What Ingredients are in Hand Sanitizers?

Woman holding hand sanitizer with purple gloves — Photo: Pixaby. Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay

Little Johnny was touching everything in the store and his mother wasn’t happy, especially during this period of coronavirus. Not so much for the fact that she had to repeatedly tell him to stop, but also because she needed to repeatedly wash his hands so that he doesn’t get infected with Covid and now, Monkey Pox as well.

So How Do Hand Sanitizers Work Anyway? What’s in it? Let’s take a look!

Bottle of Hand Sanitizer — Making your hand sanitizer is simple and quick. Photo: Unsplash

Hand sanitizers kill germs on the skin using a high concentration of alcohol. When applied to the hands, the alcohol goes onto the skin and evaporates, but it leaves behind the disinfectant properties.

This process is called rapid evaporation. During rapid evaporation, the alcohol concentration on the skin is much higher than normal, which is why it kills germs so effectively. Normally, it would take much longer for alcohol to evaporate from the skin and be effective against germs. The alcohol in hand sanitizers is mixed with oil to slow down the evaporation time and give your hands a longer-lasting antiseptic effect.

Most hand sanitizers contain 60-90% alcohol as the primary active antiseptic ingredient, with other additives mostly being emollients, preservatives, and fragrances.

There are also some non-alcoholic hand sanitizers available, which use different active ingredients to kill bacteria such as ethyl vinegar, oils of lemon and eucalyptus, triclosan, and chloroxylenol.

Read on to know more about the ingredients in hand sanitizers.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), also known as rubbing alcohol is an antiseptic, which means that it prevents the growth of microorganisms that can cause diseases. And as so, is very effective against many viruses, including Covid.

IPA is a synthetic compound that is chemically similar to ethanol (alcohol), which is also an antiseptic but usage of IPA is more common. Neither alcohols are suitable for human consumption due to their toxic nature and consuming it can lead to death, and more caution should be made when buying these disinfectants that were manufactured outside the United States.

So they must be kept out of reach of children and any furry friends that you may have. With that said, both antiseptics are safe to use on the skin.

Other Ingredients

Additional ingredients in hand sanitizers are emollients, preservatives, and fragrances.

- - Emollients are substances that are added to hand sanitizers to make them less drying, so they don’t leave cracked, flaky skin. This can be useful for people who wash their hands frequently, such as people who work in healthcare or food services.
  - Preservatives are used to prevent bacteria, molds, and fungi from growing in the product. It is important to avoid using hand sanitizers that do not contain a preservative, as they can grow bacteria if you don’t close the cap after each use.
  - Fragrances are used to give the product a pleasant smell. It should be noted that not all fragrances are mild and some have been shown to have health effects on some people. It is best to look for a fragrance-free option or one with a scent that you do not have an allergy to.

Diethylene Glycol

Diethylene glycol is a synthetic liquid that is used in hand sanitizers as a solvent, or something used to dissolve other substances. It is also used in antifreeze and some engine coolants. Although diethylene glycol is not directly toxic to humans, it is a byproduct of ethylene oxide, which is a known carcinogen.

Pros of Using Hand Sanitizer

- - They are portable, so you can clean your hands anywhere, from airport restrooms to the park, without having to find a sink
  - They are generally easier to use than hand washing, especially when you’re in a rush
  - May be less drying on the skin than regular soap and water
  - They don’t require hot water, so they can be used in cold weather when your hands are particularly dry
  - Useful for people who have skin allergies or conditions that make it difficult to wash their hands properly
  - Can help prevent the spread of many infectious diseases.
  - They are useful for kids who are in daycare or school

Cons of Using Hand Sanitizer

- - They may not kill all the germs on your hands
  - Doesn’t replace proper hand washing. Hands should be washed with soap and water as often as possible
  - Hand sanitizers can dry out the skin, leaving hands cracked and itchy
  - Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause skin allergies in some people
  - Hand sanitizers are more expensive than regular hand washing

Tips for Choosing the Right Hand Sanitizer

- - When shopping for a hand sanitizer, look for one with an alcohol concentration of 60% or more
  - The higher the concentration, the more effective it will be at killing germs
  - Read the ingredients list on the label and make sure you understand what each ingredient does in the product
  - When choosing a fragrance, think about what you like. There is no evidence that one fragrance is healthier than another
  - When it comes to choosing a size, think about where you will carry it. If you will keep it in your purse, you may want a smaller bottle, while a larger bottle may be best for your car or desk drawer.

Conclusion

Man washing his hands in a sink — Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer is one of the best protections against spreading diseases. Photo: Unsplash

Hand sanitizers can be useful when you can’t wash your hands properly and they are pretty good disinfectants; however, they don’t kill all the germs present on your hands, so they do not replace proper hand washing when you can.

It is important to choose the right-hand sanitizer for you. There are many different types available, with different alcohol concentrations and fragrances, but whatever you choose, each time you wash your hands with these disinfectants, it is one more time you can have better peace of mind that you are lowering your risk of getting ill.

Difference Between Antioxidants and Antibodies

Antioxidant Red Banner — Background concept word cloud illustration of antioxidants. Photo: Bigstock

Let’s start by stating that both antioxidants and antibodies are essential ingredients in keeping you healthy. But with that said, what exactly are the differences between the two?

