According to a recent study, long-term exposure to the noise produced by cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Harvard-led examination of three decades' worth of data from 114,116 women involved in the Nurses' Health Study was published online by Environmental Health Perspectives on December 4, 2023. Researchers evaluated the relationship between noise levels where participants lived and their incidence of cardiovascular disease using a geospatial noise model developed by the National Park Service. This model estimates noise levels in different locations using data gathered from monitoring sites across the United States.
Researchers discovered that participants' long-term risk of cardiovascular illness increased with the amount of transportation noise they were exposed to. There was a 4% rise in cardiovascular issues such coronary artery disease and stroke for every four dB increase in noise above a baseline level. The authors of the study noted that prior research has similarly connected noise exposure to transient alterations in circulation, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and blood vessel narrowing.
This research it still being watched.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
What constitutes a drought? A drought is an extended period of dry weather lacking rainfall. In recent decades, there has been a global increase in the frequency of drought occurrences. With the onset of climate change, elevated temperatures are exacerbating aridity, not only within the United States but also worldwide. Recognizing the detrimental effects of drought where you reside and taking appropriate measures to safeguard your well-being is crucial.
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Dupuytren's contracture, commonly known as Dupuytren's disease, is one of the more peculiar conditions that affect the hands and fingers. This might cause one or more fingers to curl, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks like picking up or holding objects.
Although this is up for discussion, legend has it that the illness was first discovered by the Vikings in Northern Europe. Later, Guillaume Dupuytren, a French surgeon from the 19th century who performed the first successful operation on the ailment, was honored with the name. In the twenty-first century, approximately one in every twenty Americans suffers from Dupuytren's contracture.
What is the contracture of Dupuytren?
The layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers is called the fascia. This tissue becomes thicker and shorter in Dupuytren's contracture.
Initially, this enlarged region was a hard lump known as a nodule. It may develop into a thick band known as a cord over several years or decades, causing one or more fingers to curl toward the palm and become locked there, bent. This can make it challenging to use a computer, button garments, hold things, and carry out other daily chores.
It's not always the case that the illness gets worse and worse. For years, it might not change or, in certain cases, get better.
Although this is up for discussion, legend has it that the illness was first discovered by the Vikings in Northern Europe. Later, Guillaume Dupuytren, a French surgeon from the 19th century who performed the first successful operation on the ailment, was honored with the name. In the twenty-first century, approximately one in every twenty Americans suffers from Dupuytren's contracture.
What is the contracture of Dupuytren?
The layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers is called the fascia. This tissue becomes thicker and shorter in Dupuytren's contracture.
Initially, this enlarged region was a hard lump known as a nodule. It may develop into a thick band known as a cord over several years or decades, causing one or more fingers to curl toward the palm and become locked there, bent. This can make it challenging to use a computer, button garments, hold things, and carry out other daily chores.
It's not always the case that the illness gets worse and worse. For years, it might not change or, in certain cases, get better.
Trees contribute significantly to the quality of our lives in various ways. They play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, trees act as natural sound barriers, diminishing noise pollution, and they purify the air by filtering out pollutants. When it rains, trees help to manage water runoff, which prevents flooding and soil erosion. Furthermore, they serve as habitats for a diverse range of creatures, from insects to birds, fostering biodiversity.
Beyond these ecological benefits, there's growing evidence that simply being in the presence of trees and green spaces positively impacts our well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:
As temperatures rise due to climate change, heatwaves become more common across the United States. However, certain areas, particularly urban neighborhoods, face even greater challenges due to the phenomenon known as urban heat islands. In these areas, materials like asphalt and concrete absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, causing temperatures to soar up to 7°F higher than in greener, suburban locales.
Fortunately, trees come to the rescue with their leafy canopies, providing much-needed shade. This shade isn't just a comfortable; it's a crucial factor in mitigating the impact of urban heat islands. By cooling the surrounding environment, trees help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, which disproportionately affect outdoor workers and vulnerable populations such as the young, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Hey, did you know there are some things you really shouldn't leave in your car? Like, seriously, some of them can cause explosions! If you're a car owner or driver, you've got to hear this. Sure, we all know about not leaving pets or kids in there, but there's a whole bunch of other stuff you might not think about. Like summer-specific items, everyday gadgets, even certain foods and drinks, and health-related stuff. It's crazy!
