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Showing posts from October, 2017

Monkey Pox: The cause, Transmission and Prevention

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Monkey pox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkey pox virus. Monkey pox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkey pox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘monkeypox.’ The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox. Since then monkeypox has been reported in humans in other central and western African countries. The 2003 outbreak in the United States is the only time monkeypox infections in humans were documented outside of Africa. The natural reservoir of monkeypox remains unknown. However, African rodent species are expected to play a role in transmission. There are two distinct genetic group

Kola nut: Uses, benefits, and side effects

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The kola nut is used to flavor sodas and as a supplement to increase energy or improve health. But what are the health benefits of the kola nut? The nut comes from the evergreen kola tree, which is found in the rainforests of Africa. Inside the tree's star-shaped fruits are white shells, which contain the seeds or kola nuts. The kola nut has some reported benefits for health. Here we explore those benefits and other information about this tropical nut. Fast facts on the kola nut:    1. The nut is relatively large, being about the size of a chestnut.     2.The kola nut has a bitter taste but becomes sweeter, as it is chewed.     3.The kola nut may be beneficial for certain health conditions.     4.Whether taken in supplement form or chewed, kola nuts can have certain side effects. What's in the kola nut? The kola nut comes from the evergreen kola tree and contains micronutrients. The kola nut contains about 2 to 3 percent caffeine and 1 to 2 percent theobromine, both o

Benefits of crying

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Crying is a natural response humans have to a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, joy, and frustration. But does crying have any health benefits? It is not unusual to cry, and both sexes cry more than people may assume. In the United States, women cry an average of 3.5 times per month and men cry an average of 1.9 times a month. This article explores why people cry and what health benefits crying may have. Why do people cry? Crying is a natural response to emotions or irritants like dust in the eyes. Humans produce three types of tears:     Basal: The tear ducts constantly secrete basal tears, which are a protein-rich antibacterial liquid that help to keep the eyes moist every time a person blinks.     Reflex: These are tears triggered by irritants such as wind, smoke, or onions. They are released to flush out these irritants and protect the eye.     Emotional: Humans shed tears in response to a range of emotions. These tears contain a higher level of stress hormones t