E-Borne Newsletter : Winter, 2003
Roger P. Freeman, D.D.S., Editor Roger@iAwareables.comDear friends and colleagues,
Welcome to the IA WINTER SHOPPING INFECTA, 2003. Short and sweet, this edition: we assume you've got fruit cakes and other frolics on your mind. Oh well, one out of two's not bad. Have fun!!
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Pathogenic Preview:
- THE (TRAVEL) SEASON TO BE JOLLY
- HYGIENE MIN-EUWW-TIAE
- SHOP 'TIL YOU ..UMM..DROP
- CONFERENCE UPDATES
- FLUWARENESS
1. THE "ECCHH" FACTOR for TRAVELERS
An ASM (American Society for Microbiology) survey showed that only 78% of travelers in airports actually washed their hands in airports. Least hygienic eeuw-birds were at JFK in NYC, where some 30% passed up el sinkos. Most germ-conscious appeared to be in Toronto at 97%. Nothing like a little SARS epidemic to make believers out of the rest of us.
P.S. Women (83%) were more likely to lather up than men (74%) and the Venus-Mars difference was most pronounced in Dallas, where 92% of women behaved, with less than a 70% rate of compliant cowboys.
Flip Flop, handwashing: In San Francisco, 80% of men ponied up, but only 59% of the fairer sex. What to make of that...?
2. MORE HYGIENE MIN-EEUW-TIAE
The use of conveniently placed alcohol-gel hand sanitizers has been shown to greatly increase handwashing compliance in hospital settings. Not to insult the duh-challenged among us, a recent study found that similar placement of sanitizers in college dormitories resulted in improved handwashing frequency, and fewer upper respiratory illness symptoms, lower illness rates, and lower absenteeism. Like we said,...Duh.
3. SHOPPING INFECTA, 2003. SHAMELESS PROMOTION.
NEW & NOW @ http://www.5clickstore.com/iawareables/index.cfm?CategoryID=0
SARS: You figured it had to happen...and it did! SARS designs in two distinct color combinations. Where else are you going to find this kind of selection? Based on early stats, definite contenders for 2003's best sellers. Also, now in BioBows!
POLIOVIRUS REDUX: Our previously eradicated (sold out!) edition reemerges with subtle Rotary International wheel logos incorporated into the design. RI has been the leading financial engine behind the global eradication campaign of this age old bad guy. IA contributes to the RI PolioPlus campaign with every purchase.
BIONOTES: Science-themed notecards for the ultimate route of transmission. Outbreak Edition includes neurons, e.coli, stem cells, staph, rhinovirus and biohazard (anthrax). Also available, special Eradication Edition poliovirus with Rotary International logo.
Transmissible Transmissions for the Awareable.
More of 2003'S list of lurking luminaries:
VACCINIA (smallpox vaccine) TIES & SCARVES: A history lesson on silk, right down to the bifurcated vaccination needle.
STREP PNEUMONIA TIES: Stylish, monochromatic design. Strep goes with anything, ask your kids!
NEURON SCARVES: Sensitivity training in silk.
ANTHRAX (BIOHAZARD) SCARVES: Preparedness at its most luxurious.
ESTROGEN SCARVES (The safe HRT!): Flash! These are beauties, and you can always remove them pending hormonal overload! HIV TIES AND SCARVES: 5 years ago, unmentionable. Today, the most requested new design.
EXTRA-LONG TIES (62" long): Big, tall and studly? XL's are now available in many designs. Perfect for the over 6'2" or mega- necked. Check out "Neckties" and call us direct to order. Sorry, no online or 800 #'s for the big guys, yet.
TRIPSTIXX: The World's Most Unique Chopstixx. The perfect travel companion for your Asian adventure. An ingenious pocket sized, self-contained set of washable, HYGIENIC, detachable chopsticks. For personal use at either banquet or sushi bar, international or domestic. An IA patented, world first, featured in Washington Post and gobs of media travel sections this fall.
PENDING: West Nile Virus and other surprises.
4. CONFERENCE REPORT
ICAAC (Chemotherapy) Chicago, IDSA (Infectious Disease) San Diego, APHA (Public Health) San Francisco were all great successes this fall, even considering the reduced conferee attendance in general. We're pooped, so the sleigh is going up on blocks until March '04, when we'll be heading for Chicago PittCon (Analytical Chemistry), followed by National Science Teacher's Association, April, in Atlanta. Ya'll come!
5. FLU ALERT
Early warning signs of a serious season. Several parts of the country have been hit hard with an especially ugly H3N2 (not R2D2) strain similar to one that caused severe outbreaks in the early 90's. During this festive season, don't forget just how nasty Flu can be: CDC recommeds that children 6 months to 23 months old receive flu shots, with special attention, also, to the elderly. Check out the new nasal mist vaccine for all you youngsters and needly-phobes under 49!
UP DONNER, MOVE IT BLITZEN, OUTA HERE, RUDOLF...! Here's wishing a Merry and a Happy to you and yours, and especially to all our troops abroad. Regardless of your politics, you gotta love 'em! We'll keep our alcohol-slathered fingers crossed for a globally safedelic and healthy Oh Four.
Awareably yours for the holidays,
RPF
Roger P. Freeman, D.D.S., and THE IA TEAM
