Advice

Tips to be Fit: Most germs won’t hurt us, but 1,400 can

THE PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE — Did you know there are over 65,000 known germs, but only about 1,400 cause disease? The four major types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. They can infect our bodies and cause disease. There is a difference between infection and disease. We can be infected without being diseased.

Published

6 years ago

May 17, 2019

Staff Writer

By Vince Faust

Did you know there are over 65,000 known germs, but only about 1,400 cause disease?

The four major types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. They can infect our bodies and cause disease. There is a difference between infection and disease. We can be infected without being diseased.

An infection is the first step, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microbes that cause disease enter our body and begin to multiply. Disease is when the cells in our body are damaged as a result of the infection, and symptoms of an illness appear.

Most germs won’t hurt us. Our immune system protects us against infections. But germs may mutate and breach the immune system. Knowing how germs work will reduce your risk of infection.

Bacteria are one-celled organisms. They are visible only with a microscope. Not all bacteria are harmful. Some bacteria live in our body and are helpful, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, which lives in our intestines and helps us digest food, destroys some disease-causing organisms and provides nutrients.

Disease-causing bacteria will produce toxins that can damage cells and make you ill. Some bacteria directly invade and damage cell tissues. Some infections caused by bacteria include strep throat, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections.

Viruses are much smaller than our cells. Viruses are organisms that contain only genetic material. To reproduce, viruses invade cells in our bodies and change how our cells work. Most host cells are eventually destroyed during this process, which can kill us.

Viruses are responsible for causing numerous diseases, including AIDS, the common cold, Ebola hemorrhagic fever, genital herpes, influenza, measles, chickenpox and shingles.

Antibiotics for bacteria have no effect on viruses.

There are many varieties of fungi. Fungi are organisms that are reproduced by spores. We eat a number of them, such as mushrooms. The mold that forms the blue or green veins in some types of cheese are also fungi. So is yeast, the ingredient that makes bread rise.

Some fungi can also cause illness. Fungi are also responsible for skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Protozoans

A protozoan is a single-celled organism that acts like a tiny animal. Protozoans eat other microbes for food. A few types of protozoans are found in our intestinal tract and are harmless.

Protozoans spend part of their life cycle outside the host. Protozoans live in food, soil, water and insects. Some protozoans invade our bodies through food or water we consume.

Some cause diseases such as giardia, malaria and toxoplasmosis. The protozoan that causes malaria is transmitted by a mosquito.

Infectious diseases

An easy way to contract most infectious diseases is by coming in contact with a person, animal or object that has the infection. Three ways infectious diseases can be spread through direct contact are:

Person to person: This is the most common way for infectious diseases to spread is when a person infected with the bacterium or virus touches, kisses, coughs on or sneezes on someone who isn’t infected. The germs can also spread through the exchange of body fluids from sexual contact. People who pass germs may have no symptoms of their disease.

Animal to person: Getting bitten or scratched by an infected animal can make you sick. It can be fatal in extreme situations. Handling animal waste can make you sick. You can acquire a toxoplasmosis infection by scooping your cat’s litter.

Mother to unborn child: A pregnant woman can pass germs that cause infectious diseases to her unborn baby. The germs can pass through the placenta connecting mother and baby. Germs in the vagina can be transmitted to the baby during birth.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa can enter our bodies through:

Skin contact or injuries.
Inhaling airborne germs.
Consuming contaminated food or water.
Tick or mosquito bites.
Sexual contact.

You should get medical care if you suspect that you have an infection and you have experienced any of the following:

An animal or human bite
Difficulty breathing
A cough lasting longer than a week.
Periods of rapid heartbeat.
A rash, especially if accompanied by a fever.
Blurred vision or other difficulty seeing.
Persistent vomiting.
An unusual or severe headache.
Reducing risk of infection

The CDC recommends the following to help reduce your risk of becoming infected:

Wash your hands. This is especially important before and after preparing food or drinks, before eating or drinking, after using the toilet, and after removing soiled clothes or shoes. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, as that’s a common way germs enter the body. Soap and water work well to kill germs. Wash for at least 20 seconds and rub your hands briskly. Disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers also work well. Gel sanitizers and hand wipes should be 70% alcohol-based.

Get vaccinated. Immunization can drastically reduce your chances of contracting many diseases. Make sure to keep up to date on your recommended vaccinations, as well as your children’s.

Stay home when ill. Don’t go to work if you are vomiting, have diarrhea or have a fever. Don’t send your child to school if he or she has these signs and symptoms, either.

Prepare food safely. Keep counters and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. Cook foods to the proper temperature using a food thermometer to check for doneness. For ground meats, that means at least 160 degrees F (71 C); for poultry, 165 F (74 C); and for most other meat, at least 145 F (63 C). In addition, promptly refrigerate leftovers. Don’t let cooked foods remain at room temperature for extended periods of time.

Practice safe sex. Always use condoms if you or your partner has a history of sexually transmitted infections or high-risk behavior.

Don’t share personal items. Use your own toothbrush, comb and razor. Avoid sharing drinking glasses or dining utensils.

Travel wisely. If you’re traveling out of the country, talk to your doctor about any special vaccinations.

If you work out in a gym, be careful. You are exposed to a lot of people. You are using equipment that was just used. Clean the padding before you use it. More than 50% of healthy persons have Staphylococcus aureus living in or on their nasal passages, throats, hair and skin.

Swimming can be dangerous, too. The average swimmer contributes at least 0.14 grams of fecal material to the water within the first 15 minutes of entering the pool. Showering with soap before swimming helps stop the spread of germs by removing fecal material from the body.

You should also make sure your gym has good air circulation. We can’t wash the air in a gym, but the exchange of air should be good.

Pets and other animals

Got a pet? Be careful. To reduce the risk of getting sick from germs your pets may carry, always wash your hands after:

• Touching or playing with your pet.

• Feeding your pet or handling pet food.

• Handling pet habitats or equipment (cages, tanks, toys, food and water dishes, etc.)

• Cleaning up after pets.

• Leaving areas where animals live (coops, barns, stalls, etc.), even if you did not touch an animal.

Going to the zoo this season? Try to make it safe:

• Don’t walk and eat. Your hands will touch a lot of contaminated objects.

• Don’t let your little one use a pacifier. They touch that pacifier with everything. They may even share it with an animal.

• Wipe off any seating or table you use in the zoo.

• Don’t feed the animals from your hand.

• If you have an open wound, cover it completely.

• Try not to come into contact with any animal waste. It’s teaming with germs.

This article originally appeared in The Philadelphia Tribune.

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Mortgage Rates Are Dropping: What it Means for California Homeowners and Homebuyers

The Federal Reserve (the Fed), the U.S.’ central bank that dictates interest rates, continues to indicate that a potential rate cut is on the horizon. Not only can this impact affordability for prospective buyers, but it could be advantageous for current homeowners that are locked into higher interest rates. But, what does this all mean? Chase Bank answers some of your questions as it relates to prospective homebuyers and homeowners:

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2024

Oakland Post

Photo provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Homeownership is more than just a lofty American dream—it’s how many can build generational wealth. For the Black community, 90% of wealth gains come from homeownership, meaning that owning a home continues to be a crucial method for Black and Latino households to build and accumulate wealth.

But, what does this all mean? Chase Bank answers some of your questions as it relates to prospective homebuyers and homeowners:

What role do interest rates play in buying a home?
Mortgages respond to market conditions, including the Fed’s monetary policy. As interest rates climb, so do the interest on new mortgages and mortgage payments. Conversely, if rates fall, so does the interest on mortgages. So, buying at a lower rate can save you money in mortgage payments.

Should I wait to buy a home once interest rates fall?
Timing the market perfectly is not only challenging, but near impossible to do. While we hope the Fed will cut rates this year, it’s never guaranteed. Lower interest rates can save you money, but they’re not the only factor affecting affordability. So, instead of focusing on perfectly timing the market, we recommend leaning into what you can control: being financially prepared to buy a home.

