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The news is full of scary headlines about the H5N1 bird flu virus and the possibility that it might spread among the human population. Yet researchers note that no human flu pandemic has ever involved a flu virus of the H5 subtype. On the other hand, the H5N1 virus has already jumped from birds to pigs and cats, as well as infecting some people, suggesting it might have the capacity to develop into a flu that passes directly from one human to another. So should we be afraid -- or cynical?
Neither, says the June 2006 edition of the Harvard Health Letter. No one knows for sure if H5N1 is going to explode or fizzle, or whether a different flu virus with greater pandemic potential might be out there.
Whether the H5N1 virus will “make the jump” and spread among humans is uncertain, but you can take precautionary steps:
- Get a regular flu shot this fall. It won’t protect you from bird flu, but it will reduce your risk of getting regular flu and bird flu at the same time.
- Don’t count on antiviral medications. Some experts say there is “no credible evidence” that these drugs help against bird flu, and their use may create resistant strains.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Stay away from birds and their droppings.
- Stock up on water and nonperishable groceries in case you community becomes infected and staying indoors is a possible avoidance tactic.
When you travel outside your own country you may need to exchange your
currency for that of another country. Since currency exchange rates vary from
place to place and day-to-day, where and how you exchange currency can make a
big difference in your wallet.
Before you travel, learn what the currency exchange rate is in the country you
plan to visit. Ask your banker for advice on how to determine the most current
rate.
In many cases itís a good idea to exchange currency before you leave home. Many
travelers, especially those flying a long distance and landing in a foreign
country very early in the morning or late at night when banks and currency
exchange desks may be closed, prefer to acquire a small amount of foreign
currency before they depart on a trip.
Having the local equivalent of U.S. $100 in your pocket is usually enough to pay
for a cab ride to your destination, a snack, and small incidentals without
having to search for a currency exchange facility open for business.
To get the best exchange rate overall, however, wait until you arrive at your
destination. While most major airports feature a currency exchange desk, you are
likely to get a better rate directly from an ATM affiliated with a major bank.
As long as you have a working Personal Identification Number, you can use your
credit or debit card to get cash.
Cards with four-digit PINs are most likely to work overseas. Since you may be
charged a usage fee per transaction, making one large transaction instead of
several small withdrawals is advisable.
When looking for ways to increase the value of your home, don't forget to
look outside the front door. The trees and shrubs that comprise your landscape
are moneymakers waiting to happen.
While the beauty trees provide is a good reason to invest in them, it isn't the
only one. According to Greg Daniels, a certified arborist and president of
Bartlett Tree Experts, trees are also valuable because they shade our yards and
homes, fight sound pollution and more.
"Trees can provide monetary benefits like reduced air conditioning costs and can
make a home more comfortable by masking unwanted noise," says Daniels. "Healthy
trees can also add to overall property value."
Home values benefit from a sophisticated landscape design that incorporates
vigorous, mature trees and colorful plantings. Results from a study that
recently appeared in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture indicate that a
landscape with these elements can raise the perceived value of a home between 5
percent and 11 percent.
Whether you're thinking about selling now or in the future, proper tree care can
help you capitalize on your landscape investment. While pruning and other basic
services can add curb appeal before a sale, preventative tree care is the best,
most cost-effective way to maintain healthy trees.
With preventative care, problems are identified early, before serious damage can
occur. Pests, disease, root and soil disorders, and inadequate nutrition are all
potential problems that can detract from a tree's beauty. These issues may cause
wilting, discoloration, leaf dieback or sometimes even death.
"It is almost always more expensive to take down or replace a dead or dying tree
than to provide it the care it needs to remain healthy over time," said Daniels.
"It's really sad to see homeowners lose trees that are special to their family
or valuable to their property -- especially when many of these losses can be
prevented with regular care."
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