Pneumonia from Health Care Contact Often Fatal Jan 7, 2009
Compared with community-acquired disease, pneumonia associated with outpatient health care was more severe, required longer hospital stays, and had higher fatality rates (17. 8 percent vs 6. (MEDLINEplus)
Childhood Abuse Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Jan 7, 2009
Individuals who reported moderate to severe levels of sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and emotional abuse in childhood were nearly six times as likely to have CFS compared to people who didn't experience maltreatment in early life, researchers report in the January issue of the Archives of General Psychology. Dr. Christine Heim of Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and her colleagues also found that CFS patients who had experienced maltreatment as children had abnormally low levels... (MEDLINEplus)
2nd Circuit Upholds Denial of Fees to Ex-Lawyer in Malpractice Suit Jan 7, 2009
In 2003, Zuhua Chen signed a medical malpractice retainer with Goldman to represent her and her infant son, David, who suffered severe brain damage and other medical problems at birth that will require ongoing supervision and treatment for the rest of his life. Goldman obtained a settlement with the Mt. Sinai-NYU Medical Center Health Systems, NYU Downtown Hospital and the doctors involved. (Law.com)
Food, Cosmetic Labels to Note Dye Derived From Bug Jan 7, 2009
The FDA published that new rule in yesterday's edition of the Federal Register, citing reports of "severe allergic reactions, including " in a "small subset" of people with. Carmine and cochineal extract are extracted from dried cochineal bugs and are used in "dozens of reddish-colored foods and beverages, including fruit drinks, ice creams, yogurts, and candies," states a news release from the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). (WebMD)
Gene Expression And Splicing Vary Widely From One Tissue To The Next Jan 7, 2009
Goldstein said this might mean that the overall amount of proteins a gene produces -- a gene's expression could change perhaps without having severe consequences. "However, if you change the forms of the proteins that a gene makes, more of this form of protein, less of this form, that matters more. That is what splicing variations do," he said. (Science Daily)
Increased Risk Of Pneumococcal Disease In Asthma Patients Jan 7, 2009
(June 1, 2005) A vaccine against pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, a severe form of bacterial infection, can substantially reduce hospital admissions and improve the survival of children in developing. (June 3, 2008) Although the childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been a boon in reducing the incidence invasive pneumococcal disease, the public and the medical community must not get complacent, as. (Science Daily)
Adult-onset Diabetes Slows Mental Functioning In Several Ways, With Deficits Appearing Early Jan 7, 2009
"Speed and executive functioning are thought to be among the major components of cognitive health," says co-author Roger Dixon, PhD. With Type 2 diabetes a growing concern among adults of all ages, but especially those above age 30, Dixon says that public health programs could check the cognitive status of people with more advanced or severe cases; ensure that diet and medications are effectively employed in all early diagnosed cases; and enact possible cognitive monitoring or training programs... (Science Daily)
Fayette: All would have to agree on raise give-backs Jan 7, 2009
The request highlights the severe difficulties facing the Fayette County school system in the wake of unexpected state budget cuts and diminished property tax revenues in a struggling economy. Something has to be done, superintendent John DeCotis said at the board meeting. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
2 Men, Teen Charged In Gang Rape Of Calif. Lesbian Jan 7, 2009
Hate-crime enhancements were added to charges against Salvador, which could mean a more severe sentence if he is convicted. Authorities say the woman was taunted for being a lesbian during the 45-minute assault. (CBS News -- US)
Hundreds of coal ash dumps in the U.S. lack regulation Jan 7, 2009
Numerous studies have shown that the ash can leach toxic substances that can cause cancer, birth defects and other health problems in humans, and can decimate fish, bird and frog populations in and around ash dumps, causing developmental problems like tadpoles born without teeth, or fish with severe spinal deformities. Today in Americas. (International Herald Tribune)
Zimbabwe: Rights Group Names And Shames Judges, Lawyers Jan 7, 2009
Lawyers filed a new urgent court application seeking an order that all 18 detainees be sent to a private clinic for examination and treatment, on the basis that they had been tortured and suffered severe injuries. "Initially, a number of judges seem[ed] reluctant to handle the matter," the ZLHR statement said. (allAfrica.com)
Hardworking Bell leaves a legacy to be appreciated Jan 7, 2009
In 1977, Bell and President Jimmy Carter had a mission to refurbish the Justice Department and FBI after the severe tarnish of Watergate. He started and ended by boosting the professionalism of the careerists in the department. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
FDA puts black box warning on bowel-clearing drugs Jan 7, 2009
