Marriage Is Good for Physical and Mental Health, Study Finds

Marriage Is Good for Physical and Mental Health, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Jan. 28, 2011) — The 'smug marrieds' may have good reason to feel pleased with themselves as experts now confirm that long-term committed relationships are good for mental and physical health and this benefit increases over time.

In an editorial published by student BMJ, David and John Gallacher from Cardiff University say that on average married people live longer. They say that women in committed relationships have better mental health, while men in committed relationships have better physical health, and they conclude that "on balance it probably is worth making the effort."

Men's physical health probably improves because of their partner's positive influence on their lifestyle and "the mental bonus for women may be due to a greater emphasis on the importance of the relationship," they write.

But the journey of true love does not always run smoothly, maintain the authors, pointing to evidence that relationships in adolescence are associated with increased adolescent depressive symptoms.

And not all relationships are good for you, they add, referring to evidence that single people have better mental health than those in strained relationships.

They also confirm that breaking up is hard to do, saying "exiting a relationship is distressing" and divorce can have a devastating impact on individuals. Having numerous partners is also linked with a risk of earlier death.

They conclude that while relationship failures can harm health this is not a reason to avoid them. A good relationship will improve both physical and mental health and perhaps the thing to do is to try to avoid a bad relationship rather than not getting into a relationship at all.

- wong chee tat :)

Singapore's ICT sector grew despite recession in 2009

Singapore's ICT sector grew despite recession in 2009
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 March 2010 2233 hrs

	Photos 1 of 1

 

SINGAPORE : Despite the economic downturn last year, the information and communications sector was the only area that saw growth. And this trend is set to continue in 2010.

In addition, more jobs can be expected in the infocomm industry.

Last year, the strong areas of employment growth included digital media and animation, software development and research & development.

Acting Information, Communications and the Arts Minister Lui Tuck Yew said this at a gala dinner for the industry on Friday night.

He said the government will continue to ensure Singapore continues to maintain a pro-infocomm and pro-business environment - all to make Singapore an ideal place for investment.

Mr Lui said: "I expect IT spending to go up. The prognosis for the IT sector for 2010 is good. We know that in 2009, despite the downturn, it was one of the bright spots in terms of economic performance.

"For 2010, both the IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore) survey, and the SITF (Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation) survey indicated that 70 per cent or more of the companies have plans to expand their operations.

"2010 will be an even better year for them. And we think that this will result in more hiring and more opportunities for people."

As for homes, more than eight in 10 households are now connected to the internet. This is one of the fastest growth in years.

In 2008, three out of four households had an internet connection. 

- CNA/ms

- wong chee tat :) 

Harder to find jobs

Dec 16, 2009
Harder to find jobs

More degree-holders are without jobs and taking longer to find one

By Kor Kian Beng, Political Correspondent

More university graduates are without jobs and taking longer to land a job. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

DESPITE signs of a turnaround in the job market, university graduates are no better off.
In fact, more of them are without jobs and taking longer to land a job, according to revised official figures released on Tuesday.
Part of the reason is that they often tend to seek jobs that pay close to what they used to earn, said MP Josephine Teo, who is also assistant secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress.
However, economists interviewed foresee their lot improving in the new year, when growth is expected to hit 5.5 per cent, according to a recent poll of 20 private-sector economists by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Meanwhile, the labour market in the third quarter, following Singapore's exit from recession, shows 'encouraging signs of a turnaround', said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The revised figures show more jobs were added, fewer people were laid off and there were more vacancies between June and September.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.
kianbeng@sph.com.sg


- wong chee tat :)

HDB launches two new BTO projects in Sengkang and Jurong West

HDB launches two new BTO projects in Sengkang and Jurong West
Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, October 17

[HDB launches two new BTO projects in Sengkang and Jurong West] HDB launches two new BTO projects in Sengkang and Jurong West

SINGAPORE: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) launched two new Build—To—Order (BTO) projects on Friday.

Fernvale Palms in Sengkang and Boon Lay Meadow in Jurong West offer a total of 1,200 standard flats.

They comprise 240 units of 2—room, 396 units of 3—room, 512 units of 4—room and 52 units of 5—room flats.

These 1,200 new BTO flats form part of the 5,000 new flat supply which National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan announced on October 1.

495 units will be available at Fernvale Palms, which is located near two Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations.

Selling prices for the Sengkang flats range from S$129,000 to S$163,000 for a 3—room flat, and S$214,000 to S$262,000 for a 4—room unit. A 5—room flat will cost between S$282,000 and S$340,000.

Home buyers can also choose from another 705 units at Boon Lay Meadow which is situated within the established Jurong West estate.

Conveniently located along Jurong West Avenue 2, Boon Lay Meadow is served by two MRT stations — Boon Lay and Lakeside.

Prices for the flats at Boon Lay Meadow range from S$86,000 to S$103,000 for a 2—room flat and S$138,000 to S$173,000 for a 3—room unit. A 4—room flat is priced between S$223,000 and S$266,000.

According to HDB, based on the income of flat applicants in the first half of this year, most households will not need to use cash to meet their monthly mortgage payments.

The housing board expects that first—time buyers will need to use between 18 and 24 per cent of their monthly household income to meet their monthly loan commitments for these two projects.

Applications for the flats can be submitted online from Friday to October 29.

Flat buyers can look forward to more BTO launches over the next two months.

In November and December, HDB will launch six more BTO projects with 4,000 flats. These projects will be located in towns such as Punggol, Bukit Panjang, Sembawang and Dawson.

— CNA/ir

- wong chee tat :)

HDB's sale of balance flats nearly nine times oversubscribed

HDB's sale of balance flats nearly nine times oversubscribed
By Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 October 2009 2052 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Housing & Development Board (HDB) has seen strong demand for the 2,100 flats being offered under its "Sale of Balance Flats" exercise.

The HDB received more than 19,000 applications, just a day before the exercise closes, which means that the flats are nearly nine times oversubscribed.

Demand was high for the flats - ranging from studio apartments to executive flats - in estates such as Bedok, Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Panjang and Woodlands.

Balance flats are those unsold in previous Build-to-Order exercises, surplus flats under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme, as well as repurchased flats.

These flats are either completed or nearing completion - so owners do not have to wait long before moving in.

The exercise, which is the largest to date, replaces the existing balloting exercise, quarterly sales and half-yearly sales exercises.

The HDB said that the rationale behind this move is to simplify the flat application process, and to provide buyers with a wider choice of flats across a range of locations in one exercise.

- CNA/sc


- wong chee tat :)

Job seekers in their 30s need reality check

Jos seekers in their 30s need reality check (Sunday Times 27 Sep)

Job seekers in their 30s need reality check
Experts advise lowering pay expectations as jobless rate for those in 30-39 age group goes up
By Shuli Sudderuddin

When Ms Cindy Lim was retrenched from her job in logistics in April, she realised that she had to lower her expectations if she were to get a new job quickly.
Rising unemployment
The labour market report for the second quarter of this year shows that the jobless rate for the 30 to 39 age group rose to 4.7 per cent, from 2.9 per cent last year. About 24,000 people were out of work, compared to 14,600 for the same period last year.
… more
Initially, the 34-year-old, who has a degree in logistics and supply chain management from the University of South Australia, expected to be paid close to what she got in her old job.
But this was a downturn and she did not get many responses despite sending resumes to many would-be employers.
She eventually landed a job in customer service last month. It was recommended by a friend and she took a $1,000 pay cut.
‘We can’t afford to be fussy,’ she said, referring to those in her age group.
Indeed, a readjustment of expectations is in order as statistics from the Ministry of Manpower show that those in the 30 to 39 age group have been hit hard by unemployment.
The labour market report for the second quarter this year shows that the jobless rate for this group rose to 4.7 per cent, from 2.9 per cent last year.
About 24,000 people in that age group were out of work, compared to 14,600 for the same period last year.
This represents an increase of 62.1 per cent, versus 39.4 per cent (for those below 30) and 48.5 per cent (for those aged 40 and over).
The jobless ranks among the 30 to 39 age group were across all educational groups, in particular those with degrees, polytechnic diplomas and below secondary school education.
HR experts said they could be shut out of new jobs because of pay expectations – even as the economy has hit a rough patch.
Mr David Ang, executive director of the Singapore Human Resource Institute, said they ask for higher pay as they are at the stage of their lives when they may need to care for young children and finance a home purchase.
‘They may only accept lower-paying jobs for a period because of this,’ he said.
Professor Richard Arvey, head of the department of management and organisation at NUS Business School, noted that employers are now cost-conscious and there might be a ’sensitivity to hiring older employees as they’re more expensive’.
Some in their 30s may also be reluctant to consider venturing into new careers, observed human resource firms.
But Mr Dhirendra Shantilal, senior vice-president (Asia-Pacific) at Kelly Services, feels that the jobless figures may be rooted in structural unemployment from the loss of jobs in certain sectors, which did not recover quickly enough and bore the brunt of the global crisis.
‘It is not an issue of employer attitude towards a certain age group or demographic segment,’ he said, noting that business clusters like finance, retail and manufacturing have suffered in the economic slowdown.
A spokesman for the Workforce Development Agency said that as of end-August, 19,000 job seekers were registered at the career centres at the community development councils.
About 4,600, or slightly above 20 per cent, were aged between 30 and 40.
The spokesman added that there are problems unique to this age group, such as childcare, which can hinder their ability to go for training, for instance.
‘There can also be mismatches in pay expectations between them and employers,’ she added, noting that some also lack the skills, such as resume writing and interview techniques, to secure a new job.
From December last year to last month, the career centres assisted and placed about 13,000 job seekers, of whom about 20 per cent were in their 30s.
Experts reassure those in this age group that they are a valuable asset to any company.
Said Mr David Wee, managing director of Lee Hecht Harrison, which helps clients recruit staff: ‘Companies know that it is important to retain high performers in their 30s – especially those who may have spent several years within an organisation and have gained considerable experience and expertise.’
He advised 30-somethings to make themselves more marketable by upgrading themselves with new skills and being more open to fresh opportunities.
For those out of work, he said: ‘In these formulative years, working on a contract or temporary basis for a while may also be a way back into the workforce.’
shulis@sph.com.sg


Changing dynamics.

- wong chee tat :)

Men prefer pretty bimbos to ugly, clever girls

Men prefer pretty bimbos to ugly, clever girls
ANI23 March 2009, 08:00am IST

It seems that beauty is more important than brains, for a new survey has revealed that men would prefer dating beautiful bimbos than ugly, clever women. 

The study carried out by www.OnePoll.com has shown that more than 50 pct men would rather go for good looking girls because it was important to impress their friends.

Nearly 80 pct of the respondents said that they would be intimidated by a clever girl.

However, the responses from girls were completely opposite.

Almost three quarters of women said that they would go for brains over good looks because handsome men are too vain, and those with brains would be able to provide for them.

Only one in ten said that she would go for a good-looking guy rather than a clever one because the "sex would be better".

"It seems beauty is more important the brains after all," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman.

"It's only natural people go on first impressions but going on a hot date with a supermodel can only get you so far.

"Although it's worrying that we don't seem to appreciate people's intelligence. If someone is exceptionally bright then it should be congratulated - we shouldn't criticise them for not being attractive," he added.


- wong chee tat :)

Why pretty women like ugly men...

My friend emailed this 2008 article to me a few days ago. 

Why pretty women like ugly men...

Jhoomur Bose / ibnlive.com
TimePublished on Tue, Mar 04, 2008 at 08:46 in Lifestyle section


Has anyone noticed how weddings and common cold are similar? Both are contagious and seem to be affected by weather change. Nothing else explains how suddenly most people one knows are either sniffling or sending out wedding invites. It could also be the biological clock.

The first announcement was sitting in my inbox with the subject line jubilantly declaring, “I am getting married people!” A week back the same friend was single and mingling. Before one could react to that news, another friend called and declared she had a marriage proposal and was “seriously thinking” about it. Again, in a week from having no suitors she was suddenly thinking matrimony.

In the course of describing how their sudden decision to tie the knot had come about, both friends declared, “I am very happy. But the guy is not very good looking,” and then somewhat defensively, “but he’s a sweetheart.” Congratulations later and having seen their to-be spouse’s pictures, one realized that both girls – despite being downright stunning to look at – were marrying men who were rather plain. It reminded one of an old adage, “Langoor ke moonh mein angoor.”

