9650 ROCKS! November 2008 issue

November 2008

The FASEB Community Newsletter

In this issue

• home
• community chatter
• society highlight
• commute this!
• business basics
• health & fitness
• personal interest
• money talk
• tech know
• november gems
• fun & games
• classifieds
• contact us

Web Links & Resources

• 9650 Rocks! archives
• FASEB intranet
• more links...

Community Chatter

Craft Fair & Bake Sale (more...)

In The Works (more...)

I See "New" People (more...)

Familiar Faces in New Places (more...)

Manna Food Drive (more...)

FASEB MARC Travel Awards Announced: ABRCMS 2008 Annual Meeting; ASHG 2008 Annual Meeting; AMP 2008 Annual Meeting; ROCKY '08 Meeting (more...)

Flu Shots: It's not too late to get yours

Good protection predicted for 2008 flu shots

flu shot Though October is the recommended month for flu shots, November and even December can provide protection. January is the peak month for influenza, but cases continue to appear as late as May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The 2008 formula protects against three new strains of the influenza virus. It includes the two Australian strains that showed up late last year and the type B virus first seen in Florida in 2006.

Each year, up to 35,000 Americans die from the flu and its complications. Getting a flu shot significantly reduces the risk of being infected.

Everyone who wants to avoid one to two weeks of misery should get a shot. Children under age 5 and adults with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or heart disease are at high risk for complications. Immunization is especially important for them and for people who work in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.

The flu shot usually causes no reaction. Some people experience tenderness at the injection site. A few report traces of flu-like symptoms for a day or two, but you can't get the flu from a flu shot.

NOTE TO FASEB & MEMBER SOCIETIES EMPLOYEES: FASEB will reimburse staff members up to $20 for the cost of the flu shot. Employees are reminded that if you receive your flu shot from your physician, you will only have to pay your regular co-pay; this is often cheaper than receiving the shot at the grocery store or pharmacy. Please take your receipt to the cashier’s office (room 4405). If you have any questions please contact Human Resources.

More Health & Fitness articles

Have You Heard?

Daylight-saving time ended on November 2

FALL BACK: Standard time resumed at 2 a.m. in each time zone on November 2, 2008. The first Sunday in November is set by the Uniform Time Act of 1966.

Halloween Door Decorating Contest 2008 Winner Announced!

Congratulations to APS for winning the Halloween Door Decorating Contest! The winning door was room E309-E344. Other doors that were entered in the contest included rooms 4106, 4111 and 5205. Thanks to all who participated!

Business Basics

Hassled and harried?
Get more done with this good advice

Facing a day's work or one big project can be daunting. With so much to accomplish in a limited time, the early plan is a vital starting point.

Making a list is a well-known strategy. It sounds simple, but deciding what to include can be tricky.

The all-day list shows tasks, large and small, that you want to accomplish that day. Numbering them in the order of importance or when you will do them can help. It's OK to include small tasks. You won't forget to do one, and crossing them off makes you realize that you're moving forward.

The project list is different. It helps you think on paper. Adviser Brian Tracy says working from a detailed list keeps you on track. The visual record of accomplishment and constantly referring to it can increase your productivity by 25 percent or more. Be disciplined in your approach, he cautions.

For a project, Tracy says you should regularly ask yourself these questions:

What am I trying to do? Clearly define the goal and outcome. If you are working with others, make sure everyone knows the desired results.
What are my assumptions? Alec McKinzie, author or The Time Trap says, "Errant assumptions lie at the root of most failures." What are your assumptions about the market, the actions of others, and the underlying motives of key players?
What if what you believe turns out to be not true? Always be willing to question your most cherished assumptions. Decide what you will have to do differently if your current approach fails.

A written plan of action, says Tracy, is the key to high productivity. Every minute you spend planning will save you as many as 10 minutes in execution.

Business Basics