"Remembering Israel & Hanukkah In America This Holiday Season" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

courtesy www.Chromaluna.com

Dear Ones:

     All people of 'good will' do, indeed', here in the USA, wish our Jewish friends all over the world a most wonderful Hanukkah 2011!!

     This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from Dec. 20-28 and we will remember the 'Festival of Lights' for the blessing and the miracle that it truly is!

G-d bless you, our Jewish brothers and sisters!

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealing Ministry.blogspot.com 

"Occupy Wall Street 'Christianophobic' To THE MAX" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 courtesy: www.TurnBackTo God.com

Dear Ones:
     It was inevitable, I suppose.  After weeks of alternately avoiding the subject and tons of obfuscation, the bastions of energized and often angry ones collectively known as the 'OCCUPY WALL STREET' crowd have come clean.
     They are finally freely admitting and publicly sharing their 'distaste' for any and all things 'Christian', a paradigm now apparently flouted, in this day and age, as a 'last acceptable prejudice'.
     I call this radical display 'CHRISTIANOPHOBIA'.
     We live in an 'era' of lexicon, especially on the Internet, where people just love their invectives and this seems to be the latest.
     Christians make good targets, of course.  Attacking 'real' Christians is safe, because you just KNOW they are going to have to forgive you, right?
     In fact, when I was a uniform-wearing member of The Salvation Army, there were times when a few particularly not-so-passive-but-very aggressive 'donor's would play a game wherein they would 'see how long they could taunt the lady (myself) in the uniform'.
     Me being me, this was not much of a challenge, save for the fact that I wondered how those so generous with their goods and money could be so very spare with kindness and decency.
     If nothing else, the experience left me with a resilience I didn't know I had (thank you God in Christ for Your Holy Spirit).
     And it leaves me 'better able' to tolerate the blatant 'Christianophobia' manifested by so many in the OCCUPY WALL STREET movement.
     But is this any way for the OCCUPIERS to gain 'sympathy' and 'support' for the OCCUPY movement?  I don't think so.
     Marginalizing and even 'bashing' Christians may be fine 'sport' for the 'young uns' in OWS camps across the nation and around the globe, but really....Is this any way to recruit anyone?
     Heaven knows, I have never believed a person would want to 'follow' a religion that turns rapidly 'punitive' should the new 'supplicant' prove either unable or unwilling to follow the dictates of a particular religious leader or 'church'.
     In fact, I am no FAN of organized religion, at all, and prefer to follow the dictates of my Lord Jesus, with the understanding that we all fall short, one way or another.
     You'll not hear me preaching in the 'holier than thou' mode, for the most part.  I always remember that not only was I 'bought at a price', but that for the first 37 years of my life I was a proud atheist/agnostic, myself.
     However, unlike the OWS OCCUPIERS, I felt no need then, during my 'Godless years' to disparage any religions, being perfectly satisfied with a 'live and let live' philosophy.
     Then I read here LINK: http://occupywallst.org/forum/occupy-christianity/  of a major resurgence of anti-Christian sentiment, coupled with not a small degree of 'ageism' by a group of young people who don't realize the folly of their own prejudices.
     Maybe 'older age' makes me philosophical and pliable enough to weather things and I may feel no need to 'do' anything, save making  this 'simple declaration'.
     So to this, I say that the OWS attitude towards us as Christians is 'CHRISTIANOPHOBIC TO THE MAX' and I do pray that everyone involved realizes it---
FOR ALL OUR SAKES.
With Love in Christ
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"It's Been Ten Years: Connecticut Conservatives Remember Sept. 11, 2001" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

courtesy http://www.leatherneck.com/dougkidd/  Doug Kidd

America and her true allies remember this day, September 11, 2001. 

     It is NOT a day for 'burning anything'. 

     It is NOT a day for complaining about petty things or for making arguments in favor of foreigners here who 'may or may not be' terrorists themselves.

     This is NOT a day for 'politicking' or campaigning.

     This is a day to uplift the United States of America.

     This IS a day for the real victims of September 11 and their families and friends. 

     This IS a day for the first-responders, those emergency crews who prove that God is present on earth. 

     This IS a day to honor the response, rescue and resolve of the 'good guys' of ALL nations and colors, races, religions and creeds and to uplift them. 

      This IS a day of  SHAME and DISGRACE for those who HATE the goodness of America and of the FREE WORLD.

     On September 11, 2001, we witnessed the 'winnowing of wheat from the chaff'.  TEN YEARS LATER, this winnowing continues.

     We witness God's Hand at work on earth in a very real way when we honor those who have worked, suffered and died due to the selfish hatred of those who love evil.

     On this day, we consider the UTTER DISRESPECT and LACK OF SENSITIVITY of those who use this day to further their 'NON-PROFITS' & their 'BUILDING PROJECTS' that in no way uplift and support those who have suffered as a result of the events of September 11, 2001.