"But there are people who are developing severe kidney injury, and it's important we try and identify who is at risk.". FDA officials said some patients are not following directions outlined on the drugs, which instruct patients to drink up to half a gallon of water with the tablets. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Bayer sues Abbott, alleging patent infringement Jan 7, 2009
The German company's Bayer HealthCare LLC unit sued Abbott and two of its subsidiaries, claiming the popular biotech drug used to treat severe types of arthritis and other immune disorders infringes on the U.S. patent that Bayer was awarded in 1997. Bayer's lawsuit was filed six years after Humira was approved for U.S. sales and in the plaintiff-friendly U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Novartis acquires license to CMV vaccine candidate Jan 7, 2009
According to Novartis the virus infects about 86,000 newborns in the United States and European Union each year, causing 700 deaths and 17,500 cases of severe disability. The vaccine is expected to enter phase II clinical trials next year, Novartis said. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
The perils of transplant tourism Jan 7, 2009
"On the other extreme," he said, "patients presented directly from the airport to the emergency room requiring urgent admission to hospital with severe infections or kidney failure.". Dr. Gill described the worst-case scenario encountered in the study: One patient who contracted hepatitis from an organ donor returned to the United States to discover she required a repeat kidney transplant as well as a liver transplant. (Globe and Mail)
Can a soldier defend shooting a wounded foe? Jan 7, 2009
His injuries were deemed "too severe for in-situ treatment.". The prosecutor said that Capt. Semrau was the only person standing near the wounded insurgent when two shots rang out and the Talib was found dead. (Globe and Mail)
Refugee Turns Rep. Out Of New Orleans Jan 7, 2009
Breaking News Alerts * Severe Weather Alerts to download Desktop Alert. Sections Station Services Spotlights Partners. (KCRA 3, CA)
Can a soldier defend shooting a wounded foe? Jan 7, 2009
His injuries were deemed "too severe for in-situ treatment.". The prosecutor said that Capt. Semrau was the only person standing near the wounded insurgent when two shots rang out and the Talib was found dead. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Serious swelling - Exercises may prevent lymphedema after breast cancer Jan 7, 2009
WASHINGTON - Hospitals in about a dozen states are testing whether some simple steps, such as arm-strengthening exercises, could reduce the risk of one of breast cancer s troubling legacies - the painful and sometimes severe arm swelling called lymphedema. Lymphedema has long been a neglected side effect of cancer surgery and radiation: Many women say they never were warned, even though spotting this problem early improves outcomes. (Missoulian, MT)
LETTERS: NCT, Jan. 7, 2009 Jan 7, 2009
" But the issue originated from real peer-reviewed science, not politicians, though such scientific information, as with tornado or hurricane warnings, may lead to legitimate public policy considerations.Beck complains that warnings from real scientists about climate change are efforts to manipulate people. Please tell us, Mr. Beck, where are all the rich, powerful scientists working in research labs?The blinders Beck is wearing are hand-sewn by oil company propagandists, and I can show you... (North County Times)
What is tennis elbow? Jan 7, 2009
Alternative treatment strategies include elbow bands (worn on the forearm below the elbow), splints, acupuncture, ultrasound, laser therapy, shock-wave therapy, deep massage and, in more severe cases, surgery. Once the pain has been alleviated, it is important to do regular stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent future re-injury. (iAfrica.com)
Superbug at hospital worse than golden staph Jan 7, 2009
Patients most at risk are in intensive care, with a long-term illness, who have been on many antibiotics, have had major surgery or are being treated for conditions such as cancer or severe kidney disease, had an organ transplant or been treated with vancomycin in the past. Professor Collignon said about one in three patients who became infected died. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
The Archipelago Jan 7, 2009
"The government was quick to respond to the earthquakes, that is why the mitigation efforts have run well and the destruction has not been really severe. The local administration also responded by immediately building makeshift shelters," Djoko told a press briefing at the presidential office. Following the president's instruction, Djoko and three other ministers visited the region on Monday to deliver cash aid and supplies. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Researcher finds link between age, birth order and autism Jan 7, 2009
Thalidomide was a drug taken by pregnant women in the 1950s and 1960s that caused severe birth defects in their children. The autism study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison epidemiologist Maureen Durkin, looked at more than 1,200 cases of autism, or 50 percent more than any previous study. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Georgia teachers taken aback by Fayette proposal Jan 7, 2009
The request highlights the severe difficulties facing the school system in the wake of unexpected state budget cuts and plummeting property tax revenues in a struggling economy. In November, DeKalb County school leaders laid off employees and cut back on busing because of the souring economy and state funding cuts. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Storm's Downpour Threatens Flooding, Avalanches, Mudslides Jan 7, 2009