Many people are not aware of what the differences are but they are quite substantial, but with that said, there are numerous similarities between the two as well.

They both protect your body from disease and illness and are necessary for maintaining good health, but that’s about where the similarities end.

This article will explore some of the main points about what antioxidants and antibodies are, what role they play in your body, and how you can increase your intake of each to maintain optimal health.

What are Antioxidants?

Fresh Berries in a bowl — Blueberries have great antioxidant properties. Photo by Brandon Wilson on Unsplash

Enter Free Radicals – The Bad Guys

These are compounds found in foods that are designed to prevent oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is the process by which free radicals can run amok in your body and damage healthy cells.

What Do Free Radicals Do?

Free radicals are atoms that are missing an electron and by so doing, they look for other cells’ atoms to which they can attach so that they can steal that cell’s electron. This is a common occurrence in nature when atoms have missing electrons. They need to balance out their electron count. When they find a healthy cell to attach to, they will merge with it, subsequently changing the characteristics of that cell to the point where the healthy properties of those cells are diminished or non-existent.

When this happens and too many damaged cells exist, it could result in your body becoming a risk for such diseases as cancer and heart disease as well as many other illnesses.

Seniors playing chess — Oxidative stress occurs during a normal day of activity, even when you are at rest. Photo by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash

These bad guys are created during our normal lifestyle, which includes simply breathing and eating. In other words, oxidation builds up during daily metabolism – the energy that you exert daily.

Antioxidants – The Good Guys

Antioxidants are the free radicals’ worst enemy. They are molecules that will donate an electron to the free radical making it useless in damaging other cells.

Antioxidants are naturally found in fruits and vegetables. Some of the best foods for fighting off free radicals are berries, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, broccoli, and tomatoes, but don’t stop there. Just about all fruits and vegetables will help build antioxidants.

They can also be found in smaller amounts in grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes. The best-known antioxidants in vitamins are C and E, and beta-carotene.

When you eat foods that contain antioxidants, they enter your bloodstream and then proceed to neutralize the free radicals before they cause damage. This means that antioxidants can prevent oxidative damage and this is why antioxidants are so beneficial to your health.

Fruits and vegetables are your best fight against oxidative stress.

What are Antibodies?

Antibodies are quite different in properties from antioxidants. Antibodies Are proteins. Proteins are molecules. Antioxidants are not proteins. Antibodies contain chains of amino acids which are naturally produced by your immune system when an infection is detected. They can recognize and identify harmful agents like bacteria, viruses, and other foreign agents. That is why you hear so much about antibodies regarding Covid but you don’t hear anything about antioxidants.

Antibodies are created by your white blood cells, called B cells, and bind to the glycoproteins – the enemy of antibodies, similar to how free radicals are the enemy of antioxidants. Glycoproteins are the carbohydrate portion of proteins that are found in bacteria and viruses. Once the antibodies bind to these bad proteins, they neutralize and remove them from the body before they have a chance to cause harm.

For Covid, the antibodies block the virus cells, called spike proteins from attacking healthy cells.

Your body will create antibodies when foreign agents such as a virus are detected, but vaccines can be injected to further the creation of antibodies if needed.

The Difference in a Nutshell

Antioxidants and antibodies are both designed to protect against disease and boost immunity. However, there are differences between antioxidants and antibodies that are worth noting.

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that prevent oxidative damage. They don’t directly fight infections. They don’t recognize harmful bacteria and viruses.

Antioxidants also don’t circulate in the blood, as antibodies do. They are found in food, and can’t be detected in your blood. This means that antioxidants don’t boost immunity the way antibodies do.

What antioxidants do is help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals? These attacked cells can add up causing your body to become at risk of several dangerous diseases.

Antibodies detect harmful bacteria and viruses. They are created by our white blood cells and circulate through our blood vessels and look for bad proteins from bacteria. Once found, they block these bad proteins from attacking healthy cells.

More About Antioxidants

Illustration of how Antioxidant Works Against Free Radicals — Bigstock

As we’ve already explored, antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidative damage. They do this by neutralizing free radicals with their electron pairs before they can cause damage. This means that antioxidants protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also protect a person’s DNA from being damaged.

In addition to providing general health benefits, antioxidants can also help boost your immune system. They can do this by preventing oxidative damage to healthy cells. This leaves your immune system with fewer cells to protect, which means it can put more energy into fighting against infections.

More About Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins that are created by the immune system to protect against disease. They can do this by binding to bacteria and viruses and neutralizing them. Antibodies are much more active than antioxidants when it comes to fighting infections. They circulate through the blood and can detect infections and bacteria in the blood. They then bind to the harmful pathogen and neutralize it.

Antibodies can recognize certain foreign bodies. This includes bacteria, viruses, toxins, and even allergens like pollen. Antibodies also boost immunity by preventing harmful bacteria and viruses from causing infections.

Below is a quick chart of the differences between antioxidants and antibodies.

	Antioxidants	Antibodies
What it vitamins	Vitamins C & E	Proteins that contain amino acids
How it is created	Fruits & veggies	In white blood cells when an infection is detected within the body
What it fights free	Free radicals (atoms with missing electrons)	Viruses
How to fight	Eat fruits & veggies	Normal activity within the body but can also be created through vaccines

Bottom Line

Person holding am apple — Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Antioxidants and antibodies have similar functions but are very different compounds. While antioxidants don’t circulate in the blood and are designed to prevent oxidative damage, antibodies circulate in the blood and are designed to bind to and neutralize bacteria.

Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage and can boost immunity, while antibodies do both of these things.

Antioxidants are beneficial for your health, but you can only reap their benefits if you consume enough of them. This can be challenging because many people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. This is why it’s important to get your daily dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help you stay healthy, and make sure you don’t get sick.

You Never Got COVID? How So?

What Human Factors are Fighting the Coronavirus?

Lisa has never gotten Covid, yet everyone else in her household has been infected, except her husband who seems to be in the same questionable situation as Lisa. We are saying ‘questionable’ because researchers have yet to determine the reasons why people such as Lisa and her husband appear to be immune to the Covid disease.

The Preliminaries

Woman washing her hands with antibacterial soap — Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile from Pexels

Before we continue, as a reference point, let’s go over what the CDC has recommended that we all do to minimize Covid infection.

- - - - Get vaccinated
        
        Wear a mask
        
        Wash hands frequently
        
        Stay six feet from others
        
        Avoid crowded places
        
        Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
        
        Take immune booster vitamins

Do we follow all these guidelines? Some do, but many of us don’t adhere to all these rules and some items in this list are just not followed as diligently as they should be, and Lisa and Steve are no exception.

They both have been vaccinated and triple-boosted with the Pfizer vaccine and they take immune booster vitamins. Namely, vitamin D, C, and zink tablets daily, as well as making it a point to eat as healthy as they can. They do not wear masks religiously and have gone to social gatherings where no one else was wearing a mask.

The Covid Quandry of Infections and Non-Infections in the Household. But How Common is It?

It is not that hard to imagine that some folks are not getting infected as routinely as others, but here is the real dilemma. Lisa and Steve’s children, now adults, have both gotten the disease, and they all were living in the same house when the children got it. Yes, extra precautions were taken. The kids did wear masks and avoid close contact with their parents.

Even more troublesome for the researchers if they were studying this event is that their daughter’s boyfriend was living in the house as well and was PCR-diagnosed positive as well.

But the quandary doesn’t end there. The boyfriend didn’t even know he had covid until after their daughter started showing systems. That’s right. He was asymptomatic and never felt a thing.

Covid Immunity – Here’s What They are Saying

T-Cell Immunity

A study on 54 people released in January showed that a high amount of T-cells that were produced when people got colds helped support immunity from the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid) infection.

Dr. Rhia Kund, from the Imperial National Heart & Lung Institute, in London said “We found that high levels of pre-existing T cells, created by the body when infected with other human coronaviruses like the common cold, can protect against COVID-19 infection.”

A Genetic Immunity?

Granddaughter with her grandfather — Photo by Pexels, Kampus Production

A study is currently being conducted to determine how much genetic inheritance a person might have that can be an obstacle to being infected with the coronavirus.

There are specific criteria for those in the study, including confirmation via lab testing that the subject has never had COVID-19, that these individuals have had substantial exposure to the disease, and that they did not use any protection such as masks. Additionally, they were never vaccinated.

Members of the COVID Human Genetic Effort at Rockefeller University, part of an international conglomerate of researchers are working to discover the genetic influences that individuals may have that fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time a pandemic of this magnitude has infiltrated human society, and yet, the whole human population did not cease to exist.

Such is the case with the Spanish Flu in 1919. Many died, but many more survived. Maybe this study will unveil some new data that scientists will show that genetics does play an important role in Covid (and other viruses) infections, as well as possibly additional knowledge on longevity. Indeed, Steve’s father, who was born in 1901 lived to the lively age of 100.

The ‘O’ Factor

Ilustration of Human Cells — Photo: Bigstock

According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, individuals who have type ‘O’ blood may have more of an immune deterrence from the coronavirus infection. Other studies have concluded similar results.

The study covered over 225,000 patients and those in the O-blood category had a 2.1% chance of getting a covid infection, which was found to be the lowest probability of all the blood groups.

So What’s the Conclusion?

There isn’t any. At least not yet. These studies will probably go on for decades, but with said, one thing is a fact. That the worst of Covid is over and now, those that get it, provided there are no external factors that might compromise their health, such as an immune deficiency, will most likely just get a cold. And now, we can only hope for the best going forward.

Maintaining Healthy, Strong Teeth

Did you know that 50% of people say that the first thing they notice about a person is their smile? This is according to a recent study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If your teeth are discolored, chipped, damaged, or broken, this can affect your ability and willingness to smile. But don’t worry! A healthy, smile is attainable. You just need to follow these tips.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is not only good for our bodies and total health, but also for our teeth! A healthy diet provides the nutrients and fiber we need to keep our teeth strong and free from disease. Eating foods that are high in sugar, starches, and carbohydrates, such as candy, juices, and smoothies can increase the production of plaque acids that attack the enamel of our teeth.

When it comes to a diet that’s great for your teeth, stick to fibrous whole fruits and vegetables, instead of juices or smoothies. The fiber in these whole fruits and veggies helps to naturally rinse away bacteria and food particles from the teeth. Leafy greens also help promote oral health. They are high in calcium and folic acid which may help treat gum disease in pregnant women according to the American Dental Association.

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Visiting your dentist is incredibly important to the health of your teeth. A professional dental cleaning from your dentist every six months will help remove any buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria that hardens and becomes tartar. If tartar is not cleaned, it can start to produce acids that damage the bone that supports the teeth. This can cause periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Your dentist will also be able to check for plaque, cavities, and any other problems during your checkup. When caught early, teeth and gum problems are much easier to treat, keeping your teeth healthy, pain-free, and sparkling!

Brush Your Teeth

Woman brushing her teeth — Preventing gum disease starts with good dental health

For us baby boomers, you might remember the Crest commercial “I only had one cavity!” Well, a lot has changed since then and a target of zero would be the name of the game these days. But what Crest was trying to convey was that the more you brush your teeth, the better the chances of having fewer or no cavities.

Brushing correctly helps remove plaque. Toothpaste contains fluoride that helps teeth become resistant to decay and even helps remove early decay.

Be sure to gently brush your gums as well as your tongue to remove any food particles and plaque. Dentists recommend motorized brushes, but if you don’t have one, you can use a soft brush. “Hard bristles wear down your tooth structure,” says dentist Maricelle Abayon from Rochester, New York.

Don’t brush your teeth too hard either. The plaque itself is loose and soft, so you don’t need to scrub it. Next time you brush your teeth, tell yourself that you are massaging them, not scrubbing them. Most importantly, brush, and don’t rush! Try turning on the timer on your phone or putting on your favorite song while brushing your teeth. Make sure to brush your teeth between two to three minutes for optimal protection against cavities. According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, “it takes two minutes for the tooth enamel to take in the fluoride in toothpaste, making the tooth surface more resistant to bacteria.”

Floss Daily

Flossing twice daily, along with brushing, is very helpful in removing decay-causing plaque. It is a very important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Flossing regularly might seem like an annoyance, but it takes only a minute or two and helps remove food and bacteria stuck in the spaces between the teeth that brushing or mouthwash can’t remove. When these spaces between the teeth are left unclean, it can lead to plaque and tartar, as well as bad breath! Keep your teeth fresh and healthy by flossing two to three times a day, especially before bed and in the morning.

Stop smoking, including smokeless tobacco

Everyone knows smoking is bad for your health, including your lungs and your heart. Smoking is not just bad for your teeth, but it’s bad for your gums and mouth too. Smoking stains and discolors the teeth, making them turn yellow in just a short amount of time.

Long-term smoking can turn teeth brown, due to the nicotine and tar that’s in cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco can also wear down your teeth which can expose the roots of the teeth leaving them more susceptible to decay. Not only that, but smokeless tobacco such as chewing tobacco allows harmful chemicals to come into direct contact with teeth and gums, causing rapid tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer.

Following these guidelines will help you to maintain a healthy mouth and avoid possible future complications. A little prevention now can go a long way later!

What Does ‘Juice Concentrate’ Mean?

Photo of fruit jar label saying Concentrate — Photo: Photos of a lifetime

When you see “from concentrate” on the label of your favorite juice, don’t worry if you think you’ve been drinking less juice than you thought. You will be pleasantly surprised to hear that you have not. So what does it mean? Does it mean that the juice is not fresh or healthy? Is it less nutritious than other juices? Is it a cheaper version of natural juices? Thankfully, you won’t need to worry about any of those things.

When you see the phrase on a beverage, it simply indicates that the juice has been condensed and packaged for ease of storage and shipping. There is not much of a negative implication in calling a beverage “from concentrate” – it’s just another way of packaging and shipping the same great product! But there are some compromises.

Let’s ‘Concentrate’ on the Details!

“From concentrate” is the process of fruit juice being treated with a certain amount of heat and pressure to extract more of the juice from the original fruits.

This process is typically used for mass-produced juices. It has the added benefit of being able to be made year-round, even when fruits are out of season. The high heat and pressure used in this process preserve the juice much longer than fresh juice would last.

While fresh juices are often delicious and nutritious, they are also perishable. As soon as the juice is extracted from the fruit, it begins to lose nutritional value and spoil. For example, an apple fresh off the tree has around 80% of its nutrients intact. The rest of the nutrients are lost as the juice is pressed out of the apple. But no worries. Read on!

The benefits of a ‘From Concentrate’ Juice

Since these juices are concentrated and have undergone additional processing, they usually have higher levels of vitamins and minerals than fresh juices. This is because fresh juices begin to lose their nutritional value as soon as they are extracted from the fruit or vegetable they’re made from. To make the most of their ingredients, industrial juice companies harvest fruit at its peak ripeness and then quickly process and package their juices.

A from-concentrate juice, by contrast, is flash-frozen and then packaged. Because freezing prevents any nutritional degradation, these juices can have higher levels of vitamins and minerals than fresh juices. From-concentrate juices are also often more affordable than fresh juices, thanks to the fact that they can be shipped and stored for long periods. From-concentrate juices are a great way to get more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into your diet without having to spend a fortune. They’re also a great choice for people who have trouble digesting fresh juices.

The Difference Between From-Concentrate and Natural Juices

Orange Juice Bottle — Tropicana 100% Juice. Not from Concentrate. Photo: SS – photosofalifetime.com

There are a few key differences between from-concentrate juices and fresh, natural juices. First, from-concentrate juices have been flash-frozen and packed in a can or a plastic bottle. By contrast, fresh juices are sold in transparent plastic containers, and they are best consumed within a few days of being made.

The freezing process that from-concentrate juices are put through extends their shelf life significantly. Fresh juices won’t last nearly as long as from-concentrate juices, as they contain a much higher amount of water that can breed bacteria. From-concentrate juices are also typically more expensive than natural juices because they are more time- and labor-intensive to produce.

So your choice is buying from-concentrate juices and expecting a relatively long shelf life or buying fresh juice without concentrate with a less shelf life but saving a few dollars doing so.

Some people like to latter option since it requires less processing. We’ll leave the decision up to you!

How is From-Concentrate Juice Made?

As we’ve seen, from-concentrate juices begin with a mixture of fruit and water. The water is then removed, either through a filtering process or by applying extreme heat. In some cases, ingredients like sugar, citric acid, and/or preservatives are added to the mixture. From there, the concentrated juices are flash-frozen and packaged in canisters or plastic bottles.

Is There Any Downside to From-Concentrate Juices?

There isn’t anything wrong with from-concentrate juices per se. They are simply another way of packaging and shipping the same great product! That being said, it may be worth noting that from-concentrate juices tend to have less fiber than their fresh counterparts. Since from-concentrate juices are flash-frozen, the water inside them freezes quickly. The resulting ice crystals burst open the cells of the fruit, releasing their fiber and other nutrients. Fresh juices, on the other hand, are frozen at a much slower pace. This is because fresh juices contain a higher amount of water that needs to be boiled off first.

Conclusion

In summary, there is nothing to worry about when you see “from concentrate” on the label of your favorite juice. From-concentrate juices have simply undergone a process that extracts more juice from the fruit and then flash-freezes it for long-term storage and shipping. From-concentrate juices are just as nutritious and delicious as fresh juices, and they can be a great way to get more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into your diet without having to spend a fortune.

Woman purchasing food during the COVID pandemic — Photo: Pexels

Still, want to ensure you are getting the most out of your fruits? Purchase the real fruits in the fruit section of your grocery and then you can never go wrong!

COVID-19: Five Things Individuals with Cancer Need to Know

Illustration of covid virus next to vaccine bottles — Photo by freepic.com/pikisuperstar

The covid virus continues to mutate, leading to new variants of the disease. Some variants, including the Delta variant, Omicron, and the latest XE, may spread more easily than others or may be more resistant to treatments or vaccines, which is why individuals with cancer and cancer survivors need to know a few important things about the disease.

It is hard to say how each individual’s body responds to these variants, as factors such as the amount of contact a person has with others (social engagements, mass transit, shopping, etc.) the amount of protection a person uses (vaccines, masks, washing hands), the strength (or lack of) one’s immune system which correlates to the risk factor of the individual. If you are in the category of having immune deficiencies, such as cancer or other high-risk factors, this article may be of some help.

#1. All Cancers Put You at a Higher Risk But Blood Cancer is of Extreme Importance Regarding Covid

Nurse attending to patient — Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

If you have cancer and are getting treatment for the condition, your immune system is compromised. This means that your body is not as strong as a healthy person’s immune system and subsequently, you could well be at a higher risk of contracting these viral infections.

A specific type of cancer that can significantly increase your risk is blood cancer. Patients with blood cancer are severely immune-compromised, and their risk of getting the infection is much higher than patients with solid tumors. Their immunity is low because they have much lower levels of immune cells to generate antibodies that fight against the virus.

#2. Get the Vaccine But Speak to Your Doctor First!

Person getting covid injection — Photo by FRANK MERIÑO from Pexels

All patients with cancer and cancer survivors aged five and above are required to get a primary COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine can be any one of the following{

- - Two doses of Moderna
  - Two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
  - Single-dose of Johnson’s and Johnson’s vaccine

If you are a cancer patient and have recently received treatment, such as chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplant, it is best to consult with your doctor before you get the vaccine. Your immune system must be recovered before you get the preventive vaccine against the virus.

#3. You May Need an Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

Apart from the primary vaccine, you may also need an additional dose. This additional dose is different from the booster that is recommended to those who have received the initial vaccine and it covers all variants, including the latest one – Omicron.

Since cancer patients have a weakened immune system, their bodies generate a weaker response. Therefore, there may be a need for getting an additional dose following the completion of the primary vaccine series. Speak to your doctor about the need, dosage, and timing for the shot.

#4. Should You Get the Second Booster Dose?

A booster dose is different from an additional dose. A booster dose is given to people who have received the primary vaccine after the antibodies have diminished. The second booster dose is recommended for everyone aged 12 and above, especially for seniors who can get the shot now and those under 65 should be able to get the shot as well.

In general, if you are getting cancer treatment or are severely immuno-compromised, you will need the booster shot, but again, we recommend talking to your medical professional before proceeding with the next dose.

#5. You Can Still Get COVID-19 Following Your Vaccination

Everyone, healthy and immune deficient, know that you can still get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. It might seem alarming, but if you have compromised immunity, you need to rely on other measures along with getting vaccinated to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Some of the measures that you should continue to take despite relaxed restrictions include:

- - Covering your face with a mask that fits well and covers your mouth and nose
  - Avoiding public gatherings and crowds
  - Maintaining a distance of six feet from people you don’t live with
  - Frequent and thorough hand washing
  - Monitoring your overall health and well-being

What Should I Do if I Develop Symptoms of Infection?

Couple talking to a medical professional — Unsplash-080620-tim-gouw-bwki71ap-y8

If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus or have developed the symptoms of the infection, it’s best to isolate yourself and get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible. At-home tests can tell you if you are infected, but there are a lot of false positives; however, if it shows you do have covid, you most likely do. It is best to go to a medical facility to get a PCR test. If the test results show that you have the infection, make sure you get in touch with your primary healthcare provider and update them about your condition.

If you develop mild to moderate symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe you antiviral medications or antibody treatment to prevent your illness from worsening. Your healthcare provider will also give you an insight into possible drug interactions between the medications for COVID-19 and the treatment you are getting for cancer.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may decide to pause your cancer treatment while you get the treatment for the virus.

Final Words

Coping with cancer is stressful and this anxiety has increased amidst the pandemic. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, are getting cancer treatment, or are a cancer survivor, know that there are several ways you can protect yourself from getting COVID-19. Continue to cover your face with a face mask, practice frequent hand washing, maintain six feet social distance, and avoid public gatherings.

Organic Foods: What They Are and Why You Should Eat Them

Technologist with tablet computer standing by water tank conveyers doing quality control of apple fruit production in food processing plant — iStock

Pesticides – those scary chemicals that kill insects so that they will stop ruining the crops that we eat. But if pesticides are harmful to insects, are they harmful to humans? What is being done to avoid eating pesticide-laden foods? Let’s find out.

When you think of organic foods, you probably imagine crunchy kale, juicy apples, and other produce with leaves that look like they’ve been touched by a magic wand. Perhaps you assume these foods are expensive and taste weird. However, we now know that these assumptions are misguided.

Conventional fruits and vegetables are often loaded with synthetic fertilizers and other rather nasty ingredients. But what exactly does it mean for something to be organic? Do these foods taste better? Is it worth your money to buy them?

What Does “Organic” Actually Mean?

Organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. They are typically raised without antibiotics or hormones. Additionally, organic livestock is kept in conditions that are more humane and minimizes stress and pain than those of factory-farmed animals, so if you are an animal lover, this should whet your appetite.

Why Buy Organic Foods?

When you buy food that isn’t certified organic, you’re likely eating produce that has been treated with toxic synthetic pesticides as previously mentioned. These chemicals can be found in conventional produce, as well as meat and eggs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows conventionally grown fruits and vegetables to be doused with a staggering number of pesticides. Why? Because the government believes that trace amounts of pesticides on conventionally grown foods are not harmful to humans.

Let’s take grapes as an example. One pesticide, methyl trifluoride (yes, that’s a word!), is allowed on grapes. In one application, up to 1.5 million pounds of this stuff can be sprayed on a single acre of grapevines.

So Why are Pesticides Bad for Your Health?

Let’s put it this way – anything artificial added to food items would not make the good food health list and synthetic pesticides, which they all are, can potentially wreak havoc on your gut over the years. Besides synthetic pesticides, processed foods can also fall into this category. That doesn’t mean that everyone in this world who eats non-organic or processed foods is prone to disease, but wouldn’t it be nice if we do whatever is possible to avoid such a risk?

Quoting from nature.com, “… [when] eating a non-organic apple, you are also eating over 30 different pesticides that have been sprayed on the apple“. And pesticides can be a potential risk for cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease, and can have reproductive issues.

Which Foods are Best to Buy Organic?

While all organic foods are better than conventionally grown foods, some are more important to buy than others. These foods are most likely to contain high levels of pesticide residue. That makes it even more important to buy organic. These foods include: Grapes – Strawberries – Apples – Peaches – Bell peppers – Tomatoes – Celery – Spinach – Potatoes

How to Find Truly Organic Food

Vegetables — Eating organic is more healthy but also more expensive

When you’re buying produce, you will want to look for the USDA Organic seal. This seal means that the food is certified organic and has met the government’s standards for being grown organically.

The same applies to meat, eggs, and dairy products. You will want to make sure they are certified. But what if you can’t find these? You can also look for foods that are certified by third parties; such as certification seals like these: – Certified Humane – Global Aquaculture Alliance – Animal Welfare Approved – Non-GMO Project – Food Alliance – Organic Materials Review Institute These seals indicate that a third-party certifying agency has verified that a product has been produced according to organic standards.

The Big Problem with Organic Foods

The problem is that they cost more. Organic produce is twice as expensive as conventionally grown produce. Organic dairy and meat products can be even more expensive. And while these foods can be a good investment in your health, they may not be worth it for everyone.

If you are living on a limited budget, it’s possible it would be better to buy non-organic foods. For example, you may be able to get all the nutrients you need from a non-organic diet that costs a lot less per person. And while eating organic foods can be beneficial, it’s important to remember that eating anything is better than eating nothing at all.

Final Words

The bottom line is this: Eating organic foods is not a frivolous thing to do. It is a way to protect yourself and your family from harmful pesticides that are sprayed on non-organic crops. If you can afford to buy them, they are worth the money.

Organic produce has fewer pesticide residues and more nutrients and is less likely to be contaminated with pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella. Better care is given to organic farm aminals. The farming methods are also better for the environment, reducing pesticide and fertilizer runoff into nearby waterways. So eat up and enjoy!

What is Monkey Pox? Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Yes, it comes from monkeys. That was your question, right? Now let’s get to what it is exactly!

Monkeypox is a very rare virus that can be passed from monkeys and other animals to humans. It’s also known as pox or smallpox. Most people who get monkeypox don’t have any symptoms, but when they do appear they are usually mild.

If you catch it early enough, you can treat it at home; however, if it gets out of control, it could lead to potentially serious complications. Luckily there are ways to prevent contracting the disease. Keep reading for more information about how to avoid getting infected with Monkey Pox and its treatment.

Monkey Pox: Details

The virus has never been reported in humans in the US, but it can pop up in places where people are in contact with infected animals, like African countries and tropical areas in South America. Monkeypox gets its name from the fact that it was first discovered in monkeys.

People get infected with the virus when they’re in contact with a monkey or other animals like rodents that carry the infection, according to the CDC. Humans can also get infected from breathing in the droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneezing.

How Do You Get the Monkey Pox Virus?

The disease that’s only found in certain areas of the world, like Africa and tropical areas of South America. You can get it from coming into direct contact with infected animals, like monkeys or rodents, or through the air when someone coughs or sneezes.

While it’s extremely rare to find monkeypox in the U.S., it can happen when people travel to areas where the virus is present and bring it back home with them. If you’re in a situation where you or others may come into contact with infected animals, you should take extra precautions. Wear gloves when handling them, and try to avoid being bitten or scratched. Cover all cuts, scratches, and open wounds with bandages, and make sure to keep them dry. Be sure to frequently wash your hands and thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces that may have come into contact with the virus as well. Are sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Symptoms

Most people who get monkeypox don’t have any symptoms, but when they do appear they are usually mild. The average incubation period is 12-14 days. You can get a rash – bumps on your skin that form a red or blue spot – swollen lymph nodes (small glands in your body that fight infection) – pain and/or itching at the site of the rash. Other symptoms include fever headaches, nausea, muscle aches, diarrhea, and bleeding inside the stomach or intestines.

Treatment

If you think you’ve been infected with his virus, you should contact your doctor immediately. They can test your blood to see if it has been infected and you should stay away from others while you’re being tested.

Monkeypox can be treated. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics if you’re diagnosed with the infection. You might also be given antiviral drugs to slow the progression of the infection.

Prevention

If you travel to areas that have a high risk of the virus, make sure you follow the recommendations mentioned above. Because it’s a rare infection, health officials don’t recommend vaccines, and they’re only available in certain countries.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is a very rare virus that can be passed from monkeys and other animals to humans. Most people who get monkeypox don’t have any symptoms, but when they do appear they are usually mild. Luckily there are ways to prevent contracting the disease. Some precautions are to wear gloves when handling animals and try to avoid being bitten or scratched by them and follow the cleaning recommendations mentioned in this article, but if you are afraid of catching the disease, the best suggestion is to not go to the high-risk areas.

Nursing Home Use of Antibiotics Adverse Affects

No one likes putting a loved one into a nursing home, but it can be unavoidable at times. In this article, we will be focusing on drugs used in these facilities, specifically antibiotics, and how strict control is needed to maintain a balance when given to nursing home patients.

In a 2015 study, nursing home patients were exposed to a 24% greater risk of adverse events from antibiotics and suffered related illnesses such as gastroenteritis, the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms, as well as allergies, and general medication adverse events.

Antibiotics are prescription drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. Similar to how the process of neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus works from the vaccines, antibiotics kill the bacteria or prevent them from copying themselves. This is known as antibiotic resistance.

The most common antibiotics are the following:

- - amoxicillin
  - doxycycline
  - cephalexin
  - ciprofloxacin
  - clindamycin
  - metronidazole
  - azithromycin
  - sulfamethoxazole

You may be familiar with amoxicillin. Besides normal prescriptions from medical doctors, it is also prescribed by dentists for those who have certain heart conditions such as mitral valve prolapse.

High Antibiotic Use and Its Potential Consequences

Overuse of antibiotics can have the opposite effect of what they were initially designed for. Instead of killing the bacteria, it can make the bacteria stronger and subsequently resist the exact drug that is trying to neutralize them.

Residents in nursing homes with high antibiotic use have a 24% higher risk of an antibiotic-related adverse event, which is an unexpected medical problem that occurs during prescription drug treatment according to a study published in JAMA by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, located in Ontario, Canada.

