Health – Page 64 – watercress words by Dr Aletha

Anthrax- is a scary word due to its association with the threat of biological warfare. And not just in the plot of an apocalyptic movie.

In 2001, anthrax spores were used to contaminate U.S. mail, killing 5 people who were exposed. But the disease anthrax, caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, is rare and not uniformly fatal.

When I attended medical school, we learned it was “woolsorter’s disease” since the spores can be released from processing wool or animal hides. The bacteria live in soil, so are spread wherever soil goes.

Anthrax is also known as woolsorter's disease. — Anthrax is also known as woolsorter’s disease.

Most humans who get infected develop skin lesions, the cutaneous form of anthrax and the most common. Breathing or eating the spores however, can lead to inhalation or gastrointestinal anthrax which are life-threatening.

Fortunately, antibiotics are effective against anthrax . There is also a vaccine that currently is only used in situations of possible exposure such as military service or work in a research lab.

Anthrax – Bacterial Infections – Merck Manual Consumer Version.

exploring the HEART of health

Doctor Aletha

Dr. Krauthammer writes for for The Washington Post and his essays are “a kind of exotic indulgence” to use his own phrase. He uses words the way Andrea Bocelli uses songs, or B.B. King used a guitar- all masters of their craft.

Most of his pieces are serious and somber, understandable considering that he tackles such dark subjects as terrorism, war, government corruption, and social injustice. But occasionally he takes a lighter approach to subjects which are important on a different level.

Free Willy!

Such is this piece in which he predicts the demise of meat-eating, most likely for economic reasons. But medical studies do suggest vegetarian diets are healthier, may lower the risk of colon cancer, and may promote weight loss better than other diets.

fresh vegetables-lettuce, tomatoes, radishes — Will we stop eating meat?

This article may make you laugh, applaud, growl, or just dismiss the whole thing as irrelevant. But might we all agree on one point?

“One measure of human moral progress-amid and despite the savageries we visit upon each other-is how we treat the innocent in our care. ”
Dr. Charles Krauthammer