Will the Health Effects of Nuclear Radiation From Fukushima Compare to Chernobyl?
What has happened to the media coverage of Fukushima in Japan? can you assume that the lack of fanfare means everything is safe? Absolutely not. The reactors have been severely damaged, and containments are leaking. The risk of a large nuclear explosion is still very real.
The situation at Fukushima is now described as being as severe as Chernobyl. What do you remember about Chernobyl? A nuclear explosion occurred on April 26th, 1986, spewing out radioactive contamination 100 times greater than the nuclear weapons used at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Europe, the Soviet Union countries and parts of Asia were contaminated. Over time the contamination has spread throughout the entire northern hemisphere and the world.
It was hoped such a devastating disaster would never happen again. now it has at Fukushima. And the extent of this current disaster still remains to be seen. Radioactive particles are continuing to be released, and the situation is far from stable. The risk of further damage still looms.
Will the health effects of nuclear radiation from Fukushima compare to Chernobyl? Yes, they will. What are the known effects?
*Cancer
*Many non-cancerous diseases
*Increased infant mortality and birth defects
Cancers of the thyroid, kidney and bladder and leukemia are the most common. however, all cancers increased. So far there has been up to a 22% increase in mortality from cancer over the Ukraine area. some cancers take 40 years to develop, so the full consequences are still unknown.
Non-cancerous diseases have increased almost 10-fold. this includes diseases of the thyroid, the pancreas, the respiratory system, and the eyes. Dysfunction of the immune system is more common, with less ability to fight infection and more autoimmune disorders. The occurrence of heart attacks, infertility and impotence is greater. Cognitive function has declined, and behavioral disorders have increased, particularly in children. more psychiatric problems and sleep disorders are seen. Many additional diseases have increased as a result of nuclear radiation exposure.
Children are particularly sensitive to radiation. Infant mortality has increased, as well as spontaneous abortions, low birth weight children, and premature births. Birth defects increased, particularly for those children who were in utero at the time of the incident at Chernobyl.
There is no safe dose of radiation of any kind. all exposures are damaging and cumulative in the body. Radiation from x-rays or flying on airplanes causes damage only at the time you are being exposed. Radioactive particles are exponentially more dangerous because once they are in your tissues they continue to do damage for your entire life. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever. The long half-life of these particles ensures this will happen.
Those in Japan who have received high dose radiation will suffer the same consequences as those near Chernobyl. this high dose exposure causes radiation sickness of the severe type. some died immediately; others will die within several months. For those that survive, long-term results will be these higher rates of cancer, disease, and effects to unborn children.
Those who receive low dose exposure to nuclear radiation are also affected. Remember, no amount of exposure is safe, no matter how small. it causes ongoing cell membrane damage. this constant damage affects our health. Over time, mistakes in the repair process can lead to cancer. The number of people with health effects from low dose exposure will be less than those who received high doses, but many, many people will still be harmed. this includes people all over the world, as these radioactive particles are eventually carried everywhere with the wind. Then they are deposited back onto the earth with dust particles, rain drops and even beautiful snow flakes. No one is safe from this exposure.
These health effects will continue to be experienced for centuries to come. it is estimated that the accident at Chernobyl is responsible for the deaths of 2 million people so far. The impacts on ecosystems and economics still remain relatively unappreciated, and will also be ongoing. We have not yet been able to comprehend the full impact of Chernobyl, and now we have Fukushima on top of it.
So far it appears that we did not learn enough from Chernobyl to prevent some of the same scenarios from playing out. Leaders have not adequately educated their citizens about the seriousness of radiation exposure, nor how to protect oneself. appropriate programs of medical surveillance, treatment and care have not been put into place. No properly coordinated national, let alone international, monitoring of radioactive particles is occurring.
As citizens we need to put pressure onto our governments to make monitoring and understanding radiation exposure a priority. And we absolutely need to speak up about wanting energy sources than minimize harm. The risks associated with anything nuclear are simply far too great.
To Your Vibrant Health
Will the Health Effects of Nuclear Radiation From Fukushima Compare to Chernobyl?
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Categories: News and Events Tags: cancerous diseases, cancers, effects of nuclear radiation, fanfare, reactors, thyroid
About FireStarter
Was a bit tired yesterday getting on a late plane from Denver to Raleigh. Knew I wasn’t up for work and knew I shouldn’t sleep as I would not be able to sleep once I got home at midnight..went to the bookstore for something light. Found Driving Mister Yogi: Yogi Berra, Ron Guidry and Baseball’s Greatest Gift. It fit the bill perfectly but there is more to it than an entertaining read. (For Yankee fans this is a must read). it has a few lessons on life and leadership I want to share with you.
First, the history. Yogi Berra played for the Yankees as catcher. Winning 10, YES TEN, World Series rings. He was also a 3-time league MVP. He went on to manage a few teams and was fired by George Steinbrenner prompting a falling out between the two men that caused Yogi to never set foot in Yankee stadium for fourteen years. now that is a man of principle. Steinbrenner, the Boss, was no shrinking violet but he allowed himself to be talked into flying to NY from FL just to see Yogi and to ask forgiveness for the poor way his firing was handled. Both men took advantage of the opportunity and reconciled. How many times do people take a grudge to their grave or let it eat them up and let it push them into the grave? Great lesson there. saying I am sorry and accepting it when someone one says it to you.
When Yogi came back he started going to Spring Training. Evidently a number of old-timers do that to help out. Yogi loved it and he quickly found his voice as a mentor to some of the best in Yankee history. they revered him, his experience, and his wisdom. They listened and learned. He gave them a sense of history too as he regaled them with stories of his Yankees. When Jeter won his fifth world series title Yogi reminded him that was half-way there. the lessons on mentoring and history are on every page and we would all do well to learn them. The Marines do a great job with legacy. We celebrate our birthday every November 11. How can your firm capitalize on the corporate knowledge of those about to retire, or even those who are retired. they have been there and done that and they see things and can offer insights. Why put them out to pasture?
Finally, the book is about friendship. in this case the one that bloomed between Ron Guidry and Yogi Berra when Yogi returned. they knew each other before but somehow they came to be best friends. A generation apart but sharing values on life and respect for the game. their unique give and take and good-natured ribbing is the stuff locker rooms and relationships are made of. We recognize the importance of creating these opportunities for connection at one of the corporate universities I support. the meals are as important as the content as they allow people to connect and build those cross company relationships that provide cohesion and strength for the company. I always enjoy seeing classmates sitting together at larger corporate meetings years later as I know they have been in touch and are connecting.
The book gave me alot more than I was looking for or expecting. I guess alot like Yogi. Grace, Committment, Mentoring, Excellence, Generational Dynamics, Tradition, Winning and Friendship. Not bad for a “light” read.
This entry was posted on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 7:38 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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Categories: News and Events Tags: baseball, yankee stadium
How Washington DC was Chosen as Capital of the United States
The War of Independence had left the fledgling America free, but in turmoil. There was as yet no President and the country was a loose conglomeration of more or less independent states. Many soldiers who had fought in the war had yet to be paid for it and there was no official center of government to pay them. Philadelphia’s Old City Hall was the only place the where the leaders of the revolution routinely met and in 1783 they decided it was time to designate a new national capital.
While most people agreed on the need for a national capital nobody could agree on just where it should be. People who lived in the northern states favored either New York City, Philadelphia or Germantown which is now part of Philadelphia. People who lived in the southern states were unsure about a central government, especially one with a capital city located in the north. For a time Germantown was actually designated as the new national capital but when no action was taken the debate lingered on for years. when George Washington was elected President of the United States in 1789 he was president of a country that had yet to agree on the location of its capitol city
The entire issue was further complicated when Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton proposed that all the state debts incurred while fighting the War for Independence should be assumed by the federal government. To the people of the northern states this sounded like a great idea since their sates owed quite a bit more than the southern states. But the people of the southern states felt this might give the federal government too much power and there was even talk among some southern states about secession from the union. a vote was taken in the Continental Congress and the proposal lost by a margin of just two votes and it was a bitter defeat that left everybody unsatisfied and searching for answers.
Determined to see things through Hamilton sought out James Madison and Thomas Jefferson and asked to talk to them about the problems their country was facing. Jefferson graciously invited Hamilton and Madison to dinner at his home and the men sat down to see if they could solve their differences on the issues of their day. At this meeting Hamilton suggested that the nations capital stay in Philadelphia for the next ten years and then be moved to a site on the Potomac River near Georgetown as this would be more acceptable to the southern states. In exchange for this he asked Jefferson and Madison to convince two friends to reverse their votes on his proposal. Jefferson and Madison agreed to this and even President Washington was pleased with the plan to place the nations capital on the Potomac River.
And so it was that on July 16, 1790 an act of Congress was passed that established the location of Americas capital city at a place first known to the Native Americans as Conococheague or Conongocheague which is the name of a stream at the sites northern boundary. the capital city was, of course, named after President Washington and the act also gave President Washington the power to define the exact boundaries of the site with an area not to exceed ten square miles. President Washington wisely enlisted the services of French born architect and engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant to survey and plan the city. the D C stands for District of Colombia and is in recognition of Christopher Columbus. Washington D C is now one of the worlds great national capitals and will always stand for freedom and democracy.
How Washington DC was Chosen as Capital of the United States
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Categories: News and Events Tags: central government, fledgling, southern states
Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea: Fresh Cut Flower of the Month Club
Lake Forest, CA (PRWEB) May 11, 2012
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, accompanied by the panic of sons, daughters and husbands as they struggle to find a gift that says “I love you” in just the right way. With monthly flower delivery from the Fresh cut Flower of the Month Club, appreciative offspring and adoring husbands need look no further.
Every woman enjoys a touch of beauty to enhance her surroundings. With a new delivery of exquisite seasonal blooms and complimentary greenery each month, mothers can enjoy the essence of spring all year long. Selections of Hawaiian “Pink Ice” Proteas, Costa Rican Red Torch Parakeet Heliconias, or La Reve Oriental Lilies are sure to make a lasting impact on any woman with a discerning eye for beauty.
Expert floral consultants determine the ideal arrangement for each monthly flower delivery. Only the highest quality blooms are selected, ensuring long vase life and durability during shipping. Unbeatable beauty, fragrance and variety elevate this flower club to a class above the rest.
The Fresh cut Flower of the Month Club receives blooms within one day of cutting, which is much sooner than local florist shops. all bouquets are packaged that same day and shipped Next Day Express in specially designed, insulated boxes. because the buds are cut before they bloom, each bouquet will reach its peak of beauty within two or three days of receipt. When treated with the accompanying flower food, these selections will have a much longer life span than that of an ordinary arrangement.
As an added bonus, every mother will receive the absorbing and illuminating newsletter that accompanies each month’s beautiful blooms. In it, she will discover the manner in which each blossom is cultivated as well as suggestions for arranging and extending the life of the bouquet. Details about the flowers’ origins and associated legends make the newsletter a delightfully informative read.
Gift memberships are only $28.95 plus shipping. choose for Mom to receive her blooms anywhere from two to twelve months, and select monthly payments or one installment. Mom will revel in her family’s adoration each time she receives her hand-selected exotic bouquet.
As one of six C&H Gift of the Month Clubs, the flowers can be paired or alternated with boutique wines, gourmet cheeses and premium chocolates for Mother’s Day and holidays all year round. The premium cigars and microbrew beers monthly clubs also make thoughtful Father’s Day gifts for the special men in our lives.
For more information about the Fresh cut Flower of the Month Club, visit http://www.FlowerMonthClub.com or call 800-625-8238.
Established in 1994, Fresh cut Flower of the Month Club is just one of the six monthly clubs owned and operated by C&H Clubs International. With almost two decades of delivering gourmet products right to their customer’s door steps, C&H has earned an A+ better Business Bureau rating and a loyal customer base.
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9498738.htm
Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea: Fresh Cut Flower of the Month Club
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Categories: News and Events Tags: day express, heliconias
Federal civil rights lawsuit filed against Arizona sheriff
PHOENIX — as defiant as ever, get-tough Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio faces a federal court showdown over charges that deputies on his trademark immigration patrols racially profiled Latinos in violation of civil rights law.
After months of negotiations failed to reach a settlement over the allegations, the U.S. Justice Department took the rare step Thursday of suing.
“We have invariably been able to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to build better departments and safer communities,” Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas Perez said.
Arpaio and his department “have been a glaring exception,” said Perez, who heads the civil rights division.
The main issue that caused talks to break down last month was federal officials’ insistence that Arpaio agree to a court-appointed monitor for the department. Arpaio objected, saying it would undermine his authority.
“I am not going to surrender my office to the federal government,” a visibly angry Arpaio said at an afternoon news conference. “I will fight this to the bitter end.”
