Swine Flu Outbreak in Mexico Cancels MSU Study Abroad

MSU has canceled its current study abroad programs in Mexico because of the swine flu scare.

A university spokesman said today the decision affects four students.

One is already in Texas and the university is working on arrangements to get the other three students back to their homes in the United States. The classes already had been suspended in Mexico by local officials.

No decision has been made on the status of Michigan State’s summer study abroad programs in Mexico.

Swine flu is a type of virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get.

People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Trying to avoid close contact with sick people. Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

A second probable case of swine flu in Michigan has been reported out of Ottawa County.
The state health lab confirmed a 34-year-old woman who was in a Kent County hospital has possible swine flu. The tests will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The first case involves a woman in Livingston County, whose test results were sent to CDC Monday for confirmation.
Both women are recovering at home.

VOIP for Small Business - Lowering your phone costs

A free and useful comparison guide by VOIP-News if you own a small to medium size business and are interested in finding out more about Voice over Internet Protocal to lower your operating costs.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a relatively new technology that allows your employees to make phone calls (voice) using a broadband Internet connection. Prior to the last few years, voice calls were made using a regular (or analog) phone line.

Some VoIP services allow you to call other people using the same service for free or little cost. Other VOIP services allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number for little cost. The cost of local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers varies greatly between services - which makes this FREE VOIP Service comparison chart so useful.

Some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone and other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to VoIP adapter technology.

If you prefer to do all the research yourself (rather than using the handy chart) - here is a list of VOIP services that we know of that work with small to mid-size businesses in Michigan.

• Lingo VoIP - Internet Phone Service (Go Talk) One phone number for all your phones - calls reach you anywhere, every time
• Packet8 Voice over Internet Protocol - VOIP
• Skype - Free Calls over the Internet
• JoiPhone Advanced VOIP Phone Services
• VIATalk Broadband Phone - VOIP - ViaTalk has a comprehensive list of features like vacation calling, forwarding, do not disturb, conference calling.
• Vonage Broadband Telephone - VOIP
• AT&T U-verse - VOIP, Advanced TV and Internet - Worth mentioning although primarily residential. Unbelievable packages and technology now available in Michigan.
• Net2Phone VoIP Voiceline Services
• VoIP Your Life Internet Phone Service
• RingCentral Business Phone, Fax & VOIP
• Classic Phone Tools - Use your PC as a Phone - This is a package by Avanquest that allows a DIY VOIP over your existing broadband system.
• Skype for Business

Happy Easter to all the Sparty Fans!

Celebrate MSU's Basketball Success this Spring!

A couple Sparty deals at CBS Sports this week:

The Michigan State Spartans 1 liter Thermal Vacuum Bottle from Bergamot is made of high-quality stainless steel and has lid that twists off, so it is easy to fill up or clean out. This officially licensed thermal vacuum bottle is designed to keep liquids hot or cold, and includes a convenient carry handle and strap for easy traveling. The fine pewter applique that is decorated in the team colors is proudly displayed on the front.

Sports Coverage Michigan State Spartans Valance Put the finishing touches on your favorite room with the Sports Coverage valance, showcasing a team-color design with a screen-printed team logo.

- Michigan State Spartans Bedding
- Michigan State Spartans Clocks
- Michigan State Spartans Garden Furnishings
- Michigan State Spartans Home Decor

and a whole lot more - use the links on this page to get the discounts and coupons for CBS Sports