Worldwide news regarding swine flu doesn’t appear to be dying down much in the upcoming week. While deaths have been reported in the state of Mexico, increasing numbers of people dying from swine flu infection have not been yet reported in other parts of the world. Vice president Joe Biden commented on television last week that he would urge his family to stay off commercial airliners, subways, and crowded spaces, to avoid coming in contact with those infected with swine flu. The travel industry was outraged by the remarks, and the White House has apparently apologized for his comments (although his suggestion sounded like basic common sense advice offered by someone who cares about their family). Another person in Washington last week had comments regarding the Swine Flu.

Editors Note: The information provided here was forwarded to Planet Chiropractic by a chiropractor in Texas. Far too many people (including chiropractors) are not aware of historical events that took place during the 1917 – 1918 Spanish Flu years, which involved chiropractors caring for thousands that suffered influenza infection during those times. With such a firestorm of media coverage and fear surrounding the Swine Flu Pandemic, it would be irresponsible not to attempt seeking knowledge regarding influenza events of the past.

Changes in breast cancer rates, a widening gap in colon cancer death rates amongst blacks versus whites, drug companies using ghost writers, questioning the safety of asthma medication, time for 2009 Medicare decisions, and the immune system a night, those of the health topics for Monday, December 15th, 2008.

News reports are out this week claiming that more than half of US adults surveyed have no intention of getting a flu shot this year. In a survey conducted by the Rand Corp. only about 30% of adults surveyed said they had already received a flu vaccination this year, with 17% planning to get a flu shot before the season ended, and 53% saying they would not be getting a flu shot this flu season.

This weekend was a time for marathons, half marathons, 10ks, and other foot races, all across the United States. From the Memphis marathon to the Las Vegas marathon, runners across America hit the asphalt for 26.2 miles, raising money for charities, and achieving personal health and fitness goals nationwide.