Coronavirus spreads in 3 main ways: This one worries the CDC most

As the number of cases of coronavirus COVID-19 grows worldwide, the US CDC has detailed the primary ways in which the SARS-like illness could be spread, and which routes it is most concerned with. The first person-to-person infection in the US was confirmed at the end of January 2020, and since then the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have held several briefings to outline exactly what people should – and shouldn’t – be worried about.

One of the most pressing questions is the mechanisms of just how that person-to-person spread might take place. COVID-19 has a roughly fourteen day incubation period, and one of the challenges that healthcare providers face is that, if tested too early, the current tests for the infection can return a false-negative.

“Based on what we know now, we believe this virus spreads mainly from person to person, among close contact, which is defined as about six feet, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes,” Nancy Messonnier, M.D., Director at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said today during a CDC briefing. “People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic: that is, when they are the sickest.”

There are, however, two other ways by which coronavirus could be transmitted. “Some spread may happen by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, and mouth,” Dr Messonnier added. “But remember, we believe that this virus does not last long on surfaces. Some spread may happen before people show symptoms. There have been a few reports of this with the new coronavirus, and it is compatible with what we know about other respiratory viruses, including seasonal flu.”

In reality, it’s coughing and sneezing that is the primary concern. “Right now, we do not believe these last two forms of transmission are the main driver of spread,” Dr Messonnier said.

Disease surveillance is ramping up in response

Five public health labs around the US have already been brought online to add COVID-19 surveillance to their existing work. “We are looking at existing surveillance systems both for influenza and for respiratory diseases,” Dr Messonnier explained. “Results from this surveillance would be an early-warning signal to trigger a change in our response strategy.”

The fear is that, while not currently an issue, coronavirus contagion could become more widespread. Although not guaranteed, that’s something the CDC and other agencies are getting ready for. “We must prepare for the possibility that at some point we may see sustained community spread in other countries, or in the US, and this will trigger a change in our response strategy,” Dr Messonnier said.

The current public health labs are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and New York City. “This is just the starting point, and we plan to expand to more sites in the comping weeks until we have national surveillance,” the NCIRD director confirmed.

A testing delay
One of the biggest steps taken already was to expand testing of potentially-infected samples, using a fast-tracked coronavirus assessment. That hit a snag recently, when reports from external labs indicated non-conclusive results were being produced. Investigations by those labs and the CDCs identified problems in the reagents being used as part of the test.

The CDC is currently reformulating those reagents, Dr Messonnier confirmed, though there’s no timescale for when they might be ready for redeployment.

Meanwhile, however, the biggest risk for most people still isn’t COVID-19 at all. H1N1, aka Influenza A, has seen a sudden rise in numbers of infections in the US this season, in line with 2018’s “severe” rating. So far there have been 250,000 hospitalizations, and 14,000 deaths. 
 

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10 Everyday Habits That Can Undermine Your Health

Sometimes, we want to make our lives easier by breaking certain unwritten rules. What harm would it cause if you skipped just one dentist’s appointment, after all?

At other times, we make certain choices that, as we sincerely believe, are better for our health, but really aren’t. For example, the majority of the population in developed countries take dietary supplements. It may surprise you to find out that, contrary to popular belief, taking supplements you don’t need can affect your health.

For a detailed explanation of how these 2 and 8 other everyday habits could potentially make you sick, continue reading.

1. Touching Your Face

People often fail to notice when they rub their eyes or scratch their chin, especially when they’re too preoccupied with work or some other activity. In fact, most people don’t even suspect that this seemingly-harmless and very intuitive habit can actually make them sick.

Doctors point out that, in most cases, viruses get into our bodies through the mouth and nose, and we’re the ones introducing them to our bodies. By rubbing your nose and eyes, or by biting your nails you are letting the bacteria and viruses migrate into your body, especially when you’re in a public space.

Apart from introducing the flu and other infections, touching your face can cause acne, as well as worsen already-existing acne by spreading it to other areas of your skin. So, be mindful, notice when and where you’re touching your face and avoid it whenever possible.

2. Taking Vitamins & Supplements That You Don’t Need

It is common sense that depriving your body of essential vitamins and other nutrients is a terrible idea, but did you know that having too much of the good stuff can also make you sick? Because most people's diets are already so rich in nutrients, we can easily overdo it by adding even more vitamins and other supplements to our diet. 

The fat-soluble vitamins are usually more likely to cause adverse symptoms when taken in excess, as they are more difficult to filter out of the organism. If you take too much vitamin D, for example, it can manifest the following symptoms: vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, bone pain and kidney problems.

Water-soluble vitamins can also cause adverse effects. If you consume more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C in a day, for example, it can lead to heartburn, vomiting, headaches and insomnia. Finally, watch out for possible interactions of over-the-counter supplements with other medications you are taking, and never decide to take a supplement without consulting with your doctor.

3. Not Introducing Good Hygiene Habits When Interacting With Your Pet

Cuddling and playing with our beloved pets is one of the main reasons why we have them to begin with, but it is important to remember that even a healthy and vaccinated pet can have some potentially-dangerous cooties. We’ll use the example of dogs, but keep in mind that cats, ferrets and birds can also have different contagious diseases that you could catch.

The main culprit in dogs are parasites, like roundworms, hookworms and scabies, all of which can be passed onto you from your pet. Fortunately, you can’t catch the flu from a dog, but infections, such as leptospirosis and salmonella are a potential concern, even though they are less common and can be transferred only through dog urine or feces.

That’s why it is important to wash your hands before and after playing with your pet or handling their toys, litter boxes or bedding.

4. Washing Your Hands With Antibacterial Soap

The disadvantage of most antibacterial agents is that they don’t discriminate against good bacteria, but they majority of bacteria in our body (and on the surface of our skin) are essential for our health. In 2016, the FDA even banned several antibacterial ingredients used in soaps because their investigations showed that these ingredients promoted bacterial resistance and affected people’s endocrine health.

By regularly washing your hands with antibacterial soap, you are wiping out the beneficial microorganisms that live on your skin and protect you from harmful bacteria. In fact, it was estimated that our skin hosts over 500 species of good bacteria, and they are a vital element of our immune defense system.

While it may be beneficial or necessary to wash your hands with an antibacterial soap when your immune system is compromised, or when you know you’re in a contaminated environment, it is crucial not to do so at home, as it can cause frequent colds, the flu, and other infections. Just stick to regular soap and water.

5. Drinking From a Public Water Fountain

Drinking fountains are a known source of contagious viruses and bacteria, since its users, often unknowingly, can contaminate it. Because the problem isn’t with water quality, in most cases, you can still drink from the water fountain by simply avoiding contact or cleaning the tap.

Still, some germs can withstand cleaning, so it’s always the safest choice to carry around your own multi-use water bottle.

 6. Following the 5-Second Rule

For those of you who are lucky not to know that "the five-second rule" is, let us explain first. According to this rule, it is safe to eat fallen food if you picked it up from the floor within 5 seconds because it takes more than 5 seconds for the germs to contaminate your food.

This rule has no scientific basis behind it, and, frankly, it’s just an excuse. By eating food that fell on the floor or any furniture, you may be risking your health.

The truth is that bacteria get on your food the moment it reaches the ground, and there’s nothing you can do about it, so if you want to play safe, just toss the unfortunate ice cream into the trash and satiate your craving with a different treat.

7. Defrosting Food at Room Temperature

If you’re used to defrosting your meat, fish or fruit and vegetables on the kitchen counter, you may want to reconsider this decision. The USDA warns that any perishable foods (foods that spoil fast, both frozen and not, such as meat, dairy, fish, fruit, vegetables, etc.) should not be left to thaw at room temperature, as after the 2 hour mark, as it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

In fact, this process starts at 42°F (5°C) and most pathogens can continue to multiply up to a temperature of 135°F (60°C). So, instead of defrosting your foods on the counter, use the microwave or let it thaw slowly in the fridge.

8. Ignoring Minor Cuts and Scratches

Even the smallest cat scratch, a paper cut or a skinned elbow can become infected. Doctors explain that this is because all of us already have germs on our skin, but the skin barrier prevents them from entering our bodies.

An injury is the chance for the bacteria to get into our bloodstream, so it’s necessary to disinfect each and every minor wound you get. Dry and clean the wound and make sure you’re touching the affected area only with clean hands. Then, bandage the wound and let it heal. If any itching, redness or swelling occurs, get it checked by a doctor.

9. Washing Raw Meat

A surprising discovery I’ve made while writing this article is that by washing raw meat, you are actually increasing the likelihood of getting food poisoning.

Yes, it is true that contaminants may sit on the surface of the meat, but because you’re going to cook it and destroy most of them in the cooking process, you might actually be better off not washing raw meat. When you wash the meat, the bacteria can spread all over your sink, cooking gear and nearby food through water.

That’s why you should have a separate cooking station for meat and the rest of the food, use separate cooking utensils and keep the meat as far away from foods you’re not going to cook. Also, wash your hands thoroughly when you’re switching from handling meat to other foods.

10. Dismissing Oral Health & Hygiene

As we’ve mentioned above, our mouths are, unfortunately, the gateways for infection. The infection doesn’t have to come from the outside, however. Often, poor or inconsistent oral health may worsen certain conditions, or even cause others in various body parts and organs.
For example, heart disease and type-2 diabetes were both linked to gum disease. According to the National Health Service, developing periodontitis, a type of gum disease, can even increase your risk of stroke. Furthermore, certain dental procedures can even cause endocarditis, a type of infection of the inner heart lining, in immunocompromised patients. So, don’t skip dentist’s appointments and have a steady schedule of brushing and flossing your teeth.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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This Is Why Touching Is So Important

 The benefits of human touch for a relationship are often underestimated. A recent study, which was conducted online with participants aged 20 to 40, asked: “Where do you prefer to be touched by your partner?”
Participants were also asked to name one or several body parts where they like to be touched. The results showed major differences between men and women in this regard, however, both men and women ranked the back and the neck as the top two places they like to be touched. Here’s why human touch is vital to cultivating a thriving relationship:
Why Touch Is Important

Touching and being touched are fundamental ways in which humans interact, and are actually instrumental to our health and well-being. This is especially true during childhood, with children needing touch almost as much as they need food and water. The benefits of human touch include stress relief, an improved mood, and even pain reduction.
Human beings actually have two touch systems, namely the factual (discriminative) and emotional. The latter system is mediated by a different set of sensors and nerve fibers to the former and conveys information much slower. The emotional touch system could include a hug from a friend, a mother’s touch or intimate contact between romantic partners. All of these kinds of emotional touching activate parts of the brain that are crucial for social bonding.
Survey Results
The aforementioned online survey allowed participants to submit their answers anonymously. It found that the participants, which consisted of 53% women and 47% men aged 20 to 40 years old, like to be touched in the following places:
1. The Back

Some 64% of women and 50% of men prefer to be touched and caressed on their backs. The good news about this is that the back can be touched almost anywhere, and at any time. The truth is that most of us are even okay with colleagues and friends touching our back occasionally.
Touching the back leads to the release of oxytocin, which is commonly referred to as the love hormone. Oxytocin levels increase during hugging and lovemaking, and it is found in greater amounts in people who are in relationships in contrast with those who are single.
2. The Neck

Being a part of the body that’s always on show, as well as being a very intimate area, the neck is a rather unusual spot. A study consisting of 1,368 European participants showed that people are more reluctant to strangers, acquaintances or even distant relatives touching their necks.
With that being said, people feel differently about having their necks touched by their intimate partners. The survey showed that some 55% of female respondents and 39% of male respondents admitted to enjoying having their neck caressed by their partner. These findings are perhaps no surprise – the neck has a high concentration of light-touch receptors that go wild for gentle kisses and soft caresses.
3. The Runners-up

The next most preferred areas for women were legs and thighs (25%), followed by the shoulders (23%). Some 20% of male respondents said they enjoyed having their heads and hair touched, and a further 15% of them said they enjoyed having their arms and legs touched.

Intimate vs. Non-intimate Touching

The survey indicates that touching that represents companionship and support is far more significant than touching intimate areas that have the greatest potential to bring pleasure. With that being said, intimacy is still crucial for cultivating a strong and lasting relationship. The essential thing to take from this is that touching should not be limited to intimate times only.
Affectionate physical behavior, such as hugging, has been shown in studies to reduce stress levels and blood pressure. Such behavior has an even more profound impact when people are in relationships. This is especially true during the early months of a romantic relationship – we’ve all felt how eye contact in combination with touch stirs butterflies in the stomach.
The importance of touching grows and diversifies as a relationship matures. For example, a daily cuddle can strengthen a relationship and enhance feelings of love, which are very important. In addition, less fighting occurs when physical affection is prioritized. Showing signs of physical affection during a conflict can often lead to it being resolved much more quickly.
The Benefits of Human Touch for a Relationship

Life can sometimes seem like a never-ending rush, so a hug or a touch can go a long way toward strengthening a relationship. For some couples, this comes naturally, however it might require a little more effort for others. Whichever end of the spectrum that you’re on, keep in mind that the simple act of human touch is a great way of bringing the spark back if and when you run into trouble in your relationship.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/  
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Exercises for hand pain

Make a Fist

Hand and finger exercises can help strengthen your hands and fingers, increase your range of motion, and give you pain relief. Stretch only until you feel tightness. You shouldn't feel pain. Start with this simple stretch:

• Make a gentle fist, wrapping your thumb across your fingers.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Release and spread your fingers wide.
• Repeat with both hands at least four times.

 

Finger Stretch

Try this stretch to help with pain relief and to improve the range of motion in your hands:

• Place your hand palm-down on a table or other flat surface.
• Gently straighten your fingers as flat as you can against the surface without forcing your joints.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and then release.
• Repeat at least four times with each hand.

 

Claw Stretch

This stretch helps improve the range of motion in your fingers.

• Hold your hand out in front of you, palm facing you.
• Bend your fingertips down to touch the base of each finger joint. Your hand should look a little like a claw.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release. Repeat at least four times on each hand.

 

Grip Strengthener

This exercise can make it easier to open door knobs and hold things without dropping them.

• Hold a soft ball in your palm and squeeze it as hard as you can.
• Hold for a few seconds and release.
• Repeat 10 to 15 times on each hand. Do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. Don't do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged.

 

Pinch Strengthener

This exercise helps strengthen the muscles of your fingers and thumb. It can help you turn keys, open food packages, and use the gas pump more easily.

• Pinch a soft foam ball or some putty between the tips of your fingers and your thumb.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Repeat 10 to 15 times on both hands. Do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. Don't do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged. 

Finger Lift

Use this exercise to help increase the range of motion and flexibility in your fingers.

• Place your hand flat, palm down, on a table or other surface.
• Gently lift one finger at a time off of the table and then lower it.
• You can also lift all your fingers and thumb at once, and then lower.
• Repeat eight to 12 times on each hand.

 

Thumb Extension

Strengthening the muscles of your thumbs can help you grab and lift heavy things like cans and bottles.

• Put your hand flat on a table. Wrap a rubber band around your hand at the base of your finger joints.
• Gently move your thumb away from your fingers as far as you can.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release.
• Repeat 10 to 15 times with both hands. You can do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. 

 

Thumb Flex

This exercise helps increase the range of motion in your thumbs.

• Start with your hand out in front of you, palm up.
• Extend your thumb away from your other fingers as far as you can. Then bend your thumb across your palm so it touches the base of your small finger.
• Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Repeat at least four times with both thumbs.

 

Thumb Touch

This exercise helps increase the range of motion in your thumbs, which helps with activities like picking up your toothbrush, fork and spoon, and pens when you write.

• Hold your hand out in front of you, with your wrist straight.
• Gently touch your thumb to each of your four fingertips, one at a time, making the shape of an "O."
• Hold each stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat at least four times on each hand.

 

Thumb Stretches

Try these two stretches for your thumb joints:

1. Hold your hand out, palm facing you. Gently bend the tip of your thumb down toward the base of your index finger. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Release and repeat four times.
2. Hold your hand out, palm facing you. Gently stretch your thumb across your palm using just your lower thumb joint. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Release and repeat four times.

An Exercise Tip

If your hands and fingers feel painful and stiff, try warming them up before you exercise. This can make it easier to move and stretch. Use a heating pad or soak them in warm water for about five to 10 minutes. Or, for a deeper warmth, rub some oil on your hands, put on a pair of rubber gloves, and then soak them in warm water for a few minutes.

Play With Clay

Playing with clay is a great way to increase the range of motion in your fingers and strengthen your hands at the same time. And it won't even feel like exercise. Just follow the kids' lead -- squish the clay into a ball, roll it into long "snakes" with your palms, or use your fingertips to pinch spikes on a dinosaur.
 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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