Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 October 2005 — Page 19

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IS AMERICA PREPARED FOR BIRD FLU?

By ERICKA P. THOMPSON Staff Writer

Until recently the threat of avian flu or bird flu was just a speculation. For years, health officials warned that the virus spread by chickens, ducks and other birds that have primarily surfaced in Southeast Asia could kill millions of people, but few government officials took heed to the warning. Last week after a briefing by Michael O. Leavitt, the secretary of Health and Human Services, the Senate approved $3.9 billion for flu preparations into a Pentagon appropriations bill. U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., urged Leavitt to develop a plan to stockpile bird flu antivirals that meet recommended levels in case of a flu

outbreak. “Right now, we are woefully unprepared, with only enough antivirals to cover less than two percent of the American people,” Sen. Bayh said. “It is vitally important that Secretary Leavitt develop a focused plan to ensure that we are prepared for a possible avian flu outbreak. We cannot afford to wait, but need to work proactively to protect the national security interests and health interests of the American people.” Since 1997, bird flu strains seem to have infected thousands of birds in 11 countries reported the New York Times. But so far, nearly all of the people infected with the disease -more than 100, including nearly 60 who died - got the sickness directly from birds. The Times also reported that there

has been very little transmission between people, a requirement for an epidemic. In a letter written by Bayh and other senators including Barack Obama, D-Ilk, he called on Leavitt to explain why U.S. preparations are behind those of other nations, to explain his plan to provide sufficient protection for the American people, to provide Congress with an assessment of whether his administration possesses the legal authority to address this issue, and to immediately consult with them on legislation to address this problem if his office lacks such authority. “As you know, it will take several months to produce and distribute a vaccine once we have identified a strain of influenza with pandemic potential,” the letter said. “In the

meantime, public health experts agree that antiviral medications will be a crucial stopgap defense against a pandemic. These medications could greatly help to reduce illness and death and to contain an emerging pandemic prior to the development of an effective vaccine.” An outbreak may be years away or never occur. Still, preparation is key to safety. Leavittacknowledgedthatthe U.S. was not prepared for a pandemic flu outbreak, but he plans to tour Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, countries most likely to be the source of a bird flu outbreak. “No one in the world is ready for it,” he said. “But we’re more ready today than we were yesterday. And we’ll be more prepared tomorrow than we are today.”

AIDS walk and run service 1. Linda Bush leads the Ebenezer Singers in song during Sunday's ecumenical service for the 2005 Indiana AIDS Walk and Run at Crown Hill Cemetery. 2. Rev. Thomas Brown, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, offers meditative thoughts and prayers for those in attendance and the community. 3. Rev. Derek King, associate pastor of Ebenezer, offers a message on the dash of life, symbolized by the space between two life dates on a gravestone (example, the dash in 1926-1985). King said some individuals will have a long dash of life; others will have a short one. Everyone, he added, has an opportunity to make good health choices that will make their dash last longer. (Photos/J. Hurst)

HEALTH BRIEFS

Grants to support minority health The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the award of more than $12 million to support minority individuals, families and children affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The grants will support greater access to health and behavioral health care services, assistance through faith-based and community organizations and enhanced communications through minority media outlets. Hispanic/Latino health summit In response to the multiple health care disparities and barriers faced by Hispanic and Latino populations, several Indiana health care organizations, commu-nity-based medical providers and Hispanic and Latino health experts are coming together to discuss the particular medical needs of the Hispanic and Latino populations and ways to effectively address these issues at the 2005 Hispanic/Latino Health Summit. The summit will take place Friday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Marriott downtown. To register for the free event call, (800) 265-3220. On-site registrations will not be accepted. Space is limited and sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Take a community plunge damn Health Partners' Community Plunge "Building Healthy Families: Mind.

► See BRIEFS, C2

FALL WEATHER IS PERFECT FOR FITNESS!

Submitted by the Health Education, Promotion and Training Department of the Marion County Health Department

