How to get rid of bed bugs
It can be surprisingly difficult to get rid of bed bugs. They are tenacious little creatures, and, while they are not known to spread diseases to humans, they can cause a significant degree of irritation, and just the thought that your house is infested with them is not exactly comforting.
The best way to deal with them is to contact a professional pest control company, who will use a combination of residual surface spray, dust and ULV treatments to get rid of the little blighters once and for all.
Their small size and secretive nature means that they are often difficult to spot, but if you think you may have a problem, you should get it dealt with as soon as possible.
Categories: Health Tags: bed bug infestation, get rid of bed bugs, insect eradication
Scientists find junk food addiction in mice
The Scripps Research Institute has recently published a study which shows that some mice respond to junk food – food that is high in calorific value – by producing chemicals similar to those found in people who take cocaine and nicotine.
The study found that laboratory mice could be turned into compulsive eaters through eating too much junk food. The high-calorie diet also caused a decreased level of a particular dopamine receptor in the mice, the same decrease that is found in human drug addicts.
Researcher Paul Kelly stated: “Obesity may be a form of compulsive eating. Other treatments in development for other forms of compulsion, for example drug addiction, may be very useful for the treatment of obesity.”
Categories: Health Tags: food addiction, mice, obesity
Syphilis test – simple and effective
The modern syphilis test bears no resemblance to past tests and treatment that were often invasive, embarrassing and largely ineffective.
Today’s tests can be carried out with the minimum of fuss, and the result will be known very quickly indeed. Treatment has also improved in leaps and bounds, with the disease now relatively easy to eradicate.
The best way to get tested for syphilis is by visiting one of the UK’s many GUM clinics. These are operated on a wholly confidential basis, and are designed to put patients at their ease and provide comprehensive, free STI testing and treatment. The services they provide are essential in controlling the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and their staff are trained professionals who specialise in STI treatment.
Categories: Health Tags: gum clinic, sti testing, syphilis test
The morning after pill – emergency contraception
The morning after pill allows you to prevent conception if you have sex without using contraception. Although called the “morning after” pill, it can be taken up to 72 hours after sex – however, it is most effective when taken 12 hours after the event.
In the UK, the medicine used is called Levonelle. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, and also altering the lining of the womb so that an egg cannot be embedded in it. While it isn’t 100% effective, and should never be used as a main form of contraception, it is a very useful contraceptive tool in an emergency.
Categories: Health Tags: contraception, morning after pill
