Sejarah Awal BINA-HIKMAH dan Cawangan2nya

Bagi mereka yang belum tahu atau sudah lupa sejarah pertubuhan yang bernama HIKMAH ada baiknya kita mengingat kembali beberapa perkara pokok tentang pertubuhan kita.

Nama asal pertubuhan ini adalah Angkatan Nahdatul Islam Bersatu. Di kalangan penduduk Islam negeri Sarawak ia lebih terkenal dengan akronym atau nama ringkasnya BINA. Ditubuhkan pada 3hb Mei 1968 pertubuhan ini telah didaftarkan secara rasminya pada tanggal 3 April 1969.

Pada peringkat awal sejarahnya BINA mula aktif di Kuching melalui BINA Cawangan Kuching. Seterunya BINA telah berkembang sehingga memiliki 30 Cawangan di seluruh negeri Sarawak dan Semenanjung termasuk: (i) Cawangan Kuching;(ii) Cawangan Simanggang (Sri Aman); (iii) Cawangan Kelaka; (iv) Cawangan Sibu; (v) Cawangan Miri; (vi) Cawangan Simunjan; (vii) Cawangan Sarikei; (viii) Cawangan Lawas; (ix) Cawangan Limbang; (x) Cawangan Bintangor; (xi) Cawangan Bintulu; (xii) Cawangan Lundu; (xiii) Mukah; (xiv) Maktab Perguruan Rejang dan BINA Cawangan Universiti Malaya.

Antara pencapaian utama BINA pada peringkat awal sejarahnya ialah pengislaman Tuan Yang Terutama Yang DiPertua Negeri Sarawak , Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Mohd Salahuddin dan keluarganya. Daripada 30 cawangan yang telah ditubuhkan ada beberapa buah Cawangan atau bahagian yang masih aktif atau separa-aktif. Kita harap menjelang Ulang Tahun 40 BINA-HIKMAH yang akan datang ada kesedaran baru di kalangan anak2 Islam Sarawak untuk menyertai semula pertubuhan Islam negeri yang telah banyak berjasa kepada anggota masyarakat Islam di negeri kita dengan cara mendaftar dan turut serta dalam kegiatan2 yang akan diadakan oleh HIKMAH PUSAT maupun Bahagian dan Cawangannya.

Oleh

Dr A. H. Awang Mois

Miri, Sarawak 9 Mei 2009

Apa Yang Telah Tersiar Mengenai Selsema Khinzir (Swine Flu)

Swine Flu: Your Questions Answered

Almost 90 years ago, the Spanish influenza killed tens of millions of people worldwide (estimates range from 20 to 100 million). Well, a lot has changed in medicine since 1918, but one thing remains the same—when a new strain of virus, as this current swine flu is, spreads from human to human, as this one has, it can quickly escalate from isolated outbreak to epidemic or worse, a pandemic.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alert level for this flu to Phase 5, "a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent." But as Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO added, “On the positive side, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history.”

In the U.S., there have been 109 reported cases with one confirmed fatality. "The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S.," warned a statement issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks."

The experts are still gathering information about this strain of flu. But here are the basics about the swine flu, what it is, how it is spread, along with preventative measures we can all take to reduce the risk of catching this--or any other--virus. We will keep you up to date as the news develops.

What is swine flu?

It's a respiratory disease caused by type A (H1N1) influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People don't normally get swine flu, but, as evidenced in this latest epidemic, human infections can and do happen.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

Yes, and it can spread from human to human. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not yet know how easily the virus spreads between people.

Are swine flu and seasonal flu the same the same or different?

The symptoms of swine flu cases in the United States to date have been similar to routine seasonal flu; they include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle pain and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions The incubation period is still unknown, but is likely similar to seasonal flu (1-7 days). Patients with swine flu are considered infectious for seven (7) days following the onset of symptoms.

How does swine flu spread?

It's believed that the swine flu virus is spreading in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. That is, mainly by an infected person coughing or sneezing. Individuals may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.


What should I do to keep from getting any kind of flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza®). Both are prescription drugs for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine flu viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with the swine flu virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven (7) days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

The virus can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two (2) hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand-washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:• 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 hand cleaners are also effective. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • If you get sick with the flu, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine flu cases have been identified and become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your doctor. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious and some new deaths have been reported.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. The swine flu viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

I need to travel; what should I do?

At this time, the CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico, the epicenter of the swine flu. If you are planning travel to countries or states impacted by the swine flu, the following recommendations will help you to reduce your risk of infection and stay healthy:

• Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccine if available.
• Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting.
• During your visit to an area affected by swine flu monitor the local situation.
• Pay attention to announcements from the local government.
• Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
• Practice healthy habits to help stop the spread of influenza, i.e., wash your hands often with soap and water. This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading. • Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Follow all local health recommendations. For example, you may be asked to put on a surgical mask to protect others.

• Seek medical care if you feel sick.

• If you become sick with a fever plus a cough and sore throat or have trouble breathing, seek medical care right away. Tell the doctor if you have had contact with a sick person or farm animals while traveling.

• Antiviral Medications: You may want to ask your doctor for prescription antiviral medications to take on your trip as a precaution since the seasonal influenza vaccine is not expected to protect against infection with swine flu viruses. The CDC recommends two prescription influenza antiviral drugs to treat and/or prevent swine flu. The drugs are oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza®). Both are prescription drugs that fight against swine flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. These drugs can prevent infection if taken as a preventative. If you get sick, they can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems from developing. For treatment, the drugs work best if started within two (2) days of getting sick. Talk to your doctor about correct indications for treatment or prevention. Always seek medical care if you are severely ill.

• You should avoid further travel until you are free of symptoms, unless traveling locally for medical care.

• After you return from your trip: Pay close attention to your health for ten days. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing during this 10-day period, see a doctor. When you make the appointment, tell the doctor your symptoms, where you traveled, and if you have had close contact with a sick person or farm animals. This way, he or she can be aware that you have traveled to an area reporting swine Influenza.
• Do not travel when you are sick, unless it is to get medical care. By limiting contact with others as much as possible, you can help prevent the spread of an infectious illness.
Adapted from materials by the CDC.

Source and courtesy Thirdage.com