Drug Resistant 'Bugs'

There is a deadly bacteria that has become known as the drug resistant superbug. The name of this bacteria is Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and it is becoming an increasingly dangerous problem in hospitals, nursing homes, and doctor's offices. This bacteria was named this CRE because it has the ability to ward off carbapenem antibiotics. Even though this bacteria was first reported in 2001 it has made a big appearance in health care settings lately. Unlike other infections such staph and MRSA, CRE has a death rate of 40% which is considerably higher than most infections. Because CRE is drug resistant there is a fear that it will continue to spread at a fast rate and it will not be able to be stopped. Also, some cases of CRE go undetected in smaller health facilities because they do not have the technology to detect the bacteria. CRE also mutates and becomes resistant to new antibiotics that drug companies produce so at this point there is no way of controlling this superbug. For now the only way to fight this superbug is to try to prevent the spreading of it by using sterile techniques.

Ringworm

So who thought ringworm was actually a worm when they were growing up? Well if you answered that question "me" I am in the same boat with you. Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by fungus that can affect all ages, however children are more likely to get the infection. It is contagious and is spread from person to person easily. Ringworm thrives in warm and moist places. Physically active people who sweat a lot are likely candidates for developing ringworm. The most common areas for ringworm are the beard, body, feet, groin area, and the scalp. To prevent ringworm keep the skin dry and clean. Also, do not share personal items such as combs, clothing, towels, wash hair after haircuts, and avoid petting animals with bald spots. Ringworm is treatable and is treated usually within 4 weeks.

Zinc in the Environment

     Zinc is a naturally occurring metal found in the air, water, and soil. It is the 23rd most abundant metal found the Earth's crust. Zinc is found in small traces in our food and even our drinking water. Water that is held in a metal container usually has higher amounts of zinc in it. The levels of zinc found in the environment have been rising due to human activities.
     Zinc is very important when it comes to the health of people. People that do not have enough Zinc in their diets can suffer from a lack of appetite, slow healing of wounds, and problems smelling and tasting. Humans can actually handle large amounts of zinc in the body but with increasing levels of Zinc found in the environment new health risks are posed. Having too much Zinc in the body could cause stomach cramps, vomiting, anemia, and skin irritations. Extremely high levels of zinc can cause damage to the pancreas and interrupt the protein metabolism in the body. Over exposure over time can cause respiratory problems. 

Source: http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/zn.htm#ixzz2DRlBUYhf

Community Gardens

After seeing the community garden here in Macon I realized how much of an importance it is for communities to have these gardens. Not only does it promote fresh produce but it also promotes unity within the community. This community garden improves the quality of life for people in the garden, provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulates social interaction, encourages self-reliance, beautifies neighborhoods, and reduces family food budgets, conserves resources, creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education.

Rachel Carson

     Rachel Carson was a shy and reserved woman who contributed much to Environmental Science. After Rachel Carson wrote the book Silent Springs much controversy arose in the field of Environmental Health. Many people did not know much about pesticides in the environment and harmful chemicals so they just brushed off what Rachel Carson had to say. Many skeptics played on stereotypes of her sex and said she was being over-dramactic because she was a woman.
     Rachel Carson was able to show the pesticides were ineffective because the insects would build up a resistance. So the more and more we were spraying these harmful chemicals on plants and food supply the more harm we were doing to ourselves. Some of the these pesticides would collect in the fats of humans and later on cause health issues that could possibly lead to death. Without Rachel Carson taking the time to write her book Silent Springs and pointing out how these pesticides were having a negative effect on our environment and health we could still be polluting the environment and ourselves.

Seasonal Allergies

When you think of global warming you probably do not think of seasonal allergies. Well, hopefully after you read this blog you will see why these two are connected. As the years past by we can see the trend of the planet's temperature rising. Because the Earth's temperature keeps rising we are seeing longer spring and summer months and shorter fall and winter months. This issue with having a longer spring is seasonal allergies are prolonged also. There is less frost and earlier blooming which means longer periods of pollen which triggers allergies for many people including myself. Symptoms of seasonal allergies range from but are not limited to sneezing, itching, red eyes, and coughing. I do not know about others with seasonal allergies but a lot allergy medicines do not work well for me so longer periods of pollen is not an exciting or welcomed thing. Also, for a lot of seasonal allergy sufferers after days of repeated "allergy attacks" this could lead to a sinus infection. If the sinus infection is serious enough you may need to go to the doctor to get antibiotics. Overall, global warming is causing seasonal allergies to be prolonged and there will be a rise in sinus infections because of prolonged allergy periods.

Hurricane Hugo (Charleston, SC)

On September 22, 1989 Hurricane Hugo made landfall on Charleston, SC as a category four hurricane. Charleston, SC is much like New Orleans in the sense that it is below sea level and it floods easily. What saved Charleston, SC from being like New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina was the storm sped up and came during low tide. Instead of 20ft waves hitting Downtown Charleston, waves of 5ft came on to shore. The most effected people of Hurricane Hugo were those who lived on the barriers islands of Charleston (ie. Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms). Both islands were cut off from the mainland because the hurricane destroyed the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Most of the homes near water were severely damaged or destroyed by the storm. A lot of people did not have flood insurance so they received no aid from their insurance companies. Also, most of the homes on the barrier islands were not secured well so they sustained a lot of damage just by wind and water crashing against the homes. My parents lived about 20 miles inland and most of their damage was caused by tornadoes and high winds. The most affected were those who lived near water, which were those who were wealthy. Charleston was without power for about a week after the storm and ice had to be rationed. The storm caused 4.2 billion dollars worth of damage, which equates to 7.87 billion dollars worth of damage today. There were 34 casualties and 100,000 people left homeless. With the help of the Red Cross and Salvation Army Charleston was able to rebuild their lives after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo.