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HBOC201: “Unreal” Blood That Can Save Lives

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HBOC201. It may remind you of the ubiquitous TV channel, but it has nothing at all to do with that. This is the name of a synthetic blood substitute that has saved an Australian woman’s life. Tamara Coakley had a really bad car accident and was barely alive when she got to the hospital. She had only one liter of blood left in her body, and immediately needed a blood transfusion. Not to mention all the other complications, she is also a Jehovah’s Witness, meaning she couldn’t undergo blood transfusion. Technically though, using the synthetic blood is not blood transfusion as it is considered a blood substitute. ((I honestly am hard pressed to see the difference, but okay.))

In any case, HBOC201 is something that probably belongs to science fiction. This blood substitute contains a molecule that is derived from cow plasma. It was developed by the US Navy and can be used for a wide variety of conditions wherein a blood transfusion is required.

It may not seem an appealing choice, given that HBOC201 is essentially made of cow plasma. Then again, we already drink cow’s milk. This isn’t much different, is it? This blood substitute presents a lot of potential. For one, HBOC201 is not limited by blood type restrictions. Whatever your blood type may be, you will be able to receive HBOC201. Another thing is that HBOC201 is stored more easily. It can be kept without refrigeration for up to three years. This can mean a lot for those in areas where electricity is not taken for granted! And with the low supply of donor blood, HBOC201 just might be what is needed to save other people’s lives.

Science fiction? Amazing!

iPad Users: Are You Spreading the Flu Virus?

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Touch-screen technology is something to marvel at, and indeed, judging by the more than warm welcome given by consumers to the iPad and other touch-screen devices.  What you may not be aware of, however, is that the iPad – and other similar gadgets – may be one of the worst things you can handle during flu season.

You don’t need half a brain to see the connection – touch-screen equal fingers (which are likely rife with germs).  Add to that the idea that people let other individuals use their touch-screen devices, and it is very easy to see how all sorts of bacteria and viruses can be spread.  It’s much like touching a door handle at a public place.

The Journal of Applied Microbiology recently released the findings of a study which took a look at glass surfaces – such as the screen of the iPad – and how they transmit pathogens to the human skin (read: your fingers).  Unsurprisingly, the risks are quite high.  What I found a bit surprising is the fact that the risk of transmitting pathogens, including the flu virus, is much higher in touch-screen devices than other everyday things we touch (this includes elevator buttons and the toilet handle in the men’s room!).

With the flu virus spreading around like crazy, it’s but sensible to make sure that your iPad, iPhone, and whatever other touch-screen device you have is sterilized, don’t you think? Here’s one way by which you can do this.

If anything, your friends and family members will thank you for making sure your device is clean. Personally, if I owned an iPad, I just would sterilize it every time someone else touched it. Better yet, I’d avoid having someone else touch it!

7 Best Health and Fitness Gadgets

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We all got a little bit obsessed with health and fitness during the quarantine, because hey we got nothing better to do right? Ergo, health and fitness gadgets have reached their pinnacle of success and popularity.  Gym finding apps, HIIT home apps, health trackers, massagers, compact gyms – you name it.

Finding the best health and fitness gadgets comes with a little bit of research, though. Let’s steer away from your typical gadgets and focus on items that you never knew you needed.

The good thing is this showcase will show you which gadgets are worth the buy. [Read more…] about 7 Best Health and Fitness Gadgets

Four Health Issues You May Develop As You Get Older

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There’s no doubt that the human body begins to break down as you age. While some people age more gracefully than others, you are still at a higher risk for some health issues as you age. Your body just doesn’t work as well the older you get.

Some people will experience a little joint pain, some people will keeping exercising and traveling well into their senior years, and other people will battle illness. It’s a sad fact. Here are a few common things to keep an eye out for as you age, and what you can do to try to stay healthy.

Your Hearing

There are different types of hearing loss that can occur, and you can take some time to learn about the signs of hearing loss. Some causes can include loud noises in your job, not wearing proper ear protection when hunting or mowing the lawn, and even not wearing ear protection at concerts. Your hearing may seem fine early on, but as you get older you may notice changes in how you hear.

Go to the doctor for regular hearing tests, especially as you get older. If you frequent a lot of concerts or mow the lawn for a living you may want to get your hearing checked periodically no matter what age you are.

Your Eyesight

While many issues with eyesight that are deemed age related can actually happen at any age, they are more likely to start happening once you have reached, and passed, 40. You may start to experience vision issues that lead you to a need for bifocals or trifocals, you may start getting cataracts, and you could experience macular degeneration.

People with other health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can also be at an increased risk for eye issues and problem with their vision.

Your Breathing

As you age you may find you get winded faster. It could just be that you are out of shape if you haven’t been doing the physical activity you once did. It could also be other health related issues, some caused by things like smoking, and others that just happen naturally.

If you’re having breathing problems it’s important to get your lungs checked out. Even non smokers can get lung cancer or COPD.

Your Libido

Male or female, aging can affect your libido too. Women going through menopause can often experience in a decrease in sexual interest. There are many reasons for this, mostly hormonal.

Men can also have issues, and can usually find help with drugs like Viagra. However, it’s important to find out what the underlying cause is. Impotence can be caused by anything from smoking to high blood pressure.

Health and Fitness Apps to Motivate You

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I’m a sucker for health and fitness apps. I suppose that is not a surprise to anyone who knows me, as I do tend to be more obsessive about this topic than the average person. I pay careful attention to what I buy at the supermarket, to what I eat, and to how much physical activity I engage in on a regular basis.

That’s not to say that that’s all I think about. I do like gadgets and technology, too! So yes, unsurprisingly, I’m here to talk about health and fitness apps that will motivate you. [Read more…] about Health and Fitness Apps to Motivate You