The lawsuit means that a federal judge will decide the escalating, long-standing dispute.
The Justice Department, which had been investigating Arpaio on civil rights allegations for more than three years and faced a similar impasse earlier in the investigation, said it was left with no choice but to sue the sheriff to seek the court-appointed monitor it wants to oversee the law enforcement agency.
The DOJ had filed another lawsuit against Arpaio that alleged his office refused to fully cooperate with a request for records and access to jails and employees. It was settled last summer after the office complied.
The latest lawsuit comes as part of the DOJ’s effort to enforce a law passed after the verdict in the Rodney King police brutality case and the Los Angeles riots. It bans police from systematically violating constitutional rights.
Normally, settlements are filed in court as part of lawsuits that aren’t contested by the police agencies.
Since the law’s passage, federal officials said that only once before has the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against a police department with which they were unable to reach an agreement.
In 1999, they filed a lawsuit against Columbus, Ohio, police, but the two sides eventually settled, Perez said.
The DOJ first leveled the allegations against Arpaio in December, saying a culture of disregard for basic constitutional rights prevailed at his office, which covers the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Arpaio’s office is accused of punishing Hispanic jail inmates for speaking Spanish and launching some patrols based on complaints that never reported a crime but conveyed concerns about dark-skinned people congregating or speaking Spanish.
The DOJ has been trying to require Arpaio’s office to train officers in how to make constitutional traffic stops, collect data on people arrested in traffic stops and assure Latinos that the department is there to protect them.
One of the examples cited in the lawsuit was a Latino woman who is a U.S. citizen and was five months pregnant when she was stopped as she pulled into her driveway.
When the woman refused to sit on the hood of a car as the officer insisted, the deputy pulled her arms behind her back, slammed her stomach-first into the vehicle three times and dragged her to his patrol car, the lawsuit said.
He shoved her into the back seat and made her wait about 30 minutes without air conditioning.
Eventually, the woman was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance, but the matter was resolved when she gave such proof to a court, the lawsuit said.
Among the other allegations was that sheriff’s supervisors used county accounts to send emails that demeaned Latinos, such as one that had a photo of a mock driver’s license for a fictional state called “Mexifornia.”
The lawsuit also said Arpaio and his office filed criminal cases and lawsuits against critics. “Nobody is above the law, and nobody can misuse the legal process to silence those with different opinions,” Perez said.
The lawsuit mentioned hundreds of sex-crime cases that Arpaio’s office either failed to adequately investigate or didn’t investigate at all over a three-year period ending in 2007. the sheriff’s office said the backlog was cleared up after the problem was brought to Arpaio’s attention.
“Faced with such an increase in crime and the risk of harm presented by unaddressed sexual assaults, a law enforcement agency ordinarily would be expected to prioritize more serious offenses, such as crimes of sexual violence, over less serious offenses, such as low-level immigration offenses,” the lawsuit said.
Arpaio said the Obama administration brought the lawsuit as a way to court Latino voters in a presidential election year. “They want to send a message that they are taking on the sheriff,” Arpaio said.
Justice Department officials said its investigation of Arpaio’s office took longer than they wanted because Arpaio refused to provide records and access to his jails for 18 months.
The sheriff has demanded that the Justice Department provide facts to prove its allegations. Federal officials have said a 22-page letter sent to Arpaio in December provided those details.
Arpaio is a national political fixture who built his reputation on jailing inmates in tents and dressing them in pink underwear, selling himself to voters as unceasingly tough on crime.
Along the way, he aggressively pushed for a stronger role for local police to enforce immigration law, launching 20 patrols looking for illegal immigrants since January 2008.
During the patrols, deputies flood an area of a city — in some cases, heavily Latino areas — over several days to seek out traffic violators and arrest other suspected offenders. Over the last three years, he raided 58 businesses suspected of breaking a state law by knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.
Lydia Guzman, leader of the civil rights group Respect-Respeto, said the federal lawsuit will go a long way toward convincing the public that Arpaio is abusing his power.
“The reason he has been digging in his heels is because he doesn’t want this to come out,” she said. “Once we’re in trial and it all comes out, it will be an opportunity for all of this to be exposed. the voters will see it.”
Federal civil rights lawsuit filed against Arizona sheriff
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Categories: News and Events Tags: allegations, insistence, justice department, rare step, sheriff joe arpaio