Outside of readying your finances for homeownership, you can look for options that can lower costs and promote savings such as low down payment mortgages, down payment assistance programs and grants. And don’t forget you always can buy a home now and refinance in the future once rates drop.

How do I prepare myself to buy a home in this current environment?

We not only want consumers to attain homeownership but to sustain it. That’s why it’s important to understand what exactly you can afford before getting into the market. There are a variety of resources to help you prepare financially for buying a home to see how much you can afford in the areas you’re looking to buy, compare loan options and obtain a free credit score. You’ll also want to start compiling all of your necessary documents for pre-approval, such as W2s, bank statements, income documentation, etc.

What about the down payment? Do I need to have 20% of the home cost saved up?

Most first-time home buyers are singularly focused on saving for a down payment. However, long gone are the days of putting down 20% of the purchase price – low down payment loan options are available with some requiring as low as 3% down. Plus, there are a variety of incentives and grants that can lower your costs. For instance, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $7,500, where eligible, to help with the interest rate, closing costs, and the down payment. These grants are offered in low- to moderate-income communities and neighborhoods that are designated by the U.S. Census as majority-Black, Hispanic and/or Latino.

Should I only work with one lender for my mortgage?

Studies show that 45% of borrowers who shopped around for mortgages received lower offers. Make lenders compete for your business – many have varying fees and closing costs that can add up. Also, interest rates can fluctuate daily, so lock in your rate with your lender if they offer that option for extra peace of mind.

I’m an existing homebuyer. How does a rate cut impact my situation?

It can be a good time to refinance when interest rates are going down, especially for those with rates above or at 7%. For current homeowners looking to refinance, we advise them to keep their end goal in mind as they consider whether refinancing makes sense for their personal situation. Work with your local advisor or using a Refinance Savings Calculator to understand when it makes sense for your specific situation to refinance.

Why should I refinance when rates are lower?

When interest rates are lower, you may be able to refinance your loan for a shorter term without seeing much of a change in your monthly payment. Even if your payments are higher, you may see significant savings over the life of your loan by making fewer interest payments. For example, you may decide to refinance a 30-year loan into a 15-year loan. While it has higher monthly payments, you’ll pay the loan down faster and pay less in interest.

Whether we’ll see a rate cut or not, there are many tools for first-time homebuyers and experienced owners to keep homeownership affordable and sustainable. For more information visit Chase.com/afford to start your journey, invest in your future and save in the long run.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy.

Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

Oakland Post

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Activism

Leading with Action, Love and Data Points: Six Questions for the California Black Women’s Collective

“Black Women in California have always had to be active participants in the labor market, but this report showcases the need for fair and just wages even for those of us with higher educational attainment,” said Kellie Todd-Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Black Women’s Collective.

Published

11 months ago

January 1, 2024

Oakland Post

Kellie Todd Griffin, CEO CA Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Black Women’s Collective (CABWC) is a sisterhood of women from different professional backgrounds aiming to uplift and address the issues impacting Black women and girls in the state. They approach problem-solving with a range of expertise — from politics, business, and community advocacy to the arts, entertainment, social justice activism, and more.

Earlier this month, the organization released a wage report focused on Black women’s earnings in California titled “Pay Me What I am Worth.”

“Black Women in California wages are below the state mean wage and make less than most of their female counterparts in every category,” continued Todd-Griffin. “We must take action now.”

CABWC’s Black Girl Joy Festival is an event designed to uplift Black Women and Girls in a safe space while learning and having fun. The festival includes free workshops that prepare women for college, dancing, self-defense training, health screenings, yoga, arts & crafts, and food vendors.

The Collective’s Empowerment Institute, launched in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based research firm EVITARUS, produces the annual California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey.

California Black Media spoke with Todd-Griffin about the organization’s impact, challenges it faces and some of its near-term plans.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s uplifts the issues and voices of Black Women and Girls in California through our programming. That includes the Black Women’s Worker Initiative that helps Black Women prepare for public section and non-traditional careers. Other initiatives are the CA Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate program at CSU Dominguez Hills; Black Girl Joy Festival for middle and high school students; Conversations for Black Women, etc. Our targeted research also uncovers solutions to the toughest challenges Black women and girls face.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

We released the first-ever California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This study collected insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, most pressing concerns, their attitudes toward policymakers, and their experiences and issues in California.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Black Californians, especially Black Women, continue to be left out of the conversation when it comes to building meaningful change to improve the lives of those who struggle the most.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Our biggest challenge over the last year was transitioning from a volunteer driven entity, the California Black Women’s Collective, to creating a non-profit organization, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely!

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We are on all the social media channels. They can also visit our website, www.CABlackWomensCollective.org.

Oakland Post

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Activism

The Silent Struggle of Pregnancy Loss

It is a tragedy that Black women’s odds of pregnancy loss are much higher than the general population. It’s even more tragic that there is a Black woman reading this article who has experienced pregnancy loss and has suffered in silence. There are an array of feelings associated with pregnancy loss, and women often feel alone and isolated in these feelings believing that no one understands what they are going through.

Published

11 months ago

December 15, 2023

Oakland Post

Narissa Harris. Photo Credit Art Harris.

By Narissa Harris, LMFT

The topic and contents of this article may be difficult for some readers. Yet, it is of paramount importance to shed light on the silent struggle of pregnancy loss experienced by countless women.

During the holiday season, we often assume everyone is in a festive, happy mood. However, this time of year is filled with mixed emotions and can be especially difficult for Black women, who are 2-3 times more likely to experience a pregnancy loss compared to other women. Pregnancy loss (the death of an unborn baby/fetus during pregnancy) is experienced by 10-15% of women and doubles to 20-30% for Black women. Additionally, Black women are 3 times more likely to have a stillbirth in comparison to other women.

It is a tragedy that Black women’s odds of pregnancy loss are much higher than the general population. It’s even more tragic that there is a Black woman reading this article who has experienced pregnancy loss and has suffered in silence. There are an array of feelings associated with pregnancy loss, and women often feel alone and isolated in these feelings, believing that no one understands what they are going through.

Whether you are aware that someone has experienced pregnancy loss, or you have experienced pregnancy loss yourself, we must be sensitive and supportive to the women in our lives during this time of year. I encourage the following:

#1 – Don’t ask a woman about her uterus!

Yes, I know this is blunt and harsh, but it is important to be mindful of the trauma that may be triggered when asking a woman when she plans to have a baby. I will never forget being at a holiday party when a family member asked me when I was planning on having kids, unaware that I experienced my 3rd pregnancy loss just 6 weeks prior. It was triggering, upsetting, and annoying. While my husband and I were eventually blessed with 2 healthy children, I share my experience to reiterate the immediate and long-term harm caused by these types of invasive inquiries.

#2 – Connect with a supportive community!

If you are someone who has experienced a pregnancy loss or know a woman who has, it is vital to connect with a safe and supportive community even when everything is telling you (or that woman) to isolate. While no one in the chapter knew that I was dealing with pregnancy loss at the time, my connection with the Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists (Bay-ABPsi) served as a healing and uplifting space for my grief/loss. I learned from Baba Dr. Wade Nobles, who describes babies as divine and the closest beings to God. I want you to remember that connecting with our spiritual community and ancestors can offer healing and support.

#3 – Never lose hope!

To the women who have experienced pregnancy loss, it’s easy to believe that a successful pregnancy will not happen but keep the hope. Take the time you need to grieve and release the baby (or babies), allowing your womb to heal. View the lost pregnancy in terms of a spirit with a Divine purpose, even if it was short-lived, with you being the vessel for that Divine purpose. Believe and prepare for your baby, who will survive and succeed beyond the womb to fulfill their Divine purpose!

Bay ABPsi is a healing resource committed to providing the Post Newspaper readership with monthly discussions about critical issues in Black Mental Health. Readers are welcome to contact us at bayareaabpsi@gmail.com and join us at our monthly chapter meetings every 3rd Saturday via Zoom.