MRSA - Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus(MRSA), one of the most common forms of skin infections, was first discovered in 1961 in the United Kingdom.  It appeared in the US in 1981 being prevalent among intravenous drug users.  Since then some strains of the bacterium have become resistant to broad-spectrum antibiotics such as methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin and other antibiotics that were once used to destroy it.  It is a very tough strain of staph that is constantly adapting and is often referred to as a "super bug."  It can be fatal. 

 

Staph bacteria is carried in the noses of 25-30% of humans (about 1/3 of the population).  About 1% of the population colonize the staph without becoming infected themselves.  The staph is a common bacteria naturally carried on our bodies.  It can infect any  part of the body often in the form of pimples, boils or abcesses which can require incision and drainage. It can infect surgical wounds, the lungs, the bloodstream or even the urinary tract. 

 

MRSA is common in hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and health care centers, and even in tattoo parlors as this is where invasive devices such as needles, catheters or implanted feeding tubes are used and it often attacks the weak immune system through the openings.  The existence of staph infections being caused by MRSA in hospitals in the US is reported as 60%. 

 

It is spread through contact with a person or objects that have the bacterium on them.  The rate of infection is rising worldwide. There are now reports of what is called CA-MRSA (Community Associated MRSA) which tells of the existence of the staph infection in those who were never in the hospital.  In 2007, 14% of people with MRSA actually had CA-MRSA.  It is now community based and reports show that it is affecting younger people. 

 

CA-MRSA (Community Associated) spreads more rapidly than HA-MRSA (Healthcare Assocaited) and causes more severe illnesses which can affect vital organs.  This can lead to sepsis (widespread infection), toxic-shock syndrome, or necrotizing (flesh-eating) pneumonia.   

 

The MRSA can be caught by skin-to-skin contact, or in close quarters shared by athletes, military or those who are imprisoned.  It is also appearing in daycare centers.  Poor hygiene can also play a role in getting the infection. 

 

Washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water or using a hand sanitizer which is alcohol based can prevent the staph.  It is also important to cover cuts and scrapes with clean bandages to keep them clean, help healing and prevent spreading of bacteria.  Never touch another person's wounds or bandages.  Do not share any personal items such as a razor, fingernail clippers, or towels.  Be safe and wash down any type of gym equipment that you may use.  Clothing should be washed in hot water with bleach.  Always put towels and clothing into a hot dryer instead of air drying as this helps kill bacteria. 

 

The leading causes of the antibiotic resistance include the unnecessary use of antibiotics for simple bacterial infections that can clear on their own, or antibiotics that are prescribed for viral infections that do not respond to the drugs;  antibiotics that have found their way into our food and water and also found in livestock; and germ-mutation is another cause since the antibiotics that are correctly used can leave behind germs that are not destroyed and will develop a resistance to the drugs.  Since the germs mutate quicker than new drugs can be developed, this leaves only a handful of effective drugs which can be used to treat staph. 

 

 

Is it Little Caylee?

Six months have passed since the mysterious disappearance of little three year old Caylee Anthony.  Her mother, Casey Anthony, failed to report the tot missing in June.  Little Caylee's disappearance was not disclosed by Casey until a month later after being questioned by her own mother, Cindy.  But now that the skeletal remains of a child have been found near the home of Cindy and George Anthony (grandparents of Caylee) it may shed some light on just what happened to the little one.  The search for evidence is continuing.

 

On December 11, 2008 the skull of a child was found by a water utility worker in a wooded area about fifteen houses away from the Anderson home in Orange County, Florida. He accidentally came across a black plastic garbage bag while relieving himself in the woods, and moved it around only to have a child's skull roll out.  The size of the skull and the hair color match that of Caylee Anthony.  He immediately called 911 to report the finding.

 

The area had been under water due to a hurricane and could not be searched before now.  The plastic garbage bag in which the remains were found also contained other evidence not yet disclosed.  The skull had been wrapped in cloth (possibly a pillow case or part of a sheet) and there was also duct tape around the mouth of the skull.  The duct tape has hair still attached as well as some flesh.  The material has been linked to the Anthony home and the duct tape could also be from the home.  Clothing was also found inside the garbage bag which could possibly link to the Anthony home.  The FBI searched the home and brought out bags of evidence which included a pillow, vacuum cleaner, pool chemicals and pesticides.  This brings even more suspicion onto Casey as having killed her own innocent little two year old daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony. 

 

Today it was reported that dozens of bones were located in the area over the weekend and are being sent to forensic experts for analysis. Conclusive DNA results could take more than a week.  This indicates even more so that this indeed could be little Caylee.  Since there are no reports of other children missing in the area, chances are that this could lead to the identity being that of Caylee Anthony.

 

Casey Anthony was charged for murder of Caylee on October 14, 2008 and is awaiting trial in March 2009.  She is being held without bond and has pleaded not guilty. 

 

When Casey was told that the skull had been found and could possibly be Caylee, she became upset and asked for a sedative.  No more has been reported of her reaction to the news.  Casey's devastated family is continuing to support her and have requested that their privacy be respected at this time.  They will not be making any more statements or making any more appearances in the future. 

