Category: Points of interest

This Day In History!

The Nuclear Disaster at Three Mile Island

At 4 a.m. on March 28, 1979, the worst accident in the history of the U.S. nuclear power industry begins when a pressure valve in the Unit-2 reactor at Three Mile Island fails to close. Cooling water, contaminated with radiation, drained from the open valve into adjoining buildings, and the core began to dangerously overheat.

The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant was built in 1974 on a sandbar on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River, just 10 miles downstream from the state capitol in Harrisburg. In 1978, a second state-of-the-art reactor began operating on Three Mile Island, which was lauded for generating affordable and reliable energy in a time of energy crises.

After the cooling water began to drain out of the broken pressure valve on the morning of March 28, 1979, emergency cooling pumps automatically went into operation. Left alone, these safety devices would have prevented the development of a larger crisis. However, human operators in the control room misread confusing and contradictory readings and shut off the emergency water system. The reactor was also shut down, but residual heat from the fission process was still being released. By early morning, the core had heated to over 4,000 degrees, just 1,000 degrees short of meltdown. In the meltdown scenario, the core melts, and deadly radiation drifts across the countryside, fatally sickening a potentially great number of people.

As the plant operators struggled to understand what had happened, the contaminated water was releasing radioactive gases throughout the plant. The radiation levels, though not immediately life-threatening, were dangerous, and the core cooked further as the contaminated water was contained and precautions were taken to protect the operators. Shortly after 8 a.m., word of the accident leaked to the outside world. The plant’s parent company, Metropolitan Edison, downplayed the crisis and claimed that no radiation had been detected off plant grounds, but the same day inspectors detected slightly increased levels of radiation nearby as a result of the contaminated water leak. Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh considered calling an evacuation.

Finally, at about 8 p.m., plant operators realized they needed to get water moving through the core again and restarted the pumps. The temperature began to drop, and pressure in the reactor was reduced. The reactor had come within less than an hour of a complete meltdown. More than half the core was destroyed or molten, but it had not broken its protective shell, and no radiation was escaping. The crisis was apparently over.

Two days later, however, on March 30, a bubble of highly flammable hydrogen gas was discovered within the reactor building. The bubble of gas was created two days before when exposed core materials reacted with super-heated steam. On March 28, some of this gas had exploded, releasing a small amount of radiation into the atmosphere. At that time, plant operators had not registered the explosion, which sounded like a ventilation door closing. After the radiation leak was discovered on March 30, residents were advised to stay indoors. Experts were uncertain if the hydrogen bubble would create further meltdown or possibly a giant explosion, and as a precaution, Governor Thornburgh advised: “pregnant women and pre-school age children to leave the area within a five-mile radius of the Three Mile Island facility until further notice.” This led to the panic the governor had hoped to avoid; within days, more than 100,000 people had fled surrounding towns.

On April 1, President Jimmy Carter arrived at Three Mile Island to inspect the plant. Carter, a trained nuclear engineer, had helped dismantle a damaged Canadian nuclear reactor while serving in the U.S. Navy. His visit achieved its aim of calming local residents and the nation. That afternoon, experts agreed that the hydrogen bubble was not in danger of exploding. Slowly, the hydrogen was bled from the system as the reactor cooled.

At the height of the crisis, plant workers were exposed to unhealthy levels of radiation, but no one outside Three Mile Island had their health adversely affected by the accident. Nonetheless, the incident greatly eroded the public’s faith in nuclear power. The unharmed Unit-1 reactor at Three Mile Island, which was shut down during the crisis, did not resume operation until 1985. Cleanup continued on Unit-2 until 1990, but it was too damaged to be rendered usable again. In the four decades since the accident at Three Mile Island, not a single new nuclear power plant has been ordered in the United States.

Citation Information

Article Title

Author

History.com Editors

URL

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nuclear-accident-at-three-mile-island

Access Date

March 28, 2020

Publisher

A&E Television Networks

Last Updated

March 25, 2020

Original Published Date

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Homemade Disinfectant Wipes

Homemade Disinfectant Wipes

Here’s the step by step instructions.

