BEetle Link Gifts Catalogue Dec'09

Hi Beetles! :)
Special item for this month: Hepatitis B Vaccine with only 15 nannakolas (valid until Feb 2010)!
Hurry up!!! ^_^
Please contact Jennifer (016-4125760) for redemption.

What I need to know about Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a liver disease. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is the painful, red swelling that results when tissues of the body become injured or infected.

What is the liver?
The liver is an organ that does many important things. The liver:
* removes harmful chemicals from your blood
* fights infection
* helps digest food
* stores nutrients and vitamins
* stores energy
You cannot live without a liver.

What causes Hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B. Viruses are germs that can cause sickness. For example, the flu is caused by a virus. People can pass viruses to each other.

Who gets Hepatitis B?
Anyone can get hepatitis B, but some people are at higher risk, including:
* people who were born to a mother with hepatitis B
* people who live with someone who has hepatitis B
* people who have lived in parts of the world where hepatitis B is common
* people who are exposed to blood or body fluids at work
* people on hemodialysis
* people who have had more than one sex partner in the last 6 months or have a history of sexually transmitted disease
* injection drug users
* men who have sex with men

How could I get Hepatitis B?
You could get hepatitis B through contact with an infected person's blood, semen or other body fluid. You could get hepatitis B from:
* being born to a mother with hepatitis B
* having sex with an infected person
* being tattooed or pierced with unsterilized tools that were used on an infected person
* getting an accidental needle stick with a needle that was used on an infected person
* using an infected person's razor or toothbrush
* sharing drug needles with an infected person

You cannot get hepatitis B from:
* shaking hands with an infected person
* hugging an infected person
* sitting next to an infected person

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B usually has no symptoms. Adults and children ages 5 and older sometimes have one or more of the following symptoms:
* yellowish eyes and skin, called jaundice
* a longer than usual amount of time for bleeding to stop
* swollen stomach or ankles
* easy bruising
* tiredness
* upset stomach
* fever
* loss of appetite
* diarrhea
* light-coloured stools
* dark yellow urine

How can I avoid getting Hepatitis B?
You can avoid getting hepatitis B by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
Vaccine are medicines that keep you from getting sick. Adults at higher risk of getting hepatitis B and all children should get the vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is given through three shots over a period of several months. There is no minimum age for vaccination. The second shot should be given at least 1 month after the first, and the last shot should be given at least 2 months after the second shot but no sooner than 4 months after the first. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe for pregnant women.
You need all three shots to be fully protected. If you are travelling to a country where hepatitis B is common, try to get all the shots before you go. You can also protect yourself and others from hepatitis B if you:
* use a condom during sex
* do not share drug needles
* wear gloves if you have to touch another person's blood
* do not borrow another person's toothbrush, razor or anything else that could have blood on it
* make sure any tattoos or body piercings you get are done with sterile tools
* do not donate blood or blood products if you have hepatitis B

Health Ministry ready for second wave of H1N1

Kuala Lumpur: The Health Ministry is ready for the second wave of Influenza A (H1N1), Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said the ministry was giving emphasis to three aspects -- stepping up monitoring of H1N1 in all states, enhancing treatment at all hospital and intensifying communication through the media as well as the campaign against H1N1.

All intensive care units (ICU) are equipped with equipment vital to treating H1N1 and we are raising the stockpile of medicine,' he told reporter at the lobby of Parliament House, here.

Liow said the H1N1 preventive measures should be ongoing and the people must be reminded to be on guard at all times.

"Do not be complacent that H1N1 is no more. Everyone must be alert at all times. The disease is prevalent in China."

Liow said that since the H1N1 awareness campaign was held jointly with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private clinics and the public, the incidence of H1N1 had dropped.

"Our campaign has been effective and the people have been responding positively to the ministry's advice on personal hygiene and the environment in checking the disease," he said.

Liow also said that the body temperature scanners were being retained at all entry points of the country.

BEetles FIGHT each others!!

Wow...what happened to them? Why they fighted?

Find out more from

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/11/23/north/5161507&sec=North

More photos at our facebook page!

Fight For A Good Cause - Pillow Fight

Date : 21st November 2009

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Penang Time Square

Organiser: Catcheye.com.my

Event Details:

Join in the fun of pillow fighting!!

