Written by Ffjorren Zolfahgar Picture this print ad: a young woman is smiling a wide, toothy grin and she is happy to be alive. Of course, she is also donning an adorable outfit. Pretty swirls of blue, pink and brown flowers adorn the page. She is quoted saying things like, “I’ll do everything I can to help my dreams come true,” referring to her choice on getting vaccinated. The vaccine is Gardasil, which protects its recipients from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Apparently, it’s … [Read more...]
HPV At A Glance
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix and rectum. You cannot see HPV – most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. Genital HPV is passed on through genital contact, most … [Read more...]
Staying Healthy During Flu & Cold Season
Written by Raine Saunders Do you get sick a great deal in the fall and winter months? Many people believe that merely washing your hands more often should do the trick to keep illnesses at bay. But actually, there are many other factors which come into play toward keeping healthy. If you are a person who tends to catch every cold or flu that comes along, here are some tips that really work for avoiding viruses: • Avoid eating processed foods and refined sugars. Fall and winter months are … [Read more...]
West Nile Virus & Horses
What You Need To Know... From the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Q. Has West Nile virus caused severe illness or death in horses? A. Yes, while data suggest that most horses infected with West Nile virus recover, results of investigations indicate that West Nile virus has caused deaths in horses in the United States. Q. How do the horses become infected with West Nile virus? A. The same way humans become infected, by the bite of infectious mosquitoes. The virus is located in the … [Read more...]