     We CONDEMN those who seek ANY 'self-profit' at the expense of the United States of America.  

     We utilize this prime opportunity to 'pray for and love our enemies'.  

     May God grant Americans and others who cherish freedom the discernment to recognize HATRED for America and her allies in all it's incarnations.

     May God grant us the ability to recognize when religion is being used as a weapon and as a means of control.

     On this day of remembering September 11, 2001, we are a stronger, smarter, sharper and more fearless people determined to root out ALL that is a threat to our way of life and very existence.

      May God embolden even the WEAKEST among us to stand up to the intimidation of the terrorist mentality. 

     On this day, we soundly condemn those faceless cowards whose only intent is to wreck havoc upon God's people for their own gains. 

     Let this day serve as an example to the free world of our resolve.  

     And let those of us all over the world who are so inclined to PRAY RIGHT NOW for God's Blessing on this TENTH anniversary of September 11, 2001 and--

May God Bless America

AMEN

Reverend Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

courtesy http://www.leatherneck.com/dougkidd/

"CPO Brian Bill Funeral Today August 19, 2011-A Brave Navy SEAL Laid To Rest" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 CPO Brian Bill, US Navy SEAL

www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=289952&position=1&news_type=news/

Dear Ones:

     What can I say?  Today was an experience I will never forget as brave warrior CPO Brian Bill U.S. Navy SEAL was memorialized at St. Cecilia's in Stamford, CT.

     The turn-out of citizens from many states (I counted at least 8!) to honor our fallen hero and America was astounding!

     The 'sea' of flags held by veterans and others was an overwhelming sight, the likes of which I have never personally witnessed in Stamford.

     With a brilliant circle of flags encompassing the entire front property of St. Cecilia's...and a HUGE American Flag erected straight above courtesy of the Stamford Fire Dept. (smack dab in the middle) my breath was 'taken away'.

     It's hard to believe that  even amidst the tremendous grief of a funeral for one who was 'faithful-in-Christ'' and was the embodiment of the Navy tenets "Paratus Et Potens ("Ready and Able") and Semper Fortis ("Always Strong")...that one could have a 'positive moment' by reflecting upon the great patriotism displayed by ALL who attended CPO Brian Bill's 'Mass of Christian Burial'.

     But that is how our wonderful and powerful God works!

     Service members of the U.S. Navy subscribe to a most powerful and beautiful tenet, "Non Sibi, Sed Patriae ("Not for ourselves, but for our country").

     God bless them all for their dedication and service and great sacrifice!

     U.S Navy SEALs specifically say, "The only easy day was yesterday".

      And I say, "Thank God for them and for their protection of our beloved country!

     My regular readers know that I like to utilize my 'original graphics'...but due to security concerns, photography of the event was limited.

     "Rest" dear Brian.  And know that there are many who appreciate what you did while you were on earth here with us.

     Sincerest condolences to the Parrys and to Scott Bill and to Brian's brothers-in arms.  This is a trying and difficult time, but just know that we love you and are 'with you' at all times and in all ways..

     Thank you for giving America your wonderful son!

With Love in Christ

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com/

"What Must Jesus Be Thinking When He Looks At Our World Today?" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

courtesy www.turnbacktoGod.com

What must Jesus be thinking when he looks at our world, especially today May 2, 2011, the day Osama Bin Laden was killed?

courtesy  www.bluebell.webpage66.com

"Osama Bin Laden Death: Thank You Bush, Cheney, CIA & Gitmo" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 

UNITED WE STAND President George W. Bush Sept 11, 2001 

graphic courtesy Doug Kidd http://www.leatherneck.com/dougkidd/

 Dear Ones:

     People of good faith pray at all times and in all ways that God's Will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.

     Today May 2, 2011, Osama Bin Laden was killed and we pray that the world will be a better and safer place henceforth because of it.

     We are grateful to our United States Navy SEALS, USAF and all service members who supported this effort, and we thank them.

     We thank our US Army for 'boots on the ground' here and abroad, serving all Americans.

     And we thank our US Coast Guard and the Seabees for protecting all waters, domestic and foreign.

      President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney deserve our thank-yous for their efforts, as do all those in leadership positions during the last difficult decade in American history, including those of President Obama, if only recently.

      Finally, but not least, we thank our brave CIA and  United States Marine Corps for not only fighting in  Iraq and Afghanistan, but for also faithfully discharging their interminably thankless duties at GITMO.

      I know of many of the travails you suffered and still suffer from there in that God-forsaken tropical hell from irascible 'detainees' intent upon harming the free world.

graphic courtesy Doug Kidd http://www.leatherneck.com/dougkidd/     

     But you've 'hung in there'.  You've persevered despite calls from the world...and even from fellow Americans...to 'scrap Guantanamo'.

     Now it turns out that your efforts have reaped great intel which has been instrumental in bringing a global villain to justice.

