By Heidi Splete, Senior Writer 
For NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - Cooling towers, a key component on large buildings, require special levels of cleaning to control biocontaminants including Legionella, heterotrophic bacteria, and others. However, poorly maintained towers, which are often treated with corrosive chemicals, can become 'super spreaders' of Legionnaires' Disease, an acute bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract that is not rare and causes severe pneumonia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potable water is the most frequent source of Legionella exposure, but cases have been linked to cooling towers. Because it is difficult to distinguish from other forms of pneumonia, unless specifically investigated, many cases of Legionnaires' Disease go undiagnosed and unreported.

In August 2019, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) reported that the real number of Legionnaires' disease cases may be as many as 70,000 cases per year in the United States.

Clean, efficient, and effective treatment of cooling towers can improve the air quality and reduce the spread of disease-causing bacteria into the atmosphere. A novel, chemical-free technology, the Plasma Disinfection System (PDS) uses a combination of high-temperature plasma streamers, ultraviolet rays, and ozone to reduce the impact of air- and water-borne bacteria and viruses that can spread in public spaces through cooling towers.

The PDS is a state-of-the-art, fully-automated, integrated treatment technology for liquids.

What makes PDS solution unique is its combination of three major treatment technologies: novel plasma (the 4th state of matter) plus two traditional technologies (biocidal ions and hypochlorite), that work together to provide continuous reduction and management of Legionella and bacterial growth in water systems. The PDS also reduces the use of corrosive chemicals, thereby vastly extending the life and warranty life of costly mechanical equipment.

Public health organizations in the United States and worldwide have expressed concerns over the risks for Legionnaire's Disease and other respiratory infections due to poor management of cooling towers. Private industry has responded by publishing guidance for water management programs.

In June 2017, the CDC published a toolkit for businesses on "Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth & Spread in Buildings;" the toolkit stated that "legionella water management programs are now an industry standard for large buildings in the United States."

Visit www.reverseionizer.com for more information about how Reverse Ionizer's chemical-free technology can improve air quality in public spaces and reduce the spread of disease.

(NewsUSA) -As we head into fall and go back to school, it's more important than ever to carry on with healthy hydration habits from the long, hot days of summer. The human body is made up of 50% water. In order to achieve peak hydration needs, kids ages 4-8 require five cups of water per day and kids ages 8+ require 7-8 cups per day.

"Unfortunately, water isn't the most tasty or easy-to-drink liquid so often we substitute it with other things such as milk, sports drinks, OJ or fruit concentrates," says James Mayo, Co-Founder and CEO of SOS Hydration. "These substitutions offer some hydration benefits, but also come with excessive amounts of sugar and high calories that kids don't need. Just take a peek at the nutrition panels the next time you reach for one of these beverages. Many of these drinks disguise their contents on the front by clever marketing or small pack sizes, but look at the truth panel on the side to see the amount of calories and also in many cases the amount of artificial ingredients. A carton of OJ or apple juice can have 100 calories and a fruit concentrate pouch can have 60 with some cartons that call themselves honest still having a heaping of 40 calories and excessive sugar."

The next option for hydration you might consider are the water- enhancing powders. Many of these products tout ultra hydration but, again, one would be wise to visit the nutrition panels first as they are often loaded with artificial ingredients. "Some electrolyte drink options for kids on the marketplace lead people astray with their 'organic' ingredients or 'physician- recommended' but be wary of sugar, which is not the ideal product for kid's hydration," James warns.

This truth led SOS Hydration to launch a healthier choice for kids' hydration: SOS Kids, featuring PAW Patrol. SOS Kids, now available at Walmart in-store and online, was specially-formulated for daily hydration by SOS Hydration Co-Founder and board certified Internal Medicine physician Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo to help keep children optimally hydrated, and actually avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place -- a condition that compromises the body and mind in a variety of ways. SOS Kids has only three grams of sugar in a 12-ounce serving; is boosted with Vitamins A and C, minerals Zinc and Magnesium; and contains no artificial additives -- all designed to keep kids ahead of their hydration needs so they can perform better and get more from their days.

This launch coincides with SOS Hydration's first annual "National Family Hydration Awareness Month" initiative this September, during which the public is invited to learn about the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of pre-hydrating to avoid becoming dehydrated.

