CRE: Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

The Bacteria that can't be Killed.

A bacteria known as Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is becoming a rapidly dangerous issue in health care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. This particular type of bacteria, named for its ability to fight off carbapenem antibiotics, first appeared in 2001. It's deadliness comes from its resistance to any and every type of antibiotic. The death rate of a CRE infection is about 40%, which is much higher than others infections such as MRSA. So far there has been no hope of creating a solution. There is not a high incentive for drug companies to create new drugs because the CRE are able to mutate and adapt their resistance. Many of the cases of CRE also go unrecognized because smaller facilities do not have the capability to screen and test for this particular type of bacteria. The greatest fear is that CRE will spread from health care facilities into the general public. The only thing that can be done is to try and prevent its spread. CRE as of now is an impossible enemy.

Deadly Parasites: Tapeworms

Tapeworms:

Tapeworms are a type of Cestode. Most tapeworms are 1/2 inch in length and a grayish white color, but some can be up to 33 feet long and lay over 1 million eggs per day. The bodies of tapeworms are mostly composed of reproductive organs. The head of a tapeworm hooks itself into the intestinal wall and then releases eggs from its tail. It can regenerate from only its head if segmented. These flat, segmented worms live in the intestines of animals. They can be infected by ingesting contaminated water or grass. Humans become infected by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal. Tapeworms can cause symptoms such as nausea, weakness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Tapeworm infections can be treated in humans with oral medications such as Biltricide or Albenza, which kill the worms that then dissolve and pass through the bowels.

All About Lead (Pb)

All About Lead (Pb):

Lead is a bluish-white lustrous metal. It is very soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a relatively poor conductor of electricity. It is very resistant to corrosion but tarnishes upon exposure to air. Lead is used in pipes, car batteries, and in certain grades of gasoline. Lead occurs naturally in the environment but is usually found due to causes of human activity. A major source of lead comes from gasoline burned by cars through exhaust. Its harmful effects are a reason why this type of gas is being phased out. Lead is one out of four metals that have the most damaging effects on human health. It can enter the human body through uptake of food (65%), water (20%) and air (15%). Some of these harmful effects include kidney damage, miscarriage, brain damage, and high blood pressure. Lead also gives way to detrimental effects on the environment. Leaded gasoline causes lead concentrations in the environment to rise. Other activities including fuel combustion, industrial processes, and solid waste combustion also contribute. Lead can end up on water and soil through the corrosion of pipelines and leaded paints. It also accumulates in the organisms that live in these bodies of water and soil. It is especially dangerous because it can accumulate not only in individual organisms but also in whole food chains.

Community Gardens

Community Gardens:

A community garden is piece of land owned by a group of people. According to the USDA, about 15% of the world's food is now grown in urban areas. Community gardens promote healthy communities and provide food security for many low income persons. They can grow flowers, vegetables, or other items. Community gardens strengthen community bonds, provide food, and create recreational and therapeutic opportunities for a community. They can also promote environmental awareness and provide community education. Community gardens have a plethora of additional benefits including stimulating social interaction, encouraging self-reliance, conserving resources, reducing crime, and creating income opportunities and economic development. Community garden are a fast growing trend and one that should be continued during this time of economic scarcity.