     "OOH-RAH", is all I can say, for your sustained dedication to us over all these years.

    May you all those listed above be ever-strengthened and encouraged by the Lord, Himself, during these days and in the difficult ones to come.

God Bless Us All & God Bless America

('USARevBarb')
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

 

courtesy www.amazing-animations.com

 

"Biochemist Recommends: Always Request Glove Changes You're Entitled To During TSA Pat-Downs!" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

TSA Pat-Down

Dear Ones:
     Well, I searched for it and here is a link on the TSA website which states that you have every RIGHT to ask TSA Officers to change their gloves when they touch your person and your property.
"You have the right to ask a Security Officer to change her/his gloves during the physical inspection of your accessible property, before performing a physical search (pat-down,) or any time a Security Officer handles your footwear." 
LINK: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1567.shtm
     I have already discussed contamination and contagion possibilites at the hands of TSA agents
LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/11/tsa-luggage-searches-infective.html 
     Regular 'glove changes' are prudent for travelers and TSA Officers alike.
     The only caveat is that since the gloves only cover up to the wrist, it is important to realize that any 'exudates', weeping/oozing fluids, bacteria, viruses, protozoans and so forth entrapped on the sleeves and other uniform parts of the TSA Officers (and on their bare skin for those wearing short sleeves) STILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR YOU.
     Should any of the above contaminate you via the TSA Officer's clothes, you may be at risk, especially, should the contaminated uniform make contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, ears, broken skin, mucous membranes, 'rashy areas' and other 'areas'.
     Many microbes can live for an amazingly long time on so-called 'non-living surfaces' like clothing, pens, communication devices, clipboards, 'wands' and all the other items TSA Officers are likely to use when examining you.
     And the contamination potential can be even WORSE when the TSA Agent has bare arms which can carry not only fellow travelers' contamination, but his or her OWN population of bio-organisms, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, as well!

TSA Pat-Down

     DON'T BE SHY!  ASK FOR A GLOVE CHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
--before anyone handles and inspects your carry-ons
--after anyone handles your shoes and intends to continue
--after a TSA Officer touches their face/nose/mouth/ears/hair or anywhere else on their own body
--after anyone sneezes and/or coughs and/or has a runny nose and/or drools or 'splatters saliva while speaking' during your pat-down
--after a cast or brace is 'swabbed for explosives'.  It is virtually impossible to keep a cast or brace absolutely sterile and the swabbing procedure is essentially a 'microbe-collecting procedure' which will contaminate the TSA Officer's gloves no matter what he or she does.
--any time you feel uncomfortable with sanitation levels during your pat-down.
     Of course, these suggestions are as much for the benefit of the TSA Officers as they are for the traveling public.
     In an ideal world, TSA Officer's would be provided with new, clean disposable cover-ups and multiple sets of gloves for each and every passenger.
     If it were up to me, they would wear face masks, as well.
     But as it stands now, I suppose it will be necessary for some sort of airport and travel-related epidemic to break out before those safe-guards are in place.
     I've already written about 'Dominican Republic/Haitian Cholera' in New York City:
LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/02/dohmh-officials-confirm-3-cases-of.html 
And about the emergence of Dengue Fever in the United States:
LINK:  http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/08/dengue-fever-redux-socio-medical.html
     I also have a word or two for those with allergies.  Certainly, latex gloves themselves have a high allergenic potential for some people. 
     Please be sure to carry a note from your health care provider IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO LATEX and request the use of NON-LATEX GLOVES by any TSA Officers patting you down and touching your property.
     For those of you allergic to strong scents, be sure to request a 'glove change' whenever you suspect that a TSA Officer's gloves are contaminated with perfume or any other highly odoriferous substance.
      If the TSA Officer themselves has any overpowering odors themselves which are likely to aggravate your allergies, you may have to ask for a 'TSA Officer change', as well! 
    I imagine TSA Officers are counseled to not wear strong fragrance, etc and if not, they should be. 
     But in the course of the day, it is pretty likely that something or other from some one's Dopp kit will spill on a TSA Officer's clothing or work area, so you must be prepared to advocate for yourself if you or your loved ones have allergies. 
     I pray this information is of some help to you.  Please be sure to read all the 'tips' provided on the TSA Pat-Down Page entitled "Tips For The Screening Process":
LINK: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1567.shtm
     They're good ones as we attempt to 'cope' with the realities of modern air travel in an uncertain world.
God Bless You & Bon Voyage
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com
BarbaraKSexton@aol.com 

"Armed Gangs Free Muslim Militants In Egypt" By Reverend Barbara Sexton

Armed Gangs Free Muslim Militants in Egypt January 30, 2011  Associated Press

CAIRO -- Gangs of armed men attacked at least four jails across Egypt before dawn Sunday, helping to free hundreds of Muslim militants and thousands of other inmates as police vanished from the streets of Cairo and other cities.


The U.S. Embassy in Cairo told its citizens in Egypt to consider leaving the country as soon as possible, a display of Washington's escalating concern about the stability of its closest Arab ally.


The army sent hundreds more troops and armored vehicles onto the streets of Cairo and other cities but appeared to be taking little action against gangs of young men with guns and large sticks who were smashing cars and robbing people.


At least one Nile-side shopping mall in Cairo was on fire after being looted the previous day.
READ THE REST HERE:
http://www.military.com/news/article/armed-gangs-free-muslim-militants-in-egypt.html

Dear Lord:
Please keep all who love peace from harm. 
Please Bless and Keep Coptic Christians in Egypt who are persecuted every day by those intent on evil.
Please grant our USMC Your Mighty Strength & Power to Protect
And ever-remember your sons and daughters in Israel.
In Jesus's Name,
AMEN
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"MARINES IN EGYPT WILL SAVE THE DAY FOR MANY" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

http://www.leatherneck.com/dougkidd/index.html

THANK GOD FOR THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. 

WHEN IT HITS THE FAN, THEY ARE THERE.

SEMPER FI & GODSPEED-Rev. Barb

"2008 Quote From OBAMA: ‘IF THEY BRING A KNIFE TO THE FIGHT, WE BRING A GUN!" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross'

christian Graphic Comments
UPDATE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/12/samuel-l-jackson-obama-vote-black_n_1271797.html
Dear Ones:
     Remember this?  When I first HEARD IT, I couldn't BELIEVE it.  What kind of speech is this?  I was astounded by it THEN...and I am astounded by it NOW...especially in light of recent news events. 
     The fact is that the President 'sets the tone' for everyone in this country.  I ask you to pray for all the innocents killed and hurt as a result of self-proclaimed atheist shooter's Jared Loughner actions.
     Way back in June 2008, Barack Obama said, "If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,” Obama said at a Philadelphia fundraiser Friday night."
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/14/obama-if-they-bring-a-knife-to-the-fight-we-bring-a-gun/
     I couldn't believe my ears the first go around.  The quote in fuller context goes on here:
     "Mobster wisdom tells us never to bring a knife to a gun fight. But what does political wisdom say about bringing a gun to a knife fight? Sen. Barack Obama talks at a town hall meeting at Radnor Middle School in Wayne, Pa., Saturday, June 14. (AP)
     That’s exactly what Barack Obama said he would do to counter Republican attacks “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,” Obama said at a Philadelphia fundraiser Friday night. “Because from what I understand folks in Philly like a good brawl. I’ve seen Eagles fans.”
     The comment drew some laughs and applause. But it also struck a chord with his Republican rival. John McCain’s campaign immediately accused the Democratic candidate of playing the politics of fear. They also mentioned that Obama said he would use a gun that would be illegal under Obama’s plans to cut down on illegal firearms."
LINK: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/06/14/obama-if-they-bring-a-knife-to-the-fight-we-bring-a-gun/
Please God- Keep Such Violence & Hatred  In Politics Away From Us
AMEN.
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"TSA Luggage Searches & Infective Potential Due To Dirty Unchanged Gloves & Bad Technique" By Reverend Barbara Sexton

