Rescue workers and volunteers at the World Trade Center ruins after 9/11 continue to suffer the consequences of their exposure to cancer-causing agents. The twin towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) catastrophically collapsed after being strategically attacked by two hijacked airplanes.  Few can forget the horror of this event, and the ensuing video of … Continued

New research suggests ultraviolet (UV) light may work to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that infection transmitted to patients in a healthcare setting leads to the death of almost 100,000 people per year.  Microbes are opportunistic and thrive in healthcare facilities where hygiene and … Continued

The term “clean breathing water” seems like nonsense, but clean water supplies are critical to avoiding water or mist-borne germs. In December, 2018, one person died and another became ill due to Legionnaire’s disease in Hastings, Michigan.  While the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s was detected in the water supply of a local hospital, it is … Continued

3M is a Minnesota-based company known for making countless worker safety, health care, and consumer products, including combat earplugs. Unfortunately, thousands of military service men and women who were issued 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs between 2003-2015 have allegedly suffered hearing loss and tinnitus. While there is no cure for these debilitating conditions, surgical procedures, … Continued

For pregnant women, infection during pregnancy may be dangerous to their unborn child—and increase their risk of post-partum stroke. During the recent meeting of the American Stroke Association, researchers reviewed and discussed the impacts and causes of cerebrovascular disease around the world.  Preliminary research presented during the conference points to risk factors for stroke.  One … Continued

The quick action of paramedics often shortens suffering and saves lives.  Could those actions also be spreading dangerous germs? A recent study published in the BMJ took a close look at hand hygiene practices of first responders around the world.  And frankly, those practices come up a little short. We are taught from a young … Continued

How old is too old for the operating room?  As surgeons age, questions arise about the physical fitness needed to provide good surgical care. According to a recent piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 44 percent of the active surgeons in the US are 55 years of age or older.  … Continued

For babies born via Cesarean section, being swabbed with fluid from mom’s birth canal may provide a quick start on a healthy immune system. In recent years, the human microbiome has gotten a lot of attention—for good reason.  The trillions of microbes that live in and on our bodies play a critical role in our … Continued

If you are on the tall side, you might be at greater risk of varicose veins—and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although men and women suffer varicose veins, women are more likely to develop the knotty, dark lines that we call “varicose veins.”  While any vein can weaken and enlarge, varicose veins are more common on … Continued