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Skincare in Public Bathrooms

by Posted in Health Articles, Health News, Health Services

I’ve got some bad news for you.  It seems that those pesky hot air blowers that dry your skin are actually blowing viruses around everywhere. After reading an article in Fortune magazine today it really made me think about this. It’s funny how we invent new technology to take care of one issue such as wasting paper and killing more trees in exchange for dispersing viruses throughout a public bathroom to get everyone sick.

The new study was quoted as saying:

“virus(‘s) in the air even 15 minutes after someone used a jet dryer, at levels 100 times higher than after a paper towel was used.”

100x?  That’s pretty significant.  Of course when you dry your hands on a paper towel how much are you actually putting in the air?  Almost zero, so a hundred times nearly zero is still a small amount right?  But if you have one of these in a hospital it is a different scenario.  Any medical facility should prefer disposable wipes, towels, or napkins to ensure as much of the evil bacteria is removed and disposed away from the public.  A dryer for your skin in those areas can cause an issue.

If you are in a standard nail salon or cosmetics store your risk of high pathogens is much lower. So for the rest of the world your skin getting blown dry should continue to be the standard in bathrooms most everywhere.

Getting Closer to Beating Alzheimer’s

by Posted in Health Services

By Phineas Upham

Recently, medical scientists discovered something interesting about Alzheimer’s: it could be transmittable through medical procedures. Even everyday dental work could increase a patient’s chances of contracting Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s causes a build up of neurotoxic amyloid plaques, which eventually erodes the patient’s memory. If, they reasoned, there were some method to decrease that build up some function could be restored.

Scientists looked at various methods they could employ to try and reduce or remove that buildup. The problem is, it’s all very close the brain. If they make a mistake there, the patient could suffer in other ways. The treatment that came out of Australia focuses on using a non-invasive procedure that guides ultrasound into the brain. The pulses break the plaque down.

The plaque buildup isn’t like the kind on your teeth. It causes the neurofibrils in your brain to tangle, which misfires signals and leads to reduced function. Mice with this buildup were gauged to have recovered up to 75% of their full memory function.

Plaque buildup is only half the mystery, and the brain me be to blame for the other half. The brain uses proteins to repair itself, so the plaque causes the brain to cease that function. There is a drug currently in testing that allows for the production of the enzymes responsible for that repair. That could halt or reverse the long term effects some patients suffer from.

It’s likely that in the future, both of these methods will become part of the mainstream treatment regimen for Alzheimer’s patients.

Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or LinkedIn page.

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How to Find the Right Massage Parlor for You

by Posted in Health Articles, Health News, Health Services

Massage parlors have been popping up all over the country. With an expected growth of 19% in the next 5-10 years, you’re bound to see a couple of them during your drives. If you’re new to receiving a massage, then here is a good idea of what to expect during your first visit.

How to Find Your Parlor

One way to locate these massage parlors is by browsing local advertisements online. A majority of these massage parlors are run by women of Asian-descent. For example, if you were to look at your local listings you could find “Korean massage in New York.”

If you’re around an area where you see a massage parlor, you can also peek your head inside and inquire about the prices. You want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your money. A price too high or too low can raise red flags, especially depending on what the place looks like. A clean, private facility is your best option for health and relaxation. So if you see want to receive a legitimate Korean massage in NYC, it’s best that you check with the establishment prior.

What to Expect

When you enter the massage parlor, you’ll be met by either one of the massage therapists or a receptionist. Take a look at the prices and services that are offered at the location to decide what type of massage you will want. You’re typically offered several choices, so don’t feel pressured to choose any one method. Most people go with the Swedish massage for their first time. It’s a deep tissue massage that aims to relieve you of any knots and stiffness that you have along your body.

Once you’ve decided on the type of massage that you want, you’ll be led into a dimly-lit room that is lit up by candles with soft, soothing music playing in the background. Be sure to ask what extras they offer. You might be able to take advantage of a table shower prior to the massage, or a fruit plate after. The masseuse will then enter your room and proceed with the massage.

At the end of your massage, tip them appropriately based on the service that you received. Many of these massage therapists focus on the knotted areas of your body and work out the kinks to help improve blood flow and reduce stress. Massages have been known to provide substantial health benefits and visiting these parlors will help improve your way of life.

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DNA Primers Explained

by Posted in Health Products, Health Services

Written by: The Midland Certified Reagent Company

Summary: Primers help initiate reactions that are crucial to modern medicine.

When researchers want to test a cure, they are hoping for a particular reaction. That reaction will tell them what they need to know about how the cure might react to a patient’s DNA. It may also tell doctors what kind of diseases a patient may have, or potentially develop.

These reactions don’t just occur, there needs to be some kind of primer. A polynucleotide can help initiate a reaction through the binding of complementary pairs. That initial molecule that sparks the reaction is called a DNA primer.

What are Primers?

Primers are like shorter sequences of nucleic acids, usually comprising only around 10 base pairs. When synthesis occurs naturally, the body relies on a short strand of RNA to replicate. Primers add extra pairs to a DNA strand, which helps catalyze a bond.

Each primer is hybridized for a specific pairing, so the reactions are possible only under ideal conditions.

Uses

Primers find many uses in DNA sequencing. Primers are used to begin the Sanger chain termination reaction, which is still used today as a method of verifying next-generation calculations as accurate. Primers need to match the DNA molecules they are meant to amplify, and they are used in a polymerase chain reaction as a kind of probe that helps identify which DNA fragments were changed by the PCR.

Final Thoughts

Primers make a wide variety of reactions possible. They are useful in diagnosis, but helpful in research too. Primers are sometimes used for RNA synthesis, not just for DNA synthesis.

 

Bio: The Midland Certified Reagent Company produces poly dI and poly C oligonucleotides, as well as other materials used in research labs around the world.

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Laryngitis

by Posted in Health News, Health Services

Laryngitis is a condition caused due to inflammation of the voice box or the larynx.

Symptoms of Laryngitis include:

  • Hoarseness in voice.
  • Constant irritation in throat or sore throat.
  • Fever, congestion and cough.
  • Laryngitis if severe can also result in loss of voice.

Causes of Laryngitis include:

  • Bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
  • Infectious disease such as tuberculosis and syphilis.
  • Allergies and respiratory diseases like bronchitis and sinusitis.
  • Over use of vocal chords due to shouting or cheering on top of the voice.
  • Excess smoking or alcohol consumption.
  • Prolonged cough.
  • Exposure to atmospheric irritant or harsh conditions.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux.

Home remedies to cure Laryngitis include:

  • Salt water gargle is the best remedy to cure sore throat. Half teaspoon of salt mixed in a cup of warm water and gargled several times in a day will help cure sore throat immediately as this kills the infection.
  • Gargle with an antiseptic and antibacterial mouthwash as it kills all the germs.
  • A solution made with equal amount of water and vinegar will help kill the bacteria and soothe the throat.
  • If the sore throat is severe it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Diet to cure laryngitis comprises of consumption of plenty ginger and garlic as these have got anti-microbial properties and also boosts the immune system. Hot cup of ginger tea taken daily can do wonders in curing the larynx.

It is also recommended that the prescribed medications be taken properly. Proper rest should be give to the larynx. Over strain must be avoided, whispering will be a good change. Using humidifier is also good as it will make the air moist, thus avoiding irritation of the throat which can aggravate laryngitis.