Take a roll of Bounty or Viva or higher quality paper towels and cut the roll in half, using a knife.



Place half of the roll of paper towels in an airtight container.



In a separate bowl, combine

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons Dawn dish soap



Then pour all ingredients over the 1/2 roll of paper towels.

Seal up the container and flip upside down until the paper towels are fully saturated.



Once they are fully saturated, you can can easily remove the roll from the center of the paper towels.



These are so inexpensive and are wonderful for that deep clean or that simple wipe-down.  I use them all the time now.



So, if you’re looking for a great alternative to the high priced or not so effective wipes, try out this simple recipe.

Companion Plants!


Swiss Chard And Chamomile
Companion planting is the practice of placing plants in the garden so that they help one another in some way, such as growing better, fighting pests or sheltering or supporting one another. Many herbs, including chamomile, attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps or hoverflies. These insects attack chard pests, such as aphids. Other good chard companions: lettuce, beans, peas, cabbage. Do not plant with beets or spinach.


Tomato And Basil
Tomato and basil are a classic companion planting, with basil said to repel pests and diseases. Basil, especially in flower, attracts beneficial insects, including various wasps, which prey on caterpillars like the tomato hornworm. Plant basil on the edges of tomato rows, not between plants, so they get enough sun, or place pots of basil and tomato side by side on a patio. Other good tomato companions: lettuce, chives, garlic, borage and marigold. Do not plant with corn, dill, fennel, peas, potato or cole crops.

Swiss Chard, Kohlrabi And Kale

Swiss chard (in the beet plant family) is a great companion plant for cabbage family members, including kohlrabi and curly purple kale. The plants also stage a beautiful edible planting with contrasting colors and leaf textures. Other good cabbage family companions: lettuce, carrots, rosemary, oregano, marigold, nasturtium. Do not plant with beans, tomato, pepper or strawberry.

Leaf Lettuce And Sweet Alyssum

Small-flowered plants like sweet alyssum and thyme are great companions for leaf lettuce. The blooms attract beneficial insects, which feed on aphids, a common lettuce pest. Lettuce pairs well with many different plants. Other good lettuce companions: carrot, onions, garlic, radish, broccoli, beans, mint. Do not plant with parsley.

Syrphid Fly On Dill

Dill is a helpful plant in the vegetable garden because its small flowers attract beneficial insects, including hoverflies and ladybugs (both prey on aphids), wasps of all sorts (prey on caterpillars and other insects), spiders and pollinating bees. Other good dill companions: cabbage, onion, cucumber, corn and lettuce. Do not plant with fennel, tomato, carrot or cilantro.

Bumble Bee On Bachelor’s Button

Include flowers planted among your vegetables to lure in pollinators, like bumble bees. Arrange flowers in drifts or clusters. Some of the best bloomers to use include calendula, sweet pea, cosmos, alyssum, bee balm and nasturtium. Bachelor’s button makes a great companion for corn, which helps to shade the bloomer as summer heat arrives.

Sunflower In Vegetable Garden

Add sunflowers to your vegetable garden to beckon bees of all types, which help pollinate squash, pumpkin, peppers, cucumbers, and melons. These sunny flowers also lure ladybugs, which prey on aphids. Other good sunflower companions: corn, cucumber, watermelon. Do not plant with potato.

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/10-ways-make-your-yard-buzz-worthy-and-help-the-bees-pictures

Pescatarian Food List and Other Info

Pescatarian Diet Foods List

Fish

Legumes (beans and lentils)

Vegetables

Tofu and other soy products

Seitan

Fruits

Grains (especially whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread and oatmeal)

Eggs

Yogurt, milk and other dairy products

Nuts and seeds

Tempeh

Pescatarian vs. vegetarian/vegan - Dr. Axe

7 Pescatarian Benefits

  1. Provides omega-3 fatty acids
  2. Helps lower inflammation
  3. Promotes heart health
  4. May help protect against cancer
  5. Fights cognitive decline
  6. Boosts mood
  7. Supports weight loss

1. Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the primary reasons fish is so good for us is because of its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In a world where most people consume far too many omega-6s from refined vegetable oils, salad dressings and processed condiments, an increase in omega-3 foods is much needed.

Omega-3s act as a counterbalance against omega-6 fats, helping to keep inflammation low by balancing levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered anti-inflammatory, while omega-6s are pro-inflammatory. We need both types, but many people are lacking in omega-3s. Consuming higher levels of omega-3s has been associated with better mental health, lower triglyceride levels, improved reproductive health and fertility, better hormone control and a lower risk for diabetes.

2. Helps Lower Inflammation

The reason that the omega-3s found in fish are so valuable mostly comes down to their ability to fight inflammation. They help control inflammatory conditions that lead to numerous diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

Both types of polyunsaturated fats described above play an important role in the body, helping to form our hormones, cell membranes and immune responses. But omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have opposite effects when it comes to inflammation. Generally speaking, too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 causes inflammation. Inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more.

3. Promotes Heart Health

EPA and DHA are two omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for controlling inflammation and promoting heart health. Studies show that daily consumption of EPA and DHA may help reduce heart disease risk and deaths from heart disease, sometimes just as effectively as prescription medications like statins. The combination of nutrients found in seafood also helps regulate heartbeats, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, decrease blood clot formation and lower triglycerides, all of which can help protect against heart disease and stroke.

4. May Help Protect Against Cancer

Research shows that consuming more fish and seafood high in omega-3s benefits the immune system and helps fight cancer by suppressing inflammation. In fact, while vegetarian diets are linked to a lower incidence of certain cancers (like colon cancer), pescatarianism is actually associated with an even lower risk compared to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, according to some studies.

Several studies also suggest that consuming plenty of omega-3 fatty acids can help those who have already been diagnosed with cancer by stalling tumor growth. Following a pescatarian lifestyle high in omega-3s can also help people undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments since they help preserve muscle mass and regulate inflammatory responses, which are already compromised in those with cancer.

5. Fights Cognitive Decline

Omega-3s like DHA are essential for the proper development of the brain and preservation of cognitive function as we get older. Many studies have found that low omega-3 levels in the elderly are associated with multiple markers of impaired brain function, including dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Lower levels of omega-3s during pregnancy are even associated with children having lower memory test scores and learning difficulties.

6. Boosts Mood

Because they fight oxidative stress that impairs proper brain functioning, the omega-3s from fish and seafood are associated with better mental health and a lower risk for dementia, depression, anxiety and ADHD. That means following a pescatarian diet could be a natural remedy for anxiety and may help treat the symptoms of ADHD while warding off symptoms of depression.

7. Supports Weight Loss

Many people have started using the pescatarian diet for weight loss, and for good reason. Low intakes of omega-3s have been tied to obesity and weight gain. Studies also show that people who eat more plant foods (including vegetarians) tend to have lower BMIs and better weight control, likely because they eat more fiber and less calories.

Not only that, but healthy proteins and fats are crucial for feeling full, and many of the nutrients found in fish can help reduce cravings. No matter your diet, aim for a high intake of fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats, seeds, nuts, fiber and phytochemicals — all of which can help you lose weight fast and keep it off.

Drawbacks to a Pescatarian Diet?

Like all types of diets — from pescatarian, to keto and beyond — restricting certain food groups can lead to issues. It’s possible to start feeling deprived when consuming only pescatarian meals because meat and most animal products become “off limits.” It’s also possible to become bored with eating fish, eggs, dairy and plant foods each day in order to obtain enough protein, potentially leading to an increased intake of carbohydrates instead. This poses its own risks for potential weight gain, protein deficiency, fatigue and other health problems.

Another thing to consider when following a pescatarian diet is your intake of mercury. Mercury is, in fact, toxic, but its toxic effects are somewhat mitigated by the mineral selenium, which is present in nearly all wild-caught seafood. However, considering the level of toxins found in today’s oceans, mercury toxicity is a real concern, so it’s best to also focus on eating smaller fish and limit your consumption of high-mercury fish, such as king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish and shark.

Adding variety to your diet and planning out your meals can be a useful tool to ensure success on the pescatarian diet. Crafting a well-rounded, balanced pescatarian breakfast, lunch and dinner each day can also help you fit a wide array of fruits, veggies, healthy fats and protein foods into your diet to squeeze plenty of nutrients into your day. Additionally, practicing pescatarian meal prep and experimenting with different pescatarian recipes can also maximize the nutritional value of your diet.

Final Thoughts

  • The pescatarian diet is a type of diet that typically includes fish and seafood but excludes meat or poultry.
  • There are numerous variations for the pescatarian diet. Some may include poultry, while others may restrict other animal products, like eggs, dairy or honey.
  • In addition to the potential ethical and environmental benefits of the pescatarian diet, there are several health benefits associated with the diet as well.
  • Some of the pescatarian benefits include reduced inflammation, improved heart health, enhanced cognitive function, increased weight loss, improved mood and a lower risk of cancer.
  • However, it’s important to plan your diet carefully and steer clear of high-mercury varieties of fish to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs and prevent adverse side effects.

Pescatarian Diet… Did You Know?

Pescatarian (sometimes spelled “pescetarian” with an e) is a word sometimes used to describe those who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. A pescatarian, or someone who follows a pescatarian way of eating, maintain a vegetarian diet with the addition of fish and other seafood such as shrimp, clams, crabs, and lobster.

In other words, a pescatarian is a person who eats fish but doesn’t eat steak, chicken, pork or any other kind of meat, only fish and seafood. That’s not all they eat. Pescatarians also eat mainly vegetarian foods such as tofu, beans, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains.

illustration depicting reasons to go pescatarian
The Spruce / Maritsa Patrinos

Reasons to Go Pescatarian

Although the word is not commonly used and a pescatarian is not really a vegetarian, often people adopt this kind of diet for two reasons: one, they have health concerns (such as high cholesterol) and want to cut out meat but still get healthy protein. The other common reason to go adopt a pescatarian diet is to build up to a completely vegetarian diet. With this method, they may eventually phase out fish and seafood but will do so over time.

Other reasons for adopting a pescatarian way of eating include many of the same issues that motivate people to go vegetarian or vegan: a reduced environmental footprint and animal cruelty concerns. And some people follow a pescatarian diet for religious reasons. Pescatarians often believe that moderate consumption of fish or fish oils, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, is necessary for optimum health, although vegetarian alternatives, such as flaxseed oil and hemp foods are available.

While it’s true that fish is a good source of protein, this shouldn’t be the sole reason for eating a pescatarian diet. There are plenty of meat-free and fish-free sources available to vegetarians and even vegans, including eggs, low-fat dairy, beans, lentils, nuts, and more. It’s certainly possible to maintain a protein-rich diet without consuming meat or fish.

Are Pescatarians Considered Vegetarian?

No. A pescatarian is not a vegetarian or even a type of vegetarian. There is much confusion over what a vegetarian is and isn’t, but no definition of the term ever includes fish or seafood.

A vegetarian diet excludes all animals, and fish are animals. Therefore, a diet that includes fish, or a person who consumes fish cannot be properly called a vegetarian. A pescatarian is not a vegetarian, and a vegetarian diet does not include fish.

What Are Semi-Vegetarians or Flexitarians? 

A “semi-vegetarian” -or a “flexitarian” is someone who eats a mostly vegetarian diet, occasionally supplemented by meat, though there’s no real agreed-upon definition of how often one can eat meat and still call themselves a semi-vegetarian or a flexitarian. Pescatarians are not restricted to “occasional” fish and may eat fish as little or as frequently as they prefer.

These labels are somewhat personal. If you state that you are a pescatarian, semi-vegetarian, or flexitarian, be prepared to explain your diet choices to those that ask. While it’s none of their business, it’s likely that friends, family, and even strangers will be curious about your dietary habits, restrictions, and reasons.

Freeze What?

EGGS!!!!!!!!!! Yes, you can!

Fresh eggs can last up to five weeks in the fridge, but if you’ve got a surplus, you may find yourself wondering: Can they be frozen? The good news is yes! And even better, it’s quick and easy. You can freeze eggs before or after cooking, which gives you greater flexibility in the kitchen. Read on for how to freeze eggs, how to thaw them, and which egg dishes do best in the freezer. (Check out all of our Healthy Egg Recipes here.)

Freezing Fresh Eggs

It’s best to freeze eggs when they are still quite fresh. You must remove them from the shell before freezing. Whole eggs, whites and yolks can all be frozen, together or separately, for up to a year. Always store eggs in a freezer-safe container and be sure to label it with the number of whole eggs, whites or yolks and the date they went into the freezer. (Want more freezer tips? Here are our 3 Tips for Freezing Homemade Meals.)

Depending on how you plan to use your frozen eggs, it can be helpful to freeze small amounts in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a larger freezer-safe container. Eggs vary in size, but each well in a standard ice cube tray typically holds about half a whole egg, one egg white or two egg yolks.

How to freeze whole eggs

Crack whole eggs into a bowl and lightly beat, incorporating as little air as possible, just until blended. Then pour into a freezer-safe container, seal and freeze. (Check out our Best Scrambled Egg Recipes here.)

How to freeze egg whites

When cracking and separating eggs, make sure no yolk gets into the whites, then pour the whites into a freezer-safe container, seal and freeze.

How to freeze egg yolks

Yolks tend to thicken when frozen, but this can be minimized by beating 1/8 teaspoon of salt or 1½ teaspoons of sugar into each ¼ cup of yolks (about 4 yolks). Next, pour into a freezer-safe container, seal, and freeze. When labeling, be sure to note whether you went the sweet or savory route, so you know how your yolks can be used.

Thawing Frozen Eggs

Frozen whole eggs, whites and yolks need to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and, once defrosted, should be used promptly. If you are whipping the whites, let them stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes first.

Using Thawed Frozen Eggs

Thawed frozen eggs will never taste quite as good as fresh, but as long as you stick to dishes that are thoroughly cooked, including scrambled eggs, omelets and baked goods, you can use frozen eggs in many of the same ways you use fresh. One exception is fried eggs. You can’t freeze eggs with the yolk intact, which makes sunny-side-up–style eggs impossible.

Once your eggs are thawed, here’s how much to use

  • 3 tablespoons thawed whole egg is equal to about 1 large fresh egg
  • 2 tablespoons thawed egg white is equal to about 1 large fresh egg white
  • 1 tablespoon thawed egg yolk is equal to about 1 large fresh egg yolk

Freezing Cooked Eggs

Scrambled eggs freeze quite well, especially if you cook them so they are slightly runny. Muffin-tin omelets and mini quiches freeze and reheat beautifully in a warm oven or in the microwave, as do breakfast burritos, egg casseroles, and frittatas. Hard-boiled and deviled eggs are a bit tricky. They are safe to freeze and the yolks do quite well, but the whites turn tough and rubbery, so you either need to enjoy these fresh or only freeze the yolks.
http://www.eatingwell.com/article/7742960/can-you-freeze-eggs/

Things That Happen When Your Diabetes Goes Untreated

When you hear “diabetes,” your mind likely jumps to problems with producing insulin and regulating blood sugar. And that’s definitely a key part of this chronic disease, which affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But that’s also just the tip of the iceberg.

“Diabetes is like termites, in that it causes slow, hidden, but significant damage in the body,” says Osama Hamdy, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Inpatient Diabetes Program at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. “Most patients with type 2 diabetes die from a heart attack,” Dr. Hamdy says, “but because the disease doesn’t have many symptoms, people tend to take it lightly.”

And evidence continues to mount that diabetes affects every system in the body, wreaking havoc if it’s not well managed. Learn more below about the side effects of diabetes and how you can protect yourself from complications. (The good news: Most can be avoided by following the treatment plan set out by your doctor.)

1) High blood pressure and cholesterol

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. In turn, your HDL (or “good”) cholesterol lowers, and your levels of harmful blood fats called triglycerides rise. Insulin resistance also contributes to hardened, narrow arteries, which in turn increases your blood pressure.