Related Stories/Links SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION. Storm's Downpour Threatens Flooding, Avalanches, Mudslides. (KIRO TV, WA)
Wahkiakum Sheriff: Leave Flood-Prone Areas Jan 7, 2009
Related Stories/Links SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION. Wahkiakum Sheriff: Leave Flood-Prone Areas. (KIRO TV, WA)
Malaria drug potency is restored Jan 7, 2009
A team from La Trobe University in Melbourne tested the effect of combing chloroquine with primaquine, a drug normally used to treat a less severe form of malaria. On its own, primaquine has no effect on P. falciparum, but it is structurally similar to chloroquine. (Yahoo News -- Malaria)
Letters to the Editor (Jan. 5) Jan 7, 2009
I know I would want something more severe than another polite request to cease fire. Israel withdrew from Gaza; giving the people there a chance to develop a peaceful society on their own. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Siegfried says Roy's doing well Jan 7, 2009
" It's a story that contradicts doctor accounts in the wake of the injury: Horn having severe blood loss the night of the attack and later the same night, suffering a stroke so severe it required surgeons to remove one-quarter of his skull to enable his swelling brain to expand. Las Vegas neurosurgeon Lonnie Hammargren's published comments about the procedure, known as a craniectomy, rankled University Medical Center officials, who said it might have violated patient privacy laws. Horn's... (Yahoo News -- Siegfried & Roy)
Magician Horn is out of hospital Jan 7, 2009
Surgeon Dr Duke said at the time of the attack: "Mr Horn's injury was extremely severe, and it is all but miraculous that he is alive at this time.". Fischbacher has played down Horn's injuries, describing the wound as "a little punch hole" and claiming the tiger was trying to help his partner. (Yahoo News -- Siegfried & Roy)
Texas Lice Squad busts myths, rids local kids and parents of head lice Jan 7, 2009
She said treatment time is determined by how much hair the person has and how severe the case is, but most treatments take between two and three hours to complete. . (KHOU.com, TX)
New faces riding high in AMA Toyota Motocross Jan 7, 2009
Penske Racing has taken advantage of that at shorter tracks or circuits with more severe corners than Mosport, a 2. 459-mile, 10-turn course in Bowmanville, Ontario. (Yahoo News -- Motorcycle Racing)
Murder Trial Ends With Life Sentence Jan 7, 2009
Keith's hyoid bone was broken, and he had severe hemorrhages in his eyes -- both of which are classic signs of strangulation. " 'All But Decapitated' The ultimate cause of death was the knife wound to Keith's throat, according to the state medical examiner's examination. "This wound was extremely deep and severed the neck almost completely -- originating at the right ear, and ending just below the left ear -- Keith was all but decapitated by this wound," Krueger said. "Based on the angle of the... (The Pilot Newspaper)
Altered states: How people handle anesthesia is offering clues about consciousness Jan 7, 2009
She was having severe pain, and it became so bad that her doctors decided to remove the eye. But the surgery had more lasting effects, and that is why Weihrer formed the Anesthesia Awareness Campaign Inc. () which she now runs from her home city of Reston, Va. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Antifungal treatment helps some asthma patients Jan 7, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People with severe asthma who are allergic to fungal organisms benefit substantially from treatment with the anti-fungal drug itraconazole, new research shows. To check out this strategy, a trial was conducted in the UK involving patients who needed high doses of steroids to control their asthma and who were sensitive to at least one of seven common types of fungi. (Reuters India)
How Many Albinos Are There in Tanzania, Anyway? Jan 7, 2009
In any case, albinism is especially dangerous in sunny climates, like Tanzania's, because lack of melanin predisposes albinos to severe skin damage from UV exposure. Albinos frequently suffer from sunburns, blisters, and as well as visual problems like myopia. (Slate)
George W. Bush will take a legacy of failure with him Jan 7, 2009
danielh wrote on Jan 6, 2009 12:19 AM:" edumacation: In Bush's statement, "Border relations between Canada and Mexico,"President Bush is referring to his sell-out discussions in the Security and Prosperity partnership.The Canadians and Americans are getting along so well, because they are going to agree to liquidate their border and share common economics in transportation, and in the common Amero.The SPP meetings have been behind closed doors. The 2nd meeting gave up some information to a FOIA,... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
NO help: Nitric oxide monitoring does not help most children with asthma Jan 7, 2009
"There can be no doubt that adding frequent assessments of FENO to management plans of most children and adults with asthma will add unjustifiable costs without providing clinical benefit. Whether there is a role for monitoring FENO to aid management of severe asthma is untested," wrote Stephen Stick, Ph. D., of the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth, Australia and Peter Franklin, Ph. (EurekAlert!)
JAN. 6: Boys basketball - Freeman Academy 55, Menno 67; Freeman Public 68, Alcester-Hudson 59 ... Girls basketball - Freeman Academy 49, Menno 40 ... ... ';var marqueewidth="540px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#EEEEEE";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}}What a year! Jan 7, 2009
The new siren is designed to circulate in a 360-degree pattern and has two tones: a straight tone to signal severe weather and a wailing tone for a fire. Freeman Public: Meeting June 9, the Freeman Public School Board approved a new policy that cracks down on cell phone use during school hours by students, and outlines the consequences of violations. (Freeman Courier, SD)
India accuses Pakistan on Mumbai Jan 6, 2009
The Mumbai attacks have put India-Pakistan ties under severe strain. November's attack on Mumbai must have had support from some official agencies in Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said. (BBC News)
Arctic chill prompts UK warnings Jan 6, 2009
Severe weather warnings have been issued as temperatures in the UK dipped towards -10C (14F) overnight ... The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for widespread icy roads in East Sussex, Kent and Medway, and freezing rain across the north of Scotland. (BBC News)
Humanitarian crisis deepens Jan 6, 2009
Save the Children says there is a "severe shortage of food", but Israel claims international agencies' warehouses are well stocked and points out that it has allowed several convoys of trucks into Gaza during the fighting ... There are also severe shortages of cooking gas. (BBC News)
Police arrest pair after assault Jan 6, 2009
He said the altercation started inside the bar and moved outside where Farrand is accused of attempting to punch the bouncer but struck a 31-year-old man, causing severe facial injuries. The victim was treated at Fremont Area Medical Center for broken bones and released. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
We bailed out of ’08 Jan 6, 2009
His win deals a severe blow to Mitt Romney and his bid to become the first president of the android persuasion. Not competing in Iowa are Rudy Giuliani, whose strategy is to stay out of the race until he is mathematically eliminated, and John McCain, who entered the caucus date incorrectly into his 1996 Palm Pilot. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Kiadis Pharma Appoints Dr. Maarten Egeler, MD PhD as Chief Medical Officer Jan 6, 2009
"I am very excited to join Kiadis Pharma in the role of CMO. I look forward to participate in the development of its programs. I am particularly excited to work on the ATIR(TM) product, which is aimed at preventing acute Graft versus Host Disease and thus enables severe mismatched bone marrow transplantation (so-called 'haplo-identical transplantation') and is entering a pivotal study in early 2009", says Maarten Egeler. "I am confident that my background in this field within the pediatric... (Canada Newswire)
Numbers: Easy as 1, 2, 3 Jan 6, 2009
Charles s deficit, though severe, seemed to affect his numerical abilities alone. Numerical deficits in people of otherwise normal abilities can be even more striking in cases of brain damage. (The Economist)
Schools close due to icy weather Jan 6, 2009
The severe weather conditions are expected to continue for the next few days, according to the Met Office ... According to the Met Office, the severe conditions are set to continue for the next few days. (BBC News -- UK)
Zimbabwe cholera death toll tops 1,700 Jan 6, 2009
The waterborne disease, which causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration, has spread to all of Zimbabwe's 10 provinces because of the collapse of health and sanitation systems. On Monday Health Minister David Parirenyatwa said the epidemic could get worse as the rainy season develops. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
YM BIOSCIENCES RECEIVES CLEARANCE TO INITIATE RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL TRIALS OF NIMOTUZUMAB IN LUNG CANCER AND BRAIN METASTASES FROM LUNG CANCER Jan 6, 2009
In none of the clinical trials of nimotuzumab to date, to YM's knowledge, have any of the patients developed Grade III/IV acneiform rash, also a severe and dose-limiting side-effect observed in all of the other antibodies and with small molecules targeting the EGF tyrosine kinase signaling pathway. Unrelated to the rash, Grade III/IV radiation dermatitis is a severe toxicity reported in almost half the patients treated with another EGFR-targeting antibody drug in combination with radiation in... (PR Newswire)
Indevus Pharmaceuticals Announces Definitive Merger Agreement With Endo Pharmaceuticals Jan 6, 2009
Its products include LIDODERM(R), a topical patch to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia; PERCOCET(R) and PERCODAN(R) tablets for the relief of moderate-to-moderately severe pain; FROVA(R) tablets for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults; OPANA(R) tablets for the relief of moderate-to-severe acute pain where the use of an opioid is appropriate; OPANA(R) ER tablets for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain in patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock... (PR Newswire)
