Ebola virus outbreak what we should know?

The current outbreak of Ebola virus that is happening in Western Africa is the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history that has killed 729 people and infected about 1,323. The four West African countries affected are Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The deadliest outbreak before has just 224 deaths from 425 cases.  The current outbreak that began last March is from the deadliest form of the Ebola virus which is the Zaire Ebola virus that has 79% fatality rate.

The initial symptoms of Ebola is very similar to diseases like malaria and cholera, as well as the common flu, that means it can be difficult to detect.

Here is a list of the common symptoms of Ebola:

-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
-Stomach pain
-Sore throat
-Headache
-Weakness
-Cramps
-Aching in the muscles and joints

As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may include:

-Internal and external bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears and eyes
-Reduced liver and kidney function
-Rash
-Trouble breathing
-Bruising

If you believe you have been infected with Ebola you must be isolated from the public immediately.


WHO Ebola virus disease, West Africa – update

New Study Suggest that Paracetamol is just like Placebo for Low back pain

Paracetamol is our go to medicine for our low back pain, however according to a study taking paracetamol do not reduce pain nor it expedite recovery.

The Lancet medical journal research found that taking paracetamol to ease and cure low back pain is just like taking dummy pills (placebo). Christopher Williams a researcher at the University of Sydney in Australia said, "We need to reconsider the universal recommendation to provide paracetamol as a first-line treatment."

In their research, 1,652 patients with acute low back pain participated some of them were given paracetamol and others receive placebos. They receive doses 3x a day or as needed. The study showed that there is no major difference with the recovery period between the two groups, those who receive paracetamol and those who got placebos.

However, Professor Christine Lin who is also involve in the study said that "While we have shown that paracetamol does not speed recovery from acute back pain, there is evidence that paracetamol works to relieve pain for a range of other conditions, such as headaches, some acute musculoskeletal conditions, tooth ache and for pain straight after surgery."

"What this study indicates is that the mechanisms of back pain are likely to be different from other pain conditions, and this is an area that we need to study more," she added.

Paracetamol is also widely known as "acetaminophen" in countries like United States, Canada, and Japan. Known brand in the US is Tylenol, while in Australia it is Panadol.  

So if you are having lower back pains, popping pills won't cure it nor it will help you reduce pain. I would suggest stretching and exercise. Try this "3 Easy Stretches to Prevent Back Pain," it worked for me.

Post contributed by Aaron. Please check out MyClaimSource.com for information on How to File an Insurance Claims.

Another Food Scandal in China

A news report from Dragon TV said that a supplier of McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC in China are selling them beef and chicken that are already past their expiry date. The supplier is Husi Food Co., Ltd., McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and KFC China have already stopped using meat from that supplier according to their released statements. Husi Food Co., Ltd. is owned by OSI Group of Aurora, Illinois.

The report said that Husi repack expired beef and chicken and tag them with a new expiry dates. This is disgusting, the Chinese government should monitor food companies more closely since food poisoning is not a joke and people can die.

Check out the report from Dragon TV, you can see how unsafe they handle the food products the workers even picked patties from the floor and dump them into meat mixers. I would never eat that.

On Husi Foods Co. Ltd. websites it mentioned that they have been supplying McDonald’s in China for 22 years and Pizza Hut for 6 years.

McDonald's Burger is the worst in the US?

Do you agree that McDonald's Burger has the worst burger in the US? I like their burgers but other people who were asked in the Consumer Reports survey of fast food and fast-casual restaurants say otherwise.

The survey also stated that KFC has the worst chicken, Au Bon Pain has the worst sandwiches and subs, while the Taco Bell has the worst burritos.

The survey that ranks the best and worst burgers, sandwiches, chicken and burritos in the U.S. were released after Consumer Reports asked the opinion of 32,405 subscribers, who ate 96,208 meals at 65 fast-food chains. The participants were asked to grade their experiences at these 65 fast food and fast-casual chain restaurants on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is the top and 1 is the least).

In the Burgers category the top 3 rating went to "The Habit Burger Grill" (8.1), "In-N-Out Burger" (8.0) and "Five Guys Burger and Fries" (7.9). The lowest three are "Burger King" (6.6), "Jack in the Box" (6.6) and "McDonald's" (5.8).

"Chick-fil-A" 8.1, "El Pollo Loco" (7.7), "Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen" (7.7) bagged the top three in the Chicken category. While "KFC" is the least with a 7.1 rating. 

"Portillo's Hot Dogs" is the king of sandwiches and subs with 8.5 rating. When it comes to Burritos "Chipotle Mexican Grill" is the top dog with 7.8 rating, while "Taco Bell" got the last spot with 6.3 rating.     

AS for me I'll still get my cheap burgers at McDonald's....