 

The Maji

The three wise men from the East who followed a star to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn king, Jesus, were actually from a sect of  priests of the Zarathustra religion who were extremely accurate astrologers.  They were referred to as The Maji in those times. 

 

Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days when Herod was ruler.  His birth had been prophesized in the gospel of Matthew:  "Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interperted is God with us." (Matthew 1:22-23)

 

Caspar was Semitic and was the oldest of the group.  Melchior was from Europe and was middle-aged.  Balthasar was from Africa and was the youngest of the Maji who traveled together on the journey to Bethlehem. 

 

The studies of astrology indicate that the three belt stars of Orion (the three kings) point to the star of the East (Sirius) which rises at the same point as the sun.  The alignment represents the (re)birth of the sun (Son, God).  This has been accepted as the foundation for this story in many ancient religions.

 

Jesus was around two years old when the wise men arrived.  They went bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  The gift of gold (currency of royalty) symbolizes royalty, virtue, value, kingship on earth, immortality and purity. Frankincense (incense) symbolizes deity, priesthood and prayer. It was also used as a perfume.  Myrrh (aromatic gum resin) represents humanity, and was used as an annointing and embalming oil, also believed to strengthen children.  It also symbolizes death and suffering. 

 

The wise men accidentally told Herod about Jesus when they were seeking Jesus' whereabouts.  Disturbed by the news, Herod ordered the slaughter of all male children (Massacre of the Innocents) that were two years old and younger because he felt his power was being threatened.  Herod had killed some of his own family when he felt threatened by them and was very feared.  

 

After visiting with Jesus the three kings of the Orient had a dream that revealed Herod's evil plan so, directed by a star, they traveled to Jerusalem to avoid him. 

 

Blessed Mother

"Rejoice, O highly favored daughter!  The Lord is with you.  Blessed are you among women."  When Mary saw the Angel Gabriel and heard these words she became highly troubled and filled with wonder at the same time.  It was probably frightening for her.

 

"Do not fear, Mary.  You have found favor with God."  You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name of Jesus.  Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father.  He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will be without end." 

 

Mary asked how this could happen since she was a virgin, and the Angel Gabriel answered:  "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence, the holy offspring to be born will be called Son of God."

 

Filled with grace she fully accepted the blessing of bearing Jesus when she said:  "I am the servant of the Lord.  Let it be done to me as you say." 

 

She watched intently as the Angel Gabriel left her.  She was overwhelmed with excitement and happiness.  She could not wait to share her news and quickly went to tell her cousin, Elizabeth. 

 

To say that she was filled with awe would not justly explain the whole mystery of her experience.  The graces she received and the love and happiness she felt are beyond the comprehension of anyone who has ever lived. 

 

The greatest gift of love was given to us through Mary on Christmas Day, the day baby Jesus was born.  We express our love by exchanging gifts and greetings at Christmas.  We take part in celebrating the goodness and graces of God by loving one another.   

 

Thank you, Mary, for saying yes.  You are the Mother of Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of Our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth. 

 

Transition of Somalia

Somalia, an area smaller than Texas, is indeed an impoverished and lawless country.  It has had its share of famines, poverty and anarchy.  Its economic condition and ungoverned people have brought about an opportunity for the growth of terrorism, power and greed.  

 

Somalia's anarchy over the years opened the eyes of opportunity for crime.  In 2006 the Islamist militia (SICC) began a battle with the rival Somalian warlords to establish control of Mogadishu.  Peace negotiations were unsuccessful. 

 

Somalia's neighbor, Ethiopia, considered this a threat to their national security since they have had clashes in the past with the Islamists and consequently, with the help of loyal Somalians, launched air strikes against them.  The Islamists fled and Ethiopian troops remained to assure stability and the establishment of a central functioning government.  That brought an end to Somalia's 15 years of anarchy.  The Ethiopian government announced it will withdraw its troops by the end of the year stating that the international community failed in supporting it. 

 

In 2007 the United States launched airstrikes in Somalia on retreating Islamists (believed to include three members of al-Quaeda) and were accused by Muslim countries of having killed Somali citizens.  The insurgents continue to fight against the transitional government of Somalia.  The battle has brought about a humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands flee Mogadishu to safety. 

 

Negotiations were tenuous between The Alliance for Reliberation of Somalia and the transitional government. They agreed that the Ethiopian troops be replaced by UN troops. Is it likely that the United Nations can assemble a force that will be able to handle the situation there when the Ethiopian troops are removed? 

 

The capture of the Saudi supertanker, Sirius Star, by the Somali pirates now sheds a new light on the situation as they hold Muslim property and that is considered to be a really big crime by the Muslims.  It is the largest hijacking in maritime history.  The Somali pirates have been threatened and told to return the supertanker unconditionally or face an armed conflict. 

 

 

 

It is also probable that the pirates are involved with the warlords who form part of the transitional government thereby complicating the task of combating the Somali pirates. 

 

NATO and allied navy warships have been escorting vessels to avoid piracy, but the waterways are too vast to properly control and it has become very costly.  And what is to become of the hostage crew members whose lives are in danger and their families who wait for their release? 

 

The piracy will likely continue until the political and economical incentives for it outweigh the gains.

Heart to Heart Needing a Miracle Sharing Hearts Witnesses to Miracles