Motorola's new cell phone lineup includes green effort Jan 6, 2009
Motorola also will introduce the Tundra VA76r, a phone that can withstand drops, rain and severe temperature swings. The "rugged" phone will include two microphones to improve call quality and will be available from on Jan. 13. (Chicago Tribune)
Teen Died After Blood Clot Diagnosed as Stomach Bug Jan 6, 2009
Jenna Lester s parents told doctors at Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent, England, that their daughter had been suffering from severe headaches, fainting and vomiting, but she was not considered a patient of high priority. Instead, doctors waited nearly five days to give her a brain scan, which showed a blood clot on her brain. (Fox News)
Terrorists 'could use insect swarms'... Jan 6, 2009
"Governments, he advised, needed to have robust "pest management infrastructure that's able to absorb and respond to an introduction" of infected insects, he said.Trying to stop everything coming in at the border would not work, he said.Rift Valley Fever is an east African disease which "can cause severe disease in both animals and humans, leading to high rates of disease and death" according to the World Health Organisation.However, WHO says that "the vast majority of human infections result... (The Drudge Report)
Apple's Steve Jobs: "Hormone Imbalance" Has Caused Health Problems Jan 6, 2009
co-founder and chief executive Steve Jobs posted an on his company's Web site today in which he says that he's being treated for an unspecified "hormone imbalance" that has caused severe weight loss and kept him out of the public eye. Jobs's letter is short on details, making it difficult to figure out the actual disorder that he's battling, says , professor of clinical at the University of California, San Francisco. (Scientific American)
What is Kawasaki syndrome? Jan 6, 2009
A high fever above 101 for more than five days, severe redness in the eyes, a rash on the stomach and chest, red, cracked, dry lips, swollen tongue, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. How often does Kawasaki syndrome cause serious health problems. (Scientific American)
Who needs heart help? Jan 6, 2009
Doctors look at a patient's symptoms, plus the results of tests and imaging scans to determine the extent of the blockage and how severe the damage is. Using a grading system, patients are given a score between 1 and 9. (News & Observer)
Help for lymphedema after breast cancer Jan 6, 2009
WASHINGTON Hospitals in about a dozen states are testing whether some simple steps, such as arm-strengthening exercises, could reduce the risk of one of breast cancer's troubling legacies the painful and sometimes severe arm swelling called lymphedema. Lymphedema has long been a neglected side effect of cancer surgery and radiation: Many women say they never were warned, even though spotting this problem early improves outcomes. (Montana Standard, MT)
Detective murdered by al-Qaeda terrorist given Queen's Gallantry medal Jan 6, 2009
The detective suffered eight knife wounds, three so severe that each would have been fatal in its own right. Bourgass was later jailed for 22 years for the murder DC Oake and the attempted murder of three of his colleagues. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Hyundai: Cant make payments? Just return it Jan 6, 2009
"It's much more severe than what we saw in the early '90s.". Hyundai said Monday its December sales in the U.S. fell 48 percent to 24,037 from 46,487. (MSNBC -- Business)
Apple shares lift as CEO Jobs puts story straight on health Jan 6, 2009
Instead, he has "a hormone imbalance" that was robbing his body of proteins, causing severe loss of weight. Treatment has begun and, he says, recovery should be complete by midyear. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Tucson woman lights herself on fire Jan 6, 2009
TUCSON Authorities say a Tucson woman doused herself with gasoline and lit herself on fire after she had just been released from jail, causing severe injuries ... The woman lit herself on fire just after she had arrived home, causing severe burns. (AZCentral -- News)
Suits Pile Up Over Controversial Medical Device for Women Jan 6, 2009
Seeno's lawyer, Khaldoun Baghdadi, a partner at San Francisco's , said a "severe evidentiary ruling" affected the jury's decision, which he planned to appeal. "As such, a majority of the unfortunate facts surrounding ObTape and its withdrawal from the market have yet to be presented to a jury," he said. (Law.com)
Fewer than 1 in 10 gives blood Jan 6, 2009
Its also the season when severe weather in parts of the country and colds and flu prevents many regular donors from giving. Our donors come in all shapes, sizes and ages. (Clanton Advertiser)