Chinese New Year 2020 falls on January 25 in Asia (January 24 in the west), beginning the Year of the Rat. China’s public holiday will be January 24-30. In Beijing this week, Chinese health officials expressed concerns about a coronavirus now spreading during this heavy travel season in Asia. Source: https://earthsky.org/human-world/chinese-new-year-lunar-new-year…
Tag: Illness
Mysterious illness outbreak in China seems to be caused by a new virus
It isn’t SARS or MERS, but a potentially new virus has infected 59 people in China – seven of whom are critically ill – with suspected cases reported in South Korea and Hong Kong Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2229639-mysterious-illness-outbreak-in-china-seems-to-be-caused-by-a-new-virus/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
Some surprisingly good news about anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric illness, yet researchers know very little about factors associated with recovery. A new study investigated three levels of recovery in a large, representative sample of more than 2,000 Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200107131832.htm
Doctors scramble to identify mysterious illness emerging in China
The cause of a viral pneumonia that has affected at least 59 people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China, remains unknown, but authorities have ruled out SARS, MERS and bird flu Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2229196-doctors-scramble-to-identify-mysterious-illness-emerging-in-china/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
Why Do 88% of Americans Use a Second Screen While Watching TV?
According to TV metrics company Nielsen, a whopping 88% of Americans stare at screens while staring at other screens. Nate Anderson from Ars Technica discovered the stat while combing through Mary Meeker’s annual “Internet Trends” report: My attitude, when watching TV, is that a show you pay attention to precludes the use of phone or laptop; if you’re using another screen,…
The Snail-Mail Card is Taking on More Significance in the Age of Social Media
In the age of social media, the snail-mail holiday photo card is taking on more significance. Permanent, physical photos stand out, and families are realizing they can be used to convey important life changes — without having to put them into words. People are using the images on cards to signal major transitions, including divorce, illness and adoption. From a report:…
Why So Many Japanese Children Refuse To Go To School
In Japan, more and more children are refusing to go to school, a phenomenon called “futoko.” As the numbers keep rising, people are asking if it’s a reflection of the school system, rather than a problem with the pupils themselves. From a report: Ten-year-old Yuta Ito waited until the annual Golden Week holiday last spring to tell his parents how he…
Mystery illness that causes fever every few weeks finally identified
Seven people who experienced a fever every few weeks have finally been given a diagnosis of CRIA syndrome, which was a previously unknown disorder Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2227043-mystery-illness-that-causes-fever-every-few-weeks-finally-identified/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
Researchers Call Chronic Inflammation ‘A Substantial Public Health Crisis’
UPI reports: Roughly half of all deaths worldwide are caused by inflammation-related diseases. Now, a team of international researchers is calling on physicians to focus greater attention on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of severe, chronic inflammation so that people can live longer, healthier lives. In a commentary published Friday in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers at 22 institutions describe how…
Germany Makes Measles Vaccinations Compulsory For Children
An anonymous reader quotes CNN:
Germany’s parliament has voted to make measles vaccinations compulsory for children, with parents who fail to immunize their children facing fines of €2,500 ($2,750). The Measles Protection Act, which the Bundestag approved on Thursday, requires all parents to provide evidence that their child has received two measles vaccinations before they are enrolled in school or kindergarten. Medical…