by Dr. Lynn Bowers

"What if . . . "

They are words that bring drastically different reactions, depending on how they are used. To the dreamer, the optimist and the conscientious, they are words of opportunity. For those who prefer doom and gloom and are pessimistic about life, they can be scary words indeed.

Here at Henry County Hospital, those two little words have generated some big discussion recently. Doctors, clergy, and a number of other professionals have been asking themselves, "What if pandemic flu hit east central Indiana?"

I believe we have every reason to be positive about the answer to that question. For the past several months, many concerned citizens of Henry County have gathered to prepare for the worst.

In that spirit, pandemic discussions continue to take place in Henry County. Not because we think it''s going to happen this week, this month or next year. No one can predict when it might happen.

But if and when it does happen, I believe we can be optimistic that Henry County will be ready. Thanks to cooperation with the Courier-Times and other local media, this will be the first in a series of articles discussing pandemic flu, the ramifications it holds for our area, and how Henry County is preparing for it.

Teresa Thacker, Henry County Hospital's Infection Control Coordinator, joined me along with HCH Safety Director Chuck Butler in attending emergency preparedness meetings on pandemic flu on three occasions last year. We will join others in attending more meetings in 2008.

As one who has been a practicing physician for more than two decades, I can tell you with absolute certainty that prevention is the best kind of medicine. I believe it''s as true for a community trying to protect itself as it is for the mom who immunizes her children, the teen who decides not to start smoking or the dad who exercises regularly.

The Associated Press reported recently that the United States as a whole remains unprepared for a disaster like a flu pandemic. The report said many states still lack a stockpile of drugs, masks, gloves and other equipment needed. Overall preparedness is "spotty," according to the report.

But there are things we know right now - things you can do on your own - that can help us if and when pandemic flu arrives in Henry County.

It''s hard to imagine that something as big as pandemic flu - defined as a global disease outbreak caused by a new virus for which there is little or no immunity - can be staved off by something so simple as hand washing. But it''s true. Step one in protecting ourselves is simply washing our hands frequently and thoroughly. If you only remember one thing from this article, this would be the most important thing you could do. Wash your hands.

So much of what we need to do is common sense. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, don''t spread your germs by going ahead to work or school. Stay home. When you sneeze, aim it into your shoulder or a tissue. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, because those are gateways for germs to enter your body.

What if hundreds - or even thousands - of Henry County residents did these simple things? Wouldn''t we all be healthier? And what if after reading this article, you and other readers passed these tips along to your friends and neighbors? Think of the difference that could be made.

The truth is we probably can''t stop a pandemic from arriving in Henry County. Pandemics occurred three times in the last century - 1918-19; 1957-58; and 1968-69. Many scientists believe it''s just a matter of time before it happens again.

We live in such a small world - one even smaller today than it was when the last pandemic hit. Travel from one side of the globe to the other is not unusual. Even in Henry County, we have industries which market their products overseas.

But the optimist doesn''t worry about what he can''t do. He concentrates on what can be done. Let''s be optimistic. This is an opportunity for all Henry County residents to improve their health, not a reason to fret about things we have little control over.

So as you work on the tips shared in this article, we''ll continue meeting, planning and preparing the best we can to face whatever might come our way. I promise with the local media''s help, we''ll keep you informed. Look for quarterly articles from our community team this year. We''ll discuss the history of pandemic outbreaks, what local government agencies are doing to prepare themselves and take a closer look at what Henry County Hospital is doing to get ready as well.

I truly believe this kind of communication just might be the "shot in the arm" Henry County needs to be a healthier place for us all.