Despite all of the recent media attention and medical advice from doctors and available public health information, Americans are still not getting enough exercise. So what can you do? You can start with a simple physical fitness regimen. Fitness walking is easy, safe and inexpensive. It’s aerobic, which means it burns calories, and it’s an ideal fat-burning activity. It conditions the heart, relieves stress, improves muscle tone and can even help with back pain, osteoporosis, respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and a variety of other health problems. Walking can be fun for all ages, from keeping seniors fit to helping children discover the benefits of regular physical activity. The following information will help you discover the benefits of fitness walking with some basic tips to get you started. 1. Make sure fitness walking is for you. The Marion County Health Department suggests you contact your medical provider for a check-up or consultation before you begin your walking program if any of these apply: • You have been sedentary (inactive) for a year or more. • You don't currently exercise and are over age 65. • You have been diagnosed with heart trouble. • You are pregnant. • You have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. • You have diabetes. • You have chest pain, especially when exerting yourself. • You often feel faint or have severe dizzy spells. • You have other medical conditions that have previously prevented you from other forms of physical exercise. 2. Choose the right equipment. Fitness walking doesn’t require much equipment. Most experts suggest wearing proper footwear and clothing. Your walking clothing should be comfortable and loose fitting to allow you to move. Shoes must fit well, but leave enough room so your feet can expand while walking. Good walking shoes should be flexible, as your foot rolls with each step. A well-fitted pair of running shoes is the best answer for most walkers. Many specialty walking shoes are too stiff and do not incorporate performance characteristics of today’s running shoes. 3. Know where to walk. Besides your neighborhood, Indianapolis has wonderful areas to engage in fitness walking. Many Indy Parks have designated walking trails. You can check with Indy Parks for a list of these trails. The

Indianapolis area boasts 60 miles of completed Indy Greenways bike and walking trails, with more trails planned. Some of the most well-known Indy Greenways include the Canal Walk downtown and the Monon Trail. There are eight Indy Greenways trails to experience in Indianapolis, (http://www.indygreenways.org/) Many people also enjoy walking in area shopping malls or on local school tracks. 4. Use these fitness walking tips. You’ll want to walk with good posture, using arm and foot motion that will propel you forward with good power and no wasted effort. How you hold your body is very important to walking comfortably and easily. With good posture you will be able to breathe easily and you will avoid back pain. Other suggestions include: • When you first start your fitness routine, don't overdo it-increase time or distance gradually. • Warm up and cool down. Take 3-5 minutes at the beginning of your walk to warm up your muscles, beginning with a slower pace, gradually increasing to a brisk walk. As you near the end of your walk, cool down by gradually decreasing your pace for the last five minutes or so. • Listen to your body-monitor your level of fatigue, heart rate, and physical discomfort. • Stand up straight. Think of being tall and straight and do not arch your back during your walk. • Do not lean forward or backward. Leaning strains back muscles. • Eyes forward, not looking down but rather 20 feet ahead. • Shrug once and let your shoulders fall and relax. Arm motion can lend power to your walking, burning five to ten percent more calories and acting as a balance to your leg motion. Try to bend elbows at least 90 degrees and keep hands loose, never clenched. For maximum benefits, work up to a brisk walking speed. Keep in mind that during your fitness walk you should be able to carry on a conversation and should not be out of breath. 5. Know how far and how often to walk Walking briskly 30 minutes or longer at least five times per week is associated with a decreased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, breast and colon cancer, and, along with healthy eating and losing as little as 7-10 percent of your body weight, if you are overweight, is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Try to walk every day if possible. Ideally, adults should get a total of 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise - like brisk walking - on most days of the week. For more information about Indy in Motion, contact the Marion County Health Department at 317.221.3122.

Indy in A FREE total fitness and health initiative sponsored by the Marion County Health Department, indy Parks and the National Institute for Fitness and Sport. The program provides health and fitness education, nutrition information, health screenings and incentive awards for regular participation in physical activities.

Motion

WALKING AT MOST LOCATIONS!

BROAD RIPPLE PARK ISSO Broad Ripple Ave. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Monday - Thursday 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. CAFE' (HISPANIC) 8902 E. 38th St. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m HAWTHORNE CENTER 2+40 W. Ohio St Senior Chair Exercises Monday & Wednesday 10:30 a.m. - II a.m. RIVERSIDE PARK 2+20 E. Riverside Dr. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Monday - Friday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m

CHRISTIAN PARK +200 English Ave. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m ELLENBERGERPARK 5301 E. St. Clair St Strength/Toning Monday 8< Wednesday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. INDY ISLAND/ RAYMOND PARK 8575 E. Raymond St. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Yoga 8i Pilates Monday 81 Wednesday 3:15 p.m. - + 15 p.m.

CHRJSTAMORE HOUSE 502 N. Tremont St Senior Chair Exercises Monday & Wednesday 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. GARFIELD PARK 23+5 Pagoda Dr. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Monday, Wednesday & Friday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m KRANNERTPARK 605 S. High School Rd. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Monday, Wednesday St Friday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m Tuesday & Thursday 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. WASHINGTON PARK 3130 E. 30th St. Strength/Toning/Aerobics Monday - Friday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

3838 N. Rural Street Indianapolis, IN 46205 317.221.2000 www.mchd.com

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