To learn more, visit www.SOSKidsHydration.com.

(NewsUSA) - The past year-and-a-half has brought unprecedented levels of stress to everyone, but parents in particular shouldered an extra load, as children's schedules (and emotions) were turned upside down. In fact, Gallup's 2021 Emotions Report shows that women with young children at home were hit the hardest in terms of pandemic stress and worry.

As the pace of daily life begins to pick up with the back-to-school season, it's more important than ever for busy parents to find a few minutes of 'me' time to decompress every day. Yet, finding the time can be a struggle.

That's exactly why the mental wellness app, Breethe, meets parents (and anyone needing stress relief) where they're at, ensuring that self-care becomes a reality and not just a hopeful wish. Breethe's personalized approach -- which easily integrates self-care into your day instead of just adding another item to the to-do list -- delivers customized, relatable stress relief right to your phone.

"Breethe is personalized for you and your needs. When it comes to wellness and self-care, there is no one-size-fits-all approach," says Breethe co-founder Lynne Goldberg. "The more we can meet someone where they're at in their day and life, the more lives we can change for the better."

Can't sleep? Feeling anxious? The app is designed to figure out why and gets to know its users through a series of quick and easy questions rooted in behavioral science. Then, based on this interaction, it provides personalized recommendations -- including meditation, hypnotherapy sessions, and helpful talks.

Additionally, with the "Customize My Day" tab, Breethe helps users sneak in a few minutes of self-care as they go about their day. Choose from a selection of activities, such as starting the day, doing chores, working out, or falling asleep. By setting the times when you typically do the activities, the app recommends what support would serve you best at that specific time.

Finally, Breethe is all about real help for your life -- it offers relatable tools for (very!) specific everyday situations, such as "Tax Season -- Adulting Is Hard," "My Boss is a Jerk," "My Family Drives Me Nuts," making the app even more accessible, timely and friendly.

This approach differentiates Breethe from other wellness apps because users need not sift through content libraries in search of the right tools. Instead, Breethe provides a personalized experience that delivers the most appropriate content to users on demand, making it the perfect choice for parents (and anyone else) at home and on the go. As the Breethe team explains, "it's like having a best friend and life coach in your pocket."

Visit breethe.com for more information, or follow along at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp).

(NewsUSA) - Lung cancer kills more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. To address this, new federal recommendations have nearly doubled the number of Americans eligible for lung cancer screening.

Increased use of these annual CT scans, which detect the disease early, can save up to 60,000 lives in the United States each year.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends screening people ages 50-80 with a 20 "pack-year" or more smoking history. If you smoke, or used to smoke, a pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years, that's a 20 pack-year smoking history. Insurers must cover USPSTF-recommended exams.

"Lung cancer screening and improved therapies save lives," says American Cancer Society Senior Vice President of Cancer Screening Robert Smith, PhD. "Expanded screening coverage is a leap forward for lung cancer care."

The new guidelines nearly double the number of Black people eligible for screening. Black people get the disease earlier in life -- often with lighter smoking histories.

"Expanded coverage can address racial and regional disparities and spur lung cancer care equity," says Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder and Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Aldigé. "Black men are the most likely Americans to die from lung cancer."

Medicare covers screening for beneficiaries ages 55-77 with a 30 pack-year history, but is considering expanded coverage. Doctors and patients must discuss risks, benefits and smoking cessation (if the person still smokes) before a scan is ordered.

"Consistent Medicare and insurer coverage would boost screening and save lives," says GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer Co-Founder Laurie Fenton Ambrose. "Doctors, patients and insurers must make this happen."

If you think this screening can help you, talk to your doctor. Less than 15% of those eligible for screening are tested.

"This exam can save more lives than any cancer test in history. Doctors should talk to eligible patients today," says American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Lung Cancer Screening Committee Chair Debra Dyer, MD.

Screening is not an excuse to keep smoking, but a chance to help people who smoke to quit and reduce smoking's impact on them and those around them.

"Finally, we have a test that can change the face of lung cancer to a survivable one. More coverage means more people tested and saved," says National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) Chair Ella Kazerooni, MD.

