The basics of disease prevention: The airborne chapter

According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, the spread of airborne diseases is arguably the main public concern in today’s world, one that is struggling with a global health crisis. Airborne diseases are incredibly formidable since they can easily be passed on from one person to another without them knowing it. And in line with the adage “an ounce of prevention is better than tons of cure,” Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares with everyone important pointers how people can avoid getting and spreading airborne diseases.

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1. Knowledge

Being aware of the existence of a problem is the first step in solving it. For airborne diseases, people need to know more about them. They may come in the form of tuberculosis, influenza, or whooping cough. Knowing the signs and symptoms is half of the solution.

2. Avoidance

Now that a person knows the signs and symptoms, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon mentions that it is easier to avoid physical contact with coughing, runny nose, fever, fatigue, and sore throat. She also notes that people who have these symptoms should also avoid physical interactions with others.

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3. Masks

Droplets from airborne diseases are mostly expelled into the air from either the mouth or the nose. This is why wearing a protective mask is very important. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon mentions that medical masks such as the N95 respirator are ideal for this situation.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon graduated from New York Medical College in 1991 and completed her pulmonary fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. She was affiliated with Pascack Valley Hospital and the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Dr. Cannon has since focused on her private practice in New Jersey. For more insightful reads on health, visit this blog.

How does a good mattress affect your health?

People spend a third of their lives sleeping. While that number might get augmented when people become adults, the fact remains is that a big portion of one’s life is spent sleeping. This is why mattresses and other sleeping apparatuses like sheets, linens, pillows, and comforters remain relevant businesses. This is because mattresses can affect health. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon strongly believes that the health benefits of a good mattress outweigh their price. Here are some ways mattresses affect our health.

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In a study where 60 people were asked to sleep in an old mattress for one month then move to a new mattress the following month, the data showed that stress levels dropped significantly after switching to the new mattress. There could be several problems with old mattresses; they’re not as firm or as comfortable, their odor could be questionable, and dirt could cause mild irritations. These are the things that can keep a person up at night.

While expensive mattresses last for a long time, not everyone can afford them. But still, lesser quality mattresses can provide quality sleep. It’s just that they would need replacing every five years or so. If not, they could cause problems like neck or back pain.

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Another reason why people should look into replacing their old mattress is that it can promote snoring. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon states that if your mattress isn’t supporting your body correctly, it could lead to an uncomfortable position that blocks the airways. Not only does snoring affect a person’s ability to breathe properly during sleep, but it is also often tied to other health-related problems like high blood pressure, morning headaches, and the general feeling of tiredness even after a full night’s sleep.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a New Jersey-based physician. She specializes in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more insightful reads on health, visit this blog.