Fast Five Quiz: Are You Prepared to Confront Spider Bites?
How much do you know about the presentation, management, and epidemiology of spider envenomation? Check your knowledge with this brief quiz.
Medscape © 2025 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Richard H. Sinert. Fast Five Quiz: Are You Prepared to Confront Spider Bites? - Medscape - May 05, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
'Modern Family' star opens up about heart disorder, getting pacemaker at 29
Julie Bowen is opening up about the heart condition that led her to receive a pacemaker at age 29. In an appearance on the "Inside of You" podcast released on Tuesday, July 1, the "Modern Family" star, 55, discussed being diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome, a heart disorder that caused her to have a low heart rate. Bowen noted she was diagnosed soon after graduating college thanks to her sister, who was in medical school at the time. The actress always had a low heart rate, but when her sister listened to it with a stethoscope, she told Bowen, "You need to go to a cardiologist immediately." Bowen subsequently received her diagnosis and got a pacemaker under her armpit, right after shooting the pilot of her early 2000s NBC series, "Ed." "I was like, 'Oh my God. My life is over. This is so weird. I'm going to die.' I don't know what I thought it was," Bowen said. "I was 29 years old." 'Modern Family' star Julie Bowen clears up that viral hiker rescue story: 'I did nothing' The actress explained the condition would give her a feeling of lightheadedness − as if she had been holding her breath − whenever she was relaxed. Before receiving her pacemaker, which she has had replaced a few times since, doctors warned that this could result in Bowen passing out while behind the wheel of a car and causing an accident. What is sick sinus syndrome? According to the Mayo Clinic, sick sinus syndrome is a kind of heart rhythm disorder that causes heartbeats that are "too fast, too slow, interrupted by long pauses — or an alternating combination of these rhythm issues." The condition is "relatively uncommon." "The risk of developing it increases with age," the clinic notes. "Many people with sick sinus syndrome eventually need an implanted device called a pacemaker to keep the heart in a regular rhythm." 'Modern Family' cast share emotions of last script reading: 'I was sobbing' Bowen previously discussed the condition in a 2011 interview with WebMD. She said at the time that her pacemaker "serves as a monitor for me," adding that she is grateful "to live during a time when the technology exists to treat my condition." She also noted that she doesn't "hear or feel" the device. In fact, when Bowen's pacemaker was brought up on the "Inside of You" podcast, she said, "That's right. I forget about that all the time."
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Why Pro Athletes' Key Career Investment Happens Before Performance
Roy Ward, President/CEO of PREGAME®. Professional athletes aren't just elite performers; they're effectively CEOs of sometimes multimillion-dollar enterprises, with their bodies as the primary operational asset. Like any savvy business leader, successful athletes understand portfolio management: investing strategically in prevention rather than paying the steep costs of recovery. While highlight reels showcase game-winning moments, the true determinant of career success often happens hours before, in carefully designed warmup routines and rituals that protect and maximize their most valuable asset. For these athlete-CEOs, a significant return on investment doesn't just come from fourth-quarter heroics, but from consistent, science-based preparation that extends career longevity and stacks the odds in their favor for the prevention of injuries. The Business Case For Preparation The financial comparison between prevention and rehabilitation tells a compelling story. Professional sports injuries carry substantial costs—not just in medical expenses, but in lost games, diminished performance upon return and potential contract implications. In professional North American sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL) from 2007 to 2019, an average of 62.49 injuries per 100 players per season was recorded, with groin/hip/thigh injuries being the most common in baseball, football and hockey. For elite athletes with multimillion-dollar salaries, missing even a handful of games represents a significant financial impact. For example, an NBA player earning $10 million annually could lose approximately $122,000 per game missed in an 82-game season. Meanwhile, comprehensive warmup and recovery protocols require investment in specialized coaches, technology and recovery equipment. Though the upfront costs may seem substantial, they could pale in comparison to the potential losses from preventable injuries. A review of 11 studies involving 6,344 soccer players found that a 20-minute structured warmup (the FIFA 11+ program) reduced the risk of injuries by 30%. This reduction could translate to fewer missed games, lower medical costs and preserved earning potential, suggesting a potential prevention-based ROI. Professional sports careers are notoriously short, with many athletes forced into early retirement due to injuries. For professional athletes, each additional year of career longevity can represent additional earnings, making preparation a potentially significant ROI investment. The True Cost Of Neglecting Preparation Beyond direct salary losses, injuries can create cascading impacts on an athlete's entire business model. Endorsement deals often contain performance clauses that reduce or eliminate payments during extended absences. Brand partnerships depend on visibility and performance, and both are usually diminished during recovery periods. Athletes who miss significant time due to preventable injuries may see reductions in their subsequent contract values, even after returning to full health. The perception of injury risk can influence market value in ways that transcend actual performance metrics. We can see the importance of preparation at work in high-profile examples. Tennis star Roger Federer's preparation regimen was one contributing factor to his successful career. LeBron James is known for his dedication to taking care of his body—I think this has likely helped him avoid injuries throughout a long career. Contrast this with athletes whose promising careers have been derailed by preventable injuries, representing substantial unrealized earnings and lost opportunities. Strategic Capital Investment Framework Forward-thinking athletes are shifting their mindset from viewing warmups as a physical necessity to treating them as a sophisticated business strategy. A strategic framework often includes: • Professional preparation staff: Many elite athletes now employ dedicated warmup specialists and recovery technicians to optimize their primary asset's performance and longevity. • Technology investments: From preparation technology to advanced biomechanical analysis and recovery equipment, I've noticed athletes are increasingly investing in these areas, recognizing the return in terms of injury prevention and performance consistency. • Time as capital: Athletes allocate significant time to preparation, recognizing that an hour spent warming up could deliver better returns than an extra hour of skill drills. Advancements in sports technology, like wearables and recovery tools, amplify this efficiency, enabling precise warmups and skill work simultaneously. It's disciplined resource management, akin to budgeting for R&D over short-term sales pushes. This framework represents a fundamental shift in how the business of athletic performance is managed. Just as corporations invest in preventative maintenance for critical infrastructure, athletes are learning that proactive investment in body preparation may yield superior financial returns compared to reactive spending on rehabilitation. The Competitive Advantage Athletes who embrace this investment philosophy could gain competitive advantages that extend beyond physical performance. In contract negotiations, athletes with consistent preparation routines and minimal injury histories may be able to secure terms with fewer injury provisions and higher guarantees. In the endorsement marketplace, brands often value not just performance but reliability and the ability to represent their products without unplanned absences. The Investment Mindset Just as successful business leaders think beyond quarterly earnings to build sustainable companies, elite athletes can view their careers as long-term business operations rather than a series of individual performances. By treating warmup rituals as capital investments rather than obligatory routines, athletes may be better positioned to protect their most valuable asset and potentially maximize their career earning potential. The financial wisdom suggests: In professional sports, a smart investment happens in the hours before the spotlight turns on. This strategic approach to physical preparation can offer valuable lessons for business leaders in any industry—consider investing consistently in preventative measures, protecting your critical assets and prioritizing long-term returns over short-term convenience. The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Business Journals
2 days ago
- Business Journals
The Pearl launches in Charlotte as a blueprint for health care transformation
The Pearl has officially opened its doors, marking the launch of a transformative new model in health care. Strategically uniting leading-edge medical training, academia and the most innovative names in health technology, The Pearl is designed to ignite collaboration, catalyze economic growth and drive innovative solutions for the city, region and beyond. The Charlotte-based innovation district was created by a visionary public-private partnership led by Atrium Health, Wexford Science & Technology, LLC and Ventas. Home to the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the city's first four-year medical school, and the exclusive North American headquarters of IRCAD, a global network of advanced surgical training facilities, The Pearl will be a global destination for medical education and research. 'We built The Pearl to unlock the next era of clinical breakthroughs by uniting the brightest minds with the most advanced technologies in modern medicine,' said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part. 'It's where the world's top medical technology companies will work alongside surgeons, scientists, startups and students from Charlotte's first four-year medical school with the singular goal of finding new treatments and cures. Simply put, it will be a place where excellence lives — and excellence is learned.' Over the next 15 years, the district is projected to generate more than 5,500 on-site jobs and more than 11,500 total jobs across the region, making The Pearl a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity. 'Building vibrant, amenity-rich communities that spark innovation begins by bringing together visionary people and transformative ideas,' said Thomas Osha, executive vice president of Wexford Science & Technology, the developer of The Pearl. 'Grounded in research, discovery, entrepreneurship, corporate partnership and deep community engagement, The Pearl is more than a district — it's the beginning of a bold new chapter in Charlotte's innovation story.' At the heart of The Pearl is the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The school of medicine is the academic core of Advocate Health. With its first class of students starting in July, enrollment is expected to increase to 100 students per class over the next five years. 'Complete with a state-of-the-art simulation center, we're reimagining education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine for the next generation of medical professionals,' said Dr. Julie Freischlag, chief academic officer of Advocate Health and CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. 'By integrating traditional learning with real-world experience and community engagement, The Pearl fosters an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom.' Appealing to different learning styles, the school of medicine's Charlotte campus curriculum takes a unique, problem-based approach to learning, known as integrated biomedical sciences. The approach uses weekly clinical cases as springboards for students to learn foundational science and evaluate possible diagnoses, in addition to considering outside factors that may impact patient outcomes. The Pearl also is home to IRCAD North America, which includes a surgical training curriculum with the latest techniques in cardiovascular, neuro and orthopedic surgeries, among others, all of which are unique to the network. With programs set to begin in September, it's expected to draw thousands of medical professionals from across the globe annually. 'I congratulate Advocate Health on the grand opening of The Pearl, which will help provide lifesaving care to the Charlotte community and foster cutting-edge medical innovation,' said North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. 'With an estimated 5,500 onsite jobs, The Pearl will also be a boon to Charlotte's economy, strengthen North Carolina's health care network and position our state as a global destination for advancing complex medical care.' The commitment to educating the next generation of medical professionals also is evident through Atrium Health's partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Together, with support from other partners, they've launched a science, technology, engineering and mathematics — or STEM — program designed to help middle school students get excited about careers in health care through free learning opportunities in an on-site lab. 'This innovation district is a powerful symbol of Charlotte's commitment to creating opportunities for everyone who calls this city home,' said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. 'Not only does it honor our past by recognizing the rich history of Brooklyn, but it also looks to create space for inclusive growth.' Located in the area historically known as Brooklyn — once a thriving African American community that was displaced in the 1960s and 1970s — the district is designed to reflect that legacy of resilience. With exhibits that pay homage to Brooklyn's enduring legacy, The Pearl aims to be a place where people from all walks of life will feel welcome and grow together. 'This is an important milestone for our entire community,' said Mark Jerrell, chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. 'This investment has the potential to foster greater opportunities for our residents, scholars and workforce in a way that honors this community's rich history, while also paving the way for a brighter future.' The grand opening, which marked the completion of the first of three phases and includes more than 700,000 square feet of space, included walking tours, performances by local artists, a showcase of community partners and exhibits that reflect both the technological aspirations and the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. National excitement: What others are saying Sen. Phil Berger, North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore: 'The Pearl is more than an innovation district in Charlotte — it's a launchpad for North Carolina's future. By attracting world-class partners like Wake Forest University School of Medicine and IRCAD North America, as well as investing in cutting-edge innovation, The Pearl is driving economic growth, expanding opportunity and helping shape a healthier, more prosperous state. Its impact will stretch far beyond city limits — fueling talent, research and progress that benefits all North Carolinians.' Dr. L. Ebony Boulware, dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, chief science officer and vice chief academic officer of Advocate Health: 'As our world is changing, especially with technology advances, we are challenged to rethink everything — how we teach, how students learn and how we prepare the next generation of physicians to lead. This challenge became an opportunity. And our new school of medicine campus at The Pearl is our answer. This is a place where medicine meets technology, where education meets entrepreneurship — and where talent becomes transformation.' Rep. Destin Hall, North Carolina House of Representatives Speaker: 'The Pearl stands as one of North Carolina's most significant investments in decades, delivering profound impacts both economically and in human health. By bringing Wake Forest's world-class medical school and its partnership with Atrium Health to Charlotte, they are addressing the state's critical health care needs while generating substantial economic growth and opportunity.' John Kowal, president and head of the Americas at Siemens Healthineers: 'North Carolina is an increasingly important location for our business. The combination of IRCAD North America, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte and our U.S. Experience Center within The Pearl makes it the ideal site for innovation, collaboration and improved patient care.' Sen. Thom Tillis, United States Senate: 'The launch of The Pearl represents a transformative milestone for Charlotte and the entire state of North Carolina. By uniting institutions like Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, this innovation district will advance groundbreaking research, generate economic growth and further elevate North Carolina's role as a national leader in science, medicine and technology.' Dr. Dionisios Vrochides, Executive Director of IRCAD North America: 'We're at the forefront of a new era in surgical education, driven by medical robotics, augmented reality, telepresence and AI. With IRCAD North America being part of The Pearl, we're creating a global ecosystem where innovation meets precision. Here, the world's brightest medical minds will converge to transform the future of minimally invasive surgery across every discipline.' Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a pre-eminent academic learning health system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and part of Advocate Health. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's two main components are an integrated clinical system with locations throughout the region and , the academic core of Advocate Health and a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research.
