Sunday, May 31, 2009

Bonne fête des mères! Happy mother's day!


Today is Mother's day in Haiti. This holiday is celebrated in Haiti every last Sunday of May. It is a big day in Haiti as opposed to father's day who always passed unnoticed most of the time comparing to mother's day. Well, one reason is due to most of the kids are raised and live with their moms and their father is missing in action for the most part of the children's life or if not even for all their life.

A mother in Haiti works very hard. Though a lot of them uneducated or have a low level of education, they make sure their kids get the best education. They work very hard, doing all kind of manual labors. They walked miles to go sell candies, water, cloth etc...

I have the utmost respect for mothers in general and particularly those in Haiti. They are my heroes!.

I personally did not have the opportunity to enjoy a mother as this is the case for many many kids in Haiti I know that my mom would have filled me with lots of love! Though I never remember even seeing her face or feeling her tender hands I know she would have been the person to go to when I need advice!

To all mothers in Haiti and in the world who are celebrating today happy mother's day! I just would like to write a message in creole for all Haitian mother who might come along this blog: Kenbe fèm pa lage! Mwen konnen nou travay anpil e nou pa janm vreman gen tan pou nou repoze! Mwen konnen se nou ki leve pi bonè e ki al nan kabann pi ta! Mèsi pou sakrifis nou! Mwen renmen nou tout anpil anpil! Map priye Bondye pou li ban mwen opotinite pou mwen ka ede nou!

A special Happy mother's day to my wife , my step mother, my mother-in-law and aunties and all the women who have helped me a way or the other.

You are welcome to leave a message for your mom even when you have celebrated Mother's day already! Mother's day should be everyday! We welcome as well your story about a special mom! Note: You do not need to register to post a message!


Sammuel!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Bill Clinton Named UN Special Envoy to Haiti


By VOA News
19 May 2009

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has named former U.S. President Bill Clinton as his special envoy to Haiti.

The secretary-general said Tuesday he is confident that Mr. Clinton will bring energy, dynamism and focus to the task of mobilizing international support for Haiti's economic recovery and reconstruction.

A statement issued through Mr. Clinton's foundation quotes Mr. Ban as saying he had discussed the appointment with Haiti's president, René Preval, and that the Haitian leader welcomed it on behalf of the Haitian government and people.

Mr. Clinton said it is an honor to accept the secretary-general's invitation to become special envoy to Haiti. The two men visited Haiti in March to refocus international attention on restoring economic security to the Caribbean country, the poorest in the Western Hemisphere.

Haiti is struggling to recover from four successive storms last year that killed hundreds of people and wiped out about 15 percent of its economic output.

In April, Haiti received $324 million in new aid commitments from international donors for the next two years.

The Inter-American Development Bank announced the pledges after hosting a donors' conference for Haiti in Washington. The bank said the money pledged includes $41 million in budget support for 2009.

As the U.N. special envoy to Haiti, Mr. Clinton will travel to that country several times within the next year. The post carries an annual salary of $1.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Warning!!!! Crazy idea!!! But... You can make it happen!!!!

I need your input!

As you know in the US every year around December different people do something special for others less fortunate or for a total stranger, well... this happen actually more often than that. This year I want to be able to do something special as well! Here comes the crazy part: I have no clue how am I going to pull it off!

I am thinking about giving at least a thousand poor kids in Haiti a very special Christmas! Where they will have a nice meal and some good presents! I do not know how I am going to pull it off! I surely do not have the financial means to do it.

SO, I am asking all my readers, occasional readers and even if this is your first time reading this blog to let me know about ways I can help make this dream come true.

I was like these kids very poor but God help me through and I would like to help in this special occasion and hopefully more often!

If you are out there and have some ideas or know someone who might be able to help with fund raising ideas or somebody who can help set up a fund raising or someone who wants to provide the finance necessary for this project, please have them contact me by either responding directly to this message via the comment section or just write me via contact.

Thanks for making this wild idea a reality! Please forward this to as many people as you know! You never know! Let's make it an internet sensation where the online community can join together for a good 'cause!

Gather your church (good project for youth group), your classmates (good classroom project) your co-worker, parents etc... and let's make it happen! They are many TV shows who are looking for bad news to broadcast, encourage them to read this blog and they can as well participate in this great project (which is higher than I)

I know God will make a way! Do you want to be the one through whom he extends his miracle?

Thanks in advance! One thing I have learned about America is that if you put your mind to something the sky is the limit! I do believe this!

God bless!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Swine flu in Haiti?

As I am writing this blog, there has not been not even a case of swine flu reported in Haiti. Health officials are monitoring the situation pretty closely in our border with the Dominican Republic the same thing is being done.

Since I am not a medical personal I am just being on alert for any news about swine flu in Haiti but once again as of now apparently there is no need to worry about swine flu if you are traveling to Haiti (don't take my advise as final please follow the updated instructions of your embassy or consulate or any officials of your country). Be rather worried not to spread it there!

People should know not to panic but rather use precautions.

Below is some important facts about the Swine Flu according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Swine Influenza and You

Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Grippe porcine : Une cellule de crise formée en Haïti

Lundi 27 avril 2009
Le ministre de la santé publique, Alex Larsen, a annoncé lundi la constitution d’une cellule de crise visant à prévenir l’arrivée en Haïti de la grippe porcine qui risque de se transformer en une pandémie mondiale.

Le gouvernement, qui précise qu’aucun cas suspect n’a encore été découvert sur le territoire national, affirme avoir adopté, de concert avec l’OPS/OMS, une série de mesures telles le lancement d’une campagne de sensibilisation de la population, le renforcement des structures de quarantaine sanitaire dans les ports, aéroports et à la frontière haïtiano-dominicaine.

(Source: radiokiskeya.com)

Swine flu info in creole

How warm is it?

Warm temperature, ranging year-round from 70-93° F in the coastal regions, and 50-75 in the mountainous areas; rainy seasons are April-May and August-October.

Enjoy the music!


You might be going through some tough time and you feel like you can not take it anymore. Remember there is a friend who cares and his name is Jesus. He says cast all your care upon him for he caress for you. He will give you rest! The road might be treacherous, nevertheless, don't ever give up!

It is time...

Time does not stand still. So, Make the best use of it!