Cooking a delicious and nutritious meal for oneself, family members, or friends can be enjoyable. However, despite taking measures to ensure the cooked meal is safe for consumption, a simple cooking error can contaminate the food, causing food poisoning, paralysis, and other complications. These mistakes could be as minor as using the wrong spoon or touching a bacteria-filled surface. Therefore, one must be aware of these six food sanitation mistakes and how to fix them. Not cooking foods thoroughly Foods such as chicken, seafood, turkey, and eggs should not be consumed raw. Undercooking these food items can result in germs getting into the system and triggering health complications. Therefore, it is recommended to use a food thermometer to ensure the right temperature is reached before eating any meal. Poor hand sanitation Our hands may come in contact with various surfaces throughout the day that are usually infested with germs. These germs can be transmitted to our palms. Therefore, cooking meals without washing hands can infect the food and pose health risks. It is important to always wash your hands before eating or cooking, and even when changing a diaper. The best way to wash hands is to scrub them thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

The brave service of soldiers in the military deserves to be rewarded with more than just gratitude. To ensure this, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has come up with several benefits to simplify the lives of veterans. While some seniors may know about one or two of these, several lesser-known benefits could improve their quality of life. Read on to learn about four such benefits available to senior veterans. Long-term/extended care benefits Many seniors do not know they can get assistance with long-term care with the VA . These privileges are extended to eligible veterans, giving them access to home health care, adult day health care (such as nursing care and physical therapy), respite care, hospice care (for those with a terminal illness), and nursing home care in federal and state nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Some of these benefits may also extend to their family members. Eligibility for these benefits is based on one’s military service history, disability status, income level, and available resources. Caregiver support Many veterans sustain injuries and illnesses during their service period. As a result, they need special support from caregivers. VA recognizes the crucial role caregivers play in supporting veterans and offers training programs for them.

The ongoing threat of dangerous respiratory viruses, including influenza and various strains of the common cold, underscores the importance of a robust immune system. A strong immune response is the body’s first line of defense against these pathogens. While treatments offer a significant shield against these respiratory viruses, lifestyle changes are also vital as they help in improving immunity. This article explores various ways that could help bolster immunity against respiratory viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized how crucial lung health is. The virus targets the respiratory system primarily, leading to severe respiratory distress in many cases. Pre-existing lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer make individuals more vulnerable to severe outcomes. Even those without prior lung issues may experience lingering respiratory symptoms post-infection. Treatments Vaccines play pivotal roles in combating respiratory diseases. Here are some types of vaccines one must know about. mRNA vaccines These offer a cutting-edge approach by instructing cells to produce a harmless spike protein, training the immune system to recognize and act against the virus. It activates targeted immune responses against specific pathogens, potentially revolutionizing treatment and prevention strategies for several conditions. Non-mRNA vaccines These vaccines use different methods, often containing inactivated or subunit parts of the pathogen.

Overactive bladder, also commonly referred to as OAB, is commonly characterized by a frequent and sudden urge to pee. Individuals who experience OAB often face urinary incontinence, urgency, or high urinary frequency. OAB can be tackled in many ways, including physical therapy, certain foods, and even medication. This article focuses on discussing foods that can help improve bladder health and overactive bladder control, as well as various medications that are used to treat OAB. Bananas Fruits such as bananas can help improve bladder function. Bananas are high in fiber and contain lots of antioxidants that are good for the body. They are considered safe for OAB. Berries Cranberries contain acidic content that helps prevent the build-up of bacteria in the urinary tract. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which keep the body and urinary tract healthy. Remember to eat these foods in moderation as berries are acidic and can do harm if consumed over the required amount. Cauliflower Cauliflowers have tons of elements that are good for the body, including vitamin C, folates, and fibers. They also contain compounds known as indoles, which help control inflammation in the urinary tract and promote good bladder health. Water Many think that drinking less water is the solution to an overactive bladder.

Colon cancer develops when there’s uncontrollable and abnormal cell growth in one’s colon or rectum, which invades and damages other healthy tissues. Since it originates in one’s intestines, colon cancer severely affects one’s ability to digest food and eliminate waste. According to the American Cancer Society, bad eating habits and an unhealthy lifestyle increase one’s chance of developing it. But some superfoods can help improve gut health and manage the disease better. Berries, black plums, grapes, and pomegranates Black plums, red and black grapes, and pomegranates contain anthocyanins. Similarly, berries, including black elderberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chokeberries, and strawberries, are excellent sources of anthocyanins and antioxidants. Anthocyanins help in slowing cancer cell growth and increasing tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy. They are also highly nutritious and fibrous, which boosts digestion. Apples and bananas Constipation and diarrhea are two of the early signs of colon cancer. Fruits like apples, oranges, pears, and bananas are rich sources of fiber that can help regularize one’s bowel movements and improve gut health. Cancer also causes chronic weakness in patients since the cancer cells consume abnormal amounts of energy and stress out the digestive system. So, fruits can help since they give an instant energy boost and are easier to digest.

Blood clotting is a vital process that helps prevent excessive bleeding when a person suffers an injury. However, when blood clots form unnecessarily, they can cause serious health issues such as deep vein thrombosis and stroke. But did you know that certain foods can help support healthy blood clotting? In this article, we’ll explore six delicious and nutritious foods that help with blood clotting and keep the blood flowing smoothly. Leafy greens Leafy greens are a great source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. Vitamin K activates proteins involved in the blood clotting process. Examples of leafy greens high in vitamin K include kale, spinach, and collard greens. Incorporating a few servings of leafy greens into one’s daily meals can support healthy blood clotting. Fish Fish, particularly fatty fish such as salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can prevent blood clotting when it should not clot, but also help the blood clot when it should clot. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, contributing to blood clots in the body. Examples of other fish high in omega-3s include tuna and sardines. Adding fish to one’s meals a few times a week can support healthy blood clotting. Nuts and seeds Nuts and seeds are also great foods that help with blood clotting .

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that affects people in multiple ways. Primarily, it causes inflammation of the skin and joints, and also the brain, heart, and lungs. As a result, one may experience fatigue, joint pain or stiffness, skin rashes, kidney problems, dry eyes, chest pain, mouth sores, and low blood cell count. Recognizing these early signs can help one seek timely treatment. Additionally, here are some things to avoid when dealing with the condition: Unhealthy foods Healthy foods are imperative for managing lupus symptoms. While there is no doctor-recommended list of foods for the condition, one can benefit from excluding the following trigger foods – Garlic: Garlic tends to enhance the production and activity of white blood cells, which can help fight infections like the cold or flu. But for conditions like lupus, where the immune system is overactive, garlic intake may backfire. While not entirely bad for health, garlic is best eaten in smaller quantities and avoided during flare-ups. – Processed food: Processed food like sausages, pork, red meat, bacon, and other packaged junk food contains high amounts of saturated fats, which can trigger lupus flares. – Sugary foods : Sugary foods like sweets, cakes, donuts, and syrups are associated with many health issues and are best avoided.

Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine is known by several names globally, including NVX-CoV2373 and Nuvaxovid in some regions. The vaccine uses a tiny piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s spike protein as its primary antigen. This spike protein is the part of the virus that lets it enter human cells and enhance the body’s immune response. The vaccine further includes an adjuvant called Matrix-M. Here are a few details about the vaccine’s development and deployment. Preclinical development Novavax began developing the vaccine in early 2020 utilizing its nanoparticle technology platform. The company identified a stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as its antigen and combined it with an adjuvant (Matrix-M) to enhance the immune response. Phase 1 and phase 2 trials Novavax initially conducted clinical trials in two phases to evaluate the vaccine’s safety and immunogenicity. These trials involved a relatively small number of participants and aimed to determine the appropriate dosage. Phase 3 clinical trials In the latter half of 2020 and early 2021, Novavax initiated large-scale phase 3 clinical trials to assess the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing COVID-19. These trials involved thousands of participants in multiple countries. Authorization and approval The Novavax vaccine, like other COVID-19 vaccines, required regulatory authorization or approval by a country’s authorities before it could be used.