Dear Readers:
     First of all, let me say that I am in no way blaming any TSA shortcomings on TSA Officers alone...but also on those who train, equip, monitor and discipline them.
     The fact is that TSA Officers are, at present, not CERTIFIED nor can they be EXPECTED TO conduct body and luggage searches with any type of consideration for 'sanitation', 'hygiene' or 'good health practices'. 
     As far as we know for now, all they are required to do is 'wear gloves' and conduct their searches without hurting, spilling, breaking or losing anything.  We can't expect of them anything resembling 'aseptic technique' and that's just a fact...especially at their paltry salary level.
     In a perfect world, care would of course be taken to make sure that persons' bodies and belongings were examined under as 'sanitary' conditions as possible.  Yes, this takes longer and costs more, requiring 'regular glove changes', as well as the wearing of masks and perhaps other protective gear apparel by the examining TSA Officer.
     And let us not forget that TSA Officers are deserving of more training and HAZARD PAY if Officials are determined to 'stay this course' of unsanitary 'pat-downs' and luggage searches, as well as 'dubiously safe 'scannings'.
     But as it is today, how is one to know if the TSA person examining their person and luggage is not harboring some kind of respiratory pathogen-viral, bacterial or even more exotic?  We'd like to know that the TSA Officer is not sneezing and hacking all over our luggage contents, but how can we know?
     The fact is, even 'in the best of scenarios', we just can't!
     How do we know that a 'good sneeze' on our toiletries did not take place, thus contaminating our personal items destined for use on our skin?
     We can't!
     How do we know that a TSA Officer's dirty gloves--contaminated with staph or strep or worse from a 'previous toiletries check'--has not just 'contaminated' our undies, handkerchiefs and personal items? We can't! 
     'Used' and 'sticky' personal hygiene items, toiletries and cosmetics--we all have them in our little plastic bags.  But few realize what GREAT HARBORERS and potential TRANSMITTERS of microorganisms they also are.
     Or, maybe we do and, if so, it's time to remember it!
     Don't we tell our children and young people NOT TO SHARE lipglosses, lipsticks, mascaras, deodorants, hairbrushes, washclothes and the like, product preservative systems notwithstanding?  Yes, we do.
     Is the public, let alone the TSA, cognizant of the fact that many 'soaps', far from being part of the 'cure' for our microbial contamination issues, are actually HAVENS for some of our worst water-loving pathogens?
     I don't know if they do.  But the fact is that the water-loving and living Pseudomonas aeruginosa (which produces a blue-green discoloration to the flesh and nails it infects), for instance, has been found to actually live in and 'EAT' certain (liquid) soaps!
     Pseudomonas' notoriety stems from the fact that systemic infection with it is overwhelmingly fatal.  And it 'loves' soap.
     With the advance of science, humankind is astounded to grasp the significance of the vast ability of the tiniest forms of 'life' to hunker down and survive and even thrive in any number of substances we use every day.
     And this knowledge ought rightly reduce us to humility as we realize that organisms invisible to our naked eyes can bring us not only to our knees, but to our Maker. 
     Thus my prayer is that such 'humility' will compel us to consider that which we might not otherwise and I start 'here' by way of simple example:
     You've packed 'damp' swimsuits for 'quick travel', haven't you?  Maybe you gave your child's suit a 'quick soapy rinse', packed it in a plastic bag for a flight and thought nothing of it.
     But have you considered the consequences of dirty, unchanged, potentially contaminated TSA Officer gloves closely examining this 'damp garment', since it is 'out of the norm'?  Have you considered that a little 'soap' can serve as a culture medium for some bad bugs?
     Or maybe you've just packed that suit, still damp with some chlorinated pool water.  In this case, I ask, "You DO realize that that little bit of chlorine is useless as an antimicrobial in the event of gross TSA Officer glove contamination, don't you?
     Unless you literally 'disinfect' that suit post haste, it is a real health hazard. 
     In a forthcoming article, I will detail some effective and practical ways to 'disinfect' items that have been subjected to 'TSA Screening'.  If you've never given this much consideration before, you will now...or you should, anyway.
     I'm not suggesting that we all adopt what some call 'Howard Hughes Syndrome'.  I'm not advising that we get OCD when it comes to 'germs'.  But we must get realistic and practical.  
     What is 'good for the traveler' is ALSO 'good for the TSA Officer', I might add.  From the standpoint of sheer exposure, the group MOST at risk from luggage and body-handling 'woes' is not the public, but the TSA workers themselves.
     So we all must listen and we all must act. 
     When it comes to the realities of living and travel today, "These are not 'our parents microorganisms' at all".  Gone are the good old days when eating a peck of dirt in a lifetime would help assure a 'good immune system'.
     We've 'blown out' our immune systems via various pharmaceuticals, environmental conditions and lifestyle choices.  And... 
     We have many more pathogens (microorganisms that cause disease in humans and other animals and even in plants).  And...
     Not only are there more pathogens, but many of them have become more virulent, meaning their 'infectious capability' and potential deadliness have also increased. 
     Far from being 'panic talk', what I am saying here is long-overdue for public consumption, in my opinion.  I've personally never worked in a biology or chemistry lab which didn't work in close association with a microbiology unit and sometimes a virology unit, as well.
     Many of us have 'cross-trained' and for good reason in both academic and manufacturing settings.  And some of us will speak openly about things the public needs to know in order to make intelligent decisions.
     By now you Readers are aware that the  'traditional medical establishment' is loathe to speak openly about nosocomial (hospital-acquired) and community-acquired infections...especially since the line between the two has become increasingly 'blurred' in the last decade.  You'd better bet that hospitals and health care facilities of all sorts are very dirty places!
     Just ask any patient or family member who has been unfortunate enough to have suffered from an infection in a health care setting.  Or just ask an honest health care provider and they will tell you also.
     The time to address all this is now.  How fortuitous in a sense, the TSA situation is, if only because it forces all to take a good look at 'public sanitation issues'.  
     In this age we do well to be concerned about our 'global health'.  As all 'flu outbreaks' originate in Asia and migrate sequentially to Hawaii, to California and onward to the east coast per epidemiological studies (typically, but not always!) we see new 'patterns' emerging every day. LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
     Dengue Fever, for instance, despite a popular and misleading commercial to the contrary, is alive and well in Miami, Fl.  Here's a recent article I did on this, in fact: LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/08/dengue-fever-redux-socio-medical.html    
     MISinformation dies hard, it would seem.
     Simply put, just because 'the public does not hear about it', doesn't mean that global patterns of disease spread are not morphing and changing before our very eyes, via the 'human vector'.
     You know what 'disease vectors' are.  Mosquitoes are one, as are birds and swine.  Vectors are, simply put, the factors by which disease is spread.
     And now, since 'man' is 'the most deadly predator', I am fearing that likewise, man in the end will be the 'deadliest disease vector' as well, a la 'the 'TSA Dirty-Glove Syndrome'.
     When we consider the natural and bioengineered microbial variants being discovered every day, we wonder how, with the status quo, we are to be safe in this 21st century.
For You In Christ,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

