5 W's of the Zika Virus - How to Protect Yourself From Contracting Zika

The 5 W’s of the Zika Virus – All You Need to Know

The ongoing Zika virus outbreak has created fear and uncertainty throughout the world. There is no cure as yet.

Here are the 5 W’s of the Zika virus, and how to protect yourself from contracting it:

Who discovered the Zika virus

Zika was first discovered by scientists in 1947. A rhesus monkey living in Uganda’s Zika forest developed an unknown febrile illness.

A new transmissible agent from the sick monkey was isolated in 1952. It was named Zika after the forest where it was discovered.

The first recording of human infection was also made in 1954 after a serological (the study of bodily fluids) survey was conducted on people in Uganda and neighboring Nigeria.

Some 50 out of 84 people tested were found to have developed antibodies.

Another study conducted in India around the same time showed that a significant number of the people tested had developed Zika-specific antibodies, indicating the likelihood that the virus has long been present in various human populations.

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a virus that’s spread by daytime-active mosquitoes that are part of the Aedes genus. They originated in tropical and subtropical zones, however they have now spread around the world. The only place they cannot be found is in Antarctica.

Human activity has been in part to blame for the spread of Aedes mosquitoes. An example of this can be seen in how the Asian tiger mosquito made it to the Americas thanks to the used tire trade.

Some 1 in 5 people that are infected with the Zika virus through a mosquito bite actually become ill, and the symptoms they exhibit include fevers, rashes, joint pains, conjunctivitis (redness in the eye), muscle pain and headaches.

The incubation period for the virus is unknown, however it is believed to range from a few days to one week. Its symptoms usually last for the same period. People do not usually get sick enough to go to hospital if infected with the Zika virus, and it is very rare to hear of a death from the virus too.

Zika is related to dengue and yellow fevers, as well as the Japanese encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and West Nile viruses. It is diagnosed with a specialized blood test, however there is no known cure or vaccine. There have been some media reports of the virus being transmitted sexually, however more evidence is needed to confirm whether this is a cause for widespread concern. Even if it is, the likelihood of this taking place remains very low.-

 

Where did the current Zika virus outbreak start?

While Zika spread through equatorial Africa and Asia between 1951 and 1981, a bona-fide Zika outbreak wasn’t reported until 2007. That took place on the Pacific island of Yap, and thus remained relatively contained.

The current Zika outbreak first began last year in Brazil. Researchers suggested that the virus arrived in the country from French Polynesia sometime during 2014. In May 2015, a dengue-like disease outbreak took hold in northern, northeastern and southeastern Brazil. Many patients were exhibiting flu-like symptoms, followed by rashes and joint pain. The outbreak reached Colombia by October 2015, before reaching other South American countries, as well as the Caribbean in November and December. At the time of writing, there were also confirmed cases in Central America, the United States, Australia and Europe. In fact, the World Health Organization has said that it expects Zika to spread throughout the entire Americas in the coming weeks.

When should you be concerned about the Zika infection?

Zika has the most severe effects on pregnant women and children, however anyone is vulnerable.

Why has Zika become an international health concern?

Zika outbreak commenced in Brazil in May 2015. The increased concern is because of a huge spike in births of babies with microcephaly in the affected regions of that country.

Virus’ movement are tracked and reported on all over the world. 

Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected. It occurs because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or because it stops growing after birth, resulting in a smaller head size.

While it can be an isolated birth defect it can also occur in combination with other major defects such as developmental delay, intellectual disability and proneness to seizures.

In a nutshell, the World Health Organization is doing what it can to halt Zika’s progress in order to protect unborn children. Currently the biggest fear is that there will be an explosion of microcephaly cases around the world.

How to Protect Yourself From Contracting Zika

• Do not travel to countries where the virus presence is confirmed


•  If you must, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants


• Stay somewhere air-conditioned or use windows and door screens to keep any mosquitoes outside


• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if possible


• Use insect repellent


• Dress little chlidren in clothing that covers the arms and legs and use mosquito netting to cover cribs or strollers


• Treat your clothing with permethrin (a synthetic insecticide), or purchase permethrin-treated items


• Use protection if you intend to sleep with someone who has just returned from traveling in a Zika-affected region

Please note this is for informational purposes. Images used are for illustrations purposes and copyright of respected site or people.

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5 W's of the Zika Virus - How to Protect Yourself From Contracting Zika

10 Uses For Toothpaste That You Never Knew About

10 Uses For Toothpaste That You Never Knew About

Ever wondered what magic an item that you use daily can do for something that you never though of? Here let’s explore 10 uses for toothpaste that you never knew aboutbut not available at your fingertip.

#1 – Did a drink stain your wooden table? Ladies you will like it, just clean it with toothpaste and you are done!

#2 – Is your clothing iron dirty – just wipe with a wet cloth and toothpaste on it – see the magic!

#3 – Do you see those hard water stain on the wine glass?  Want it sparkle again – just use the toothpaste to clean it!

#4 – Do you have small scratches on that screen or watches? Just use a microfiber cloth and cleanse with toothpaste, see the scratches disappear!

#5 – Do you have those nasty yellow stain in bath tub? Your toothpaste could come handy to get rid of them!

#6 – Do you have cracked nails? Try putting a bit of toothpaste on it and the results will astound you!

#7 – Got bad stains on the rug? Rub them out with some toothpaste and brush and see the difference!

#8 – Did you kids draw on the walls? Try cleaning with some toothpaste and see the difference!

#9 – Did you have small burn? Apply toothpaste to get immediate soothing effect, this is not a treatment but may help ease the pain.

#10 – Do you have those old DVD or CD that you like to use but it is all scratched? Try to rub some toothpaste on it and wipe it clean and see the magic work!

Please note that these suggestions are provided to be used with own risk, there is no guarantee of each one to work for your own unique situation. Please use discretion in using these suggestion, author has no responsibility

 

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10 Uses For Toothpaste That You Never Knew About

The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, named for the fog that hangs above them

Because of the fog hanging over them, these are also called the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountains encompass over 500,000 of breathtaking scenery. It is the most visited national park in the US. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Sunrise climbs over Mt. Cammerer

Nowhere can you see all the colors of the fall in one beautiful photo

The sun and the foliage collaborating in making this a gorgeous morning

The incredible diversity of trees in the Smoky Mountains National Park is the cause of the unique color patterns that can be witnessed here

About one hundred native tree species grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The number of tree species are more than in all of North Europe combined

Even the colors of the rainbow take a second seat at times to the color display offered by the tree tops

The Abrams Falls are only 20 feet high but the force and the long, deep pool at the end make this site very visit-worthy and beautiful

The waterfall is located in Cades Cove and named after a Cherokee chief whose village once stood a few miles away

A remarkable view from Blue Ridge Parkway making it photo worthy

Rising mountain ‘smoke’, as seen from Heintooga Ridge Road seems like heaven on Earth

 

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The Great Smoky Mountains

Humorous Quotes

Alfred Neuman Humorous Quotes

Alfred Neuman is the fictitious mascot and cover boy of Mad, an American humour magazine. The face had drifted through U.S. iconography for decades before being claimed by Mad editor Harvey Kurtzman, and later named by the magazine’s second editor Al Feldstein.

“Smoking helps you lose weight — one lung at a time!”

 “Today, if you ask a car dealer to let you see something for 10 grand, he’ll show you the door!”

 

“Medical insurance is what allows people to be ill at ease!”

 

“Prison inmates are treated to cable TV, hot meals and a college education, while on the outside some people can only afford these things through a life of crime!”

 

“Thanks to the new welfare bill, the question “Paper or plastic?” now refers to many American’s sleeping arrangements!”

 

“In retrospect it becomes clear that hindsight is definitely overrated!”

 

“Most people are so lazy, they don’t even exercise good judgement!”

 

“If opera is entertainment, then falling off a roof is transportation!”

 

“A college jock is someone who minds his build instead of vice versa!”

 

“The only advantage to living in the past is that the rents are much cheaper!”

 

“Getting old is when a narrow waist and a broad mind change places!”

 

“How come stealing from one book is plagiarism, but stealing from many is research?”

 

“It takes one to know one — and vice versa!”

 

“Nowadays, a balanced diet is when every McNugget weighs the same!”

 

“Teenagers are people who act like babies,  if they’re not treated like adults!”

 

“A teacher is someone who talks in our sleep!”

 

“How come we choose from just two people for President, and fifty for Miss America?”

 

“Who says nothing is impossible? Some people do it every day!”

 

“You can be on the right track and still get hit by a train!”

 

“Blood is thicker than water… but it makes lousy lemonade!”

 

“The U.N. is a place where governments opposed to free speech demand to be heard!”

 

“A plastic surgeon’s office the only place where no one gets offended when you pick your nose!”

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Humorous Quotes

9 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Hiccups

Here are 9 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Hiccups

We all know how frustrating it can be to get a bad case of the hiccups. A hiccup is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm. Once the contraction occurs, it causes an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by the vocal cords closing off. The closure of the vocal cords then produces a “hic” type of sound. 

 

Hiccups can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to a few hours. They can be stopped by using natural home remedies to increase the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hiccups lasting over 48 hours are called persistent hiccups. If they have not gone away in that time period, please consult your family physician.

What Causes Hiccups:

• Eating a lot too quickly
  


• Drinking a hot beverage immediately followed by a cold beverage
  


• Drinking too much alcohol
  


• Swallowing too much air 
  


• Stress 
  


• Smoking

9 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Hiccups

1) Eat a Little Peanut Butter – This delicious remedy involves a large tablespoon of peanut butter. The slow digestion process of the peanut butter disrupts your swallowing and breathing patterns, which eliminates the hiccups. Besides, what other excuse do you need to eat a spoonful of peanut butter!

2) Have a Teaspoon of Honey – Honey can cure almost anything, including hiccups! A teaspoon of honey is all it takes to get rid of those unwanted hiccups. Mix the teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water, and allow it to slide onto the back of your tongue before swallowing. 

3) Swallow A Teaspoon of Sugar – Did you know that a spoonful of sugar can help fight off the hiccups? The grainy texture of the sugar can change nerve impulses on your tongue and help irritate the esophagus. The vagus nerve is then stimulated, and your hiccups are history! 

4) Swallow Something Sour – The sour acidity found in vinegar and pickle juice can also disrupt the esophagus, which puts an end to your hiccupping situation. Drink half a teaspoon of either vinegar or pickle juice every 10 seconds until the hiccups go away. Yes, this does sound rather unpleasant, but it works. 

5) Try a Little Hot Sauce – Hot sauce helps by distracting you from hiccupping. The hot spicy flavor burns inside your mouth and digestive tract long enough to help you forget about that terrible hiccupping situation. You don’t have to reach for the ultra hot Tabasco sauce, the mild stuff will do just as well. 

6) Powdered Chocolate Can Help – A delicious teaspoon of powdered cocoa mix can work wonders for your hiccups. Take a spoonful of powdered cocoa or Ovaltine mix, and swallow it right away. The difficult swallowing process of the cocoa can help put an end to the hiccups. 

7) The Paper Towel Method – Put a single layer of a paper towel over the top of a glass, and then drink through the towel. A napkin may be used as an alternative. The paper towel forces your diaphragm to work harder in order to drink the water. The hiccups should disappear after that. 

8) Chew On Some Dill – This hiccup cure goes back a long way. Chewing on a teaspoon of dill seeds helps to stimulate the vagus nerve, which should put an end to your hiccupping nightmare once and for all! Dill seeds can also be mixed with tea as an alternative to stop the hiccups. 

9) The Brown Paper Bag Method – Paper bags are used to prevent hyperventilating, and help cure the hiccups. Breathing slowly and deeply into a small paper bag increases the carbon dioxide level in the blood. This process allows the diaphragm to contract deeper to bring more oxygen in. The hiccups should end after a few deep breaths. 

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9 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Hiccups

A spoon of ghee full of health: 'Poses no danger to cardiac health' and could protect us from cancer

Indian scientists have just discovered that cow ghee could protect us from cancer.

Ghee

 A spoon of ghee full of health: ‘Poses no danger to cardiac health’ and could protect us from cancer

Desi Ghee or clarified butter oil – often blamed for obesity and heart diseases – is not that bad after all. 

Indian scientists have just discovered that cow ghee could protect us from cancer. Cow ghee enhances the availability of enzymes responsible for detoxification of cancer-causing substances and decreases the availability of those responsible for activation of carcinogens, scientists from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) have reported in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Medical Research.

The new finding, however, does not mean you can go ahead with liberal amount of ghee in your food. Ghee poses no danger to cardiac health if the total fat intake is restricted to the prescribed limit, researchers said Ghee poses no danger to cardiac health if the total fat intake is restricted to the prescribed limit, researchers said One must ensure that the intake of total fat (including ghee) should not exceed the prescribed limit of fat consumption. In the experiments done in lab, scientists studied the effects of cow ghee compared to soybean oil on female rats which were artificially given breast cancer causing chemicals. They observed that the initiation and progress of mammary cancer decreased in rats which were fed on cow ghee. However, there was a greater proportion of tumors in animals fed on soybean oil.

Fights Cancer

Researchers have deciphered the mechanism of ghee‘s protective properties.‘Feeding cow ghee decreased the expression of genes responsible for cell proliferation and raised regulated genes responsible for cell apoptosis’, explained Dr Vinod Kansal, who led the research team. One probable factor in cow ghee is the presence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to possess beneficial properties. Cow ghee is a rich natural source of CLA, whereas, vegetable oils lack this particular fatty acid. Most vegetable oils contain high amount of unsaturated fatty acid as well as linoleic acid – which is considered pro-carcinogenic as it forms free radicals known to damage DNA.

The ghee available in India is mostly made from buffalo milk. And though the study was done on cow ghee, scientists said buffalo ghee is also expected to be similarly effective because both contain CLA. Dr Kansal said ‘Ghee poses no danger to cardiac health as long as the total fat intake remains restricted to the prescribed limit.’

Moreover, ghee improves blood HDL level, which is good for heart, he added. ‘I have serious reservation about doctors prescribing vegetable oil brands with highly unsaturated fat which is pro-carcinogenic,’ the researcher said.

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A spoon of ghee full of health: 'Poses no danger to cardiac health' and could protect us from cancer