As a result, about 2 of 3 people with diabetes also have hypertension—a risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and trouble with thinking and memory. Failing to control high blood pressure and high cholesterol, either with diet and exercise alone or by adding medications, accelerates the rate at which all your other complications progress, says Robert Gabbay, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

2) Brain health issues

“It appears that people with diabetes have some abnormalities of blood flow control to the brain,” explains Helena Rodbard, M.D., an endocrinologist based in Maryland. “And this appears to be correlated with a more rapid loss of mental function with age,” she says, including the ability to plan, organize, remember things, prioritizes, pay attention, and get started on tasks.

To protect your brain health, you’ll want to stay active physically and mentally, logging at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and keeping your mind stimulated. “Read, socialize, work, and play games that challenge your intellect,” Dr. Rodbard says. “Keep a positive, optimistic attitude—don’t permit yourself to become depressed.”

3) Gum disease

People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease, an infection of the gum and bone that can lead to painful chewing problems and tooth loss. “This is due in part to elevated blood sugar that modifies the collagen in all of our tissues,” Dr. Rodbard says. “It’s also due to a slight increase in susceptibility to infections of all kinds.”

On the other hand, gum disease—specifically inflammation of the gums or development of deep abscesses—can raise blood sugar and make diabetes harder to control, according to Dr. Hamdy. To prevent periodontitis, brush and floss daily and consider using a mild antiseptic mouthwash to knock out any lingering plaque.

4) Sex difficulties

Many men with diabetes will experience some level of erectile dysfunction (ED) in their lifetime. “ED can be psychological or due to reduced testosterone,” Dr. Hamdy says, noting that low testosterone is common among people with diabetes, especially if they’re obese. “However, in patients with a long duration of diabetes, changes in blood vessels and nerve supply to the penis could be the cause.” If you have diabetes, are over age 40, and have been having trouble with your male equipment, see your doctor.

Middle-aged and older women with diabetes also tend to have sexual issues, according to a study of nearly 2,300 women published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, likely because nerve damage can impair lubrication and the ability to achieve orgasm.

5) Hearing loss

While we all lose some hearing as we age, hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those without the condition, according to the CDC. Diabetes may lead to hearing loss by damaging the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, the CDC says.

The best way to protect your hearing is to keep your blood sugar levels in check, Dr. Rodbard says. In fact, in a study from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, older women with uncontrolled diabetes had more hearing loss than women the same age who had well-controlled diabetes. The CDC also suggests getting your hearing checked every year and avoiding other causes of hearing loss, like exposure to loud noises, when possible.

6) Skin infections

Having diabetes spikes your risk for all kinds of skin issues, including bacterial infections such as boils and urinary tract infections, fungal infections, and itching. “Fungal infections, especially yeast infections, are so common that they may even be the first sign of diabetes in someone who hasn’t yet been diagnosed,” Dr. Hamdy says.

In some cases, skin infections can be tied to obesity, because there are “moist places between skin folds that may breed bacteria and fungi, including candida,” Dr. Rodbard says.

Unfortunately, several diabetes medications increase the risk of fungal infections of the genitalia, Dr. Hamdy says, because they enhance glucose excretion in urine, fueling the growth of bacteria and fungus. Controlling blood sugar levels helps with prevention, but once you have an infection, seek out the usual treatments: over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams and suppositories, to be used as directed.

7) Obstructive sleep apnea

This potentially serious sleep disorder, in which the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep, affects around 50% of people with diabetes, Dr. Hamdy says, especially those who are obese and have a collar size of more than 17 for men and 16 for women.

The most obvious sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is audible snoring. Unfortunately, like gum disease, “sleep apnea may worsen diabetes control,” Dr. Hamdy says, possibly because the two conditions share risk factors. Treatment for OSA may involve using a device to keep your airway open at night or wearing a mouthpiece that thrusts your jaw forward. In severe cases, surgery can help by altering the structure of the nose, mouth, or throat.

8) Vision problems

Roughly 1 in 3 people with diabetes older than age 40 have diabetic retinopathy or damage to the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This happens because elevated blood glucose levels over time harm the eye’s delicate blood vessels, a process that can begin as early as 7 years before diagnosis.

The good news is, treating these problems early can reduce the risk of blindness by 95%, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

9) Kidney failure

Over time, high blood glucose thickens and scars the nephrons, tiny structures within the kidneys that filter your blood. About 7% of the time, you’ll already have protein leaking into your urine—an early sign of kidney problems—by the time you receive a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

About half of those who don’t take steps to control their diabetes will sustain kidney damage within 10 years, and 40% of those will progress to kidney failure, a condition requiring either dialysis or a kidney transplant, says Betul Hatipoglu, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

10) Neuropathy

About half of people with type 2 diabetes will develop neuropathy, the most common diabetes complication. At first, you might have no symptoms or feel a mild tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, says Dr. Gabbay. But eventually, this form of nerve damage can cause pain, weakness, and digestive troubles as it strikes the nerves that control your gastrointestinal tract.

In addition to managing your blood sugar, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and keeping up with recommended medications can help prevent diabetes-related nerve damage, the NIDDK says.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/10-unexpected-things-that-happen-to-your-body-if-diabetes-goes-untreated/ss-BBMFPNi?ocid=msedgntp#image=11

What To Do When Someone, Achoos

Science Says Do This First and Fast When Someone Near You Sneezes or Coughs

While we are programmed to say “Bless You” to people around us who sneeze, we may not be programmed to do what we actually need to do. That is, back up…way up and fast! Researchers have uncovered some staggering statistics about the common sneeze and cough that warn us all to take action!

It is pretty common knowledge that coughing and sneezing spread germs, but you will be amazed at just how far contagious germs can travel. Researchers from the University of Bristol assessed the survival of airborne bacteria contained in aerosol droplets from coughs and sneezes.

How far do contagious germs in a sneeze really travel?

Amazingly contagious germs are able to fly through the air at an alarmingly high rate of speed. Researchers found that the average sneeze or cough can transport 100,000 infectious germs through the air at a speed of up to 100 miles per hour.

These germs contain viruses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenoviruses, which cause the common cold. Not only that, but they also carry bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumonia or Haemophilus influenza. According to researchers, the first few minutes after a sneeze or a cough is when the germs are most likely to spread, and spread fast.

Study author, Allen Haddrell, Ph.D. expresses that the droplets are so small that they can penetrate deep in the lung. Although aerosols that carry germs will eventually make their way to the ground, it can take some time.

“Given the small size of bioaerosol droplets (diameter less than the width of a human hair), they can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods of time, from seconds to weeks.”

Bacteria needed to be at risk

This recent research revealed that each droplet has about 20 bacteria in it. When it comes to viruses including colds and the flu, it takes about 1,000 to cause an infection. What this means is that 50 droplets would need to be inhaled for you to be at risk. This is not difficult to do if you are standing in the line of fire of sneezer or cougher.

How to stay safe from germs

Microbiologist Jason Tetro warns that standing closer than six feet to a sneezer or cougher puts you in the “at-risk” zone. In addition to backing away, here are some other ways to ward off germs:

  • Keep a scarf handy – A scarf can work two ways. If you have a cold, keep a scarf handy to sneeze or cough into. This protects those in your presence from being contaminated. If you are not sick, keep a scarf handy to protect yourself from those that are.
  • Wash your hands – Keep your hands washed, especially during cold and flu season. Make sure that you scrub your hands for 30 seconds and be sure to wash thoroughly between your fingers and under your nails.
  • Wear a mask – If you have a weakened immune system or are a little sick yourself, you may wish to wear a mask when in public. A face mask will protect others as well as yourself from fast-flying bacteria-laden sneezes and coughs.
  • Keep the lid closed at home – When at home, always close the lid to your toilet before flushing.  According to Haddrell.

“The act of flushing a toilet has been found to produce droplets containing microorganisms, where the spray can reach as far as 6 feet and as high as 2.7 feet and can contaminate surfaces like the door handle and toilet flusher.”

Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes

It is easy for bacteria to enter the body via your nose, eyes, and mouth. When you are out in public or have been around someone who is sick, be sure to avoid putting your hands near your face, which encourages the spread of possibly dangerous bacteria.

-The Alternative Daily