The researchers studied more than 100,000 residents in more than 600 Ontario nursing homes and found a 10-fold variability in antibiotic use. The range was from as low as 20 antibiotic days per 1,000 resident days to as high as 200 antibiotic days. Antibiotic-related issues usually involve the digestive system and can include C. difficile, which is an infection of the large intestines, diarrhea, or gastroenteritis. Also, allergic reactions have been recorded.

“Our findings show that these adverse outcomes affected not only residents who directly received antibiotics, but also those residents who did not directly receive antibiotics because infections like Clostridium difficile and antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be transmitted between patients,” lead author Nick Daneman, MD, MSc, an adjunct scientist at ICES, said in a statement.

You are Not Alone!

Even residents not receiving antibiotics could be at risk of these consequences. One of the antibiotic-related harms is antibiotic-resistant organisms. A condition where bacteria develop the ability to overtake the drugs that are designed to neutralize them. That means the germs are not killed but continue to grow, which not only affects the recipient but also can indirectly affect others besides the patient.

Overall, 13.3% of residents in a nursing home with high antibiotic use experience adverse antibiotic-related events compared with 11.4% of residents in a low antibiotic-use nursing home.

“Antibiotic use is highly variable across nursing homes; residents of high-use homes are exposed to an increased risk of antibiotic-related harms even if they have not directly received these agents,” the authors concluded. “Antibiotic stewardship is needed to improve the safety of all nursing home residents.”

Taking Extra Care!

Some nursing homes are notorious for over-medicating patients, so those of you who have a loved one in a home should be vigilant when bringing a patient into a facility and while the patient is already living there.

Case in Point

A nursing home on Long Island recently had patients become infected with Covid-19. This baffled the staff as this facility maintained strict Covid regulations. Everyone entering the home had to wear a mask, show their vaccination card, be Covid tested (via rapid diagnostic), be checked for temperature, and be photographed. Yet, patients still got infected, so those facilities with even the best intentions still can be subject to unexpected circumstances. If you would like recommendations for quality nursing homes in New York State, please feel free to contact us.

What Happens When Fear Goes Too Far? The Science Behind a Panic Attack!

The Adrellian Factor

Fearful man with hands on his face — Photo by MART PRODUCTION Pexels

Ever jump when you hear a sudden loud noise? This is the fight or flight response that your body takes to a potential danger that you are confronted with. Moreover, fear would be an extension of the loud noise reaction and would be much more intense. The mind interprets the situation as a danger, reacts appropriately, and takes the necessary biological and psychological precautions to alleviate this fear.

What’s Happening Physically?

When the body senses danger, the sympat hetic nervous system is activated. This releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol and as a result, your body’s heart rate and blood pressure are increased, as well as possibly a pounding headache and sweating.

As your heart beats faster and harder, known as palpitations you may feel, faint and get a sharp pain in your chest.

You may even feel like you are having a heart attack, which could be possible, depending upon your personal physical and psychological conditions. In this case, you may want to contact medical professionals, especially if the condition persists.

As these systems continue, your body can experience a “nervous stomach”. The muscles in the stomach wall contract, which can cause nausea and vomiting. In addition to the physical symptoms, the mind also becomes “paralyzed”. This is when your cognitive process becomes disrupted. People may also feel an experience of detachment. The thoughts are racing and a person may feel as if their body isn’t their own.

Not everyone will feel every symptom during a panic attack, but if a fearful condition confronts you, there is no doubt you will experience a good variety of these.

Let’s break these symptoms down.

What’s Happening Mentally?

Woman showing signs of headach or stress — Photo: Graphicstock

Some typical thoughts during a panic attack are “What if this happens again?” “What if I can’t do this?” or “I’m a failure”, among many other thoughts of worry. These emotions arise in a part of the brain called the amygdala which contains almond-shaped cells that are located near the bottom of the brain.

The amygdala contains your memories and with those memories, connections to certain emotions exist. They can be happy, sad, scared, or any other emotion you had during that memory and are called emotional remembrances. The amygdala is a part of the limbic system, the portion of the brain which is responsible for your emotional and behavioral responses.

Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety

- Understand The Cause – The cause of your anxiety could be biological, psychological, or social. If it’s biological, you can take medication. The cause may be psychological, in which case you can learn how to overcome anxiety. The cause may also be social. In this case, you may need to change your social habits.
- Identify The Trigger – In a panic attack, the mind interprets harmless situations as potentially catastrophic. Take some deep breaths and try to think about the situation in an organized fashion step by step. If you can break down why the situation is happening, you will have a better chance of confronting and dealing with it.

Conclusion

Panic attacks can be anxiety disorders. They affect 15-30% of the population. When you get an attack, your body reacts with the fight or flight response. This can cause a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and possibly other conditions such as sweating.

The amygdala in your brain is where the response originates and is where the adrenaline and cortisol hormones are released.

You may be able to control these attacks, especially if you have an anxiety order condition. About half of the people with anxiety disorders don’t seek help. They assume that they’ll overcome their anxiety on their own. However, it may take months, years, or a lifetime for things to get better. It’s important to seek help as soon as possible. It’s more likely that the symptoms will be mild if they’re treated early. If untreated, an anxiety disorder can get worse, causing depression, abuse of drugs or alcohol, and even suicide. If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, talk to your doctor. Together, you can find a treatment that works for you.