Latest news with #Streptococcus
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Seven common winter illnesses and how to avoid them
Seven common winter illnesses and how to avoid them Winter has arrived, bringing with it the dreaded sniffles, coughs, and other seasonal ailments that make the colder months so challenging. Even with layers of warm clothing, many of us still fall victim to the so-called 'winter monsters' that thrive during this time of year. The Newcastle Advertiser explores seven of the most common winter illnesses, their causes, symptoms, and how best to prevent them: The common cold: Cause: Airborne viruses like rhinovirus. Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, mild fever. How to prevent it: Wash hands often with soap and water. Avoid close contact with sick individuals. Don't touch your face with unwashed hands. Boost immunity with healthy food, hydration, and sleep. Influenza (Flu): Cause: Influenza virus (spreads through air droplets). Symptoms: Fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat. How to prevent it: Get the annual flu vaccine. Practise good hygiene. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Stay home when sick. Bronchitis: Cause: Viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, mucus. How to prevent it: Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke Keep your immune system strong. Use a humidifier in dry indoor air. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Common in: Infants and older adults. Symptoms: Cold-like symptoms, wheezing, trouble breathing. How to prevent it: Clean toys and surfaces often. Limit contact with sick people, especially for babies. Hand hygiene is key. Pneumonia: Cause: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Symptoms: Cough with phlegm, fever, chills, chest pain, and fatigue. How to prevent it: Get vaccinated (pneumococcal and flu vaccines). Avoid smoking. Treat respiratory infections early. Strep throat: Cause: Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, swollen glands, white patches in the throat. How to prevent it: Don't share utensils or drinks. Wash hands regularly. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Stomach Flu: Cause: Contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps. How to prevent it: Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet. Disinfect surfaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Avoid food from questionable sources. Here are some general winter health tips to keep your immune system boosted: Eat immune-boosting foods (e.g., citrus fruits, garlic, ginger). Stay hydrated – don't skip water even if it's cold. Keep warm and dress in layers. Exercise regularly, even indoors. Get enough sleep and manage stress. The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Adding cinnamon to your vacuum has two big benefits, say experts
It might seem like a strange thing to use for cleaning the floors but it has two benefits June has finally arrived, and with the warmer weather, many people will be thinking about tackling their big spring clean. There's something very satisfying about getting the house spotless for the summer months, and now cleaning experts have come up with a rather unusual tip to help eliminate musty smells and lingering odours. Apparently, adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner can help make your home smell fresh without costing a fortune or damaging the appliance. Years of use often take their toll on vacuum cleaners and they can start to smell stale. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair, and general grime don't exactly make for a fresh smell, and using the vacuum for just half an hour can leave the house smelling a bit stale. According to Lottomart, sprinkling cinnamon directly into the vacuum cleaner has two benefits. Firstly it spreads a sweet, fresh smell throughout the house every time you vacuum. And secondly, it has antibacterial properties, which means it can kill off nasty germs lurking in the carpet, reports the Express. They said: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!". "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco or Asda costs just £1." To make your vacuum emit a delightful scent, begin by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water. Then, sprinkle about 10g, which is roughly two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the dampened napkin or cotton pad, rubbing it in gently to ensure it's spread out evenly. After preparing the napkin, simply pop it into the vacuum cleaner's bag or dustbin. For those with a bagless vacuum, place it in the waste/dustbin compartment where it won't interfere with the suction. As you vacuum as usual, the cinnamon-laden napkin will move through the appliance, emitting a cosy, bakery-like aroma and counteracting any nasty smells. A Lottomart spokesperson commented: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. "It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Science journals have noted something special about cinnamon's antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOP Science has reported: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Irish Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Shockingly cheap' way to make your home smell amazing is hiding in the cupboard