"TSA Bumper 'Snickers' For You" By Reverend Barbara Sexton-- Dear Ones HealingMinistry

From e-mail:

Dear Readers:
     Sorry, I know some of these may be 'close to the line', but considering the subject matter, maybe not.  In any case, I hope you can at least have a little 'chuckle' at some of them. 
     THANKS UNCLE CHARLIE for sending these along!
     But seriously, the new TSA 'regulations' are no picnic for TSA Officers, any more than they are for (we) hapless travelers.  I say this not only as someone involved with the MRC (Medical Reserve Corps) LINK: http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage , but as a PASTOR and BIOCHEMIST who is a fellow traveler, as well.
     And so I say, let us remember that TSA Officers are 'as much at risk'-if not more so-than the customers they must 'frisk'! 
     If you think about it, those in charge of our 'security' are also as subject to the communicable diseases (not to mention the words and actions of angry persons) as we are. 
     I cannot help but think that this must be so very stressful for those who work to keep us safe and I have written about this before, recently.  LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/11/biochemist-concerned-tsa-pat-downs-will.html
     Let us pray that we can ALL contribute to and formulate a reasonable solution, before things get even MORE out-of-hand.  
     I would urge the federal government to 'get real' about WHO the likely culprits may be when it comes to airline security.  I would urge our leaders to 'opt out of' POLITICAL CORRECTNESS and 'opt in' for decent treatment of United States Citizens. 
     It is possible for Homeland Security and the TSA to continue their vigilance on our behalf regarding those who would appear to have the potential to DO HARM to airline passengers WITHOUT infringing TOO MUCH on the rights of American travelers.
     I understand, as I'm sure you do, the need to investigate atypical, anomalous persons, items and events.  Five years ago,I traveled to Florida with an old, beat-up, 'popped open and taped' laptop and was 'called aside'.  No surprise there. 
     I was asked to 'open the computer up'.  Truth to tell, I was more embarrassed about the state of my device than I was about being 'singled out' in line.
     Not only was my computer swabbed, but coincidentally a wrist splint I was wearing was ALSO liberally swabbed by some very competent & polite TSA people.  We all 'survived' the day.
     Yes, I understood, explosives can indeed be secreted in casted limb material.  I just hadn't thought of it at that time.    
     I passed their scrutiny and all was done with good 'humor' and I learned to remove any 'prostheses' and orthopedic devices well BEFORE reaching my airport 'screener".
     But now we are in a 'New Age' and we wonder if we can get BACK to such 'easy travel for all citizens of the U.S.A'.  For what it's worth, I believe we can.    
     I think we can overcome our divisions and come together, get our act together and find a way to DO THINGS RIGHT!
     Please pray with me on this, whatever your 'religious persuasion' and even if you are an 'atheist', 'agnostic', 'pagan'...or none of the above.
     I believe in my heart that we can get past this.
May God Grant You ALL'Traveling Mercies' this Thanksgiving & Holiday Season & Beyond!
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/

"Biochemist Concerned TSA 'Pat-Downs' Will Lead To Spread of MRSA, Scabies & Worse" By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

MRSA: http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/symptoms/index.html

Dear Ones:
     With Thanksgiving 'Week' already here, it might be a good time to 'read and review' TSA scanning and personal search techniques in use in American airports today.  Here is the 'Pat-Down' link for you: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/pat_downs.shtm 
     A thorough read here reveals NO MENTION OF any 'changing of gloves between searches', a fact which is very disturbing.  Doesn't the TSA realize that MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and easy to transmit?
     Here is what the Centers for Disease Control, the CDC, has to say about 'MRSA Spread': "MRSA infections, as with all staph, are usually spread by having contact with someone’s skin infection or personal items they have used, like towels, bandages, or razors that touched their infected skin. These infections are most likely to be spread in places where people are in close contact with others—for instance, schools and locker rooms where athletes might share razors or towels."
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/causes/index.html 
     Modesty, pervert, pedophile and dignity concerns aside...here is my PARTIAL list of health concerns for the modern airline traveler today:
     1)  Gloves are not changed between 'pat-down' and body exams.  FIX:  DEMAND that the TSA worker change into new gloves for you.  In an ideal case, they would also be required to vigorously wash their hands (and arms) before re-gloving as is done in medical settings and wear face masks when they are contagious.
     2)  The following is a partial list of infectious agents which can be spread from person-to-person on dirty hands/arms, gloves, security wands, chairs, tables and floors.  There is risk not only to the person being examined, but to the TSA Officer, as well.  In addition, careless manipulation of diseased or infected areas can spread and exacerbate any existing infection.  How ironic in this 'day and age' of repetitive hand-sanitizing with 'gels' of all sorts, our Federal Government has chosen to turn our airports into fulminating 'Petri Dishes' capable of transmitting all sorts of pathogens.
    Here are the infectious conditions that concern me the most for now:
   --MRSA, as discussed above.
   --Tinea corporis ('ringworm'-fungal infection of the body, NOT a 'worm') including: Tinea capitis (fungal infection of the head),Tinea cruris (jock itch) and Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)  The most obvious source of infection is the 'floor' where people must stand in (perhaps damp) stocking feet or barefooted.  Ringworm may occur anywhere on the body and one form of Tinea can be spread to a place where it ordinarily does not occur, especially in the unsanitary conditions found in airport screening areas.Here's the National Institute of Health LINK for you:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000877.htm
    --Other skin diseases to be aware of during your 'airport search' :
LINK: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-4/skin-and-soft-tissue-infections-in-returned-travelers.aspx
   --Varicella (chickenpox) In-Short-"Spread by coughing and sneezing (highly contagious), by direct contact, and by aerosolization of virus from skin lesions."
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/in-short-adult.htm And YES, you CAN get chickenpox more than once!  Consult your health care provider on this one.

Shingles-Herpes zoster http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_problems_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

     Will 'care be taken' with those who have Herpes zoster (shingles) infections? Running hands over 'herpes zoster-infected' skin not only PICKS UP viral particles, but is bound to be EXTREMELY PAINFUL for the poor person being examined.
     ALSO I WOULD ASK, "HOW OFTEN ARE THOSE 'BINS' SANITIZED...if EVER?
   --Diseases spread by feces and/or water: Any 'swiping down below the waistband' with anything or any hand, gloved or not is subject to becoming contaminated with fecal pathogens.  Diseases of concern include: cholera and typhoid fever.
     "Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers, recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed Salmonella Typhi in their feces (stool)."
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/typhoid_fever/
     The bottom-line:  contamination with feces on gloves is a potential problem whenever 'hands have the potential to go to mouth'.  This is of special concern with children and the elderly.  And it goes for all the E. coli pathogens, as well.
     Then there's:
   --Trachoma: Primary: person-to-person transmission by ocular and respiratory secretions. Secondary: insect vectors such as house flies. A rub-of-the-eye, a cough, sneezing, drooling and 'unchanged dirty TSA Officer gloves' will spread this parasite.  You might recall that it was a major problem with Ellis Island immigrants.
   --Ascariasis video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIYI7j_IB5o&feature=related
   --Ascariasis: "an infection of the small intestine caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, a large roundworm. The eggs of the worm are found in soil contaminated by human faeces or in uncooked food contaminated by soil containing eggs of the worm. A person becomes infected after accidentally swallowing the eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae within the person's intestine. The larvae penetrate the intestine wall and reach the lungs through the blood stream. They eventually get back to the throat and are swallowed. In the intestines, the larvae develop into adult worms. The female adult worm which can grow to over 30cm in length, lays eggs that are then passed into the faeces. If soil is polluted with human or animal faeces containing eggs the cycle begins again. Eggs develop in the soil and become infective after 2-3 weeks, but can remain infective for several months or years."
LINK: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/ascariasis/en/
     Here's a hypothetical situation for you 'international travelers':
     The 'guy in front of you' has 'eggs on his shoe soles.  He is asked to remove his shoes and puts his bare sweaty feet where his egg-laden shoes were.  He's 'wanded' and then has a 'pat down' which includes his feet because he wears multiple 'corn pads or some other orthopedic device.  The TSA Officers gets 'eggs' on his gloves, doesn't change them and then goes onto his next 'pat down' which includes handling this next traveler's handkerchief.  The handkerchief 'goes to the traveler's mouth' at some point later that day, he swallows some 'eggs' and voila, our hapless traveler now has roundworms.
     Sounds implausible?  Don't bet on it for this and any number of other parasitic diseases.  You just better hope and pray the person in front of you with bare feet doesn't have secondary or tertiary syphilis!
     Yes!  That's what I said.  My next area of concern is:
   --Sexually transmitted disease (STD's): Easily transferred from moist surface to moist surface, such as body-to-glove and back again and in some cases from simple skin-to-skin contact (LGV). STD's which traditionally occur in 'one area', can also inadvertently be spread to other areas, such as the eyes and the mouth under the unsanitary conditions found in airport screening areas. Incontinence pads, catheters and sanitary napkins can be a rich source of pathogens, which when even cursorily 'brushed by a TSA' glove can become a virtual 'disease swab' for the next hapless traveler to be touched by those unchanged gloves.

Secondary Syphilis http://depts.washington.edu/nnptc/online_training/std_handbook/gallery/images/syphilisrash.jpg

     Included here are syphilis, gonorrhea, Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/std/lgv/STDFact-LGV.htm#Howget , Chancroid, Pubic Lice, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Trichomoniasis (yes, a 'swipe down the pants' can result in a handful of this on the TSA Officer's glove)...all depending upon the 'hygiene' of the traveller as well as that of the TSA Officer.
Warts due to HPV:
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_problems_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
Warts due to 'HPV'      Here's a general STD link for you: http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm 
   --Herpes infections: Genital Herpes herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 and occurs on the genitals and rectum.  Per our friends at the CDC, "Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected." 
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm 
     How does that make you feel?  Sure a person with HSV-1 (with 'oral Herpes' also known as a cold sore) will stand out to the observant TSA Officer.  But will that Officer change gloves?  Will that TSA Officer 'take care' with open Herpes sores and the clothing, gloves, etc that they may touch during removal and examination?
   --What kind of gloves does the TSA use?  Let's say they're 'polynitrile' (which they appear to be from photographs and would be a likely choice since they need to be both chemical and solvent-proof).  If LATEX is used, some people are tragically ALLERGIC to LATEX and anaphylactic shock can ensue with improper manipulation of body parts in these allergic individuals.
     A 'swipe of the mouth'...or any other body cavity, for that matter, can mean DEATH due to breaching of the mucosal barrier in latex-sensitive individuals. 
     Is this taken into account?
   --Pertussis ('Whooping Cough')--a very contagious disease only found in humans and is spread from person to person. People with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/causes-transmission.html
     Pertussis USED to be under control, but infection rates have risen globally and also in the United States as some parents have become lax with vaccinating their children despite recommendations to do so.
     Airports with world travelers are a 'contagion gateway' for this disease with all this 'up close and personal' scanning and body examinations.  What a wonderful breeding ground for disease our airports have become.  Consider these:
   --Common cold, influenza, 'bird flu', 'swine flu', viral pneumonia--all of these viruses are easily transmitted.  If there is another 'flu pandemic', current TSA regulations will virtually guarantee global contamination for travelers everywhere.  Changing gloves...or even washing hands plus changing gloves is insufficient to protect one traveler from another or to protect the traveler and TSA Officer from each other if and when one is infected with a bad case of 'the flu'.
     And we must consider:
   --Bacterial pneumonia and Tuberculosis: the transmission risks are obvious to all of us.

Head Lice (& abscess)

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/slideshow_head_lice/article_em.htm

     Then there are my old friends found in homeless shelters and soup kitchens and the various mental health and other facilities I have worked in:

    --Scabies,head lice (as well as pubic lice, above), mites, fleas (yes-fleas will infest HUMANS when no other warm-blooded critters are available!).  And just think of the burgeoning BED BUG PROBLEM we are having with all these insect 'hitch-hickers' hitching a ride on imported goods, furniture and clothing!  Watch out for those chairs in airports until the regular 'fumigating' programs kick in.
     (And then I will write a piece on the connection between pesticide overuse and human cancer rates....but that's a different story, for now.)
     And so you have the best of my advice for you.  Please note that one of the disease categories that I HAVE NOT included above in the list of easily-transmitted human diseases is HIV infection.  This virus requires direct body-fluid-to-blood contact which is unlikely to occur in the typical TSA screening scenario today, unless internal exams become mandatory.
     There's no way, no how that HIV is 'casually' or even 'easily caught' by being exposed to urine, feces, specks of blood, copious tears or saliva spat upon the face, otherwise I would have been dead long ago.
     I also have not included hyper-contagious/dramatic pathogens such as the Ebola, Marburg and Lassa viruses for the simple reason that typically the 'host' does not 'live long enough' to create any substantial 'chains of infection' in the public in an airport setting. LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/vhf.htm 
     So there you have it and what I've listed here is in no way comprehensive.  We tell our children NOT TO share combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes and so forth with others.  Yet we subject them to 'this'. 
     We allow them and ourselves to either be exposed to unwarranted irradiation and/or to be subjected to a 'pat-down' by someone with dirty gloves and perhaps capable of transmitting some disease to us.
     And equally disturbing is the possibility of our INFECTING OTHERS because our 'intrusive TSA' Officer examiner did not bother to or did not KNOW any better than to change his or her gloves.
     We cover our coughs with our 'arm sleeve' or hand.  Then the nice TSA lady pats that sleeve, thus getting a good gloveful of whatever we may or may not be carrying.  Now SHE is at risk for illness just by discharging her duties and she puts others at risk.
     No thanks. 
     It just doesn't seem right, does it?
God Bless You and your loved ones this Thanksgiving week
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/