Flu Fears

I first heard about it just yesterday, 5 minutes before the end of my shift, when I walked into the Chief of Nutrition Services' office to check out. "The World Health Organization (WHO) just announced an flu outbreak in Mexico that's already killed 16 people," he exclaimed staring at his monitor. I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. 

The minute I got home I looked into it. I felt obliged to know, for my own existence.  It's called the swine influenza (swine flu), a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. This human infection affects the lungs and the cause of death is respiratory distress and/or illness. According to the WHO, the 16 people who died from the swine flu were healthy and young adults. Which, by far, is the scariest thought. A vaccine is available that reduces the effects of the virus. However, civilians of Mexico City claim that hospitals are running out considering the 1,000 people who have already been infected.  More recently there has been cases in California and Texas. Luckily, there has been no deaths in the U.S. For more information, watch video below:

ABC News Tips:

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze
  
• Wash your hands frequently
  
• If experiencing any flu-like symptoms, see your doctor
  

Photo courtesy New York Times

May the Source Be With You

They call themselves...the Nonprofit Career Network (www.nonprofitcareer.com), a website dedicated to the nonprofit sector of today's business and economic world. I suggest you check it out if you're at all interested in stepping into this world.

"Our mission is to be a complete, one-stop resource center for Nonprofit organizations, Individuals seeking job opportunities in a nonprofit organization, and People who want to volunteer to make a difference in this world."

If you fit into any of the people categories mentioned above, this website is probably for you. Here you are able to search for jobs, post jobs, submit your resume, attain access to a directory of nonprofit organizations and/or professional services, and have access to volunteer services.

"Our focus is on bringing people together - to identify the people who want to participate in the nonprofit sector and the organizations that have a need for those people. Our resources will help to save time and money by taking advantage of the power of the Internet - fast, centralized access to information."

Like I said..."May the source be with you."

Photos courtesy Nonprofit Career Network and Entertainment Weekly

Got Muscle?

I'm about to hit the gym in T minus 60 minutes...and I think there's something you all need to know. I, Monica, like many other people who work out there, have no idea what I'm doing...most of the time. Especially when it comes to the machines. I'll even admit to the fact that I used to have this inexplicable fear of treadmills, mainly because I felt like they were controlling me. I was always the type to run outside, on concrete, where I'm on top of the world and control everything. Things have changed since then. Because I live in Chicago where seasons seem to change in a matter of days and you are forced to start running indoors.

Where was I?

Machines...not knowing what I'm doing. Right! So this morning I did something I should've done about a year ago when I first signed up for Bally Total Fitness...I went on their website, and checked to see what they had to offer besides personal trainers. They offer WORKOUT TOOLS that you can print and take with you! These include: weight loss programs, muscle development plans, and even sports conditioning workout plans for six different sports. Immediately after finding these, I went ahead and printed out "Muscle Development Play - 5 Days" and watched every video that showed what the exercise machines I'm supposed to use look like, and how they work. If those don't do it for you, make your own fitness plan here. Two words: "Duh, Monica." WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF DOING THIS SOONER?!

Ladies and gentlemen, I can now go to the gym and not have to read the directions on every machine and actually know what I'm doing.

Thank you, Bally (and the wonderful world of internet)!

Photo courtesy Bally Total Fitness and Franchise International