Fight for a Good Cause is a fund-raising event while allowing participants to enjoy themselves.

Participation Ticket: (All net proceeds will be donated)

RM5 (self bring pillow)

RM15 (inclusive of 1 pillow)

Participants who bought ticket before the event day will receive a Certification of Participation. Those who register on the spot will be subjected to the availability of certificates.

If the event successfully breaks the current Guinness World of Record, Participants have the options to purchase the Special Certificate at a price to be announced at further notice.

Beneficiaries:

Children Protection's Society Penang, SPCA Penang & ST Nicholas Penang

Rules:

- Soft pillows only!

- Commercially available bed pillow (sofa cushion & etc not acceptable)

- Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once

- Do not swing at people without pillows or with camera

- Remove glasses beforehand!

- The event is appropriate for all ages

- Wait until the signal to begin

- Own responsible to take care of ownself & valuables

Lots of exciting prizes to be given away via lucky draw on the spot!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

JOIN the event for FREE now!!

....if you're BEetle Link member!

* Register now and get a FREE ticket (+ a BE T-shirt) sponsored by Info Kinetics!

* Hurry up!! Only for first 20 person!

* Please call/sms Jennifer (016-4125760) for registration and more info.

Green Lung: USM Freeze

Have you ever encountered someone smoking in front of you but you could do nothing?
Have you ever wished to tell the smokers "I dislike smoking" but still you couldn't?
Inspired by Improveverywhere.com and Randomalphabets.com, we are going to bring about "Freeze in Unison" live right here in USM, Penang!

Now turn your whispers into ROAR
Here's the details of USM Freeze:

Host: Green Lung
Date: 30 September 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 12.30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM
Venue: From Foyer DK to Foyer Perpustakaan Hamzah Sendut 1
Exact Freezing time: 1.20pm to 1.24pm (4 minutes)

Pre-event briefing:
Venue: Bakti Permai Basketball Court
(If raining, gather at the foyer in front of DK U)
Time: 1pm

For those who are not from USM:
Please do gather at the Sungai Dua Entrance Guard House from 12.30pm to 1.00pm. There will be our friend there on Green Lung T-shirt.
Email: greenlung.usm@gmail.com

BEetle Link -- Gifts Catalogue.Sep'09

Please contact Jennifer to redeem your gift(s):)

Oseltamivir --- Tamiflu

Oseltamivir is indicated for the treatment and prevention of infections due to influenza A and B virus in adults and children (older than 1 year of age) who have had symptoms of flu no longer than 2 days.



Oseltamivir is in a class of medications called neuraminidase inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the flu virus in the body. Oseltamivir helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint arches, tiredness, headache, fever and chills. Oseltamivir will not prevent bacterial infections, which may occur as a complication of the flu.


Oseltamivir comes as a capsule and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. When oseltamivir is used to treat flu symptoms, it is usually taken 2 times/day (morning and evening) for 5 days. When oseltamivir is used to prevent flu, it is usually taken once a day for at least 10 days, or for up to 6 weeks during a community flu outbreak. Oseltamivir may be taken with or without food, but you may lessen the chance of getting an upset stomach by taking oseltamivir with food or milk. Common adverse drug reactions associated with oseltamivir therapy include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and headache.

Oseltamivir may be used to treat and prevent infections from avian (bird) influenza (a virus that usually infect birds but can also cause serious illness in humans). Oseltamivir also may be used to treat and prevent infections from influenza A (H1N1). H1N1 influenza also has been called swine flu because the virus that is infecting humans is related to one that usually infects pigs. However, there is no danger of getting this flu from eating pork or pork products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency approval for the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for the treatment or prevention of influenza A(H1N1).

What is A H1N1?

Influenza A(H1N1)

• New strain - never reported before
• Contains gene segments from 4 different influenza types:
– North American swine
– North American avian
– North American human and
– Europe/Asian swine

Where we are now

Confirmed Cases Reported Worldwide
Distribution by Age

How dangerous is it?
• Deaths reported in Mexico
– Very little information on who are the most vulnerable
• Most cases diagnosed outside Mexico have had a mild disease
– Hospitalisations occur only in patients with underlying disease (Not sure why)

Case definition
source : Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre , Ministry of Health Malaysia , 29 April 2009

Symptoms
Diarrhoea and vomiting uncommon
Children
• Young children are less likely to have the usual influenza signs and symptoms, such as fever and cough
• Infants may present with fever and lethargy, and may not have cough or have other respiratory symptoms.
• Symptoms of severe disease in infants and young children may include apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydration, altered mental status, and extreme irritability

High Risk Groups for Complications if Infected
• all children aged 6 months--4 years (59 months)
• all persons aged >65 years
• children and adolescents (aged 6 months--18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
• adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
• adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
• pregnant ladies

Transmission
• Coughing or sneezing
• Touching contaminated surfaces/objects and then touching mouth or nose

Survival of the Virus
• Hard non-porous surfaces 24-48 hours
– Plastic, stainless steel
• Recoverable for > 24 hours
• Transferable to hands up to 24 hours
• Cloth, paper & tissue
– Recoverable for 8-12 hours
– Transferable to hands 15 minutes
• Viable on hands <5> • 1 day prior to the illness onset to 7 days after onset
• Day before onset = Day -1
• Day of onset = Day 0
• Days after onset = Days 1-7

Treatment
• Zanamivir (or) Oseltamivir
• Initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms
• Duration of treatment = 5 days
• Duration of prophylaxis = 10 days from last exposure Is the human seasonal influenza vaccine effective against influenza virus A(H1N1)?
• There are certain similarities between the usual H1N1 human influenza viruses (covered by the seasonal vaccine) and the novel influenza virus A(H1N1) so one cannot rule out some level of cross-protection, but this is likely to be only partial.
• In any case, investigations need to be undertaken to determine whether this is the case.
• Those investigations are under way, but will take quite some time.

Prevention
• Covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, dispose the tissue in the trash immediately after use
• Handwashing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing
• Cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand cleaners
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands (This is especially vital when you are in the open public)
• If you are sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them, wear a surgical mask if necessary.

For more current update, please visit http://www.moh.gov.my/

Prepared by Dr Tan Wan Lin (information courtesy of Dr Chow Ting Soo, Head of Department, Infectious Disease Unit, Penang Hospital)

Vaccine Protects Against Virus Linked to Half of All Cervical Cancers

An experimental vaccine prevented women from becoming persistently infected with a virus that is associated with half of all cervical cancers, researchers reported in the November 21, 2002, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12444178?dopt=Abstract ).
Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are extremely common sexually transmitted infections. In more than 90 percent of cases, the infections are harmless and go away without treatment.
However, certain types of HPV increase women’s risk for cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb). HPV-16, the virus type that was the focus of the current study, is found in 50 percent of cervical cancers. About a dozen other HPV types are involved in most other cases of the disease.

Rare instance
Although the vast majority of HPV infections do not progress to cervical cancer, the rare instance when HPV infection persists seems to be important to the development of the disease.
“If a woman tests positive for HPV once, that does not mean she is likely to get cervical cancer,” says Allan Hildesheim, Ph.D., a senior investigator in the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). “If she tests positive repeatedly over a period of years, that is more worrisome.”
The current study, he says, “is an exciting first step toward a vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer.” However, larger studies are needed to confirm that the vaccine is safe and effective for healthy young women, he adds.

Three shots
The study involved 2,392 women from 16 to 23 years in age. Participants were randomly assigned to receive three shots of either an HPV-16 vaccine or a placebo (a dummy substance). The study was double-blinded -- that is, neither the investigators nor the study participants knew who got the vaccine and who got the placebo. Participants were followed for an average of 17 months after getting the third shot.
Some women had HPV-16 infections or other cervical abnormalities when they enrolled in the study; others developed the infection before they received all three shots. These women (859 enrollees) were excluded when the researchers calculated the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Of the remaining 1,533 women, 41 developed HPV-16 infection -- all of these women were in the placebo group. Nine of the 41 women with HPV-16 infection went on to develop precancerous lesions (areas of abnormal tissue that may become cancerous). Twenty-two other women from the placebo group also developed precancerous lesions on their cervixes, but these were not associated with HPV-16.
By comparison, no one who got all three vaccine shots developed an HPV-16 infection. Twenty-two women receiving the vaccine did develop cervical abnormalities that can lead to cancer but these precancerous lesions were not associated with HPV-16.

