Let’s look at 3  topics that will inform, instruct, and inspire you as we explore the HEART of HEALTH.

 

INFORMATION – about mosquitoes and the diseases they carry and spread to humans

 

World-wide, malaria affects more people than any other mosquito transmitted disease. Most cases that occur in the United States are due to infections caught when people travel to or from areas of the world where malaria is common- sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asia, the Amazon area of South America.

West Nile Virus, also spread by mosquitoes, occurs in tropical areas but since 1999 has spread to North America where it threatens people here. Now we are told that the Zika virus is spreading northward from South America, posing a new disease risk  to Americans. When pregnant women become infected with this virus, the infant may be born with a small brain and head, called microcephaly.

The American Mosquito Control Association, AMCA ,researches and reports on all aspects of mosquitoes and the many diseases they transmit. If you want to learn about the subject, you will likely find it here. It’s worth taking a look.

 

INSTRUCTION- how to prevent blisters

You probably don’t worry much about blisters- until you get one. Then the pain can inhibit doing sports, walking, even just wearing a shoe.

 

At worse, blisters can become chronic wounds, get infected, and threaten limbs in susceptible persons like those with diabetes or poor blood flow.

Ways to prevent blisters include-

• Proper fitting shoes, not too tight or too loose
• Breaking shoes in before activity likely to cause a blister, like running, dancing, long walks, sports
• Wearing absorbent cushioned socks, perhaps 2 pair together
• Applying protective padding over pressure points on the feet. Even plain paper tape can accomplish this, according to this study published in the New York Times

 

INSPIRATION- choosing ability over disability

 

 

 

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