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Showing posts from July, 2024

What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep?

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Sleeping too hot or too cold can affect a good night’s rest Which category of “sleeper” do you fall into? While some people like to keep their bedrooms cool because they “sleep hot,” others prefer to crank up the bedroom temperature because they “sleep cold.” It can pose for an interesting debate — especially if you’re sharing a bed/bedroom with someone who doesn’t quite vibe with your sleep style. But it  is  possible to find a healthy and happy medium. As a rule of thumb, sleep psychologist Michelle Drwrup, PsyD, says to keep your bedroom at 60 to 67° F (15 to 19° C) and to think of your bedroom as your ‘cave.’ “It should be cool, dark and quiet to enhance your sleep.” So, how exactly does temperature affect your sleep? Learn about the health implications of sleeping too hot or too cold and what your ideal sleeping temperature should be, below. How temperature impacts sleep We’ve all experienced a terrible night’s sleep. We wake up the next day feeling groggy and moody, moving slowly

Listeriosis

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What is listeriosis? Listeriosis is a foodborne illness. The organism,  Listeria monocytogenes  causes listeriosis.  Listeria monocytogenes  is commonly found in nature, especially in soil, groundwater, rotting vegetation and animal feces (poop). Most people get listeriosis from eating contaminated foods. The listeriosis incubation period varies. It usually takes one to two weeks, but it can be as short as a couple of days or as long as three months. Other names for listeriosis include  L. monocytogenes  and listeria. In what foods is listeria found? Contaminated foods are the most common cause of listeriosis infections. The most common foods that cause listeriosis include: Hot dogs. Deli meats. Fresh vegetables. Fresh fruits, especially melons. Unpasteurized dairy products (sterilized to kill bacteria). These foods have the highest risk of  L. monocytogenes  contamination. However, listeriosis can affect almost any improperly handled or prepared food. The bacteria  L. mono

If it passes easily from human to human, we are in for a big problem

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A 14-year-old boy has died of the Nipah virus in southwest India. Indian authorities are taking measures to prevent an outbreak of this so-called "horror virus". About 100 people who came into contact with the boy have been placed in isolation. People in the Indian state of Kerala are advised to wear mouth masks in public places and avoid contact with vulnerable people. The 'horror virus' occurs in bats but is transmissible to humans. The virus can also be transmitted via pigs. Those who get infected are at high risk of death as there is no vaccine against the virus. The virus is found in countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh. The virus, with pandemic characteristics, is being closely monitored by virologists around the world. "Lately, we have been seeing people coughing more when they have Nipah. That could indicate that human-to-human transmission is possible. If Nipah can be easily transmitted from human to human, we are in for a big prob