In deference to the good Saint… I don't care to use gentleness and time on mosquitoes…… but a swatter. The unofficial "Minnesota State Bird", the mosquito, has appeared in massive number. We in the US would see them as painful irritants but with the real threat of mosquito borne diseases we must take forceful action. Here are some sites that will help save you pain, suffering and disease

The Centers for Disease Control has some tips on repellants http://www.cdc.gov/travel/bugs.htm and DEET is high on the list.  (see how your brand stack up at http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1026490366.html )

The little buggers have chemical (CO2 and lactic acid), visual (they go to movement), and heat sensor. Worst thing you could do to attract their attention is to blow at them while exercising (Lots of CO2,lactic acid, movement and heat from exercise) If there is anything else you want to know about mosquitoes you can check out http://science.howstuffworks.com/mosquito.htm (Including myths about citronella, bug zappers, ultrasonic devices, Purple Martins, and bats)

This time of year also brings back "101 Things to do with a Dead Mosquito" …join the SWAT TEAM and enjoy!

1) Rift Valley fever - a "new" mosquito -borne virus

Bad news: it can kill 1% of people infected making it deadlier than West Nile virus.

More bad news: it kills about 30% of infected sheep and cattle

Still more bad news: it can be carried by 9 different species of mosquito

The good news: it is not here yet and there is a potential for a vaccine

I, for one, would be in favor of allowing the drug companies their present rate of profits if they reinvest in research….. especially if a few million mosquitoes had to die in the effort.

http://www.comcast.net/News/HEALTHWELLNESS//XML/1500_Health__medical/c933cb4c-0474-442d-8f12-de73ec0c136a.html

2) Bugs of another kind…. influenza vaccine outlook for this autumn.

Huge supply to be available with the government stockpiling the vaccine for children. Last year 152 children died of influenza (70% were not vaccinated).

Put your vaccination on your calendar this year… October or November? http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=534&ncid=534&e=2&u=/ap/20040623/ap_on_he_me/flu_season_cdc

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/print_story.asp?print=1&guid=%7b23472A6F-AEE2-47E1-B046-0414658659E0%7d

See report of Young and Ernst http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040623/health_pharmaceuticals_2.html

5) Patients stand in line for new "wonder drugs" produced in the US but approval rating slips over the last 5 years.

You know they are in trouble when supermarkets, airlines, telephone and life insurance companies rank higher! They were able to beat out tobacco companies…

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040622/nytu189_1.html

6) "Do ya fell lucky punk?… well …do ya?"

Play the CMS lotto for a chance at the 2006 Medicare benefit starting in September 2004. Demonstration project runs September 2004 to December 2005. CMS site has links to the law, explanation, and 18 page application.

  http://www.cms.hhs.gov/researchers/demos/drugcoveragedemo.asp

7) More heart attacks and chest pains due to non-compliance.

 A little follow-up from last week's PPP on compliance. Amazing how just having them in your medicine cabinet isn't enough to keep you well....

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=97&ncid=751&e=8&u=/hsn/20040625/hl_hsn/costcuttingondrugshashealthcost