring your good friends too
Cos it's getting nearer, it soon will be with you

Now come and join the living, it's not so far from you
And it's getting nearer, soon it will all be true

Oh peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train oh ah ee ah oh ah
Come on now peace train, peace train

Now I've been crying lately, thinking about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating, why can't we live in bliss

Cos out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again

Oh peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train oh ah ee ah oh ah
Come on now the peace train
Yes peace train holy roller
Everyone jump on the peace train oh ah ee ah oh ah
Come on, come on, come on
Yes come on peace train
Yes it's the peace train
Oh ah ee ah oh ah
Come on now peace train
Oh peace train

It's a sandy HNT

Washing the sand away, or trying to at the very least
Not sure how to work the buttons
but, I know I can overcome the device

Wanting to be free of what I have stepped in
but not wanting to let go of my choice
Finding the button and going with it

Feeling the freedom of the water on my feet
knowing that my feet are happy to be free of debris
Starting the rest of the day anew
with no more of the sand attached to my being


Happy HNT

Think, Think, Think

I get into these weird moods where I start thinking about any and everything I possibly can. I think it's part of the Libra that I am. I think of the good and the bad and how I can keep the good where it's at and what to do to better the bad. But there are always a few things that I get stuck on. They are usually negative and that irritates me (I try very hard to see the good in every situation and person although sometimes it is very hard). As of late my thoughts have been bouncing from vacations, family, housing, people in different social circles of mine, work, healthy eating, placing blame and who knows what else. My mind is skipping at a million miles an hour at times and I am finding it very hard to vocalize things I need or want to. I get half way through a sentence and sound like I have a stutter because I can't put my mouth on what my mind is thinking. It is sooooo frustrating.
Aside from the thinking my life is in full speed. I am always doing something be it house sitting, Rogue-ing, taking care of family, out of town or whatever the deal of the day is. This past weekend I did nothing. I laid on the couch and stared at the tv drooling. It was wonderful and bad all together. I needed to just lay low but felt very counter productive. I don't know sometimes you just have to let your mind and body rest to be able to keep going on the next adventure.
Things will all end up wonderfully, ever the optimist I am, but until then I feel like Pooh Bear just "think think thinking" to remember what to do next.

Color change HNT

Decided to change up the haircolor:

BEFORE:





AFTER:
Happy HNT! :)

Extra super cheesey HNT- San Francisco style

Thanks Generik for the pic

SSM and I "gooberin" it up in San Francisco!


Happy HNT all! :)

The City..... Trip #2

I write this very tired feet, a wicked sunburn and a huge smile on my face. What a wonderful weekend!!!!! Very much so needed.

Friday

We got outta town a little before 2pm. Decided to take HWY 101 up to the city. Neat drive- got to roll through Gilroy and oh how I love the smell of garlic! We made the first part of the trip quite quickly then came San Jose..... LOL the latter half of our drive was stop and go with added ass hats on motorcycles deciding to travel between stopped cars..... GRRRRRRRRRRRRR. I hissed every time one would zoom past us. Got into the city round 6pm. Long trip, but we were there! Oh yeah! Got checked into the hotel, stretched out for a minute and decided to find some take out to bring back to our weekend home, both tired and there was a Giants game on the tube- must see Friday evening deal for us.

Mr. Generik had suggested a few dining establishments for us and we scoped out the menu at one- O-Zone. Thai food and my goodness it was a great choice. Pineapple fried rice is amazing, chicken, shrimp, pineapple, raisins, cashews- yummy. So between the two of us we had left overs to munch on the entire trip. It was beautiful. The weather was quite beautiful, so we had the windows to our room at the Monarch Hotel open to the street noise, the people noise, the great breeze until the "street theater" as SSM calls it, became a bit loud at almost 2am.

Walking the few blocks to the restaurant Friday night I was noticing how there were so many more people in the city milling around. Then I remembered, not only a Giants Yankees series, but it was also Pride weekend. Okay, makes sense now. On our way up to get dinner I was told by a scruffy baritone voiced Tranny that I had a pussy walk. SSM decided he was a bit envyous of me not having to strut with testicles between my legs! ;)

Saturday

My body, even when I am on a mini vacation will not allow me to sleep in, so 6:30 rolls around and I am staring at SSM wondering when he will wake up so I can turn the damn TV on. We get up, watch the news get coffee and get all gussied up, ready to have breakfast at this little place we ate the last time we were up. Walk down, it's not open. Walk to breakfast place #2- again not open. We stroll to Union Square to have coffee and a bagel at this crazy little coffee shop. Read a bit of the paper, have a great cup of dark roast and decide it's cable car time!

Get our tickets and sit on the bench outside on the car. The ride was awesome. Seeing the different parts of town, the houses, people, all of it- so beautiful. It was a bit chilly but I would freeze again for that any day! The original plan was to take the cable car to China Town and find an Herbal Shop, but we rode it all the way down to the water instead.

