eBirdseed.com Wild Bird Feeding Blog: More Bird Video... Also Swine Flu

Hi all,

First off, I thought you might enjoy this video of a grackle marauding a chunk of suet. No wonder we have to put out suet cakes every few days.

That clip was shot with our little Flip Video camera. (If you're a back yard birder, and want a cheap digital solution for your video needs, I'd vote for the Flip. It's small, shoots for 45 minutes at least, and cheap. Today, a Flip and a tripod will probably set you back about $100.)

Onward...

Concerning the swine flu... Being a "germaphobe", maybe I can speak to this... (Keep in mind that I'm not a doctor and have no medical degree, but what follows is simply a repeat of what the media has been reporting for days.)

Don't panic. The authorities keep telling us to avoid a mad dash to the emergency room, and they're right. If you're the average healthy adult and you're not feeling up to snuff, give your doctor a call and let him or her offer direction.
In general, influenza viruses are of particular concern for the elderly and the very young. Once again, the Center for Disease Control is warning that any flu-like symptoms in those two age groups deserves immediate medical attention. If you have to head for a hospital ASAP, so be it.
Be proactive! If you have symptoms, act! Follow the steps above appropriately and promptly.
Stay clean! Did you know that there's a proper way to wash your hands? A good hand washing takes a solid 60 seconds and plenty of flowing warm water and soap. (A health care pro taught me that.)
Keep your hands away from your face.
Wash your hands whenever you use the bathroom. (I keep one of those small antiseptic bottles on my person at all times for use when I leave a bathroom or a mall or wherever just to be double safe.)
Do not eat when handling stuff that John Q. Public has touched. One of my old bosses was a math teacher, and he swore that he had a 100% chance of getting a cold if he snacked when grading students' tests.
If you don't feel well, follow the steps above, and stay home. Don't take your problem to work or the ball park and then give it to someone else. Again, let the medical experts decide when you're ready to face the world again. (Now would be a good time to talk with the boss about telecommuting,)
For heaven's sake, cover your face when you cough or sneeze. Try to keep paper towels handy, and throw them away after each use. Coughing in your hands and then grabbing a door knob is just plain dumb.
Never sniffle! When your nose runs, it runs for a reason. Your body is trying to rid itself of nastiness, and sniffling only makes the situation worse. Sniffling takes that nastiness and drags it down into the dark, warm (98.6F), wet chambers known as your throat, sinus passages, and chest. (To hear some people sniffle and snort, it's a wonder that they aren't growing mushrooms inside their body cavities!)
Watch for school closings. In general, use common sense. Likewise for travel plans.
Sleep. Exhaustion equals weakness.
Avoid sick people. Duh.
Cook food thoroughly. (And no, you can't get swine flu from pork. Still, cook all food regardless. Ditto duh.)
Lastly, as stated before, don't panic. Every year brings a new flu... without exception. If the current projections are correct, this year will be significantly less severe than the last few.