As If We Didn’t Have Enough To Worry About – Part I 

                Just about the time we think we can relax, along comes something else to get our adrenaline pumping.

     The latest thing is a bug. That’s right. A bug. Or a group of related bugs. These insects are known as triatomine bugs, or their common name, ‘kissing bugs.’ These bugs tend to bit their victims on the face or lips. Friendly little things, huh?

     The problem is that their bit can transfer to the victim a parasite that causes Chagas disease. These parasites attack the tissue and muscles in the body.

     How do you know if you’ve contracted the disease? This report says that about 8 million people who have it don’t know they have it.

     Formally a south-of-the-border problem, it seems that the bug is now moving north and can be found in many southern states.

     So now you have something else to worry about. And your dog should also worry, for they can get ‘kissed’ and contract the disease.

     You can thank me---if  you survive.

As If We Didn’t Have Enough To Worry About – Part II

   

                 This thing to worry about is sort of a good news, bad news thing.

     In the last several weeks we’ve had two E. coli outbreaks. One at Chipolte Mexican Grills, and the other at Costco. It’s a typical outbreak where a number of people have gotten sick after eating or after eating food bought at these places.

     I’ve not heard that anyone died from these outbreaks, but a number of people are, or were, or will certainly be uncomfortable. That’s the bad news.

     Now the good news, well I may be the only one who has this view. Why? It seems that the food carrying the E.coli in both cases was some kind of produce. In the case of Costco, it seems to be celery. So my conclusion is that I should, if I’m really concerned for my health and general well being, abstain from raw vegetables, at least the ones I don’t particularly care for.