Before I put my toes in the sand we took a quick potty stop at a boat museum that a docent on the cable car recommended we check out. It was filled with parts of ships, stories on travels and the top light part of a light house, so cool! We took a short stroll down to the beach so I could run my toes in the water and the sand. It was great, and accompanied by a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Out in the water swimming the length of the harbor were ladies and gents in wet suits, training for I'll never know, but man it looked like fun. After fighting with the foot washing shower dealie, we headed back to take the cable car back to Union Square to meet up with Generik.

Snuck up on him but jumping off the cable car one stop early.... :) And away we walked. He took us by to see the Misses at the AMAZING fabric store she works at. (I only saw part of one floor. Can't wait to get back with measurements for my windows! ) Hugs and hi's and we were on our way to the Ferry Building and the open air market they have on the walk outside. It was amazing. I haven't ever seen anything like that in my life. The fruit, the flowers, the cheese the people!

From there we walked to the park to see the Giants play the spankees (Yankees). I love AT&T park- so pretty, and the view of the bay is amazing! We definitely got our monies worth out of the tickets we bought, being able to see the Giants beat the spankees in 13 innings! Oh how I love me some baseball! :)

From there we smooshed on a bus with a bajillion people to get back to pick up Mrs. Generik from work and walk back to the hotel. Later we met up with them for dinner at Tommy's Joynt. Stiff drinks and great food. Such a great way to unwind after the game. SSM and I headed back to our hotel and crashed out almost immediately with full tummies and smiles for the win!

Sunday

Woke up and headed out for breakfast. The two places we stopped by weren't open. So we started on yet another adventure and found a great little internet/ coffee shop/ bagel place. Had some coffee, a bagel with lotsa goodies on it and read the paper. It was exactly what I needed to get ready to walk down to the Pride Parade. We checked out of the hotel, met up with Generik and off to the parade we went.

It was total culture shock for me. So many people, people in costumes, people showing their support. It was just awe inspiring. We made our way to the parade site to see the "Dykes on bikes" head up the parade. It was crazy- easily 1000 or more motorcycles and mopeds with girlies girls and not so much on bikes. Then the parade started.

The floats, balloons, music, and participation took me back a bit. This is what is is suppose to be like. People should support their city. The acceptance and love that people and businesses show this festival of sorts was wicked. I loved it! The Mayor was up front and in person in the parade, as were the homosexual police officers, walking hand in hand with their partners. Then came the families, the parents and friends the high school kids, everyone there to show their support for this. It was a bit tear jerking.

After the parade SSM and I had some lunch and a drive around San Francisco, along with going across the Golden Gate Bridge and were on our way home.

It was a beautiful trip, and I can't wait to get back up there in a couple of months. I don't have a camera so you'll have to bounce over to SSM's and Generik's blogs for photos!

Big stuff for the end of the week

It's going to be a busy next few days. Have Gramma duty tonight which includes, but is not limited to: vacuuming, dusting, laundry, dishes, taking garbage out and giving her a shower. She really is a tough woman, and has been doing SOOOO well with this whole being broken thing.
Following that is a meeting, picking up my laundry, hauling it upstairs and doing some cleaning.
Tomorrow is more cleaning, a biopsy that I wish was over and done with and sleep, probably some more organizing.
Friday I've only got a half day at work because back to the city we go! I can't wait. Pretty weather, great company and Baseball! YAY!!!! :)
So yeah super busy week/ weekend, but it will all be here and done very shortly.

I also feel the need to extend some thanks. Thanks to those that listen to me ramble via the phone. Chinese or on the couch on a pretty consistent basis. And thanks to one in particular for being so patient and for help with Gramma this past weekend. Support is something I have a hard time asking for, and you guys just give it. *big e-hugs* (and real ones the next time I see you all!)
So yeah if I don't blog before San Francisco, I will when I get back! :)

Tough Bitch HNT

Nuff said!

Happy HNT everyone!

Thoughts for today

1. Rockstar is nasty, even though it tastes much better with booze in it- it hurts like a motha the next day.

2. Half truths are just that, and the more upfront someone is with me, the more I respect them and their decisions, period end of story.

3. Starbucks really hits the spot sometimes

4. Parking in the garage isn't as big a deal as I think it is. LOL

5. I miss being a kid and having a summer vacation.

6. Thank goodness I am getting out of town in a couple of weeks- I'm ready!

7. So many forms of love, so little time

8. Sleep is good, must invest more in it

9. Spaghetti is good intoxicated food

10. Taking time off for family- 224 dollars
2 tanks of gas doing so- 60 dollars
kicking ass and getting my desk totally caught up in 2 days- priceless!

Tumbling towards the Kitchen floor....

