Mexico is urging citizens to stay home for five days and shutting down nonessential government services in hopes of containing the swine flu outbreak, which the World Health Organization warns is on the brink of becoming a global epidemic.

A 23-month-old toddler died in Texas from the swine flu virus as authorities in the United States and around the world struggled to contain a growing global health menace that has also swept Germany onto the roster of afflicted nations.

The swine flu epidemic crossed new borders today with the first cases confirmed in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, as the number of deaths in Mexico blamed on the virus surpassed 150.

Governments are racing to find and contain pockets of swine flu around the globe, seeking to stem both the threat of a pandemic and public panic.

Doctors once told JoAnne Zoller Wagner that she had Type 2 diabetes. Two years later, the 55-year-old woman has slimmed down. She exercises regularly and her blood sugar levels are back in the healthy, normal range. Thanks to her success, she was able to avoid diabetes medication. An American Diabetes Association task force this summer will focus on patients like Wagner and whether they can be considered “cured.”

U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water, contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.
 

AP animation shows how pharmaceuticals end up in our drinking water (turn up sound)

A group of health-related and government agencies challenged the Rockford area today to take more responsibility for its health.

With its slim, white body and glowing amber tip, it can easily pass as a regular cigarette. It even emits what look like curlicues of white smoke. The Ruyan V8, which produces a nicotine-infused mist absorbed directly into the lungs, is just one of a rapidly growing array of electronic cigarettes attracting attention in China, the U.S. and elsewhere, and the scrutiny of world health officials.

Out: Pricey club memberships. In: DVDs. Out: Hour-long workouts. In: Half-hour. Out: Boring routines. In: The Wii. 2009 is all about budget-friendly, time-efficient and fun workouts, according to fitness experts.

The parents of Cassie Merrill first noticed something was wrong with their daughter at a young age. Diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, Cassie, now 7, eventually grew strong enough to walk alone with the help of braces, physical therapy and periodic Botox injections to ease her rigid muscles. But a surgery now offered in central Illinois is providing some welcomed treatment for Cassie and other young patients living with the ailment.

Chaz Gregory was born with mild paralysis of his right side, but his parents never allowed him to say he couldn't do something because of his disability.

The Victory Lap Brunch sponsored by Rockford Woman magazine was held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at Cliffbreakers following the 2008 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

SwedishAmerican Hospital earned national recognition today for its cardiac surgery program. The hospital received the 2009 Clinical Excellence Award for Cardiac Surgery from HealthGrades, a Colorado-based organization that rates more than 5,000 hospitals as well as rates physicians and nursing homes.

Myrna Friedman began painting when she was 50 and hasn’t looked back. Now 75, she has a one-woman show at a Massachusetts studio.

The orthopedic and surgery unit at Rockford Memorial Hospital has a permanent home now, thanks in part to local philanthropist Cedric Blazer.