With June nearly upon us and the warmer weather finally here, many will be turning their thoughts to the big spring clean. There's nothing quite like getting the house sparkling clean for the summer ahead, and now cleaning experts have issued an unusual tip to help get rid of musty odours and lingering smells. Simply adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner could help make your home smell fresh without breaking the bank (or your appliance). After years of use, many hoovers will start to smell rather worn. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hairs and general grime are not a recipe for freshness, and sometimes just running the vacuum for half an hour can leave your house smelling a bit off. According to Lottomart, a sprinkling of cinnamon directly inside your vacuum has two benefits: it spreads a sweet, fresh smell throughout the house every time you vac. And, it also has antibacterial properties, meaning nasty germs dwelling in your carpet will be killed off, too, reports the Express. They said: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!". "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco costs just €1." To make your vacuum emit a delightful scent, start by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water. Then, sprinkle about 10g, which is roughly two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the damp napkin or cotton pad and rub it in gently to ensure it's spread out evenly. Once you've prepared the napkin, just pop it into the vacuum cleaner's bag or dustbin. If you have a bagless vacuum, place it in the waste/dustbin compartment where it won't interfere with the suction. As you vacuum as usual, the cinnamon-laden napkin will move through the machine, wafting a cosy, bakery-like aroma and getting rid of any nasty niffs. A Lottomart spokesperson said: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Science journals suggest there's something special about cinnamon's antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOPScience notes: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
'Shockingly cheap' way to make your home smell amazing is hiding in the cupboard
Cleaning experts have shared a simple and cheap solution to make your home smell amazing - and it's hiding in your spice cupboard. Here's how it works With June around the corner and warmer weather upon us, many are tackling their household cleaning. Few tasks are as satisfying as getting the house spotless for the impending summer, and now cleaning experts have shared an unusual hack to eliminate musty smells and lingering odours. Adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner could make your home smell fresh without incurring significant costs or damaging your appliance. After prolonged use, many vacuum cleaners can develop unpleasant odours. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair and general grime are not conducive to freshness, and even a 30-minute vacuuming session can leave your house smelling off. According to Lottomart, sprinkling cinnamon directly inside your vacuum has a dual effect: it disperses a sweet, fresh fragrance throughout the house with each use and, due to its antibacterial properties, eradicates germs dwelling in your carpet. They stated: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon! "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco or Asda costs just £1." To make your vacuum cleaner emit a delightful scent, begin by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water, reports the Express. Then, distribute approximately 10g, or two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the dampened material, massaging softly to ensure it's thoroughly imbued. After preparing the napkin, you simply need to place it inside your vacuum cleaner's dust bag or chamber. In bagless models, position it in the dirt collection area, taking care to avoid any interference with suction functionality. Proceed with your usual vacuuming routine, and as you do so, the aroma-infused napkin will disperse throughout the appliance, exuding a cosy, bakery-inspired fragrance and counteracting any disagreeable smells. A spokesperson for Lottomart commented: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Scientific journals have also noted the potent qualities present in cinnamon. IOP Science declares: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. "It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (May 13, 2025)
Malaysia * Eight FRU personnel killed in Perak road accident * FRU truck crash: Death toll rises to nine, all FRU personnel * Terengganu PAS apologises for jalur Gemilang error in event logo * No negligence found in fatal accident involving elephant calf, say police * Malaysia free of Streptococcus infections linked to pigs, says DVS * Pamela Ling abduction: MACC's timeline missing some facts, says lawyer * Statements of 27 people recorded in Pamela Ling abduction probe * PKR polls not 'us vs them' but a reminder of shared struggle, says Saifuddin * No reflection on Anwar if Nurul Izzah loses bid for PKR No. 2, says Saifuddin * 10.5% drop in drug users seen in Q1, says Home Minister * Police to launch thorough probe into fatal FRU truck crash, says deputy minister * Malaysia puts anti-dumping duties on some flat-rolled iron, non-alloy steel products * Ex-Penang deputy chief minister to be charged with abuse of power * PM orders probe of FRU truck crash, urges aid for victims and families * Ah long asks woman to send 'nudes' to secure RM3,000 loan * Lorry driver involved in fatal FRU collision has criminal history, says police chief * Lorry suffered steering failure before crashing into FRU truck, says Zahid * All captured wildlife to be microchipped before relocation * Two foreign students plead not guilty to staged kidnapping for RM2.9mil ransom * Croc weighing 100kg among three caught in Beaufort, Sabah * No ketum found in lorry, says Deputy IGP on fatal FRU crash * Adoption first, not 'shooting spree', says Negri MB on move to reduce stray dog population Singapore * Singapore to begin automated immigration clearance at West Coast, Marina South piers from 2027 * Singapore woman sues mum for evicting her; judge dismisses claim of right to stay indefinitely * Every Singaporean household can claim S$500 CDC vouchers from May 13 * Singaporean actress Chen Xiuhuan and daughter visit Jeju for Mothers Day after watching 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' * Singapore monitoring rise in Covid-19 cases; no