Gramma took a header, off of a 3 foot tall step ladder. I don't know how many times our whole family has asked her to ask for help with cleaning tall things, changing light bulbs and the like. But this time it hurt- major.
Got a phone call at work at 9am Wednesday morning, get over there with Mom about 5 minutes behind me. Gramma can't move her arm, she can barely move at all. We get shoes on her and off to the ER we go. Spent all day in the ER. Thought she had fractured or broken her arm, nope she totally dislocated it at the shoulder. (To the point where her left arm was about 4 inches longer than the right, talk about making me squeamish)

Yesterday she felt like she got hit but a truck, as I expected. But goodness is she a tough cookie. Went by her place this morning to check on her and she was up and has the pink back in her cheeks.

Thank goodness for a great ER doctor and nurse that took great care of her. Pair that up with her German stubbornness to not need help for long and I think she's going to be great!

I am very tired still though, I go into super spaz mode when things happen to her. But knowing that she is starting to recover makes me very happy.

So yeah, that's whats been up with me- how about with all of you??


EDIT:

SSM turned me on to this lady's music and I think I'm in love.
I've got her deal on my page, but check her out..... I wanna see her live!

Which Peanuts Character are You?

You are Schroeder!
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Things, just things

Isn't it odd how we can prepare ourselves for certain things, but when it comes down to it, we aren't ever really prepared. How someone is going to act, a wedding you knew was planned, but weren't really sure was going to take place, caring for people but never realizing you are ever going to care the way you do.

Prepare, you can't.

Feel a little "off" because of it, inevitable.

Let it over take you, maybe just for a moment.

So when does feeling as one does about a situation become less of an emotional battle? Never? Someday, who in the hell knows.

I hate being in a funk, but there isn't a whole lot for me to do, but let it roll on through. I think I'm going to start walking in the evenings as well. Help to keep me busy and not worrying about the things I have no control over.

crazy past couple of weeks

It's been 14 days of happy, scary, milestones and the like. Spent time with friends, alone, with Fishstick, a new kitten, a semi upset cat, the family, my thoughts and my worries. Had to start making changes in the day to day routine, improve on others and remind myself that everything is going to be okay. Listened to laughing, crying, yelling, and confusion. Super crazy cleaned the house (and have kept it as such), done laundry, washed dishes and cooked. Had a few cocktails, lots of coffee, a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and some cow. Made long distance phone calls, local ones too, been surrounded by people that I love and that I wish would learn to love themselves more. Does any of this make me special? Nope. Is any of this new and exciting? Not really. Does it make me just like everyone else? Yes, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love things constant and still. I thrive on routine and common people and surroundings. I love the norm. I am content with where I am at, my family, the social life I keep to a minimum, loving and being loved. With contentness can sometimes come boredom, but I look to the things I have coming up. Trips to the city, my sister being in town for a week, a major vacation next year, lazy time by the pool, more BBQ's, more laughs. Keeping an "eye on the prize" is what keeps me going. It keeps me focused on what is important now, what I want to achieve now, and where I want to be later.


Driving to work this morning I realized that it has been a year. I met some great people a year ago. Doesn't seem like a year, time definitely flies when you are having fun. But alas it has been a year. What a great year! So many laughs and smiles to look back on. You are all wonderful, and I am very thankful you were brought into my life. So here's to being happy with what you've got, to not thinking you are more than you are, to being happy and content with life and making sure to make the most of it.

What kind of ice cream are you?

You are Rocky Road You're a little rough around the edges, wild, and hard to tame, but underneath your chocolaty exterior is a luscious ice cream center that no one can resist. You're a real adventure, with some mystery and danger involved. Nothing is too hard for you to achieve. And no one is to good enough for you; the world is your oyster!

How do you compare? Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic

What kind of medieval legend are you?

Werewolf You are a very controlled person. Or atleast you thought. In you're mind you believe that you can handle anything, nothing is too big or too scary for you, until.......

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What random vegetable should you throw at someone?

Asparagus You want a vegetable that will convey the message that you threw a random vegetable, but it was a perfectly sophisticated and mature act of randomness. Asparagus is definitely your kind of random vegetable.

How do you compare? Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic

yeah......

Beer Gangsta sighting....

Beware!!!!! LOL

Hurt, sadness and coping....

Not me mind you, I'm doing well (thankyouverymuch for asking! LOL). I am, however surrounded by people I care for dearly that are going through some MAJOR life changes right now. All, I do believe are going to be for the better even though right now it feels hopeless at times. I am convinced if they keep their heads up with an eye on the prize, everything is going to be wonderful. Don't let the sadness over take you- it will all be better soon!
Side note: Peoples actions blow me out of the water sometimes, and not in a good way. I am still a bit dumbfounded at things I see and hear, but such is life!


Walking is still wonderful, although I am anxious to see physical results of my efforts, and was instructed last night that it is going to take a while for my legs to be smokin hot! :) So, patiently I wait for it! My living room is becoming a bit of a therapy area, and I love it. It is one of the greatest compliments in the world that people are comfortable with me and my home. So flattering!

And, some music for the morning- songs that make my heart warm....







And a special one for SSM: