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.

Man washing his hands in a sink — Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer is one of the best protections against spreading the COVID virus

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

Granddaughter with her grandfather — Photo by Pexels: Kampus Production

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.

FAQs for Choosing a Good Nursing Home

Senior Citizens — Photo by Joe Hepburn on Unsplash

What if there was no one to look after your elderly parents? You considered it but existing circumstances restrict you from taking her into your house. You thought about in-home care, but the costs are financially prohibitive. However, there is something you can do about it. You can take her to a good nursing home, but how do you go about finding the right nursing home for her? Let’s have a look at some common FAQs that you will need to ask in choosing a good nursing home for your elderly.

Is Your Nursing Home a Non-Profit Facility?

Nursing homes often work for for-profit as well as non-profit organizations, But most of them work on a nonprofit basis. In a nonprofit nursing home, the staff members work for the betterment and look after the health of the old people. Such types of organizations are not interested in making money; instead, they exclusively work for the healthcare industry. On the contrary, the nursing homes working for-profit focus and contribute towards the activities they are interested in.

What is the Level of Care for the Old People?

A nursing home is a place where old people are looked after. Credible nursing homes give topmost priority to old people’s care and do not compromise on the quality of care provided to them.

The highest level of care is given to adults unlike in hospitals. From getting in and out of bed to assisting in dressing, bathing, feeding, and even moving, a nursing home provides custodial care at every level to old people.

What are the Measures Taken for Safety?

Seniors playing chess — Photo by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash

You must never doubt the level of medical attention that an old person will receive in a nursing home. Though you are just trying to keep the aged person in a safer place you should never doubt the facilities of a nursing home as compared to that of a hospital. Nursing homes have precautionary measures for their safety. They have fire alarms, and different routes to escape from different floors, the staff is trained for evacuation drills, and the representatives take care of the belongings of your loved ones even in the worst of situations. Additionally, President Biden has set reforms for greater safety in nursing homes.

What About the Food?

You would want your loved one to eat healthy and hygienic food, just like you. A credible nursing home always keeps a check on the hygiene of the food. Also, they give variety to their seniors by letting them choose from the menu. The meal is prepared considering their dietary requirements, age, and diet so that it is palatable, as well as healthy for them. If they do not like the food, they can ask for something else and it is served to them, keeping in view their taste and preference.

If you are going to take your loved ones to a nursing home, then you need to properly investigate nursing homes before making the final decision. While there may be many concerns that you would want to ask them about, there were a few to help you out.

What Does it Take to Become a Good Nurse?

Woma getting flu shot — Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Where would we be without nurses? They tend to us when the doctor is not around, help us when we need it, and come to our homes when we have an elderly family member who needs a nurse’s touch.

The compassion and determination with which a good nurse performs his/ her duties are important for maintaining the proficiency of the healthcare system. But, what are the qualities that make nurses such an important part factor?

Here we list down some essential qualities that you should have if you are considering a career in nursing. If you are confused about whether you should pursue a nursing career or not, have a look at the following list and see if you have what it takes to become a nurse.

Be Empathetic

Being compassionate is of the utmost importance in nursing. Since there are chances that a nurse may become indifferent to a patient’s problem, it is important that you maintain an appreciative nature as to what your job tasks are and why you are qualified to assist those who need assistance.

Communication Skills

While having effective communication skills is important in various careers, it is critical in the nursing profession. A good nurse should be able to communicate well with all of his/ her patients and their families.

This includes both listening to their issues and providing them guidance and support. Having effective communication with your patients and their families is also important to make sure they clearly understand your instructions regarding the medications and lifestyle changes necessary for their health, so make it a point to be a good listener!

Flexibility

Nurses don’t always have fixed schedules. Emergencies and many other situations demand them to provide their services at different times and at various positions. So, being flexible and having the ability to adjust to varying challenges to deal with a variety of responsibilities are important qualities for becoming a great nurse.

Patience

Patients can be irritating and finicky at times, especially the elderly. To deal with such situations, you need to have the patience (pun intended) to adapt to the patient’s tempers and not explode.

It is important to deal with the patient’s family professionally and to carry out the doctor’s orders effectively, making sure the patient follows the doctor’s instructions. According to research, around 60% of patients in the U.S. do not follow their doctor’s instructions; therefore, nurses need to be very tolerant while dealing with such patients and to make them understand why following doctor’s orders is critical for their health.

Dealing with Emotions Properly

Long working hours, emergencies, and assisting patients and their families can no doubt be a daunting task but hang in there. While it is important that a nurse remain empathetic to his/ her patients, getting too much affected by the patient’s suffering could negatively impact a nurse’s performance. Therefore, nurses need to be emotionally strong at all times and not fall into the trap of you becoming the patient and the nurse.

