The Coronavirus: Preventing and Preparing for Pandemics

Pandemic Flu Preparedness: What You Need to Know

The recent outbreak of “H1N1 swine flu” in Mexico that quickly spread to the United States and to every continent around the world underscores the urgency of pandemic flu preparedness. Since 1997, medical experts have been warning that international travel, a weakened public health system, and antiquated vaccine production methods have made the prospect of an influenza pandemic a matter of when, not if.

In recent years, the “bird flu”–H5N1 strain of the influenza virus currently circulating in many countries has worried public health officials about its potential to develop into a deadly human virus. Already, the virus has “killed more birds than any in the history of the world,” humans do not have immunity, and unlike seasonal flu, strikes younger victims. However, it was a novel strain of flu –H1N1 or “the swine flu” that emerged in Mexico– that became the next human pandemic– infecting millions of people and resulting in thousands of deaths around the world. Although not as lethal as initially feared, it remains a possible threat to the health of people globally. One of the lessons learned from its emergence and spread and from other events like Hurricane Katrina is that the United States is not adequately prepared to deal with public health crises including severe natural disasters, bioterrorist attacks, or a possible pandemic flu.

This presentation discusses what is known about emerging disease threats such as H1N1 flu, what causes it to become a human pandemic, and what steps individuals, businesses, and the government can take to reduce risk as well as effectively respond to such challenges in the future.

Healing our Ailing Health Care System

The suite of healthcare concerns – soaring medical costs, uninsured citizens, the need to protect against and respond to a pandemic flu, natural disasters, and possible bioterrorist threats, to emphasize preparedness and prevention, to strengthen health-related research, and to improve the delivery of and access to quality medical and public health services – are issues at the top of the new Administration’s agenda. These concerns also underscore why strong leadership in the White House and in the federal agencies on science, health, and technology is more important than ever. The US spends 2.6 trillion dollars on health care, twice as much as any other nation, yet ranks 49th on life expectancy and Americans get the right treatment only 55% of the time. This presentation will review provisions of the new health reform legislation and its strategies to ensure equity, efficiency and effectiveness in the US health care system. A prescription will also be provided for how to put “health” back into the health care system, suggesting some innovative health solutions that can be implemented to enhance economic prosperity, national security, and global health.

Winning the War Against Cancer: A Progress Report

Revolutionary scientific advances have sparked transformations in our understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer,. In the 21st century, we now stand on the verge of even greater discoveries. Knowledge about cancer has been dramatically expanded, the stigma has been shattered, and we now have an entire generation who call themselves cancer survivors. What breakthroughs will the next decade bring? Everyone in the world stands to benefit, as cancer does not respect state or national borders and is a global health concern with significant humanitarian, economic, and national security implications. This talk will explore these issues and will conclude with a prescription for some simple steps we all can take towards a healthier – cancer free – future.

Global Health Issues in the 21st Century: Opportunities and Challenges

This presentation addresses some of the critical health issues facing our country and world today. With international trade, travel, and telecommunications, the world is shrinking, causing increased threats for the spread of infectious and chronic diseases. Blumenthal discusses the double jeopardy of infectious and chronic diseases faced by nations, the impact of technology, and advances from research. The talk underscores the importance of preparedness and prevention as cornerstones to meeting and defeating emerging health threats, such as obesity, pandemic flu, cancer and diabetes, to ensure a healthier future for ourselves and our world.

Critical Women's Health Issues in the 21st Century

Today, the leading killer of women are chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes, and in the information age, health is very much a global issue. This presentation will address some of the critical health issues facing American women at the beginning of the 21st century. Women’s health across the life span will be discussed with important new cutting-edge information and the steps each one of us can take towards a healthier future.