Now a recent study by Columbia University suggested that good-looking people prefer to date equally good-looking people, at times even people who are better looking than themselves. Yet here were two of my very good-looking friends settling for rather plain men.

It’s not just my friends either. Many celeb couples too seem to follow the norm of pretty-woman-average-bloke: Ajay Devgan-Kajol, Azharuddin-Sangeeta Bijlani, Priyanka Gandhi-Robert Vadra, SRK-Gauri Khan (he wasn’t a superstar then!), Juhi Chawla-Jai Mehta… Since these were all love marriages one could perhaps say love perhaps is blind. Both my friends however are going in for arranged marriages and love is nowhere in the picture.

Jog your memories dear readers and tell me, how many times have you heard someone comment, “She is not pretty at all, how did she manage such a hot husband?” Or the other way round, “Look at him, he’s not good looking at all, how did he get himself such a beautiful wife?”

Several conversations and some research later one found that indeed the popularly held belief was: Ugly (or not-so-good-looking) men bag the prettiest girls. But is it really true?

Before you read further, tell us what you think:

1. How important are looks when it comes to finding a suitable partner?

2. Do good-looking people have better chances of finding love or a spouse?

3. ‘Plain’ people have good-looking partners: Myth or reality?

NEXT PAGE >>> What’s HE got that I ain’t got?

It’s no secret that most matrimonial ads, especially for girls, will read thus: ‘Good looking girl, well-educated, homely, working, etc.” Even ads for boys today – after mentioning ‘earns in six figures’ – will say how he is tall, good looking, etc. Given that pictures exchanged in the arranged marriage scenario are mostly professionally shot, it’s a case of showing your son/daughter/yourself in the best possible “light”. And then of course there is Photoshop.

How important are looks when it comes to falling in love or finding a life partner and how does one ensure not being left behind single? When it comes to responding to good looks, many a research has proven that other than some cultural differences, most people react to a similar set of signals or criterion.

From the symmetry of faces (which means symmetrical, cute babies), the size of the hips (a low waist-hip ratio means more fertile women), how another person smells and the facial features (‘feminine’ women and ‘masculine’ men have more chances of ‘mating’), there are some standard things that most people find attractive. And most of them have to do with eventual reproductive ability and how good a dad/mom you will make.

However, when you are looking at dating someone or catching an interesting prospect’s eye at the office party, you are hopefully not thinking babies instantly. If we keep marriage aside for the time being: What makes some ‘plain’ men and women more of a hit with the opposite sex?

In a quick survey amongst friends and colleagues, 57 per cent of those polled said that plain people score more with the opposite sex because they don’t rely only on their looks and usually have other qualities going for them. Like using their brains or their sense of humour.

“He makes me laugh” is something many women list as one of the most desirable traits in a man. “He likes me for who I am,” is another one, which basically means you don’t go comparing your woman to a swimsuit calendar model or some such thing. Some women said that a plain looking man treats women better than a good-looking one. Why? “Because a plain looker doesn’t think he is God’s gift to womankind,” replied one girl.

Then there could be other not-so-pleasant reasons too… No woman, pretty or otherwise wants to think that her man will stray. In such a scenario a man’s lack of looks can at times become insurance against his cheating on a woman. It is also thought that since good looking people will probably too full of themselves – both men and women – they will not have time for another person in their life.

Of course when it comes to marriage and making babies, we’re talking a different ball game.

NEXT PAGE >>> It’s neither love nor is it looks…

To start with, most researches and surveys say that men lay more importance on their partner’s looks even if the said man is not as good looking himself. Women on the other hand look for stability and the qualities in a man that can give her that stability.

A 2007 research by Thomas Pollet and Daniel Nettle of Newcastle University that was published in the journal Biology Letters says that in the marriage market it’s a man’s riches and not his looks that are the most important criterion. To put it simply: He who provides, gets the pretty bride. Does that mean that a really ugly but rich man can get a beautiful wife? Yes, if you look at cases like the VERY rich Donald Trump and Melania Knauss. But that doesn’t mean the plain guys have no chance…

“Have a big car, make her laugh, spend money on her and anyone can win over any woman,” jokes a hit-with-chicks male friend has to say who doesn’t even have a big car. “Look pretty all the time, talk smart only when he wants you to and laugh at all his jokes,” smirks a lady friend who makes men go weak in the knees has to say. Neither of them is good looking. Yet both of them seem to have some characteristics in common: Both can talk well, dress up smartly, have a sense of humour and are very confident.

It’s the same with marriage: It’s not about not about the looks as anyone with a little common sense will tell you looks don’t last, gravity always gets its way. Of course some will argue that in today’s age of medical and technological advancement, looks can be ‘upgraded’ or changed. However, not everyone can afford to do a Demi Moore at 43 years of age: She allegedly paid a whopping $ 420000 and even got her knees fixed.

To make a marriage last it takes more than looks: It takes patience, understanding, mutual respect for each other and a willingness to look past (some) faults and irritating habits. It also takes a fair bit of compromise and even a willingness to share your money. And these basics are the same whether you are good looking or not. Once the looks fade, you’ve got to make the other things work.


- wong chee tat :)

Schools carry out measures to prevent spread of H1N1 flu

Schools carry out measures to prevent spread of H1N1 flu
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1400 hrs


SINGAPORE: Students in Singapore returned to local schools on Monday to find full measures in place to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu.

After a month-long break, teachers and students who had travelled to H1N1-affected countries, or those who were unwell, had been told to stay home.

Over at Outram Secondary School, a screening station at the school gates greeted students as they returned for class.

"I have flu. (Question: If you have the flu, why not stay at home?) A bit only...will recover after that," said a student.

Those who displayed flu-like symptoms were isolated from their classmates and sent home.

Students were also required to hand in their travel declaration forms to their teachers.

All classes were also taught lessons on how to be socially responsible and adopt good hygiene habits based on guidelines set out in the Education Ministry's H1N1 education package.

Posters on social responsibility went up around the school and videos on hygiene habits were shown on television screens throughout the school as well.

Similar H1N1 precautionary measures were carried out at Mee Toh Primary School.

Recess was also staggered over four school periods, instead of the previous two, to reduce the risk of infection.

At Nan Hua Primary School at Jalan Lempeng, students were segregated into three batches for staggered recess breaks.

Principal Lee Hui Feng said: "That means each group has about 200 pupils and we try to ensure that when the children gather, there's a gap in between the classes and we shorten the time that they are assembled together. I think the most important thing is the teacher will monitor their health status closely and we also remind students about their personal hygiene."

Some students took the new measures in their stride and were just glad to be back. "I feel very happy coming back to school because I can see my friends," said one chirpy student.

Measures are also in place to ensure staff do not cross-infect one other.

Choy Wai Yin, principal of Outram Secondary School, said: "We're dividing the staff into different teams and there will be different staff rooms for this period of time so that there is minimal mass staff contact with one another and we will always have a functioning team."

The Education Ministry says one to two per cent of all students in Singapore are serving out a Leave Of Absence (LOA) as a precaution.

Outram Secondary School says out of its 950 students, some 30 of them and one teacher are on LOA.

While over at Mee Toh Primary School, there are 29 students and one teacher on LOA.

Some parents Channel NewsAsia spoke to were skeptical about whether measures such as filling up travel declaration forms would work.

One parent, who dropped off his child at Mee Toh Primary School, said: "Whether they will declare it properly, whether they have been to the affected countries, we're not sure. But I think that it's quite right that we have some sort of precautionary measures."

Speaking at an event on Monday morning, Education Minister Ng Eng Hen addressed concerns about whether more schools may be closed, if the situation gets worse.

He said: "I wouldn't paint a doomsday scenario and say 'what if'. For schools, what it does mean is that when we want to prevent big clusters from forming, we have to close down certain classes, certain schools. And we take it a day at a time, a week at a time and we adjust to the situation."

Dr Ng added that although there is no way to stop this pandemic, the current measures aim to slow down the spread of the virus. And he hopes this will help students lead as normal a school life as possible.


- CNA/yt/ir

- wong chee tat :)

Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

ScienceDaily (June 12, 2009) — On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.

In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.

Background

Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency and has been actively and aggressively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.

Since the outbreak was first detected, an increasing number of U.S. states have reported cases of novel H1N1 influenza with associated hospitalizations and deaths. By June 3, 2009, all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were reporting cases of novel H1N1 infection. While nationwide U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the country at this time, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity.

CDC is continuing to watch the situation carefully, to support the public health response and to gather information about this virus and its characteristics. The Southern Hemisphere is just beginning its influenza season and the experience there may provide valuable clues about what may occur in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter.

CDC Response

CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.

CDC is issuing updated interim guidance in response to the rapidly evolving situation (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm).

Clinician Guidance

CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and caring for patients with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm), in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm). Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel influenza H1N1 viruses. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat people hospitalized with influenza illness, and to treat people at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, weakened immune systems, and persons with neurologic or neuromuscular disease.

Public Guidance

CDC has provided guidance for the public on what to do if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, including infection with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). CDC also has issued instructions on taking care of a sick person at home (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm) and the use of facemasks and respirators to reduce novel influenza A (H1n1) transmission (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm). Everyone should take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing and people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further spread of the disease.

Testing

CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus.

Vaccine

Vaccines are a very important part of a response to pandemic influenza and the U.S. Government is aggressively taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine, working closely with manufacturers. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary. Making vaccine is a long multi-step process requiring several months to complete.

Stockpile Deployment

CDC has deployed 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States and U.S. territories. This included antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices. The influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to novel H1N1 virus.

Surveillance

Novel influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. While our influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the United States, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense influenza-like activity. Most of the influenza viruses being detected now are novel H1N1 viruses.

Shared Responsibility

Individuals have an important role in protecting themselves and their families.

* Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available.
* Everyone should take these everyday steps to protect your health and lessen the spread of this new virus:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
o Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social
distancing measures.

- wong chee tat :)

Fix Corrupted Computer Profile in Vista

Vista Woes?

Just yesterday or so, a fren, A, came and asked for help as she had some problem with her Vista (Business) laptop. She was unable to access her administrator profile but able to access the guest account.

She then showed us (me and Y) the message which is somewhat similar to user profile unable to load.

Y suggested that to boot into the safe mode using F8 and worked it from there. So we boot the lappy into safe mode, and we go straight to the event log. The event log basically logged whatever problems (especially error) that Vista encountered. From there we could get a glimpse of what actually happened in the process and why she was unable to load her administrator profile.

Investigation!

Looking at error messages from the event viewer, we then knew that the adminstrator profile is corrupted.

A quick googling around, one of the fixes is to edit the registry settings without reformatting:
In short, you go to regedit (Start --> Run --> "regedit") and edit from there:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

Surprised???

When we delved into the profile list in the registry, I was in for a little surprised!

In her computer profiles, there are a couple of profiles with different SIDs! Three of them are from the system.1 is her original administrator account, 1 guest account and another don’t know what account. Okay, this seems to be confusing! But it wasn't.

Let us analyzed below:

Her original administrator account has been renamed with a .bak extension and her guest account has been "promoted" to the administrator status. Well, the last three digits of the SID ended with 5xx. That seemed impossible right? The administrator account is therefore is visible (to us) but Vista will not allow you to load when the account is selected.

Okay, what's next?

Most important thing is that did she backup her data? If she did, then it would be easier to fix the system. Y asked her if she had any thumb drive or portable hard disk with her. She did not had and a while, she came back with her portable hard disk, and a simple transfer of files are done and it was time to "hack" or "fix" her system via registry modification as mentioned earlier. (Evil grin... hehe)

Fix it

Renaming the other profiles to .old or you can simply delete the profiles.
Unrename the .bak and allow the administrator account to be reinstated

Oh, btw, you will not be allowed to change the ".bak" extension to original (no .bak attached at the end) if your SID of both original account and other account are the same. Just see and compared the SIDs(numbers)!

If you goggled around, there are other fixes:
"There was 1 line for each profile. Crucially if a profile is bad there are 3 things worth checking
a) Ensure the key name doesn't end in ".bad"
b) Ensure the RefCount value is 0
c) Ensure the State value is 0"

Test it!

A simple renaming is done and rebooted the system. The laptop screen loaded and she selected the administrator account and she is able to load her original administrator account successfully! (Yay!)

-Special Thanks to Y for info and her help!

- wong chee tat :)