Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970. Check out these sites to see the progress that has been made since that time, and what still needs to be done. See what you can do to make our Home Sweet Home Earth a cleaner and safer place for all of us.

http://earthday.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/earthday/history.htm

So what's all this we are hearing about Swine flu?

What is it?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

What about now?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well.

How do we protect ourselves from getting sick?
First and most importantly: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Want more information?
See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

All of the information above can be found at "Swine Flu and You" http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm