The Bogo Times

2/16/2023 02:18:00 PM No comments

What is coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. It was identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and little is known about it.

These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people. SARS was believed to have been transmitted from civet cats to humans while MERS traveled from a type of camel to humans.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms depend on the type of coronavirus and how serious the infection is. If you have a mild to moderate upper-respiratory infection such as the common cold, your symptoms may include

Runny nose
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Fever
Not feeling well overall

Some coronaviruses can cause severe symptoms. The infections may turn into bronchitis and pneumonia, which cause symptoms such as

Fever, which may be quite high if you have pneumonia
Cough with mucus
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness when you breathe and cough

Severe infections are more common in people with heart or lung diseases, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.

How are coronavirus infections spread?

Human coronaviruses usually spread from an infected person to others through

The air by coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
Rarely, feces (poop)

What is being done to stop its spread?

There is no vaccine for the new virus.

Chinese authorities have effectively sealed off Wuhan, state media said.

The move was meant to "resolutely contain the momentum of the epidemic spreading" and protect lives, the central city's special command centre against the virus said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

More than a dozen other Chinese cities also adopted transport restrictions, affecting 56 million people.

Airports around the world have introduced screening measures and some countries are working to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan.

Prevention

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1/28/2020 06:06:00 PM No comments

A bloodletting drive will be held in Bogo City this February 16, 2020 through the efforts of the Vice Mayor's office in partnership with Red Cross and the City Health Office.

The Benefits of Donating Blood

LOWER IRON LEVELS

Studies suggest that many of us consume more irons than we need to maintain good health. Lower the iron levels in your body every time you give blood, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

High blood iron levels have the potential to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease because iron accelerates the oxidation process of cholesterol in the body, which damages arteries. Iron stimulates cells to churn out free radicals, molecules that may contribute to cancer and other diseases of aging. Studies show that high iron levels in your blood are also associated with premature aging.

Women tend to outlive men and are generally better at postponing the onset of age-related diseases, and one theory involves iron loss due to menstruation.

Do you have high iron levels? Get your levels checked to find out. Ferritin measures iron stores in the blood. Levels between 50 and 100 ng/mL are ideal. Levels below 50 ng/mL can cause problems, such as anxiety, fatigue, restless legs, and ADHD. High levels, over 250 ng/mL are associated with iron overload and increase the risk of inflammation, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Causes of high iron levels: Causes of too much iron include regular alcohol consumption, cooking in iron pans, foods fortified with iron, well water high in iron, or vitamin or mineral supplements with extra iron. Some people are genetically predisposed to absorb too much iron from food.

REDUCE CANCER RISK

High iron levels can also contribute to the development and growth of tumors. A 2014 study in Cancer Research found that high iron levels in the blood were associated with a 25% increased risk of all cancers and a 39% increase in the risk of dying from cancer. And consuming large amounts of dietary iron is linked with increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risks for cancers, including liver, lung, colon, stomach, and throat cancers. Risk levels dropped in correlation with how often participants donated blood. As a rule, you can safely donate blood every 56 days.

REDUCE HEART ATTACK RISK

High levels of iron in the blood have been cited as a risk factor for heart attack. Regular blood donors can mitigate that risk. Research shows that men who donate regularly over many years have an 88% lower risk of heart attacks and a 33% lower risk of any severe cardiovascular event, such as a stroke.

REPLENISH BLOOD

When you donate blood, your body replaces the blood volume within 48 hours of donation, and all of the red blood cells you lose during donation are completely replaced within four to eight weeks. This process of replenishment can help your body stay healthy and work more efficiently and productively.

ENHANCE MENTAL WELL-BEING

Donating blood can also improve your emotional health. According to the Mental Health Foundation, doing good for others is also good for your psyche. Among the many emotional benefits are: