Swine flu has made its way to the United States, with several dozen cases reported across the country.  The H1N1 virus has hit other countries much harder, particularly Mexico, where a number of deaths have been reported.  In fact, many of the cases here in the U.S. have some connection to Mexico, such as a group of students from a private school in New York who recently returned from a school trip there.

Photo courtesy of aka Kath

Swine flu is spread in similar fashion as other types of flu, but there are some things we can do to prevent, or at least slow, the spread.  Listed below are a few prevention tips from the CDC.gov website.

Swine Flu Prevention Tips

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Hopefully, the known cases of swine flu can be contained and the strain will not be able to spread.  The Department of Homeland Security has declared a public health emergency here in the United States, but it is important to recognize that at the current time, cases of swine flu infection seem to be fairly concentrated, and most have recent travel to Mexico in common.  Still, it is a good reminder that the daily hygiene habits listed above should be used daily to prevent the spread of germs in the event of a global swine flu epidemic.

“Britain’s Got Talent” is making a name for itself outside of Britain by showcasing the unlikeliest of stars.  Those familiar with the show remember Paul Potts signing his way into the mainstream, which surprised even Simon Cowell after his awkward presentation before the performance.  Now video of Susan Boyle’s performance is making a big splash around the world.  Both Paul Potts and Susan Boyle’s video on “Britain’s Got Talent” have made them a global sensation.

Susan Boyle was a bit different though.  She seems comfortable in her own skin, and though she isn’t flashy, she certainly inspired me with her attitude and her willingness to put herself out there. In less than two minutes her life has changed forever.

What Life Lessons Can We Learn from Susan Boyle?

Do not let your appearances keep you in the shadows
Far too many people waste incredible talent for fear of being ridiculed in some way by their appearance.  Maybe they are to fat, or too skinny, or too short, or too tall.  Maybe they have acne, or freckles, or funny looking hair.  Don’t let your insecurity of physical traits stand between you and your dreams.  Seek out your own “Britain’s Got Talent” performance and shine!

Carpe Diem - Seize the Day!
What they say is often true; opportunity only knocks once.  And if you aren’t ready to perform at your peak then you just might miss that opportunity.  Susan Boyle was ready. Paul Potts was ready.  Are you ready?

Smile, even when you are quaking in your boots
My mom used to tell me, “Never let them see you sweat.”  What she meant was always look confident even when you are terrified.  Susan Boyle sure looked confident when she belted out the tune “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables on “Britain’s Got Talent”.

Never, ever, ever give up!
We don’t know the entire back story about Susan Boyle yet, but we will.  However, I think it is safe to say over the years she has faced many challenges, many ups and downs, to get to this moment.  So what separates Susan Boyle from the others who came, and failed, before her?  She never gave up. She never lost sight of her dream.  Carry on, Susan!