Limitations
The vaccine tested in this study has several limitations, noted NCI’s Hildesheim. For one thing, the vaccine offers no protection against other types of HPV that can also cause cervical cancer. In addition, it’s unknown whether the vaccine’s protection against HPV-16 is long-lasting. Finally, it does not prevent HPV-16 infections already present at the time of vaccination from progressing to cancer.
The study, which was supported by Merck Research Laboratories, will continue until all the participants have been followed for four years. Laura A. Koutsky, Ph.D., of the University of Washington in Seattle, led the team of researchers who conducted this study. An editorial by Christopher P. Crum, M.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston accompanies the report. There are other efforts to develop a cervical cancer vaccine, as well, including one trial sponsored by NCI that is not yet open to enrollment.

Pap Tests Still Needed
Most cervical cancers develop slowly through a series of abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, changes most often related to an HPV virus. Regular Pap tests can detect these changes and the abnormal tissue can be removed. Pap tests would still be needed even if the experimental vaccine used in this study proves widely effective because the vaccine only works against one kind of HPV.
Pap tests are not 100 percent accurate, however, and many women do not have the tests regularly. In one national health survey, a fifth of women aged 18 to 64 had not had a Pap test in the past three years. A vaccine that prevented the HPV infections known to be behind most cervical cancers would be a powerful addition to disease prevention strategies.
Worldwide, about 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in 250,000 deaths. The disease is the second or third most common cancer among women (cervical cancer and colorectal cancer are virtually tied for second place after breast cancer).

Bioequivalence: What’s the hype about it?

What is Bioequivalence?
Bioequivalence (BE) studies are in vivo (in human) methods designed to compare the bioavailability (amount absorbed into the body blood circulation) of a medicinal product to an innovator or appropriate reference product when studied under similar experimental conditions.
Bioequivalence studies are additional tests performed on a particular medicine besides its routine in vitro (laboratory) tests.
In Malaysia, bioequivalence studies are required only for certain groups of medicine. The list is reviewed periodically to include more compounds. Regulatory authorities from other ASEAN countries will like to follow Malaysia in this requirement. After receiving advice from WHO, the regulators are working towards harmonization.

Why is Bioequivalence important?
Looking back at a black moment in history, the case of digoxin – a cardiac glycoside used in the treatment of heart failures. Digoxin, a modern medicine derived from the plant Digitalis purpura, has been introduced a century ago. Patients who switched between brands of digoxin had sudden episodes of uncontrolled heart failure while others experienced toxic side effects. Phenytoin, a medicine used in the treatment of epilepsy, is another example. While some had sudden uncontrolled episodes of epilepsy, others experienced toxic effects. These incidences sparked the US FDA to introduce tighter controls over the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, leading to the introduction of bioequivalence tests. A direct demonstration of the efficacy of a generic medicine would require a full-scale clinical trial in which their efficacy
could be compared. These clinical trials are very expensive and are normally undertaken by the innovator. In bioequivalence trials, one attempts to circumvent this direct approach by conducting a blood-level trial in which it is demonstrated that the generics give rise to essentially equivalent blood-level profiles in human volunteers. The principle underlying this concept is
important, namely that a generic medicine that results in essentially equivalent (compared with the innovator) blood-level profiles over time should elicit equivalent efficacy and safety.
“I normally buy medicine recommended by my friends”
“I have always obtained my medication from my family doctor / pharmacist”

How are Bioequivalence studies relevant to me?
Imagine a scenario whereby you are traveling to another town or country and you run out of your regular medicine. A simple solution would be to stop by a pharmacy or a local clinic to get your medication. However what happens when the pharmacy or clinic does not have the same brand of medicine you were taking? Of course, you can always opt for another brand –
maybe a generic. But let’s be reminded by the cases of digoxin and phenytoin. Ideally, the generic substitute must have exactly the same effect and safety profile as the brand you have been taking!
Take for example a medicine for treating high blood pressure (Tenormin® from AstraZeneca which contains atenolol). When you swallow the tablet, it reaches your stomach where it mixes with your stomach juices. The tablet will start to disintegrate (break) and dissolve. The mixture then slowly moves into your small intestine where it is absorbed into your blood stream.
Your blood vessels work as a network to distribute the medicine to the target location, e.g. your heart, where it will act to reduce blood pressure. After that, the medicine may first be converted into another form through a process called metabolism. Finally, the medicine is removed or eliminated from your body either through urine or faeces.
A bioequivalent generic substitute will have that the same amount atenolol absorbed at the same rate and extent when compared with Tenormin® at an acceptable range clinically. This will ensure proper blood pressure control. However, for a bio-inequivalent generic substitute, a different amount of atenolol is bioavailable and this may cause your blood pressure to be out-of-control!
A bioequivalent generic allows the Pharmacist or Doctor to switch brands confidently without any doubt of the efficacy and safety of that generic. Whether bioequivalence is just hype – it’s really up to you to decide. It’s worthwhile to know that in developed countries, healthcare professionals never dream of buying a product that is not bioequivalent!