indication variants are more transmissible or severe * S$1,000 fine for man who hung placard around his neck to publicise religious movement in Singapore * Monkey nuisance at Singapore's Mandai Columbarium: Visitors asked not to leave food offerings unattended * High Court orders Ng Yu Zhi's bankruptcy trustees to accept $12m claim by defrauded investor Indonesia * 'Be firm on thugs': Indonesia to tackle protection rackets as investments threatened * Indonesian military's security protection for Attorney General's Office draws flak Thailand * Evacuation ordered after factory fire in Bangkok leads to high levels of air pollution * Thailand's political war heads toward a no-return showdown * Former Thai PM Thaksin is genuinely ill and ready to defend himself, says PM Paetongtarn * 48-day rescue mission at collapsed Bangkok building concludes * Thailand's edible insect market poised for explosive growth Philippines * Duterte wins mayoral race from jail * Marcos' grip on power shaken as Duterte allies, opposition surge in Philippines midterm polls * Kanlaon volcano spews ash over a mile into the sky * Dutertes outperform in Philippine midterms in blow to Marcos * Philippines election result could tip scales for Sara Duterte Vietnam * Hanoi agrees to nuke power plant deal with Russia * Thai PM's visit to Vietnam will lift bilateral ties to new heights: Envoy * Vietnam tycoon seeks to manage her assets from prison, media reports Myanmar * Witnesses claim 22 killed in Myanmar junta airstrike on school * Survivors of Myanmar earthquake find refuge in China-donated tents Cambodia * Cambodian Mine Action Centre destroys 120 cluster bomblets in Ratanakiri controlled explosion * Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu shines in Cambodia Laos * Australia provides AUD2.89mil to improve reproductive health in remote areas of Laos * Laos looks into blockchain, digital assets to boost digital economy Brunei * Brunei supports businesses, partnerships for sustainable growth: Minister * Universiti Brunei Darussalam salutes nurses and midwives' contributions Aseanplus * 'First calm night in recent days' as ceasefire holds * Beijing courts Latin America * 'Ousted PM behind deadly crackdown' * Presidential candidates kick off campaigns * Stocks, dollar surge as US and China agree 90-day tariff relief * UN aviation body rules Russia downed Flight MH17 * Ringgit opens higher vs dollar, market sentiment improves * Barbie Hsu's mum remembers late star in first family photo after heartbreaking loss: 'My heart aches' * Australia's conservative Liberal party elect first woman leader after election loss * FBM KLCI jumps 1% at opening bell on US-China tariffs relief * US-China tariff development positive for Malaysian equity market - CIMB Securities * Oil prices ease off 2-week highs after US, China pause tariff war * Ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina's party barred from election as party registration suspended * Foreign dollars flow into Bursa Malaysia for third straight week * Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik win National Sportsman award * Xi's defiance pays off as Trump meets most Chinese trade demands * Most Asian markets extend rally in glow of China-US truce * Cricket-Australia's Green, Cummins and Hazlewood return for World Test Championship final * Modi warns Pakistan: India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail * 'Shang-Chi' star Simu Liu engaged to girlfriend Allison Hsu * Jaded young Chinese reset lives with rural 'retirement' * FBM KLCI leads gains in Asia with 2% rally * China stocks flat, Hong Kong retreats as tariff optimism fades * Cricket-Australia in touch with IPL over security as players ponder return * China's Xi slams 'bullying' as Beijing hosts Latin American leaders * Japanese 'salarymen' inspire with cheerleading acrobatics * Trump blinked in trade war with China. Can South-east Asia get a break, too? * Pakistan says committed to truce with India, vows to respond to aggression * Asia Pacific trade envoys to discuss multilateral cooperation in tariff era * Man in South Korea blames parents for short stature, publicly vows murder * US tariff pause on Beijing puts pressure on 'China-plus-one' countries * Henry Golding details 'Crazy Rich Asians' reunions as Max develops TV series * China job ad featuring 'free toilet use' as work benefit sparks humorous reactions online * Australia's conservative Liberal party elects first woman leader after election loss * Tariffs set to level up game console prices * Mandopop superstar Jam Hsiao is back in KL after six years; star singer's concert all set for Aug 2 at Axiata Arena * China's Xi Jinping urges countries to 'stand united' in face of global trade war * Cricket-South Africa name Rabada in World Test Championship final squad * Former China National Petroleum Corp chairman sentenced to 13 years in prison for bribery * 'Up to Yoon Suk Yeol to leave party,' Kim Moon-soo says * Expect the very best of Asia and South-East Asia to come to the fore as Maybank's RM13mil golf extravaganza is back to excite the fans * 'Marsquakes' point to liquid water in red planet's crust, study finds * Ringgit weakens against US dollar, gains versus other currencies * Malaysian designer Shaleen Cheah on crafting elegant, expressive fashion * 17 dead in India after drinking moonshine * Taiwanese comedian-host Nono sentenced to 2½ years' jail for attempted rape * After the China-US trade deal, what tariffs will exporters actually pay? * China lifts ban on Boeing deliveries following US-China trade agreement: report * Anwar's visit to Russia marks diplomatic milestone, strengthens KL-Moscow ties * Actress Christy Chung wows netizens in rare photoshoot with all 3 daughters * 80 years after WWII, Japanese junior high school badge found in Okinawa natural cave * Foreign Ministry closely monitoring situation in India and Pakistan, assisting affected Malaysians