Visit NLCRT.org for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can all take to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19, but for many people with disabilities, getting vaccinated has proven to be difficult. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), a first-of-its-kind national call center, can help.

DIAL connects callers to information about local vaccination locations and can help with the often-complicated process of securing and getting to vaccination appointments. Trying to figure out if it is possible to get an in-home vaccination? DIAL can help look into this with you, and connect you to local advocacy organizations that have a better idea of which sites near where you live are the most accessible to people with disabilities. The hotline also can provide information and resources to answer questions, address concerns, and make informed choices about the COVID-19 vaccines that are available in their communities.

DIAL is a much-needed resource that people with disabilities can use to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. And for those who may need additional support, DIAL can also direct callers to local disability organizations that may be able to help with other needs, such as access to safe and affordable housing, food and mental health support.

Ready to make a call for yourself or someone else? Connect with Information Specialists -- in any language -- at 888-677-1199 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday or email [email protected] for assistance.

(NewsUSA) - Following a significant drop in babies born in the last year, some forecasters are now predicting a 'mini baby boom' in 2022. If you are now considering starting or growing your family, maximizing fertility and learning about your health is a critical place to begin. The below Q&A will help guide you as you embark on your path to pregnancy.

How long will it take to get pregnant? What's normal, and what's not?

First, some basic guidelines: it is possible that you may get pregnant the first time you try -but it's unusual. Statistically, the chance of conceiving in any one month of trying-presuming regular intercourse (at least every other day around ovulation time) is about 15-20%. By the end of six months of trying, it's 50%. And by the end of a year of trying, it's 80%. So, don't be too concerned if it doesn't happen as quickly as you thought. However, if you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year, or if you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months without luck, contact a healthcare provider who may recommend testing to evaluate why you might not be getting pregnant.

What do I need to know before I try to get pregnant?

Remember to maintain good health habits BEFORE you begin trying to conceive to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome. Important lifestyle adjustments should include eliminating smoking and drugs, and limiting alcohol intake. Begin taking prenatal vitamins, such as vitafusion Prenatal gummy vitamins that provide sufficient folate and Omega-3 DHA to reduce the chances of a baby being born with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.

According to the March of Dimes, there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for your baby at any time during pregnancy, even before you know that you're pregnant. Not only is drinking during pregnancy dangerous, specifically for a baby's brain development, but studies have shown that significant alcohol consumption can also contribute to decreased fertility. So, even if getting pregnant is just an idea, and you are off birth control, be extremely mindful of alcohol intake.

Visit with your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to discuss alternatives for certain medications that are not recommended for pregnancy, such as medications for high blood pressure or seizures. And if you are diabetic, try to get your diabetes under control to minimize the chance of a baby being born with any birth defects that can be linked to diabetes.

How can I maximize my chances of conceiving?

You ovulate about 14 days before you get your period. So, if you experience a 28-day cycle, you are probably ovulating around day 14-15 (counting the first day of your period as day one). If you have a 35-day cycle, you are likely ovulating around day 21. To maximize fertile days, an ovulation test kit will tell you when your LH surge occurs (LH, or the luteinizing hormone, triggers ovulation and marks the begging of a fertile period), so you can make the most of your prime conception time. However, timing ovulation and rushing to have sex on demand can be stressful month after month. Stress and sex do not mix well and can lead to vaginal dryness and painful sex. Make sure to use a clinically tested, fertility-friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed, which mimics the body's natural fertile fluids and helps keep sperm healthy and strong on its way to meet the egg.

Tips for pregnancy testing?

The two-week wait to take a pregnancy test after ovulation can feel like an eternity for those who want to know whether or not their recent efforts to make a baby were successful. Luckily, some at-home pregnancy tests use advanced technology that is sensitive enough to detect tiny amounts of hCG, or the pregnancy hormone, in urine. An extremely sensitive test is the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, which can give an accurate result up to six days before the day of a missed period. Combo packs are also convenient when trying to conceive, such as the First Response Comfort Check Pregnancy Test kit that comes with three Early Result tests and five pregnancy test strips for added reassurance.

