Nov 26, 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, except when you get hit with a winter virus! If you are feeling under the weather, you may be wondering if your sniffles indicate a cold, the flu or something more serious, such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV present some similar symptoms, but also some unique ones. Here are some clues to help you determine the culprit behind your winter illness.
Cold
- Aches: Sometimes
- Difficulty breathing: Rarely
- Fatigue: Sometimes
- Fever: Rarely
- Loss of taste or smell: Rarely
- Sore throat: Often
- Wheezing: Rarely
Flu
- Aches: Often
- Difficulty breathing: Rarely
- Fatigue: Often
- Fever: Often
- Loss of taste or smell: Rarely
- Sore throat: Sometimes
- Wheezing: Rarely
COVID-19
- Aches: Sometimes
- Difficulty breathing: Often
- Fatigue: Often
- Fever: Sometimes
- Loss of taste or smell: Sometimes
- Sore throat: Often
- Wheezing: Rarely
RSV
- Aches: Rarely
- Difficulty breathing: Sometimes
- Fatigue: Rarely
- Fever: Sometimes
- Loss of taste or smell: Rarely
- Sore throat: Rarely
- Wheezing: Often
Everyone wants their holiday gifts to be well-received, but when shopping for children, make sure you aren’t sacrificing safety for excitement.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says an estimated 200,000 toy-related injuries were treated in United States hospital emergency departments in 2020, with most patients four or younger. When buying gifts for children, shoppers can consider these safety strategies.
1. Check the recommendations. Toys and games come with age recommendations for a reason. Note ages listed on boxes, never choosing above the child's age even if the youngster seems mature for his or her age.
2. Be mindful of small parts. Small toys can present a choking hazard. Also, check to see if parts are secure or can break off.
3. Check breakability. Avoid gifts that seem flimsy or delicate. Stay away from toys made from glass or thin plastic, as they could shatter if dropped or thrown.
4. Check battery sizes. Selecting powered gifts that utilize larger batteries could be safer for children. Size D, C, and even double A are better than items that use very small, button-like batteries, which can be easily swallowed, potentially causing injuries to the digestive tract.
There are many reasons to curl up with a good book! Self-proclaimed bookworms can rejoice knowing that a good story isn't the only benefit associated with reading. There are numerous health benefits to cracking a book.
· Reading slows cognitive decline. Natural aging results in a decline in memory and brain function over time, but reading can help. According to research published in the journal Neurology, reading may help slow that process and keep minds sharp.
· Reading improves concentration and focus. Technology draws a lot of attention, and those fast-processing times and almost instant gratification can shorten attention spans. Reading requires undivided attention and focus, which can improve one's ability to concentrate.
· Reading is free entertainment. Provided a person gets books from a library or a loaner from a friend, reading is free. It's possible to educate oneself, travel to far off lands or even solve mysteries without making a major financial investment.
· Reading enhances literacy. Frequent reading introduces the reader to new vocabulary and information. This enhances both literacy and intelligence.
· Reading can help a person relax. Reading may help reduce stress and even induce relaxing feelings so that a person can drift off to sleep.
Eggnog is the quintessential, waist-unfriendly drink of holiday celebrations, a beverage people either love or love to hate.
Here are a few fun facts about this seemingly innocuous holiday drink.
Eggnog Was Once Only a Drink for Wealthy Aristocrats- In 14th century England, only the well off could afford eggnog, as milk and eggs were both scarce and expensive. However, that changed in the American Colonies where they had easier access to dairy products.
The Word Eggnog Has Many Origins- Many etymologists believe the name stems from the word “noggin” which referred to small wooden mugs that were often used to serve eggnog.
The FDA Limits the Amount of Egg In Store-Bought Eggnog To 1%- If you pick up a carton of eggnog with your groceries, you may be getting more “nog” than yolk. Due to our fear of raw egg, U.S. FDA regulations limit egg yolk solids to no more than 1.0% of a products’ final weight to bear the eggnog name, while your typical homemade version has roughly one egg per serving.