Generic Medicine: is it really a copy cat?

When it comes to healthcare we do not want to take risks. We want only the best for our families and ourselves. We may not have considered using a generic medicine because we may be concerned that it is just a copy cat. But how does this copy cat compare to its original brand?

What is Generic Medicine?
All medicines have two names:
Generic name
Brand name

The generic name refers to the active ingredient of the medicine. The manufacturer chooses a brand name that can be recognized, pronounced and remembered by everyone. For example, Zocor® is Merck Sharp & Dohme’s brand name for simvastatin, a generic name.
When a medicine is first developed, it is patented and sold exclusively under a single brand name. This is known as the innovator product. After the patent period expires, generic manufacturers may legally ‘copy’ the same active ingredient and give it a different
brand name. Generic medicines are made to be interchangeable with the innovator product. It contains the same active ingredient but usually contain different amounts of inactive ingredients known as excipients. Occasionally it differs from the innovator product in size, shape or colour. For instance, in Malaysia and Singapore, there are at least 8 brands (generics) competing with the innovator painkiller Voltaren®, all of which contain diclofenac sodium.

Why are Generic Medicines cheaper?
An innovator drug company spends a large sum of money (about US $500 to $600 million) on research and development of a new medicine, performing tests in the laboratory, on animals and humans, and obtaining approval for the medicine to be marketed. The high costs involved explain the high pricing aimed at reaping profits on the initial investment. Conversely, a generic manufacturer need not incur these costs. Therefore, a generic medicine is generally 30 to 60% cheaper than its innovator counterpart.

What about the quality of Generic Medicines?
To be assured of good quality medicine, it is important to check that it is registered with the regulatory authority. The Malaysian Drug Control Authority (DCA) gives registration numbers with MAL followed by 8 numerical digits. Singapore’s Health Science Authority (HSA) registers products with the code SIN followed by 5 numerical digits. DCA and HSA register only products
manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment. Periodic audits are performed on these companies to ensure strict compliance to the highest quality.
In vitro (laboratory) tests are performed according to international standards such as the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). The in vitro tests will show if a particular generic medicine:
• contains the correct amount of active ingredient
• contains excessive impurities and other related substances
• is uniform in size, shape and weight
• has appropriate hardness
• is not friable
• disintegrates and dissolves within a stipulated time frame
• is stable until its expiry date
However, some of us may have experiences whereby only the innovator brand works, not the generic brand. This could be because of our own bias towards generics or the generic is truly of inferior quality compared to the innovator; a condition known as nonbioequivalence.
So many brands – spoilt for choices!
Faced with so many brands for a particular medicine, a simple step is to ask your Pharmacist or Doctor for a professional opinion.
We should constantly exercise our consumer rights to know what we are buying or receiving. We can ask, “Is the product registered?”
If it is a generic, “Is it bioequivalent to the innovator?”
Take responsibility for you and your family’s health. Be an active partner with your healthcare professional in managing your medication needs. The first step in taking responsibility is to raise awareness and increase knowledge – so, congratulations for taking that first step – by reading this article!

BEetle Link....Gifts Catalogue

* BEetle Link is an appreciation programme for your voluntary participation in clinical research.
* This programme commences from 1st January 2008.
* Volunteers who have joined studies starting from 1st Jan 2008 will automatically become BEetle Link members.
* Catch the nannakolas when you have joined study or successfully referred friends.
* The nannakolas collected entitle you to exchange for gifts.
* Nannakolas have a lifespan of 2 years, and must be used prior to their expiry date.
* Any unused nannakolas will be automatically forfeited and release to their natural habitat after the applicable expiry date.

Let’s start catching the nannakolas :

One full study (2 period): 10 nannakolas
Any 1 period of the study: 5 nannakolas
Successful referral: Refer to Volunteer Referral Rewards!!!

4 easy steps to turns your

# Call us at 04-6455760 or visit us at Hospital Pantai Mutiara to check your total nannakolas.
# Select items to be redeemed and fill up the form.
# Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
# Present your BEetle Link card and collect the redeem item(s).

* Products may not be exactly as shown

More gifts and privileges are coming up…don’t miss it!

BEetle links…Your link to healthy lifestyle
* 016-4125760
* volunteer@info-kinetics.com
* friendster
* http://beetlelink.blogspot.com/

Volunteer Referral Rewards

Do you have friends who are interested to have fun in IKSB?
Refer to us, as long as they are as Healthy as you are…

If they have been successfully screened and enrolled into a study, you’ll be appreciated.
If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Jennifer: 04-6455760, 016-4125760

BEetle Link...Your link to healthy lifestyle

Earth Hour 2009 – What Will You Be Doing?

Cuddling up with your loved ones and admiring the stars in the night sky or organising a treasure hunt in the dark? At 8:30pm on Saturday 28 March, people from all corners of the world will turn off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour - and cast their vote for action on climate change. Anybody can participate and join together with millions of people across the globe celebrating Earth Hour.
Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
Here are 10 different ways to spend Earth Hour and reduce your carbon footprint:
1. Attend a local Earth Hour event or organise your own by throwing an Earth Hour street party with your neighbours
2. Gather family & friends for a night picnic in your local park and look at the stars
3. Enjoy a family dinner by candlelight
4. Organise a treasure hunt in the dark
5. Take the dog for a night walk
6. Have a candle-lit bath
7. Sit in the dark and share stories
8. Organise a family night playing board games
9. Share a romantic night in with your loved one
10. Upload your ‘on the night’ photos and videos to flickr and YouTube respectively, and then add them to the Earth Hour flickr group and the global YouTube Group.
Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, is encouraging people to participate in whatever way they choose and to think beyond the hour.
“There are no hard and fast rules surrounding participation in Earth Hour. We only ask that you flick that switch and have fun doing whatever you choose to do during that time.
Make Earth Hour work for you. Families with young children should feel free to turn their lights off earlier than 8:30pm and for those having too much fun in the dark during the hour, don’t feel you have to limit yourself to one hour and switch back on at 9:30pm.”

What is chikungunya fever?

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an insect-borne virus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. Originally from Australia, there have been recent outbreaks of CHIKV associated with severe morbidity. CHIKV causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever.

Chikungunya fever is a viral illness that is spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya fever typically lasts from five to seven days and frequently causes severe and often incapacitating joint pain which sometimes persists for much longer periods. It is rarely life-threatening. There is no specific treatment for the disease but analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be used to reduce the pain and swelling. Aspirin should be avoided.

There is no vaccine against this virus, so preventive measures depend entirely on avoiding mosquito bites which occur mainly during the daytime, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

To avoid mosquito bites:
* wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible;
* use mosquito repellents on exposed skin and on clothing in accordance with label instructions;
* use mosquito nets to protect babies, older and sick people and others who rest during the day.
* use mosquito coils and insecticide vaporizers during the daytime.

The Aedes mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya virus breed in a wide variety of rain-filled containers which are common around human dwellings and workplaces, such as water storage containers, saucers under potted plants and drinking bowls for domestic animals, as well as discarded tyres and food containers.

To reduce mosquito breeding:
* remove discarded containers from around the house;
* for containers that are in use, turn them over or empty every 3–4 days to prevent mosquito breeding including any water-filled containers indoors. Alternatively, completely cover them to keep out mosquitoes.

Between February and October 2006 alone, more than 1.25 million people in India and south Asia were infected with the chikungunya virus. Other large-scale outbreaks of chikungunya fever have occurred in countries of east and central Africa, and the Indian Ocean countries, including Comoros, Gabon, Madagascar, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion (France) and the Seychelles. In September 2007, a chikungunya outbreak following an imported case has been notified in northern Italy. The dramatic resurgence and geographic extension of chikungunya in recent years underlines our vulnerability to emerging infectious diseases spread by insects and emphasizes the importance of sustained control programmes as an essential component of health security.