Decision Making

We saved the best for last! Being able to make professional, sometimes quick decisions can mean the difference between life and death. If you happen to come across such a situation, always maintain composure. Do not allow yourself to get overwhelmed. Take some deep breaths and think before you act. Similar to a mother putting the oxygen mask on her child first before she puts hers on in an airplane emergency, you must do the same, only in thoughts, not action. Then once you have all your thoughts together on how to proceed, go for it!

5 Health Dangers of Mold You Should Know About

Molding Fruit — Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay

Mold can be a scary thing that can get you seriously ill, especially if it is on food and/or in your home. So what can we do about it? Let’s start with what it is.

Mold, What it Is!

It is one of the most common indoor air pollutants, and it is tough to eliminate. If you have ever noticed a green, musty smell in your home, you might have noticed the presence of mold.

Mold gets its name from the Latin word “mollis,” which means smooth. It is a fungus that can grow anywhere in the world and usually resides in damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. Mold can grow in almost every corner of your home, even in places where you wouldn’t think it can, and can cause serious health issues.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common health problems caused by exposure to mold and some of the things you can do to prevent these problems from happening.

What is the Most Common Health Problem Caused by Mold?

After decades of research, there are still no specific answers to the question of exactly what health problem mold causes. Some experts say that it can trigger a wide range of symptoms, while others are sure that it is not the direct cause of any health issues. According to one study, seven percent of the population has chronic health conditions that could be attributed to exposure to mold.

However, most experts agree that the chances of getting sick from mold exposure are higher if you have a respiratory disease, asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system. It is also important to note that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of people who get sick from mold are exposed to it only once.

Health Symptoms of Exposure

If you feel any of these symptoms, you may have mold in your house. Of course, these can be the result of possible virus infections or other health-related issues not related to mold, so seeking medical help would be recommended if you feel the need to do so.

- - Eye irritation
  - Runny nose and congestion
  - Coughing
  - Sneezing
  - Sore throat
  - Skin rash
  - Headache

What Factors Increase the Risk of Getting Sick from Mold?

To decrease your chances of getting sick from mold exposure, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Some of the most common factors that make you more susceptible to mold are age, air pollution, genetics, health conditions, and exposure to it before you were born. In addition, if you have children with asthma, the chances that they will be exposed to mold are much higher than those without this condition. Let’s discuss each factor in more detail.

What are the Different Types of Mold?

There are a lot of different types of mold that can grow in different parts of your home. The most common types of mold include – Stachybotrys chartarum: This type is often found in air conditioning systems, ceiling tiles, and damp basements. It can also grow in wall voids.

- - Aspergillus: This type of mold is often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It is often present in humid environments.
  - Penicillium: This type is often found in foods. Possibly in packaged foods and certain environmental conditions may contaminate them during the packaging process.
  - Fusarium: This type can also be found in bathrooms and basements, as well as damp areas.
  - Mucor: This type of mold is often found in wet or humid places.
  - Other types, such as those found in soil, may also be present in your home.

How to Prevent Mold from Occurring

To prevent mold from occurring in your home, you need to control the factors that increase the risk of exposure to it. To do this, you need to be aware of some of the common causes of mold in your home.

These include:

- - Improper ventilation: Improper ventilation is the most common cause of indoor air pollution. This means that the air exchange in your home is not properly managed. If you have a home with an outdated system, it will get stuffed with all types of particles, including mold spores. The best way to deal with this is by installing a ventilation system that will help to keep the air clean.
  - Improper use of dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are very useful in the battle against indoor air pollution. However, if you constantly turn your dehumidifier on and off, you may release mold spores into the air. In such cases, it would be better to run the dehumidifier 24/7 and keep the house at a low temperature.
  - Excessive use of chemicals: Even though it is important to clean your home regularly, it is also important to use the appropriate products. Some household products, such as bleach and chlorine can be harsh on your respiratory system. Instead of using harsh chemicals, you should try using safer options such as baking soda and vinegar instead.

Conclusion

Mold is a very common problem, and the sooner you take action, the better. In addition, the more you know about this type of indoor air pollution, the sooner you will be able to recognize it and take the appropriate steps to eliminate it. Dehumidifiers are great products for removing this fungus.

Mold can be a real problem for people with allergies or asthma, especially if the mold is in their bedroom. Everyone should be aware of the potential for it to grow in their environment and take appropriate precautions. In this article, we have discussed some of the most common dangers of mold and how you can avoid these dangers. Remember to be proactive and check your home regularly for mold.

12 COVID FAQs – Here are Your Answers!

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus is part of a family of respiratory illnesses called SARS-CoV-2. It originated in China in 2019. Currently, it is commonly referred to as COVID-19, but some people may still refer to it as COVID-19.

When the virus first came out in late 2019, it was extremely destructive to the body’s immune system, especially to those that are immune deficient and the elderly, but since then, the symptoms from the new variants have subsided and those that have been vaccinated stand even less of a chance of getting very ill.

As of this writing, there have been over 6 million deaths worldwide and over 660 million cases.

The latest strain is the BA-5 variant, but cases of death or serious illness have subsided and those who have been vaccinated have stated they just feel like they have a cold.

How Is It Spread?

Covid is spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If there is someone nearby, that person can easily pick up the droplets and acquire the disease.

You can also catch the virus through infected hands or infected objects such as door knobs. You won’t acquire it by just touching an infected area, but if these objects are infected and you touch them and then you touch parts of your face, such as your nose, or any area where the virus can reach your mucus membranes, you can get infected.

That is why it is highly recommended to carry an antibacterial cleanser with you and to wash your hands as often as possible, especially after touching common objects such as entrance doors at retail stores.

Some people who have become infected may not exhibit symptoms, especially now in 2022, but others such as people aged 65 years and older and those with underlying medical conditions are still at a higher risk for severe consequences.

Are the Virus Cells Alive?

No virus is alive. Cells the other hand are very much alive. They are the building blocks of life.

What is the Difference Between Covid and the Flu?

Stack of drug viles — Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

They are both are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses; in another word, their genetic coding varies enough to classify them differently. With that said, Covid is associated with the SARS-CoV-2 family and the flu is caused by the influenza virus family.

There are additional differences as well. Covid has been found to spread more easily than the flu. It is also known to be more severe. COVID-infected individuals can take a longer time for their symptoms to show and may they can be contagious for a longer period.

Can You Get COVID-19 if You Have Been Vaccinated?

Yes. Anyone, vaccinated or not can catch the disease, but if you are vaccinated, especially if you have received the booster shots, you are most likely not going to get it severely.

If you are vaccinated and do get COVID-19, you still need to quarantine since you can spread it to others.

What Does the Vaccine Do?

The coronavirus vaccines produce additional antibodies in the body. Antibodies act like a barrier between the virus and healthy cells. You might look at it as a wall that keeps the virus from attacking the healthy cells.

Is the Rapid Test as Good as a PCR Test?

Checking COVID-19 speciman — Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

No. The 15-minute rapid test is commonly referred to as the “home test” but it is used at medical facilities as well. Researchers state that these tests are only partially effective.

The general premise is that if the result shows you are infected with the virus, then you must likely are, but if the result shows a negative result, then that doesn’t mean you are not infected; in other words, a positive result from a rapid test is reliable but a negative result is not.

A 67-year-old man went to an urgent care facility and had both tests taken. The quick test showed a negative result. The next day, the clinic called with the result of the PCR test, and it was positive.

Why Do Some People Refuse to Take the Vaccine?

Some people are simply afraid to take the shot as they have heard stories about people who have gotten sick from it. Although this is true for some, they recover usually about 24 hours later, while many others have not felt any side effects at all. Other people have religious reasons and the last group is those that just believe that it is not necessary.

What Should I Do If I Acquire the Disease?

Woman lying down with mask — Photo by Cade Renfroe on Unsplash

Drink lots of water. Make sure you are taking vitamins such as Vitamins C and D, as well as Zink, but most of all, sleep is extremely important because your body regenerates as you are sleeping.

You should start feeling better after about four days, but if you don’t see improvements by the 3rd or 4th day, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. They may prescribe you Paxlovid, which is a set of pills made by Pfizer that is known to accelerate the process of recovery.

If you are elderly or have an immune deficiency or another health ailment, let your doctor know and they most likely will prescribe Paxlovid to you immediately.

How Does the Virus Attack Human Cells?

Coronaviurs rendering — Photo by CDC from Pexels

It is all about the spikes that protrude out of the virus cells and are used to inject healthy cells which will mutate those cells and subsequently cause illness to the host.

Does Cold Weather Cause You to Get Covid More?

Yes, it can. According to theweathernetwork.com, “In the cold, the virus not only hangs in the air but also stays active longer“. Additionally, when winter comes, more people tend to stay inside where the chances of catching the virus intensify, especially if you are in close quarters with others.

How Can I Protect Myself from COVID-19?

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

You can work in many ways to prevent being infected with the virus.

Here are the main ones:

Wash your hands with antibiotic liquid after touching anything outside of your home.
Soap is better to use than antibiotic liquids if you have access to it.
Stay at least six feet away from other people.
Avoid places where there are large groups of people and if you just must go (e.g. supermarket, etc.) look for times when it is the least crowded.
Wear a mask!

When Will This Pandemic Be Over?

As of the start of the new year, 2023, a new Omicron strain XBB.1.5 has materialized and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is very contagious; however, as with the previous variants, if you have been vaccinated and up to date with your boosters, your symptoms should be no more than a bad cold.

But if you are autoimmune or elderly, you still need to take extra precautions as with the other variants.

As far as when this will be over, the first sign will be when it changes from an epidemic to a pandemic. As of today, the symptoms have diminished greatly but the variants are still out there.

With that said, it is still recommended to take the necessary precautions. Wear a mask when near others, carry antibacterial cleansers with you, and wash your hands frequently!

Compounds, Amino Acids, and Proteins

Organic Compounds to Proteins

Organic compounds are the foundation of proteins, but do you know what they are? Unless you can remember your high school biology or you work in this field, chances are you don’t remember.

So how about we refresh our education on what these entities are and how they are related to viruses, especially, the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid) family of viruses?

Let’s start with the prerequisites. What organic compounds and amino acids are and then we’ll delve into proteins. We will keep our discussion simple so that you can get a clear understanding of it all.

Organic Compounds?

Quite simply, these are molecules where one or more of their atoms are linked to atoms of other elements. This can occur when atoms have less than eight electrons in their outer shell, which is known as the valence shell.

Atoms with ‘missing’ electrons in this shell will look to find how they can make up the difference, and this is done by combining its shell with electrons of other atoms so that it can balance into the required eight electrons in its valence shell. When this sharing process occurs, the molecules are known as covalent bonds.

Illustration of a hydrogen atoms sharing an electron from a carbon atom — Illustration of hydrogen atoms sharing an electron from a carbon atom, creating a methane molecule, which is natural gas. (Wikipedia Creative Commons)

What Makes Amino Acids?

An amino acid, AKA “amino group”, more popularly known as the building blocks of proteins, is an organic compound that shares atoms with specific elements.

These covalent bonds contain the atoms of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. The common atom that shares its elements with these elements is the carbon atom.

Amino Acids for Human Needs

Let’s talk about amino acids and why they’re so important for us! You might not know this, but our bodies actually need 20 different amino acids to stay healthy. But the catch? Not all of them are essential.

Out of those 20, there are nine that we really can’t live without. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Pretty cool, right? The thing is, our bodies can’t make these nine on their own, so we’ve got to get them from the food we eat. You’ve probably seen ads pushing protein supplements or protein-packed snacks. But honestly, you can find these essential amino acids in good old meat, eggs, and poultry.

What are Proteins?

Now, onto proteins! So, what exactly are they? Well, proteins are basically long chains made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of amino acids linked together. They play a huge role in our body, especially in our cells, helping to keep our tissues and organs in tip-top shape.

Each amino acid is connected by something called a peptide, which is a fancy way of saying they’re linked together. And the cool part? There are tons of different proteins out there, each one doing its own job to keep us healthy. So, next time you think about what to eat, remember those amino acids and proteins are working hard to keep you feeling your best!

Protein Chart — Protein structure levels from amino acid to complex molecule outline diagram. Bigstock.

Proteins are essential to the body and help maintain the following that is most important for your health.

- - Replenishment
    Like a turnstile, proteins come and go. On a typical day, depending on the amount of energy you utilize, your body reduces a certain amount of proteins, so those proteins need to be replenished. If, after a while, those proteins are not replenished, your body can become weaker and prone to infections, as well as muscle and bone deficiencies. This is common in pregnancy and when you become ill.
  - Balances Fluids
  - Transports and Stores Nutrients
  - Bolsters Immune Health

If you are not sure if you are getting enough proteins, here are some signs.

What Foods are Good in Protein?

Salmon on a plate — cooked fish meal (Graphic Stock)

Our body does not work alone when it comes to proteins. We need the right food to help replenish our health. According to WebMD, the following are highly recommended food sources for protein:

1. 1. Fish and particularly salmon, is not just good for protein health but is healthy in many other ways.
  2. Other seafood. Lobster lovers rejoice!
  3. Skinless, white-meat poultry
  4. Lean beef (tenderloin or sirloin)
  5. Skim or low-fat milk
  6. Skim or low-fat yogurt
  7. Fat-free or low-fat cheese
  8. Eggs
  9. Lean pork (tenderloin)
  10. Beans

Summary

Atoms contain electrons that reside around the nucleus. Covalent bonds are atoms that attach by sharing the same electrons in their outer shell.

Those that share electrons from a carbon atom are amino acids. There are 20 different kinds, with nine being essential for our health. Amino acids are molecules that link together in a chain to form proteins.

Some proteins require external intake (food) as your body doesn’t produce enough of them on its own.

Now let’s move on to What are Cells and What Do They Do?