Listen up! Let's just say, it's a real eye-opener. So, buckle up and brace yourself for some surprising stuff.
1. Lighters: Lighters contain flammable materials and pressurized gas. When exposed to high temperatures, especially in direct sunlight, the pressure inside the lighter can increase, causing it to explode. The flammable materials inside can ignite, leading to a potential fire hazard.
2. Power Bank: Power banks often contain lithium-ion batteries, which are susceptible to heat. When exposed to high temperatures, such as those in a car on a hot day, the batteries can become unstable and may catch fire or explode. This risk is particularly heightened if the power bank is left in direct sunlight, which can further increase the temperature inside the device.
3. Perfume and Mineral Water: Both perfume and mineral water can contain alcohol, which is flammable. When left in direct sunlight, the heat can cause the liquid to evaporate rapidly, creating a highly flammable atmosphere. If exposed to an ignition source, such as a spark, this vapor can ignite, leading to a fire.
4. Snacks: Snacks, especially those containing oils or fats, can spoil when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the fat to oxidize, leading to rancidity and a change in taste and texture. Additionally, heat can accelerate microbial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
5. Sunglasses: Glasses, particularly those with plastic frames or prescription lenses, can be damaged by heat. Plastic frames may melt or warp, while lenses can act as magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight onto nearby surfaces and potentially causing fires. Additionally, metal frames can become hot enough to cause burns if worn after being exposed to high temperatures.
6. Sun Cream: The active ingredients in sun cream can degrade when exposed to high temperatures, reducing their effectiveness in protecting the skin from UV radiation. This degradation can occur more rapidly when the product is left in a hot car for prolonged periods, leading to potentially inadequate sun protection. According to FDA sunscreen can catch fire.
7. Damp Beach Items: Damp beach items, such as swimsuits and towels, provide a moist environment ideal for the growth of bacteria and yeast. When left in a hot car, the temperature and humidity can further promote microbial growth, increasing the risk of infections or unpleasant odors.
8. Electronics: Electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures. Heat can affect the performance and lifespan of batteries, cause components to expand or contract, and even lead to thermal shutdowns or malfunctions. To prevent damage, it's advisable to avoid leaving electronics in hot cars whenever possible.
9. Handbags/Wallets: Handbags and wallets left in cars are vulnerable to theft, as they often contain valuable items such as credit cards, cash, and smartphones. Additionally, the warm and confined environment of a car can promote the growth of bacteria on items frequently touched by hands, potentially leading to hygiene issues or skin infections.
10. Aerosols (Pressurized Canisters): Pressurized aerosol cans, such as deodorants and hair sprays, pose a risk of explosion when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the pressure inside the canister to build up, leading to rupture or explosions. To mitigate this risk, it's important to store aerosols in a cool and well-ventilated environment.
11. Batteries: Batteries, both disposable and rechargeable, can leak or explode when exposed to high temperatures. Heat accelerates chemical reactions within the battery, leading to the release of corrosive electrolytes or gases. This not only poses a safety hazard, but can also cause damage to the interior of the vehicle.
12. Plants: Plants left in hot cars are susceptible to heat stress and dehydration, which can quickly lead to wilting or even death. To prevent damage, it's important to keep plants shaded and hydrated during transport and avoid leaving them in the car for extended periods, especially on hot days.
13. Make-up: Certain make-up products, such as lipsticks and lotions, can melt or degrade when exposed to high temperatures. This can alter their texture, consistency, and effectiveness. To maintain the integrity of make-up products, it's advisable to store them in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
14. Candles: Candles, especially those in glass containers, can melt or shatter when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can soften the wax, causing it to deform or flow out of the container. In extreme cases, the glass container may fracture or explode due to thermal stress.
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