Try to test for pregnancy first thing in the morning, as this is generally when hCG is most concentrated. However, you can test for pregnancy any time of the day. Another pro-tip when testing, if you aren't sure whether or not you see a second line on the pregnancy test, or if the second line is faint, utilize an app such as EasyRead that can help you be certain of your result by scanning the analog test window on First Response tests. EasyRead will convert the lines into words on your phone: 'Pregnant' or 'Not Pregnant'.

Other words of advice?

Remember to follow good rules of health before, during and after your pregnancy journey. When trying to conceive, try to be as close as you can to your ideal body weight for a healthy pregnancy. Make sure to hydrate, get enough rest, and attend all check-ins with your healthcare provider as your journey progresses. And remember, try to relax and let the baby-making process be fun. Good luck!

# # #

Mary Jane Minkin, MD is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine.

(NewsUSA) - Casi la mitad de los estadounidenses adultos presenta presión arterial alta y quizás usted no sepa que también la tiene hasta sufrir complicaciones, como un ataque cardiaco, un derrame cerebral insuficiencia renal, pérdida de la visión o problemas sexuales. Además, tener presión arterial alta puede empeorar un cuadro de COVID-19, según la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

"La mejor manera de saber si tiene presión arterial alta es controlándola. Controlarse la presión arterial con un profesional de la salud al menos una vez al año y regularmente en casa, por su cuenta, y consultar sobre las mediciones y planificar un estilo de vida saludable con un médico es una buena manera de mantener la presión arterial bajo control", dice Willie Lawrence, M.D., cardiólogo y voluntario experto de la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

Aprenda a medirla con precisión

Ya sea que la mida en casa, en el consultorio médico o en cualquier otro lugar, estos son aspectos importantes para saber para obtener una medición precisa de la presión arterial:

1. No fume, no consuma cafeína ni haga ejercicio dentro de los 30 minutos previos a tomarse la presión arterial. Vacíe la vejiga y permanezca en reposo al menos 5 minutos antes de tomarse la presión.

2. Siéntese derecho en una silla firme con respaldo. Apoye bien los pies sobre el suelo y no cruce las piernas. El brazo debe reposar sobre una superficie plana, con la parte superior a la altura del corazón. Coloque la parte inferior del brazalete del tensiómetro apenas por encima del pliegue del codo, directamente sobre la piel y no sobre la ropa.

3. Tómese la presión arterial aproximadamente a la misma hora, todos los días. Tómela dos o tres veces con un minuto de intervalo y registre las mediciones en un papel. Algunos tensiómetros guardan los resultados o permiten cargarlos a un sitio web seguro. Comparta los resultados con su médico.

Conozca el significado de sus valores

En la mayoría de los casos, la presión arterial normal es de 120/80 o menos. Si sus valores son constantemente superiores a 130/80, se considera presión arterial alta. ¡Valores como 180/120 o más podrían ser críticos! Espere cinco minutos y vuelva a controlarla. Si los valores no bajan, vea a un médico de inmediato. Si presenta síntomas como dolor de cabeza, debilidad, problemas de visión, dolores en el pecho, dolores en la espalda u otros problemas de salud, llame al 9-1-1 de inmediato. No espere a que la presión baje. Podría sufrir un problema de salud grave.

Sepa cómo reducir el riesgo

Para reducir el riesgo de padecer presión arterial alta procure mantener un peso saludable, hacer actividad física, comer de manera sana, reducir la ingesta de alcohol o no beber ni fumar por completo. Sin embargo, si tiene presión arterial alta, no se dé por vencido. Tener conocimiento de los valores de su presión arterial, controlarlos periódicamente, tomar la medicación según lo prescrito y elaborar un plan para mejorar su presión arterial y mantenerla bajo control con un profesional de la salud le ayudará a tener una vida larga y saludable.

Muchos negocios y organizaciones locales, como las iglesias, las barberías, los salones de belleza y los centros de salud de la comunidad están colaborando con la Asociación Americana del Corazón en el control de la presión arterial de las comunidades y son lugares adecuados para controlar su presión arterial y acceder a recursos e información sin costo que le ayudarán a llevar una vida saludable.

Para obtener más información, visite heart.org/hbpcontrol.

Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables Nos dedicamos a asegurar una salud equitativa en todas las comunidades. A través de la colaboración con numerosas organizaciones, e impulsados por millones de voluntarios, financiamos la investigación innovadora, abogamos por la salud pública y compartimos recursos que salvan vidas. La organización con sede en Dallas ha sido una fuente líder de información de salud durante casi un siglo. Conéctese con nosotros en heart.org, Facebook, Twitter o llamando al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

(NewsUSA) - More than 86% of people surveyed in the U.S. have never heard the term "aphasia." Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the ability to communicate. People with aphasia may have trouble retrieving the names of objects or putting words together in a sentence. They may have trouble listening, speaking, reading or writing. This loss of language does not impact a person's intelligence.

One million people in the U.S.are estimated to have aphasia, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and the National Aphasia Association.

Stroke survivors with aphasia face an increased incidence of poststroke depression versus stroke survivors with no aphasia.

It is important to know that aphasia is not an intellectual disability and does not impair intellectual function. Over time, many people with aphasia are able to improve and recover their language skills.

"Stroke and aphasia recovery can feel like the movie, 'Mission Impossible,' when the mission is basically impossible, yet the team does it and wins anyway," says Tom Broussard, a stroke survivor who developed aphasia in 2011 and has since become a stroke and aphasia educator.

"Others often think that it can't be done, but people who have lost their language still have the skills to do the impossible and regain their language again," he emphasizes.

Communication plays an important role in recovery. If someone can't express pain or depression, they can't get help.

The American Stroke Association and the National Aphasia Association are collaborating to help stroke survivors beat aphasia. They offer these strategies:

• Be patient and allow extra time.
• Use different options to communicate, including writing, facial expressions, speaking, pictures and phone/communication apps.
• Confirm what was said.

Broussard offers several tips that have helped him with his recovery, including starting a journal to record progress. He recommends reading aloud and recording yourself; also playing word and letter games such as ScrabbleTM and BoggleTM, and other card games and board games.

"One thing I wish that everyone knew about aphasia is that the brain really can rewire its language with persistent and repetitive language activities," he says.

Visit stroke.org/aphasia for more information.

(NewsUSA) - As the threat of COVID-19 continues, doctors and patients are considering the long-term impact of the pandemic on public health, especially heart health.

The American Heart Association's annual publication on Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics for 2021 emphasizes that heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide.

"COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on human life worldwide and is on track to become one of the top three to five causes of death in 2020. But its influence will directly and indirectly impact rates of cardiovascular disease prevalence and deaths for years to come," says Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., ScM, FAHA, president of the American Heart Association and chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Not only does research show that COVID-19 itself can cause heart damage, the indirect effects of the pandemic will likely generate an increase in heart health problems, he says. "Unhealthy eating habits, increased consumption of alcohol, lack of physical activity and the mental toll of quarantine isolation and even fear of contracting the virus all can adversely impact a person's risk for cardiovascular health, he emphasizes. "We'll need to watch and address these trends as the full ramifications will likely be felt for many years to come."

COVID-19 will impact the risk of experiencing or dying from heart disease or stroke for many years for several reasons.

- Unhealthy habits: During extended periods of quarantine or lockdown, many people developed or returned to behaviors related to poor eating, changes in work/sleep habits, lack of regular exercise and the mental stress of social isolation and excessive screen time that could contribute to heart disease and stroke.

- Missed medical visits: Many patients postponed regular doctor visits to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol, resulting in an epidemic of poorly controlled disease that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

- Fear of hospitals: Data from the American Heart Association show that many individuals experienced a heart attack or stroke during the pandemic and did not seek urgent care out of fear of contracting COVID-19 in a hospital setting. Unfortunately, some people may have experienced medical events with lasting consequences that may have been lessened with prompt treatment.

- Heart-related risks for COVID-19 patients: Although studies of the impact of COVID-19 on pre-existing medical conditions are ongoing, the data show that individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure are at increased risk for more severe disease - even death - if they become ill with COVID-19. It's important for everyone eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit heart.org/statistics to view the complete 2021 Statistical Update and to find fact sheets with information about the impact of COVID-19 on heart health and about cardiovascular disease risk in general.

(NewsUSA)