Tag: health

Show some sense when preparing for the coronavirus — masks are not the first defense

Yes, wash your hands thoroughly and often. No, don't wear a mask unless you already have the coronavirus. Yes, prepare for the possibility that you could be quarantined for two weeks. Yes, plan for work and child care if institutions are closed. No, don't panic. https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/2/28/21156128/coronavirus-prepare-outbreak-covid19-health It’s not overreacting to prepare for coronavirus. Here’s how. … Continue reading Show some sense when preparing for the coronavirus — masks are not the first defense →

Japanese toilets are wonderful — truly

There is no doubt that any Toto toilet will be more comfortable and a nicer experience than any toilet ordinarily found in an American bathroom BUT you can get the faintest of imitations by at least installing a toilet bidet. If you don't need heated water, with parts they run about $30 and are not … Continue reading Japanese toilets are wonderful — truly →

Artificial intelligence breaking the road jam to development of new antiobiotics

Modern medicine has been running out of antibiotics that can kill the drug-resistant bacteria strains. The problem, of course, is overuse of current antibiotics to either pre-treat or overtreat bacterial problems. Many of those antibiotics were developed long ago and have already produced all of the side strains available. Now artificial (machine) intelligence is taking … Continue reading Artificial intelligence breaking the road jam to development of new antiobiotics →

Paper masks protect others, need N95 to protect yourself & more tips

The protective surgical masks seen everywhere these days are NOT what you want if those around you are sick. Read on for more tips. Smart Travel Planning in the Time of Coronavirus What you need to know to assess the pros, cons and potential complications of a trip far from home Travelers wearing protective surgical … Continue reading Paper masks protect others, need N95 to protect yourself & more tips →

Good hygiene for getting the best sleep

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/feb/17/shut-eye-and-sleep-hygiene-the-truth-about-why-you-keep-waking-up-at-3am Shuteye and sleep hygiene: the truth about why you keep waking up at 3am Sleep You eschew caffeine after lunch, have stopped drinking alcohol and eat healthily. But you’re still staring at the ceiling in the small hours. Here’s why Elle Hunt Mon 17 Feb 2020 07.00 EST Last modified on Mon 17 Feb 2020 … Continue reading Good hygiene for getting the best sleep →

Audiobooks aren’t just entertainment — they’re essential for the visually impaired

The Library of Congress’s National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled has been producing books on tape (literally, they were on reel to reel) and other formats of audiobooks for the blind and others who have problems reading for decades. Altho many of the books do provide pure pleasure, many of the items … Continue reading Audiobooks aren’t just entertainment — they’re essential for the visually impaired →

Maps show where the coronavirus has spread – The Washington Post

[from the WA Post] Chinese health officials confirmed that the pneumonialike coronavirus came from wild animals sold at a market in Wuhan, the city of 11 million people and capital of the Hubei province in China. — Read on http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/01/22/mapping-spread-new-coronavirus/

As coronavirus moves toward U.S., our lack of preparation is showing

This is just an example of what the U.S. is not doing to prepare for the scale of contagion that may arrive with coronavirus. As usual with agencies and departments benefiting ordinary people, the budgets have been slashed, the scientific staff has been far more than decimated, and no forethought is being given to disasters … Continue reading As coronavirus moves toward U.S., our lack of preparation is showing →

Cuddling with your partner has the same positive impact as cuddling with your cat or dog

I'm vastly amused by this article given the huge body of material out showing the positive benefits of owning a cat or dog. Both of those animals do many things to please or entertain, but certainly one of them is to cuddle occasionally. With all the research showing how that benefits their human companions, how … Continue reading Cuddling with your partner has the same positive impact as cuddling with your cat or dog →

How much sleep do you need? And can you catch up on the weekend?

This article doesn't contain much that's new but it's always good to be reminded of the obvious -- adults need to sleep 7-9 hours a night, sleeping less than 5 hours a night makes you less effective, and you can't catch up on lost sleep by sleeping in -- but it's well presented and a … Continue reading How much sleep do you need? And can you catch up on the weekend? →