Latest news with #bacteria
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
19 beaches are closed in Massachusetts this weekend due to bacteria. Here's where
After the heat wave in Massachusetts this week, you may be in the mood to spend a day at the beach this weekend. However, if you're planning a weekend beach trip, you'll want to avoid the beaches closed due to unsafe swimming water. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) states that swimming in the water at these closed beaches poses a threat of illness due to high levels of bacteria. Symptoms of water-borne illness can range from nausea and vomiting to a sore throat and fever, or even rashes and infections. Heading into this weekend, 19 Massachusetts beaches are closed. Here's the full list. The following MA beaches, listed by town, are closed as of Friday, June 27: Andover: Pomps Pond (Bacterial Exceedance) Ashby: Damon Pond Beach (Bacterial Exceedance) Ashland: Ashland Reservoir Main Beach (Bacterial Exceedance) Ayer: Ayer Town Beach (Bacterial Exceedance) Bourne: Patuisset (Bacterial Exceedance) Brewster: Upper Mill Pond (Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom) Danvers: Sandy Beach (Bacterial Exceedance) Framingham: Waushakum Beach (Bacterial Exceedance) Manchester: Magnolia (Bacterial Exceedance) Tuck's Point (Bacterial Exceedance) Marlborough: Henry F Collins Beach (Bacterial Exceedance) Natick: Cochituate State Park Beach (Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom) Salem: Children's Island - Dock (Bacterial Exceedance) Saugus: Peckham Pond at Camp Nihan (Bacterial Exceedance) Templeton: Beamans Pond - Day Use (Bacterial Exceedance) Beamans Pond - Campground (Bacterial Exceedance) West Tisbury: Seth's Pond (Bacterial Exceedance) Winchester: Shannon Beach at Upper Mystic (Bacterial Exceedance) Most beaches are closed due to bacterial exceedance, meaning the levels of bacteria in the water are higher than the limits set by the MDPH. Those in the "other" category can be closed due to a variety of chemical or physical hazards, such as riptides and poor visibility. Beach parking: Want to park for free at the beach this summer in MA? Boston Beer Company can help Another popular beach is closed for the summer, but not due to bacteria. According to an announcement from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on May 30, the main beach at Walden Pond in Concord will be closed for the season as the site undergoes construction. Red Cross Beach, another beach at Walden Pond, will still be open for the summer, but with no lifeguards present and limited parking availability. Over the summer, Walden Pond will be getting a new $6.1 million bathhouse, according to the DCR. The new single-story, 2,700 square-foot building will replace the current two-story bathhouse from 1947, which is not ADA compliant. This project will bring Walden Pond State Reservation's facility up to federal and state accessibility requirements. More: Popular MA beach to stay closed all summer due to construction. Here's where According to the MDPH website, beaches can only re-open when their bacteria levels are back within the safe range, so there is no set amount of time for a closure. The status of a closed beach can be checked on the website's water quality dashboard, which is updated at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. daily. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Which Massachusetts beaches are closed this weekend? Here's a list
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning to fitness fanatics: Expert reveals the one item you should NEVER wear at the gym
Fitness fanatics will wear all sorts to the gym, whether it be trendy trainers or the latest smartwatch to track their progress. But experts have revealed one item you should always remove before you start running on the treadmill or lifting heavy weights. While it might feel strange to take off your wedding or engagement ring, keeping it on during workouts can lead to sweat, grime and bacteria building up, they warned. And it could even pose a risk of serious injury. Neil Ditta, a jewellery expert from Angelic Diamonds, said gyms are already notorious hotspots for bacteria and fungi, with sweaty surfaces and close contact making infection easy. The recent rise in high-intensity workouts is further fuelling risk, he said. Here, he provides seven reasons to always take off your engagement and wedding rings before working out. So, will it convince you to remove yours? Germs A recent survey of 2,000 ring owners found that 66 per cent never clean their jewellery, despite advice to do so at least every six months. Your ring can become a 'breeding ground' for bacteria when you add sweat, dirt and grime from gym equipment, Mr Ditta warned. 'Jewellery worn during exercise collects bacteria that can cause skin redness, rashes or infections,' he said. 'If your skin around the ring starts to look sore or inflamed, it is a clear sign to give your ring a break and clean it thoroughly.' Damage Metal dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells are tough and metals like gold and platinum can get scratched, bent or dented through repeated contact. 'The constant gripping and friction during workouts weakens the ring's band and can loosen stones,' Mr Ditta said. 'Damage may not be obvious straight away, but it builds up quickly over time.' While diamonds are hard, they can also chip or crack if hit hard enough – and the risk is even higher for rings with softer gemstones like sapphires or emeralds. Swollen fingers Exercise boosts blood flow and can cause fingers to swell, meaning a ring that fits perfectly at rest might become too tight mid-workout, making removal difficult or even painful. 'Swollen fingers combined with tight rings are a common cause of emergency visits to A&E,' Mr Ditta said. It is an avoidable risk if you remove your ring before exercising.' Ring avulsion injuries Ring avulsion happens when a ring catches on equipment and forcefully pulls on your finger, causing serious damage to skin, tendons, or bone. Tens of thousands of these injuries are reported annually, many in gyms or during sports. Risk of loss Sweaty fingers and vigorous movements can heighten the risk of a ring slipping off unnoticed, Mr Ditta warned. Irritation Gym sweat, dirt and chemicals from gym cleaning products can harm both your skin and rings. Meanwhile dirt and sweat trapped in the ring's crevices dull its sparkle and speed up wear on metals and stones. How high-intensity training is even riskier Trends like CrossFit, HIIT, weightlifting, and functional training are booming. These workouts often involve fast movements, gripping, and heavy lifting, all prime for causing jewellery damage or injury. 'High-intensity training is fantastic for fitness, but tough on rings,' Mr Ditta said. 'The combination of heavy weights and rapid motions increases the chance of your ring getting caught, knocked, or damaged. 'Functional training especially involves equipment and grips that can easily snag jewellery, so it is simply safer to leave rings at home during these sessions.'
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Unsafe': Doctor warns against common shower act
It will probably come as no surprise to you that people pee in the shower. In fact, statistics show that 61 per cent of people engage in this multi-tasking habit. But while emptying your bladder when nature calls may seem harmless, it turns out that urinating while standing up can cause long-term harm, especially for women. Dr Zac, a prominent Australian GP, has warned that this shower act is particularly concerning if it becomes routine. UTI risks from urinating in the shower Firstly, it's a common misconception that urine is sterile, because even healthy people have bacteria in their urine, says Dr Zac. Therefore, when you urinate in the shower, you may be spreading bacteria over your skin, feet, and other areas (particularly if there's a cut or broken skin barrier), which could increase your risk of reinfection or spreading urinary tract bacteria. This risk is higher if you are already dealing with a UTI, as that urine contains more bacteria. It's also more concerning for women, who are four times more likely to develop a UTI than men. Urinating position linked to pelvic health issues While hygiene and infection risks are important, there's an additional aspect – how your urination position affects your pelvic health. For women, standing to urinate, such as in the shower, can interfere with complete bladder emptying. 'The female body is designed to urinate in a seated or squatting position — this allows the pelvic floor muscles to fully relax and the bladder to empty effectively,' explains Dr Zac. 'When standing upright in the shower, those muscles may stay partially engaged, meaning the bladder may not fully empty.' Over time, this incomplete emptying can strain the bladder and potentially cause issues like residual urine, bacterial growth, or urgency problems. The brain-bladder reflex If you find yourself needing to urinate whenever you hear running water, it might be because you've conditioned your brain-bladder reflex through habitual shower urination. 'You can condition the bladder to feel urgency when it's not actually full — leading to an overactive bladder or urge incontinence over time,' he adds. This phenomenon is well documented in bladder retraining studies and in research involving patients with functional urinary disorders. A 2022 study used Pavlovian theory (from Pavlov's famous dog experiments) to explain how repeated exposure to cues like being in a shower can increase urinary urgency, even if the bladder isn't full. What are the signs that something might be wrong? While it may seem convenient, urinating in the shower could be causing more damage than you realise. So, how can you tell if your bathroom routines are affecting your bladder or urinary health? 'One of the first and most obvious signs of a urinary tract infection is a stinging or burning sensation when urinating,' says Dr Zac. 'It's caused by inflammation and irritation of the urethral lining due to bacterial overgrowth. If you feel this, especially after changing your toilet habits, it's a warning sign.' Going to the toilet more often than usual is another clear indication that something isn't right. 'If you feel like you can't hold it, this could mean your bladder is irritated, inflamed, or conditioned into urgency,' he explains. 'This might be due to overtraining the bladder reflex, or it could signal the start of a UTI. Either way, it's worth consulting your GP or pelvic health physiotherapist.' Leaking urine, especially during exercise, laughter, or sneezing, is known as 'stress incontinence', and is another sign of weakened pelvic floor muscles — possibly from habitual urination while standing. Signs of infection or inflammation in your bladder or kidneys may also be another indicator, and include pelvic discomfort or lower back pain, particularly if a UTI has spread. If these symptoms are accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, it could be a kidney infection, which needs urgent antibiotics. 'Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine are more classic infection signs. Blood in the urine should always be taken seriously and checked by a doctor — even if it appears just once,' warns Dr Zac. So while the occasional shower wee is likely safe for most, making it a daily habit, especially for women, is probably not the best idea.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Expert reveals the VERY common travel item that's 58 times dirtier than public toilet seats - and how to clean it properly
Ever get home from a holiday and throw your suitcase on the bed to unpack? You'll live to regret it, according to an expert, who claims that suitcase wheels can carry more germs than a public toilet seat. As part of a new study, researchers swabbed a suitcase's wheels, base and trolley handle to test for bacteria. And it's not good news. A suitcase's wheels can carry almost 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, according to the research. Microbiologist, Amy-May Pointer, says: 'Your suitcase wheels could harbour more bacteria than a public toilet seat, and the underside of your bag isn't far behind.' The wheels are the dirtiest due to their constant contact with pavements and toilet floors, but the base of a suitcase is also pretty filthy. Researchers found that black mould could easily hitch a ride on a holidaymaker's luggage. 'Suitcases, especially their wheels and bottoms, are germ magnets that can out-germ even a toilet,' explains Amy. 'Yet with basic hygiene steps, you can prevent these travelling microbes from joining you in bed or on the dinner table.' How to keep your suitcase clean Store it correctly The expert recommends always using a hotel's luggage rack to store your bag. If the hotel doesn't have one, tourists can put plastic shower caps on the the bag's wheels. Amy adds: 'Covering those wheels can stop them from spreading bacteria across your carpet or bedding.' Steer clear of obvious muck They can be tricky to avoid if you're in a mad rush to the airport, but try to steer clear or wheeling your case through a puddle. 'The less gunk your wheels pick up, the less you'll have to worry about,' advises Amy. Wash your hands after lugging bags Suitcase handles can easily pick up germs during a handle. The easiest way to avoid this is to make sure your hands are clean and washed at all times. Amy says: 'Treat your hands as if you just touched those surfaces, because indirectly, you did.' Wipe your suitcase The minute you get home, Amy recommends cleaning your suitcase with a disinfectant wipe or soapy cloth. Clean bags Many suitcases have detachable wheels. Tourists can soak this in warm soapy water and wipe hard cases with 'mild bleach'. Fabric bags can be cleaned with a vacuum or scrubbed with a cloth. Baking soda can help to banish mould. The research, carried out by InsureandGo, tested how many harmful bacteria were found on each area of a suitcase.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Common bacteria could turn plastic waste into painkillers, study finds
Scientists have discovered that a strain of common faecal bacteria can convert plastic waste into the drug paracetamol, a finding that could lead to new recycling methods. Exposure to tiny plastic fragments, called microplastics, is linked to a range of health issues, like hormonal disruption and several types of cancer. Scientists have been experimenting with various methods to sustainably recycle plastic waste. Of the methods they have tested, the use of bacteria and their enzymes to produce desirable small molecules from plastic waste has shown promise. Microbes have a 'toolbox' of highly active chemicals integral to their metabolism which scientists hope to harness for the production of a range of industrial small molecules. Using microbes and their metabolic chemicals in different industries could lower the existing chemical manufacturing routes that heavily rely on diminishing fossil fuels. Scientists have found that a type of chemical reaction which takes place in living cells can be catalysed by phosphate molecules present in the gut bacteria E coli, known to cause urinary tract infections and gastric ailments. This chemical reaction, known as Lossen rearrangement, produces a type of nitrogen-containing organic compound essential for cell metabolism. 'The reaction occurs in vivo, under ambient conditions, is non-toxic to E coli and is catalysed by phosphate in cells,' scientists explained. In a study published on Sunday in the journal Nature Chemistry, researchers used various methods to degrade polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles to produce the starting molecule needed for the Lossen rearrangement chemical reaction. They showed that the metabolic process inside cells could then remediate PET. Researchers revealed this plastic-derived molecule could be used as a starting material for producing paracetamol in E coli with a 92 per cent yield. This is the first time paracetamol has been produced from E coli using a waste product. 'The Lossen rearrangement substrate can also be synthesised from polyethylene terephthalate and applied to whole-cell biocatalytic reactions and fermentations generating industrial small molecules, including the drug paracetamol,' scientists said. Researchers hope the new technique could pave the way for a general strategy to remediate and upcycle plastic waste across ecosystems. They say the method outlined in the study could lead to better metabolic engineering for manufacturing such nitrogen-containing organic chemicals. Scientists say further research involving different types of bacteria and plastic may generate other useful products. 'Overall, this work expands the available toolbox of metabolic chemistry for small-molecule synthesis,' they wrote.
