HEALTH RISKS

Feb 28 2025HEALTH

Why Do Some Women Eat Dirt? The Surprising Truth

In various corners of the globe, women of childbearing age have a peculiar practice. They consume dirt. This isn't a mere oddity; it's a behavior that can lead to severe health problems. This habit is known as geophagy, and it's not isolated to one region. It's a widespread phenomenon. The

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Feb 28 2025HEALTH

Fat Facts: What Ultrasound Can and Can't Tell Us

Ultrasound technology is a powerful tool for mapping out where fat is stored in the body. It's a big deal in the world of body composition. It's important to know where fat is stored because it can affect health risks. For example, fat around the belly is different from fat on the hips. The former i

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Feb 28 2025HEALTH

Air Pollution and Heart Disease: A Long-Term Look

Imagine living in a place where the air you breathe could affect your heart health over time. This is not a far-fetched idea. Air pollution, specifically the main types found in the environment, has been linked to various heart issues. However, the long-term and combined effects of these pollutants

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Feb 27 2025HEALTH

Measles Alert in Rockwall County: What You Need to Know

A measles case has been confirmed in Rockwall County, Texas. This is the first instance in the county, and it involves an adult who had not received the measles vaccine. The individual recently traveled abroad, and health officials believe this is where they contracted the virus. The person is curre

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Feb 25 2025HEALTH

Texas Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know

Texas is facing the worst measles outbreak in recent memory, with 90 confirmed cases spread across 7 counties. This outbreak has led to 16 hospitalizations, and experts believe the actual number of cases is likely higher. The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air. It can ling

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Feb 25 2025ENVIRONMENT

Hidden Dangers in Our Homes and Backyards

So, you might be thinking, "What's the big deal with soil and dust? " Well, it turns out that these everyday substances can harbor some serious health risks. We're talking about emerging organic contaminants, which are increasingly popping up in our environment. These contaminants come from various

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Feb 23 2025ENVIRONMENT

Hidden Dangers in Your Tap: What You Need to Know

Chlorine has been used for over a century to treat water, and it's been effective in preventing waterborne illnesses. However, the discovery of harmful byproducts like THMs and HAAs has raised concerns about the safety of our drinking water. While there are ways to filter out these chemicals at home

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Feb 19 2025HEALTH

Drinking and Cancer: What You Need to Know

Drinking alcohol can lead to cancer. This isn't new information, but a recent advisory from the Surgeon General has shed more light on the issue. The advisory highlights that alcohol is linked to several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, breast, liver, and colon. This i

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Feb 18 2025ENVIRONMENT

Why Pollution is a Silent Killer for the Elderly

As the world's population ages, the elderly are facing a growing threat from air pollution. This isn't just about feeling a bit unwell. It's about serious health issues that can lead to early death. The elderly are more likely to have long-term health problems, like heart disease, lung issues, and b

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Feb 17 2025HEALTH

PRISm: The Silent Lung Issue You Should Know About

PRISm, or Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry, is a tricky condition that often flies under the radar. It's characterized by a normal ratio of FEV1 to FVC, but a reduced FEV1. This means your lungs might not be functioning at their best, even if test results seem fine. The condition has been linked

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