Category: Health

Anthrax

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.

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.

This photograph depicted a tract of pastureland populated by a herd of cows and sheep, which were being managed by two herders. The image was captured during an investigation by a Georgian Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) team, into a cutaneous anthrax outbreak that involved the possible contamination of this grassland.
Therefore, the animals, and the pasture itself, along with the human population, were all tested for the existence of Bacillus anthracis bacteria, or spores. The investigation took place in the Kakheti region, of Eastern Georgia, in 2012.
CDC/ Thomas Rush, Georgia (Republic)Public Domain

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

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a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha

Circus Elephants, Eating Meat, and Moral Choices

“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. ” Charles Krauthammer

Dr. Krauthammer wrote 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.

(Dr. Krauthammer died in 2018.)

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
Asian elephants entertaining tourists in Thailand
Asian elephants entertaining tourists in Thailand

 

exploring the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha