YES MOSQUITOES AND OTHER INSECTS PREFER SOME PEOPLE MORE THAN OTHERS Youretryingyourbesttoenjoyaneveningcookout,butaconstant swarmofmosquitoesfollowsyoufromgrilltopoolside.Thethreat?A pierce to your skin, leaving behind an itchy red welt and possibly even a seriousillness.Asyouswatmadlyatthepests,younoticethatothers seem completely unfazed. Could it be that mosquitoes prefer to bite some people over others? Theshortanswerisyes.Mosquitoesdoexhibitblood-sucking preferences,saytheexperts."Onein10peoplearehighlyattractiveto mosquitoes,"reportsJerryButler,PhD,professoremeritusatthe UniversityofFlorida.Butit'snotdinnerthey'resuckingoutofyou. Femalemosquitoes--malesdonotbitepeople--needhumanbloodto develop fertile eggs. And apparently, not just anyone's will do. WHO MOSQUITOES LIKE BEST Althoughresearchershaveyettopinpointwhatmosquitoesconsideran ideal hunk of human flesh, the hunt is on. "There's a tremendous amount ofresearchbeingconductedonwhatcompoundsandodourspeople exudethatmightbeattractivetomosquitoes,"saysJoeConlon,PhD, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association. With 400 differentcompoundstoexamine,it'sanextremelylaboriousprocess. "Researchers are just beginning to scratch the surface," he says. Scientistsdoknowthatgeneticsaccountforawhopping85%ofour susceptibilitytomosquitobites.They'vealsoidentifiedcertainelements ofourbodychemistrythat,whenfoundinexcessontheskin'ssurface, make mosquitoes swarm closer. "Peoplewithhighconcentrationsofsteroidsorcholesterolontheirskin surface attract mosquitoes," Butler tells WebMD. That doesn't necessarily meanthatmosquitoespreyonpeoplewithhigheroveralllevelsof cholesterol, Butler explains. These people simply may be more efficient at processingcholesterol,theby-productsofwhichremainontheskin's surface. [2] Mosquitoesalsotargetpeoplewhoproduceexcessamountsofcertain acids,suchasuricacid,explainsentomologistJohnEdman,PhD, spokesman for the Entomological Society of America.Thesesubstancescantriggermosquitoes'senseofsmell,luringthemto land on unsuspecting victims. Buttheprocessofattractionbeginslongbeforethelanding.Mosquitoes cansmelltheirdinnerfromanimpressivedistanceofupto50meters, explainsEdman.Thisdoesn'tbodewellforpeoplewhoemitlarge quantities of carbon dioxide. "Anytypeofcarbondioxideisattractive,evenoveralongdistance," Conlon says. Larger people tend to give off more carbon dioxide, which is whymosquitoestypicallyprefermunchingonadultstosmallchildren. Pregnantwomenarealsoatincreasedrisk,astheyproduceagreater-than-normalamountofexhaledcarbondioxide.Movementandheatalso attract mosquitoes. Soifyouwanttoavoidanonslaughtofmosquitobitesatyournext outdoorgathering,stakeoutachaiseloungeratherthanaspotonthe volleyballteam.Here'swhy.Asyourunaroundthevolleyballcourt,the mosquitoessenseyourmovementandheadtowardyou.Whenyoupant fromexertion,thesmellofcarbondioxidefromyourheavybreathing draws them closer. So does the lactic acid from your sweat glands.With a long track record -- mosquitoes have been around for 170 million years;andmorethan175knownspecies,theseshrewdsummertime pestsclearlyaren'tgoingtodisappearanytimesoon.Butyoucan minimize their impact. CHEMICAL BASED MOSQUITOES REPELLLENTS: Keep the Bite at BayPlentyofmosquitorepellentslinetheshelvesofdrugstoresand supermarketseachsummer,butthey'renotallcreatedequally.The majorityofavailablemosquitorepellentsderivetheireffectivenessfrom chemicals.Protectingthepublicfrommosquitoessince1957,DEET continuestobethechemicalofchoiceusedinrepellents.Inrepeated studies,it'sbeenproventhemosteffectivechemicalrepellentonthe market.Repellentswith23.8%DEET(mostformulascontainbetween 10% and 30%) protect wearers for about five hours, according to a study led by Mark Fradin, PhD, a researcher with Chapel Hill Dermatology. [3] Just how safe is it to coat yourself in DEET to keep from getting bitten by mosquitoes?"[DEET]hasbeeninuseforover40yearsandhasa remarkablesafetyrecord.Onlyfewhospitalizationshavebeenreported, mainly due to gross overuse," Conlon tells WebMD.TheAmericanAcademyofPaediatricsstatesthatlowconcentrationsof DEET (10% or less) are safe to use on infants over 2 months old. DEET,thoughthemostwell-known,isnttheonlychemicalusedin mosquito repellents. In 2005, the CDC began recommending alternatives to DEET for repelling mosquitoes.Picaridin,fairlynewtotheU.S.,hasbeenusedworldwide since1998.MarketedasCutterAdvanced,picaridinhasproventobeas effectiveasDEETbutissaidtobemorepleasanttousebecauseitis odourlessandcontainsalight,cleanfeel.Picaridinissafeforchildren older than 2 months. The chemical IR3535, better known as Avon's Skin-So-Soft, also has been marketedasamosquitorepellentintheU.S.inrecentyears.Todate, research shows it's much less effective than DEET. Thentheresmetofluthrin.Thisnewchemical,approvedbytheEPAin 2006asamosquitorepellent,issellinglikehotcakes,Conlontells WebMD. Sold as DeckMate Mosquito Repellent, its available in two forms. As a paper strip, you place it in outdoor areas like patios and decks. You canalsowearit.Asapersonalrepellentproduct,itcomesinasmall containerwithareplaceablecartridge.Clippedontoabeltorclothing,it relies on a battery-powered fan to release the mosquito repellent into the area, surrounding and protecting the wearer. It is not applied to the skin. ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL-BASED MOSQUITOES REPELLENTSIfyouwanttoavoidchemical-basedrepellentsaltogether,afew promising alternatives do exist. "Oftheproductswetested,thesoybeanoil-basedrepellentwasableto protect from mosquito bites for about 1.5 hours," Fradin reports. He and fellow researchers found other oils, such as citronella, cedar, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium, which provide short-lived protection at best. [4] Oil of eucalyptus products, however, may offer longer-lasting protection, preliminary studies show. Endorsed by the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus is available under the Repel brand name and offers protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. Lemon eucalyptus is safe for children older than 3 years. Inthelastfewyears,nonchemicalrepellentswornasskinpatchesand containingthiamine(vitaminB1)havearrivedinsomebig-boxstores under the name Dont Bite Me!The science behind this repellent comes from a study done in the 1960s. Itshowedthatthiamine(B1)producesaskinodour,femalemosquitoes don'tlike.Butnootherstudieshaveconfirmedthiamine'seffectiveness asamosquitorepellentwhenwornontheskin.ChariKauffmann, president of the company that sells skin patch called Dont Bite Me!, says studiesontheproductareongoing,thoughthecompanyhasno conclusions to report. DRIVING MOSQUITOES AWAY Theyattract,thentraporkillfemalemosquitoes.Whenplaced strategicallynearbreedingspots,"theyhaveknocked[mosquito] populations down," Conlon tells WebMD. Onenewfadinmosquitoprotectiondoublesasafashion statement. Its insectshieldrepellentapparel--clothinginfusedwiththechemical insecticide permethrin. Marketed as a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, Conlon says the military has used this method for several years. I wore them in the jungles of South Africa; I would recommend them to anyone going out into the woods, he tells WebMD. [5] Hate to spray or slather yourself with any product,eitherchemical,orplant-based, butwanttopreventmosquitoesfrom landing on you? Mosquitotraps,arelativelynewproduct, maybetheanswer.Theyworkby emittingsubstancesthatbiting mosquitoesfindattractive--suchas carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, and other mosquito-friendly byproducts. Take time to look at the big picture in your yard, that is. Its part of a processthatGregBaumann,seniorscientistwiththeNationalPest ManagementAssociationInc.,callsintegratedpestmanagement,andit involvesidentifyinginvasivepestsinyoursurroundingsandtaking correctiveactionsagainstthem.Thismeansfindingandeliminating standing water, which serves as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.Cloggedgutters,thecrevicesofplastictoys,garbagecans,rainbarrels withoutscreenedcovers,andbirdbathsaresomeofthebiggest neighbourhood breeding grounds, Baumann says. Blood type, metabolism, exercise, shirt colour and even drinking beer can make individuals especially attractive to mosquitoes. Youcomeinfromasummerhikecoveredwithitchyredmosquitobites, only to have your friends innocently proclaim that they dont have any. Or youwakeupfromanightofcampingtofindyouranklesandwrists aflame with bites, while your tentmates are unscathed. Yourenotalone.Anestimated20percentofpeople,itturnsout,is especiallydeliciousformosquitoes,andgetsbitmoreoftenona consistentbasis.Andwhilescientistsdontyethaveacureforthe ailment,otherthanpreventingbiteswithinsectrepellent(which,weve recently discovered, some mosquitoes can become immune to over time), they do have a number of ideas regarding why some of us are more prone to bites than others. Here are some of the factors that could play a role: TYPE OF BLOOD PeoplewithTypeBbloodfellsomewhereinthemiddleofthisitchy spectrum. Additionally, based on other genes, about 85 percent of people secreteachemicalsignalthroughtheirskinthatindicateswhichblood typetheyhave,while15percentdonot,andmosquitoesarealsomore attractedtosecretorsthannonsecretorsregardlessofwhichtypethey are. [6] Notsurprisinglysince,afterall, mosquitoesbiteustoharvestproteins fromourbloodresearchshowsthat theyfindcertainbloodtypesmore appetizingthanothers.Onestudy foundthatinacontrolledsetting, mosquitoes landed on people with Type Obloodnearlytwiceasoftenasthose with Type A. CARBON DIOXIDE Asaresult,peoplewhosimplyexhalemoreofthegasovertimegenerally,largerpeoplehavebeenshowntoattractmoremosquitoes than others. This is one of the reasons why children get bit less often than adults, on the whole. EXERCISE AND METABOLISM Becausestrenuousexerciseincreasesthebuildupoflacticacidandheat inyourbody,itlikelymakesyoustandouttotheinsects.Meanwhile, geneticfactorsinfluencetheamountofuricacidandothersubstances naturally emitted by each person, making some people more easily found by mosquitoes than others. [7] Oneofthekeywaysmosquitoeslocate theirtargetsisbysmellingthecarbon dioxideemittedintheirbreaththeyuse anorgancalledamaxillarypalptodo this,andcandetectcarbondioxidefrom as far as 164 feet away. Inadditiontocarbondioxide, mosquitoesfindvictimsatcloserrange bysmellingthelacticacid,uricacid, ammonia and other substances expelled viatheirsweat,andarealsoattracted topeoplewithhigherbody temperatures. SKIN BACTERIA Thisalsomightbewhymosquitoesareespeciallypronetobitingour ankles and feetthey naturally have more robust bacteria colonies. BEER DRINKERS PREGNANCY [8] Otherresearchhassuggestedthatthe particulartypesandvolumeofbacteria thatnaturallyliveonhumanskinaffect ourattractivenesstomosquitoes.Ina 2011study,scientistsfoundthathaving large amounts of a few types of bacteria madeskinmoreappealingto mosquitoes.Surprisingly,though,having lotsofbacteriabutspreadamonga greaterdiversityofdifferentspeciesof bacteriaseemedtomakeskinless attractive.Mosquitoesdontlikedirty skin. Justasingle12-ouncebottleofbeer canmakeyoumoreattractivetothe insects,onestudyfound.Buteven though researchershadsuspected this wasbecausedrinkingincreasesthe amountofethanolexcretedinsweat, orbecauseitincreasesbody temperature,neitherofthesefactors werefoundtocorrelatewithmosquito landings,makingtheiraffinityfor drinkers something of a mystery. Inseveraldifferentstudies,pregnant womenhavebeenfoundtoattract roughly twice as many mosquito bites as others,likelyaresultofthefactthe unfortunateconfluenceoftwofactors: Theyexhaleabout21percentmore carbon dioxide and are on average about 1.26degreesFahrenheitwarmerthan others. CLOTHING COLOUR GENETICS NATURAL REPELLANTS Someresearchershavestartedlookingatthereasonswhyaminorityof people seem to rarely attract mosquitoes in the hopes of creating the next generation of insect repellants. [9] Thisonemightseemabsurd,but mosquitoesusevision(alongwith scent)tolocatehumans,sowearing colorsthatstandout(black,darkblue orred)maymakeyoueasiertofind,at least according to James Day, a medical entomologistattheUniversityof Florida, in commentary he gave to NBC. Asawhole,underlyinggeneticfactors are estimated to account for 85 percent ofthevariabilitybetweenpeoplein theirattractivenesstomosquitoesregardlessofwhetheritsexpressed throughbloodtype,metabolism,or otherfactors.Unfortunately,wedont (yet)haveawayofmodifyingthese genes.Some researchers have started looking at the reasons why minorities of people seem to rarely attract mosquitoes in the hopes of creating the next generation of insect repellants. Usingchromatographytoisolatethe particularchemicalsthesepeopleemit, scientistsattheUKsRothamsted Researchlabhavefoundthatthese naturalrepellerstendtoexcretea handfulofsubstancesthatmosquitoes dontseemtofindappealing. Eventually,incorporatingthese Usingchromatographytoisolatetheparticularchemicalsthesepeople emit,scientistsattheUKsRothamstedResearchlabhavefoundthat thesenaturalrepellerstendtoexcreteahandfulofsubstancesthat mosquitoes dont seem to find appealing. Eventually, incorporating these molecules into advanced bug spray could make it possible for even a Type O, exercising, pregnant woman in a black shirt to ward off mosquitoes for good. LIME Lime has been known to have certain medicinal properties for a long time now, and here is a list of diseases or medical conditions that it deal with effectively:CommonCold-Ifyouareallergictocitrusfruits,aglassof lime juice prepared with warm water along with a tablespoon of honey is ideal not only for a dry cough and cold but it also ideal for fevers as well because of the healing properties of Vitamin C. DIGESTIVE DISORDERSBiliousvomiting,indigestionandacidityarecommonhealthissuethat people face, and a combination of lime and an equal quantity of honey is effectiveinthetreatmentofthesedisorders.Duetothepresenceof flavonoidsinlime,thissubstancestimulatesthedigestivesystemto produce the juices that will ensure smooth digestion. OBESITYIfonedrinksaglassofhoneyandlimewithwater(yetagain),thishas benefitsinweightreductionasthecitricacidinlimeworksasan excellentfat-burner.Ifyouhavetwoglassesaday,thebenefitswillbe obvious in a weeks time. [10] Bearingthescientificname,Citrus Aurantifolio,limehasbeenaroundfor centuries and is still considered one of the mostbeneficialvegetableswhenitcomes toitsnaturalbenefitsandcurative properties.Sincelimecontainsnatural antioxidants,thiscitrusvegetable(which isnottobeconfusedwiththelemon) clearsthebodyoffreeradicals,thus increasingthepHlevelsofonesbody makingthemleadahealthierand energetic life and free of disease. EYE CARELimehasanti-oxidantproperties(VitaminC)thatprotecttheeyesfrom agingaswellasmaculardegenerationwhiletheflavonoidsprotectthe eyes from infections. SKIN CAREThe combination of Vitamin C and flavonoids that are present in lime has alotofpositivebenefitsforlime,regardlessofwhetheritisapplied externally or orally ingested. Not only does it keep the skin shining but it alsorejuvenatestheskinwhilereducingbodyodourandprotectingit frominfections.Whenappliedonskin,itremovesdeadskinwhilealso curing dandruff, rashes and bruises as well. GARLIC Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system. Theseconditionsincludehighbloodpressure,highcholesterol,coronary heartdisease,heartattack,andhardeningofthearteries (atherosclerosis).Someoftheseusesaresupportedbyscience.Garlic actuallymaybeeffectiveinslowingthedevelopmentofatherosclerosis and seems to be able to modestly reduce blood pressure. Somepeopleusegarlictopreventcoloncancer,rectalcancer,stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. It is also used to treat prostate cancer and bladder cancer. Garlichasbeentriedfortreatinganenlargedprostate(benignprostatic hyperplasia;BPH),diabetes,osteoarthritis,hayfever(allergicrhinitis), traveller'sdiarrhoea,highbloodpressurelateinpregnancy(pre-eclampsia), cold and flu.It is alsoused for building the immune system, preventingtickbites,andpreventingandtreatingbacterialandfungal infections. [11] Garlic is an herb. It is best known as a flavoringforfood.Butovertheyears, garlichasbeenusedasamedicineto preventortreatawiderangeof diseasesandconditions.Thefresh cloveorsupplementsmadefromthe clove are used for medicine. Otherusesincludetreatmentoffever,coughs,headache,stomachache, sinuscongestion,gout,rheumatism,haemorrhoids,asthma,bronchitis, shortnessofbreath,lowbloodpressure,lowbloodsugar,highblood sugar, and snakebites. It is also used for fighting stress and fatigue, and maintaining healthy liver function. Some people apply garlic oil to their skin to treat fungal infections, warts, and corns. There is some evidence supporting the topical use of garlic for fungalinfectionslikeringworm,jockitch,andathletesfoot;butthe effectiveness of garlic against warts and corns is still uncertain. Thereisalotofvariationamonggarlicproductssoldformedicinal purposes.Theamountofallicin,theactiveingredientandthesourceof garlics distinctive odour, depends on the method of preparation. Allicin is unstable,andchangesintoadifferentchemicalratherquickly.Some manufacturerstakeadvantageofthisbyaginggarlictomakeit odourless.Unfortunately,thisalsoreducestheamountofallicinand compromisestheeffectivenessoftheproduct.Someodourlessgarlic preparations and products may contain very little, if any, allicin. Methods that involve crushing the fresh clove release more allicin. Some products haveacoating(entericcoating)toprotectthemagainstattackby stomach acids. Whilegarlicisacommonflavouringinfood,somescientistshave suggestedthatitmighthavearoleasafoodadditivetopreventfood poisoning.Thereissomeevidencethatfreshgarlic,butnotagedgarlic, can kill certain bacteria such as E. coli, antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis in the laboratory. HOW DOES IT WORK? Garlicproducesachemicalcalledallicin.Thisiswhatseemstomake garlicworkforcertainconditions.Allicinalsomakesgarlicsmell.Some productsaremadeodourlessbyagingthegarlic,butthisprocesscan alsomakethegarliclesseffective.Itsagoodideatolookfor supplements that are coated (enteric coating) so they will dissolve in the intestine and not in the stomach. [12] GINGER The medicinal uses of ginger have been known for at least 2,000 years in culturesallaroundtheworld.AlthoughitoriginatedinAsia,gingeris valuedinIndia,theMiddleEast,Africa,andtheCaribbean,amongother regions. Themostcommonlyusedmedicinalpartoftheplantistherhizome,the root-like stem that grows underground. It's a rich source of antioxidants includinggingerols,shogaols,zingerones,andmore.Gingeractuallyhas broad-spectrumantibacterial,antiviral,antioxidant,andanti-parasitic properties,tonamejustseveralofitsmorethan40pharmacological actions. GingerHasAnti-InflammatoryPropertiesThatMayRivalNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Forinstance,ginger(likemanynaturalplantcompounds)isanti-inflammatory,whichmakesitavaluabletoolforpainrelief.In2001, researchshowedthat gingeroil helpedreducekneepaininpeoplewith osteoarthritis. In2013,astudyalsofoundthatwomenathletestakingthreegramsof ginger or cinnamon daily (that's less than one teaspoon) had a significant decreaseinmusclesoreness.3 Gingerhasevenbeenfoundtobeas effective as ibuprofen in relieving pain from menstrual cramps in women. Thepain-relievingpotentialofgingerappearstobefar-reaching.Along with help for muscle and joint pain, ginger has been found to reduce the severityofmigraineheadachesaswellasthemigrainemedication Sumatriptan with fewer side effects.

[13] Gingerhasbroad-spectrum antibacterial,antiviral,antioxidant, and anti-parasitic properties, to name justseveralofitsmorethan40 pharmacological actions. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, making it valuableforpainreliefforjointpain, menstrual pain, headaches, and more. Anotherrecentstudy,whichwaspresentedattheAmericanThoracic Society International Conference, found that adding ginger compounds to isoproterenol,atypeofasthmamedicationcalledabeta-agonist, enhanceditsbronchodilatingeffects.Because gingerenhances bronchodilation,itmayprovideamuchsaferalternative,oratleast complement, to current asthma medications on the market. GINGER SHOWS PROMISE AS A CANCER AND DIABETES FIGHTER Ginger'santi-inflammatorypropertiesnodoubtmakeitbeneficialfor manychronicinflammatorydiseasesincludingcancer.Indeed,research published in the British Journal of Nutrition has demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of ginger, suggesting it may be effective in the management of prostate cancer. Otherresearchshowsithasanti-tumouractivitythatmayhelpdefeat difficult-to-treattypesofcancer,includinglung,ovarian,colon,breast, skin, and pancreatic. Furthermore, because ginger helps prevent the toxic effectsofmanysubstances(includingcancerdrugs),it maybeuseful to take in addition to conventional cancer treatments.Asfordiabetes,gingerappearstobeusefulbothpreventivelyand therapeuticallyviaeffectsoninsulinreleaseandaction,andimproved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Accordingtoonecomprehensivereview,aclinicaltrialthatwas performed found that after consuming three grams of dry ginger powder for30days,diabeticparticipantshadasignificantreductioninblood glucose,triglyceride,totalcholesterol,andLDLcholesterol. It'sthought that ginger has a positive effect on diabetes because it: Inhibits enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism Increases insulin release and sensitivity Improves lipid profiles Ginger also has also been established to have a protectiveeffect against diabetescomplications,includingofferingprotectiontothediabetic's liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and eyes. [14] The Power of Ginger for Nausea, Motion Sickness, and Digestive Upset Noarticleaboutgingerwouldbecompletewithouthighlightingits wonderful use for digestive upsets. It is one of the best natural remedies ifyoustrugglewithmotionsicknessornausea(frompregnancyor chemotherapy, for example), ginger should be a staple in your diet.GINGER RESEARCH Taking one gram of ginger daily may help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnantwomen,andgingerhasbeenshowntoworkbetterthana placebo in relieving morning sickness Dailygingersupplementationreducestheseverityofchemotherapy-induced nausea Ginger may help reduce vomiting and other symptoms of motion sickness. Gingerisalsoamust-haveifyoustrugglewithindigestion,anditdoes more than simply relieve pain. Ginger helps to stimulate the emptying of yourstomachwithoutanynegativeeffects, andit'sanantispasmodic agent,whichmayexplainitsbeneficialeffectsonyourintestinaltract. Additionally,gingerinhibitsH.pylori,whichmayhelppreventulcers, while also protecting gastric mucosa.HEALTHY HEART AND WEIGHT LOSSWhat else is ginger good for? Ginger is a metabolism boosting substance thatmaytemporarilyincreasethermogenesisinyourbody,whereyour body burns stored up fat to create heat, with beneficial impacts on overall metabolismandfatstorage.Researchsuggeststhatconsuming thermogenic ingredients like ginger may boost your metabolism by up to 5 percent, and increase fat burning by up to 16 percent. Gingermayevenhelpcounteractthedecreaseinmetabolicratethat oftenoccursduringweightloss.Thissuggestsgingermaybeusefulfor weightloss,andthat'snotall.Accordingtoresearchcompiledby GreenMedInfo, ginger may also be useful for: Ginger Tea, Fresh Ginger, or Extract. [15] OTHER WAYS TO USE GINGER Thisdependsonwhatyou'reusingthegingerfor.Ifyouhaveaserious issue, work with an experienced natural health practitioner who can guide youonproperdosagesandforms.Forthemostpotentmedicinal properties,gingerextractmaybenecessary,althoughthereisalso therapeutic benefit from fresh or even dried ginger. Manypeopleenjoygingerteaonaregularbasis,andthisisoneofthe simplest ways to use it. Simply chop off a couple of inches of ginger root andletitsteepinhotwaterforfreshgingertea.Youcanalsopeelthe root using a paring knife and then slice it thinly (or grate it or mince it) to add to tea or cooked dishes. You can't go wrong by adding ginger to stir fries or even your favourite homemade chicken soup. When left unpeeled, fresh ginger can be stored in your refrigerator for at leastthreeweeksorinyourfreezerforsixmonthsorlonger,makingit incrediblyeasytokeeponhand.Tryexperimentingbyaddingfresh gingerandotherwarmingspices,likecinnamon,toacupofteainthe morning, evening, or after a meal and see if you notice any of the health benefitsI'vejustdescribed.Youcaneventrymixingateaspoonof organicpowderedgingerintoagallonoficedteaforaddedpunchand health potential. Improvingcognitive functioninmiddle-aged women Protectingagainst respiratory virusesReducing vertigo Enhancingfatdigestion and absorption Protectingagainsttoxic effectsofenvironmental chemicals,suchas parabens Helpingpreventheart attacks Relievingarthritispain as well as Indomethacin, ananti-inflammatory drugcommonlyusedto treat it Preventingandtreating nonalcoholicfattyliver disease (NAFLD)Drug-resistantbacterial and fungal infections Reducingdamageand memorylossassociated with small stroke Protectingagainstthe DNA-damaging effects of radiation exposure Fightingbacterial diarrhoea [16] ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL ANTISEPTICIsopropyl alcohol is often employed as an antiseptic, and you have likely hadadoctoruseittoswabyourskinbeforeinjectionstokillsurface bacteria.Itisusedtocleanminorcutsandabrasions,andtokillany bacteria that might be in the area in order to prevent bacterial growth. Astringent Astringentsaresubstancesthatcanshrinkortightenyourbodytissues, liketheporesinyourskin,whentheyareappliedtopically.Isopropyl alcoholactsasanastringentandisoftenusedinskintonnersand tightening formulas along with other astringents like witch hazel. It helps to give your skin a smoother look and make pores less visible. Astringents also help to stop bleeding in minor cuts and scrapes by tightening up the capillaries that are losing blood. [17] MEDICAL MARVELSIsopropyl alcohol, more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, has a number of applications healthcare.Inthecaseofpreventing mosquito,insectsbitesandcoldsores, dabbing a little rubbing alcohol onto affected areas will dry out the areas, prevents insects bites,getridoffruitflies,relieveitchiness and reduce the cold sore. WARNING Isopropylalcoholknownasrubbingalcohol ismixedwithpoison(oftenMethanol)and bitter-tastingadditivestopreventhuman consumption -- and avoid the taxes and fees of a party beverage. As such, it is considered a"denatured"alcoholicproduct.Infact,it cancausedeathorpermanentinjury(coma, blindness,seizures,vomiting,confusion, slowbreathing,paleorbluishskin)if consumed. Liniment for Muscle Aches Alinimentisaliquidthatcanberubbedoverthesurfaceofaching musclesorpainfuljointstohelpreducepainandswelling.Accordingto theColumbiaOnlineEncyclopaedia,alcoholisaneffectiveliniment becauseitactsasaminorirritanttotheskinincreasingcirculationand bloodflowtothearea.Thisincreasedcirculationhelpstoeasepainand inflammation. ALOE VERA, ALOE, SABILA IrecommendyoudooneormoreplantsAloeVeraandthatecological Cultivate at home. It's simple; you do not even need to "good hand" with plants.Itisveryresistantandcanbewithoutmajorrequirements. Preferably use a clay pot without glaze, and has good drainage. You need direct sun and it grows well in temperatures between 18 and 25 C. Whencuttingtheleavesorstalksoftheplant,choosethosemost external. It isalways better tocut a whole stalk and place the party not to use in the refrigerator, it better than cutting a piece of stalk or leaf and leave the remaining on the ground. Medicinal properties of Aloe Vera or Aloe: It contains vitamins A, group B, C, mucilage, minerals, tannins, oils, (oleic and linoleum) fatty acids, amino acids, It has the ability to regenerate skin cells It restores digestive disorderIt has purifying effect[18] MedicinalpropertiesandusesofAloe Vera, Aloe or Sabila. TheAloeVeraorSabila(Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a perennial plant belonging to the lily family. When we talk about the properties and usesofaloevera,alwayskeepingin mindthatwetalkabouttheplant,not ofanycommercialpreparation.All home remedies, elaborations, etc. they havetoperformwiththegelextract from the leaves of plants.

Promotes regeneration of internal tissues Eliminates fungi and viruses Regenerates skin cells It has analgesic properties Protects the immune system It has anti-inflammatory effects Besideshavingmanybeneficialpropertiesforourhealth,AloeVerais abletoabsorbtoxicelementsderivedfromPVCmaterials,paints, enamels, etc. NEEM Neem has two closely related species: A. indica A. Juss and M. azedarac, the former is popularly known as Indian Neem (Margosa Tree) orIndian Lilac, and the other as the Persian lilac. Neem has been extensively used inayurveda,unaniandhomoeopathicmedicine.TheSanskritnameof NeemtreeisArishthameaning'relieverofsickness'andhenceis consideredasSarbaroganibarini.Thetreeisstillregardedas'village dispensary'inIndia.TheimportanceoftheNeemtreehasbeen recognized by US National Academy of Sciences, which published a report in 1992 entitled 'Neem a tree for solving global problems'. Morethan135compoundshavebeenisolatedfromdifferentpartsof Neem and several reviews have also been published on the chemistry and structural diversity of these compounds. [19] Forthousandsofyearsthebeneficial propertiesofNeem(AzadirachtaIndica A.Juss)havebeenrecognizedinthe Indiantradition.Eachpartoftheneem treehassomemedicinalproperty. Biswasetal(2002)haverecently reviewedthebiologicalactivitiessome oftheNeemcompounds, pharmacologicalactionsoftheNeem extracts,clinicalstudyandplausible medicinalapplicationsofNeemalong with their safety evaluation. Thecompoundshavebeendividedintotwomajorclasses:isoprenoids (like diterpenoids and triterpenoids containing protomeliacins, limonoids, azadirone and its derivatives, gedunin and its derivatives, vilasinin type of compoundsandC-secomeliacinssuchasnimbin,salanin,azadirachtinand non-isoprenoids, which are proteins (amino acids) and carbohydrates (polysaccharides),sulphurouscompounds,polyphenolicssuchas flavonoidsandtheirglycosides,dihydrochalcone,coumarinandtannins, aliphatic compounds, etc. BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SOME NEEM COMPOUNDS Nimbidin,amajorcrudebitterprincipleextractedfromtheoilofseed kernelsofA.indicademonstratedseveralbiologicalactivities.Fromthis crudeprinciplesometetranortriterpenes,includingnimbin,nimbinin, nimbidinin, nimbolide and nimbidic acid have been isolated. BIOLOGICAL USAGES OF NEEM COMPOUNDSAnti-inflammatory;Antiarthritic;Antipyretic;Hypoglycaemic;Antigastric ulcer;Spermicidal;Antifungal;Antibacterial;Diuretic;Antimalarial; Antitumour; Immunomodulatory etc. MEDICAL USESVariouspartsoftheneemtreehavebeenusedastraditionalAyurvedic medicineinIndia.Neemoilandthebarkandleafextractshavebeen therapeuticallyusedasfolkmedicinetocontrolleprosy,intestinal helminthiasis,respiratorydisorders,andconstipation,alsoasageneral healthpromoter.Itsuseforthetreatmentofrheumatism,chronic syphiliticsoresandindolentulcerhasalsobeenevident.NeemOilfinds usetocontrolvariousskininfections.Bark,leaf,root,flowerandfruit togethercurebloodmorbidity,biliaryafflictions,itching,skinulcers, burning sensations and phthisis. IMMUNOSTIMULANT ACTIVITYTheaqueousextractofNeembarkandleafalsopossesses anticomplement and immunostimulant activity. Neem Oil has been shown topossessactivitybyselectivelyactivatingthecell-mediatedimmune mechanismstoelicitanenhancedresponsetosubsequentmitogenicor antigenic challenge. [20] HYPOGLYCAEMIC ACTIVITYAqueous extract of Neem leaves significantly decreases blood sugar level andpreventsadrenalineaswellasglucose-inducedhyperglycaemia. Recently,hypoglycaemiceffectwasobservedwithleafextractandseed oil, in normal as well as alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. ANTIULCER EFFECTNeemleafandbarkaqueousextractsproducehighlypotentantiacid secretory and antiulcer activity. ANTIFERTILITY EFFECTIntra-vaginalapplicationofNeemOil,priortocoitus,canprevent pregnancy. It could be a novel method of contraception. ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITYNeemSeedandLeafExtractsareeffectiveagainstbothchoroquin-resistant and sensitive strain malarial parasites. ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITYExtracts of Neem Leaf, Neem Oil Seed kernels are effective against certain fungiincludingTrichophyton,Epidermophyton,MicrosporTrichosporon, Geotricum and Candida. [21] ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITYOilfromtheleaves,seedandbarkpossessesawidespectrumof antibacterialactionagainstGram-negativeandGram-positive microorganisms,includingM.tuberculosisandstreptomycinresistant strains.Invitro,itinhibitsVibriocholeraeKlebsiellapneumoniae,M. tuberculosis and M. pyogenes. Antimicrobial effects of neem extract have been demonstrated against Streptococcus mutans and S. faecalis. ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITYAqueousleafextractoffersantiviralactivityagainstVaccinevirus, Chikungemya and measles virus. ANTICANCER ACTIVITYNeemleafaqueousextracteffectivelysuppressesoralsquamouscell carcinomainducedby7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene(DMBA),as revealedbyreducedincidenceofneoplasm.Neemmayexertits chemopreventiveeffectintheoralmucosabymodulationofglutathione and its metabolizing enzymes. ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITYTheantioxidantactivityofNeemSeedExtracthasbeendemonstratedin vivo during horse- grain germination. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTSVaryingdegreesofcentralnervoussystem(CNS)depressantactivityin micewasobservedwiththeleafextract.Fractionsofacetoneextractof leaf showed significant CNS depressant activity. Possible medicinal applications of Neem NEEM EXTRACTItseffectivetocureringworm,eczemaandscabies.Lotionderivedfrom NeemLeaf,whenlocallyapplied,cancurethesedermatologicaldiseases within3-4daysinacutestageorafortnightinchroniccase.Apaste preparedwithNeemandTurmericwasfoundtobeeffectiveinthe treatment of scabies in nearly 814 people100. NeemLeafExtracthasbeenprescribedfororaluseforthetreatmentof malaria by Indian ayurvedic practitioners from time immemorial.[22] Recently, a clinical trial has been carried out to see the efficacy ofNeem extract tocontrol hyperlipidemia in a group of malarial patients severely infectedwithP.falciparum.Thelipidlevel,especiallycholesterol,was found to be lower during therapy when compared to non-malaria patients. ReportsareavailableregardingtheuseofNeemtotreatpatients sufferingfromvariousformsofcancer.Onepatientwithparotidtumour andanotherwithepidermoidcarcinomahaverespondedsuccessfully when treated with Neem Seed Oi1. NIM-76,arefinedproductfromNeemOil,wasstudiedinhuman volunteers,whereintra-vaginalapplicationbeforesexualintercourse couldpreventpregnancywithnoadverseeffectonvagina,cervixand uterus. The data suggested that intrauterine treatment is safe. Safety evaluation with various parts of Neem and Neem Products Variousstudieshavebeenreportedonthesafetyevaluationofdifferent parts of Neem as well as its various biologically active products. Nimbidinproducessub-acutetoxicityinadultratsafterdaily administrationof25,50or100mg/kgforsixweeks.Asignificant hypoglycaemic effect was observed by feeding nimbidin to fasting rabbits. Nimbidinalsohasspermicidalactivity.Nimbolide,amajorchemical componentofNeemSeedOil,andnimbicacidwerefoundtobetoxicto micewhengivenintravenouslyorintraperitoneally.Theyare,however, less toxic to rats and hamster. Nimbolide and nimbic acid at a lethal dose cause death in most animals by dysfunction of kidney, small intestine and liver as well as by marked and sudden drop of arterial blood pressure. Conclusion ItishearteningtoseethatatraditionalIndianplantmedicinehasnow ledtoseveraltherapeuticallyandindustriallyusefulpreparationsand compounds,whichgeneratesenoughencouragementamongthe scientists in exploring more information about this medicinal plant.As the global scenario is now changing towards the use of nontoxic plant productshavingtraditionalmedicinaluse,developmentofmodemdrugs fromNeemshouldbeemphasizedforthecontrolofvariousdiseases.In fact,timehascometomakegooduseofcenturies-oldknowledgeon Neem through modern approaches of drug development. For the last few years,therehasbeenanincreasingtrendandawarenessinNeem research.[23] Quiteasignificantamountofresearchhasalreadybeencarriedoutduring thepastfewdecadesinexploringthechemistryofdifferentpartsofNeem. An extensive research and development work should be undertaken on Neem and its products for their better economic and therapeutic utilization. VIGENAR Undilutedvinegarcanbeusedeffectivelyforcleaningdentures,and, unlikebleachsolutions,vinegarresiduesleftondenturesarenot associated with mucosal damage. Immediate vinegar application at the site of jellyfish stings is practiced at variouscoastallocationsaroundtheworld,becausevinegardeactivates the nematocysts.Hot-waterimmersionisalsoconsideredfortheinitialtreatmentfor jellyfish envenomation because the venom is deactivated by heat. Vinegarwashesareusedbymidwivesinremote,poorlyresourced locations (eg, Zimbabwe and the Amazon jungle) to screen women for the humanpapillomavirus(HPV)infection.Contactwithaceticacidcauses visualalterationsofthevirallesionspermittingrapiddetectionof infectionwith77%sensitivityandtheoptionofimmediatetreatment with cryotherapy. Vinegarhasbeenusedforthousandsofyears,toflavourandpreserve foods, heal wounds, fight infections, clean surfaces, manage diabetes and is highly valued as a culinary agent.Vinegarwhenuseasacleanerintheformofsprayorcleaninglotionin flies infected locations; will distract flies and most bugs.[24] Anti-infective Properties Theuseofvinegartofightinfectionsandotheracute conditions dates back to Hippocrates (460-377 BC; the fatherofmodernmedicine),whorecommendeda vinegarpreparationforcleaningulcerationsandfor thetreatmentofsores.Oxymel,apopularancient medicinecomposedofhoneyandvinegar,was prescribedforpersistentcoughsbyHippocratesand hiscontemporaries,andbyphysiciansuptomodern day.Theformulationofoxymelwasdetailedinthe BritishPharmacopoeia(1898)andtheGerman Pharmacopoeia(1872),and,accordingtotheFrench Codex(1898),themedicinewaspreparedbymixing virgin honey, 4 parts, with white wine vinegar. HOW RISKY ARE MOSQUITOES BITES? Amosquitobitecanmeanmuchmorethanafewdaysofitching.For somepeople,theycancausesevereallergicreactions.Plus,thereare mosquito-transmittedillnesses,whichcancauseseriousmedical complicationsanddeath,asyouwillreadregardingthefollowing mosquitoes transmitted diseases.MALARIA MALERIA IS PREVENTABLE AND CURABLE Increasedmalariapreventionandcontrolmeasuresaredramatically reducing the malaria burden in many places. Non-immune travellers from malaria-free areas are very vulnerable to the disease when they get infected. According to the latest estimates, released in December 2014, there were about 198 million cases of malaria in 2013 (with an uncertainty range of 124millionto283million)andanestimated584000deaths(withan uncertaintyrangeof367000to755000).Malariamortalityrateshave fallenby47%globallysince2000,andby54%intheWHOAfrican Region. Most deaths occur among children living in Africa where a child dies every minutefrommalaria.MalariamortalityratesamongchildreninAfrica have been reduced by an estimated 58% since 2000. MalariaiscausedbyPlasmodiumparasites.Theparasitesarespreadto peoplethroughthebitesofinfectedAnophelesmosquitoes,called "malaria vectors", which bite mainly between dusk and dawn. [25] KEY FACTSMalariaisalife-threateningdisease causedbyparasitesthataretransmitted topeoplethroughthebitesofinfected mosquitoes. In2013,malariacausedanestimated 584000deaths(withanuncertainty rangeof367000to755000),mostly among African children. There are four parasite species that cause malaria in humans: Plasmodium falciparum Plasmodium vivax Plasmodium malariae Plasmodium ovale. PlasmodiumfalciparumandPlasmodiumvivaxarethemostcommon; where Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly. Inrecentyears,somehumancasesofmalariahavealsooccurredwith Plasmodiumknowlesiaspeciesthatcausesmalariaamongmonkeys and occurs in certain forested areas of South-East Asia. TRANSMISSIONMalariaistransmittedexclusivelythroughthebitesofAnopheles mosquitoes.Theintensityoftransmissiondependsonfactorsrelatedto the parasite, the vector, the human host, and the environment. About20differentAnophelesspeciesarelocallyimportantaroundthe world.Alloftheimportantvectorspeciesbiteatnight.Anopheles mosquitoesbreedinwaterandeachspecieshasitsownbreeding preference;forexamplesomeprefershallowcollectionsoffreshwater, such as puddles, rice fields, and hoof prints. Transmission is more intense in places where the mosquito lifespan is longer (so that the parasite has timetocompleteitsdevelopmentinsidethemosquito)andwhereit preferstobitehumansratherthanotheranimals.Forexample,thelong lifespan and strong human-biting habit of the African vector species is the main reason why about 90% of the world's malaria deaths are in Africa. Transmissionalsodependsonclimaticconditionsthatmayaffectthe number and survival of mosquitoes, such as rainfall patterns, temperature andhumidity.Inmanyplaces,transmissionisseasonal,withthepeak during and just after the rainy season. Malaria epidemics can occur when climate and other conditions suddenly favour transmission in areas where people have little or no immunity to malaria.They can also occur when people with low immunity move into areas with intense malaria transmission, for instance to find work, or as refugees. [26] Humanimmunityisanotherimportantfactor,especiallyamongadultsin areas of moderate or intense transmission conditions. Partial immunity is developedoveryearsofexposure,andwhileitneverprovidescomplete protection, it does reduce the risk that malaria infection will cause severe disease.Forthisreason,mostmalariadeathsinAfricaoccurinyoung children,whereasinareaswithlesstransmissionandlowimmunity,all age groups are at risk. SYMPTOMSMalaria is an acute febrile illness. In a non-immune individual, symptoms appearsevendaysormore(usually1015days)aftertheinfective mosquito bite. The first symptoms fever, headache, chills and vomiting may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. If not treated within 24hours,P.falciparummalariacanprogresstosevereillnessoften leading to death. Children with severe malaria frequently develop one or moreofthefollowingsymptoms: severeanaemia,respiratorydistressin relation to metabolic acidosis, or cerebral malaria. In adults, multi-organ involvementisalsofrequent.Inmalariaendemicareas,personsmay develop partial immunity, allowing asymptomatic infections to occur. ForbothP.vivaxandP.ovale,clinicalrelapsesmayoccurweeksto months after the first infection, even if the patient has left the malarious area.Thesenewepisodesarisefromdormantliverformsknownas hypnozoites(absentin P.falciparumandP.malariae);specialtreatment targeted at these liver stages is required for a complete cure. WHO IS AT RISK? Approximatelyhalfoftheworld'spopulationisatriskofmalaria.Most malariacasesanddeathsoccurinsub-SaharanAfrica.However,Asia, Latin America, and to a lesser extent the Middle East and parts of Europe arealsoaffected.In2014,97countriesandterritorieshadongoing malaria transmission. SPECIAL POPULATION RISK GROUP Youngchildreninstabletransmissionareaswhohavenotyetdeveloped protective immunity against the most severe forms of the disease;Non-immunepregnantwomenasmalariacauseshighratesof miscarriage and can lead to maternal death; [27] Semi-immune pregnant women in areas of high transmission. Malaria can resultinmiscarriageandlowbirthweight,especiallyduringfirstand second pregnancies; Semi-immune HIV-infected pregnant women in stable transmission areas, during all pregnancies. Women with malaria infection of the placenta also have a higher risk of passing HIV infection to their newborns; People with HIV/AIDS; Internationaltravellersfromnon-endemicareasbecausetheylack immunity; Immigrantsfromendemicareasandtheirchildrenlivinginnon-endemic areas and returning to their home countries to visit friends and relatives are similarly at risk because of waning or absent immunity. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTEarlydiagnosisandtreatmentofmalariareducesdiseaseandprevents deaths. It also contributes to reducing malaria transmission. Thebestavailabletreatment,particularlyforP.falciparummalaria,is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). WHO recommends that all cases of suspected malaria be confirmed using parasite-baseddiagnostictesting(eithermicroscopyorrapiddiagnostic test)beforeadministeringtreatment.Resultsofparasitological confirmationcanbeavailablein15minutesorless.Treatmentsolelyon thebasisofsymptomsshouldonlybeconsideredwhenaparasitological diagnosis is not possible. More detailed recommendations are available in the"Guidelinesforthetreatmentofmalaria"(secondedition).An updated edition will be published in 2015. ANTIMALARIA DRUG RESISTANCEResistance to antimalarial medicines is a recurring problem. Resistance of P.falciparumtopreviousgenerationsofmedicines,suchaschloroquine andsulfadoxine-pyrimethamine(SP),becamewidespreadinthe1970s and1980s,underminingmalariacontroleffortsandreversinggainsin child survival. In recent years, parasite resistance to artemisinins has been detected in 5 countriesoftheGreaterMekongsubregion:Cambodia,Laos,Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam.[28] While there are likely many factors that contribute to the emergence and spread of resistance, the use of oral artemisinins alone, as monotherapy, isthoughttobeanimportantdriver.Whentreatedwithanoral artemisinin-basedmonotherapy,patientsmaydiscontinuetreatment prematurelyfollowingtherapiddisappearanceofmalariasymptoms. Theseresultsinincompletetreatment;andsuchpatientsstillhave persistent parasites in their blood. Without a second drug given as part of acombination(asisprovidedwithanACT),theseresistantparasites survive and can be passed on to a mosquito and then another person. Ifresistancetoartemisininsdevelopsandspreadstootherlarge geographical areas, the public health consequences could be dire. WHO recommends the routine monitoring of antimalarial drug resistance, andsupportscountriestostrengthentheireffortsinthisimportantarea of work. Morecomprehensiverecommendationsareavailableinthe"WHOGlobal PlanforArtemisininResistanceContainment(GPARC)",whichwas releasedin2011.ForcountriesintheGreaterMekongsubregion,WHO has issued a regional framework for action titled "Emergency response to artemisinin resistance in the Greater Mekong subregion" in 2013. PREVENTIONVectorcontrolisthemainwaytoreducemalariatransmissionatthe communitylevel.Itistheonlyinterventionthatcanreducemalaria transmission from very high levels to close to zero. For individuals, personal protection against mosquito bites represents the first line of defence for malaria prevention. Twoformsofvectorcontrolareeffectiveinawiderangeof circumstances. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) Long-lastinginsecticidalnets(LLINs)arethepreferredformofITNsfor public health distribution programmes. WHO recommends coverage for all at-risk persons; and in most settings.Themostcosteffectivewaytoachievethisisthroughprovisionoffree LLINs, so that everyone sleeps under a LLIN every night. [29] IINDOOR SPRAYING WITH RESIDUAL INSECTICIDESIndoorresidualspraying(IRS)withinsecticidesisapowerfulwayto rapidly reduce malaria transmission. Its full potential is realized when at least80%ofhousesintargetedareasaresprayed.Indoorsprayingis effective for 36 months, depending on the insecticide used and the type of surface on which it is sprayed. DDT can be effective for 912 months in somecases.Longer-lastingformsofexistingIRSinsecticides,aswellas newclassesofinsecticidesforuseinIRSprogrammes,areunder development. Antimalarial medicines can also be used to prevent malaria. For travellers, malariacanbepreventedthroughchemoprophylaxis,whichsuppresses the blood stage of malaria infections, thereby preventing malaria disease. Inaddition,WHOrecommendsintermittentpreventivetreatmentwith sulfadoxine-pyrimethamineforpregnantwomenlivinginhigh transmissionareas,ateachscheduledantenatalvisitafterthefirst trimester. Similarly, for infants living in high-transmission areas of Africa, 3dosesofintermittentpreventivetreatmentwithsulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended delivered alongside routine vaccinations. In2012,WHOrecommendedSeasonalMalariaChemopreventionasan additionalmalariapreventionstrategyforareasoftheSahelsub-Region ofAfrica.Thestrategyinvolvestheadministrationofmonthlycoursesof amodiaquineplussulfadoxine-pyrimethaminetoallchildrenlessthan5 years of age during the high transmission season. INSECTICDE RESISTANCEMuch of the success to date in controlling malaria is due to vector control.Vectorcontrolishighlydependentontheuseofpyrethroids,whichare the only class of insecticides currently recommended for ITNs or LLINs. In recentyears,mosquitoresistancetopyrethroidshasemergedinmany countries.Insomeareas,resistancetoall4classesofinsecticidesused for public health has been detected. Fortunately, this resistance has only rarely been associated with decreased efficacy, and LLINs and IRS remain highly effective tools in almost all settings. However,countriesinsub-SaharanAfricaandIndiaareofsignificant concern. [30] Thesecountriesarecharacterizedbyhighlevelsofmalariatransmission andwidespreadreportsofinsecticideresistance.Thedevelopmentof new,alternativeinsecticidesisahighpriorityandseveralpromising productsareinthepipeline.Developmentofnewinsecticidesforuseon bed nets is a particular priority. Detectionofinsecticideresistanceshouldbeanessentialcomponentof allnationalmalariacontroleffortstoensurethatthemosteffective vectorcontrolmethodsarebeingused.ThechoiceofinsecticideforIRS shouldalwaysbeinformedbyrecent,localdataonthesusceptibility target vectors. In order to ensure a timely and coordinated global response to the threat ofinsecticideresistance,WHOhasworkedwithawiderangeof stakeholderstodevelopthe"GlobalPlanforInsecticideResistance Managementinmalariavectors"(GPIRM),whichwasreleasedinMay 2012. The GPIRM puts forward a five-pillar strategy calling on the global malaria community to: Planandimplementinsecticideresistancemanagementstrategiesin malaria-endemic countries; Ensureproperandtimelyentomologicalandresistancemonitoring,and effective data management; Develop new and innovative vector control tools; Fillgapsinknowledgeonmechanismsofinsecticideresistanceandthe impact of current insecticide resistance management approaches; and Ensurethatenablingmechanisms(advocacyaswellashumanand financial resources) are in place. SURVEILLANCETrackingprogressisamajorchallengeinmalariacontrol.In2012, malaria surveillance systems detected only around 14% of the estimated globalnumberofcases.Strongermalariasurveillancesystemsare urgentlyneededtoenableatimelyandeffectivemalariaresponsein endemicregions,topreventoutbreaksandresurgences,totrack progress,andtoholdgovernmentsandtheglobalmalariacommunity accountable. [31] ELIMATIONMalariaeliminationisdefinedasinterruptinglocalmosquito-borne malariatransmissioninadefinedgeographicalarea,i.e.zeroincidences oflocallycontractedcases.Malariaeradicationisdefinedasthe permanentreductiontozerooftheworldwideincidenceofmalaria infectioncausedbyaspecificagent;i.e.appliestoaparticularmalaria parasite species. Onthebasisofreportedcasesfor2013,55countriesareontrackto reducetheirmalariacaseincidenceratesby75%,inlinewithWorld Health Assembly targets for 2015. Large-scale use of WHO-recommended strategies,currentlyavailabletools,strongnationalcommitments,and coordinatedeffortswithpartners,willenablemorecountries particularlythosewheremalariatransmissionislowandunstableto reduce their disease burden and progress towards elimination. Inrecentyears,4countrieshavebeencertifiedbytheWHODirector-Generalashavingeliminatedmalaria:UnitedArabEmirates(2007), Morocco (2010), Turkmenistan (2010), and Armenia (2011). VACCINES AGAINST MALARIATherearecurrentlynolicensedvaccinesagainstmalariaoranyother humanparasite.OneresearchvaccineagainstP.Falciparum,knownas RTS,S/AS01,ismostadvanced.Thisvaccinehasbeenevaluatedina largeclinicaltrialin7countriesinAfricaandhasbeensubmittedtothe EuropeanMedicinesAgencyunderart.58forregulatoryreview.AWHO recommendationforusewilldependonthefinalresultsfromthelarge clinicaltrialandapositiveregulatoryreview.Therecommendationas to whetherornotthisvaccineshouldbeaddedtoexistingmalariacontrol tools is expected in late 2015. WHO RESPONSEThe WHO Global Malaria Programme (GMP) is responsible for charting the course for malaria control and elimination through: Setting,communicatingandpromotingtheadoptionofevidence-based norms, standards, policies, technical strategies, and guidelines; Keeping independent score of global progress; Developing approaches for capacity building, systems strengthening, and surveillance; [32] Identifyingthreatstomalariacontrolandeliminationaswellasnew areas for action. GMPservesasthesecretariatfortheMalariaPolicyAdvisoryCommittee (MPAC), a group of 15 global malaria experts appointed following an open nominationprocess.TheMPAC,whichmeetstwiceyearly,provides independentadvicetoWHOtodeveloppolicyrecommendationsforthe controlandeliminationofmalaria.ThemandateofMPACistoprovide strategic advice and technical input, and extends to all aspects of malaria control and elimination, as part of a transparent, responsive and credible policy setting process. Over311millionclinicalcasesofmalariaoccurred,and708,000- 1,003,000peoplediedofmalaria,mostofthemchildreninAfrica. Because malaria causes so much illness and death, the disease is a great drain on many national economies. Since many countries with malaria are alreadyamongthepoorernations,thediseasemaintainsaviciouscycle of disease and poverty. DENGUE DENGUE MOSQUITOESThe Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector that transmits the viruses thatcausedengue.Thevirusesarepassedontohumansthroughthe bitesofaninfectivefemaleAedesmosquito,whichmainlyacquiresthe virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person. Withinthemosquito,thevirusinfectsthemosquitomid-gutand subsequentlyspreadstothesalivaryglandsoveraperiodof8-12days. Afterthisincubationperiod,theviruscanbetransmittedtohumans during subsequent probing or feeding.[33] DengueFever,alsoknownas breakbonefever,isamosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus.Symptomsincludefever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and acharacteristicskinrashthatis similar to measles. The immature stages are found in water-filled habitats, mostly in artificial containers closely associated with human dwellings and often indoors. FlightrangestudiessuggestthatmostfemaleAe.aegyptimayspend theirlifetimeinoraroundthehouseswheretheyemergeasadultsand they usually fly an average of 400 metres. This means that people, rather than mosquitoes, rapidly move the virus within and between communities and places. Dengueinfectionratesarehigheroutdoorsandduringdaytime,when these mosquitoes (Stegomyia) bite most frequently. However; Ae. aegypti breedindoorsandarecapableofbitinganyonethroughouttheday.The indoor habitat is less susceptible to climatic variations and increasesthe mosquitoes longevity. DengueoutbreakshavealsobeenattributedtoAedesalbopictus,Aedes polynesiensisandseveralspeciesoftheAedesscutellariscomplex.Each ofthesespecieshasaparticularecology,behaviourandgeographical distribution. Ae.albopictusisprimarilyaforestspeciesthathasbecomeadaptedto rural, suburban and urban human environments. In recent decades Aedes albopictushasspreadfromAsiatoAfrica,theAmericasandEurope, notablyaidedbytheinternationaltradeinusedtyresinwhicheggsare deposited when they contain rainwater. The eggs can withstand very dry conditions(desiccation)andremainviableformanymonthsinthe absenceofwaterandtheEuropeanstrainofAedesalbopictuscan undergoaperiodofreduceddevelopment(diapause)duringthewinter months. YELLOW FEVER [34] YELLOW FEVER MOSQUITOESKEY FACTSYellowfeverisanacuteviral haemorrhagicdiseasetransmittedby infectedmosquitoes.The"yellow"inthe namereferstothejaundicethataffects some patients. Upto50%ofseverelyaffectedpersonswithouttreatmentwilldiefrom yellow fever. Thereareanestimated200,000casesofyellowfever,causing30,000 deaths, worldwide each year, with 90% occurring in Africa. The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Latin America, with a combined population of over 900 million people. Thenumberofyellowfevercaseshasincreasedoverthepasttwo decades due to declining population immunity to infection, deforestation, urbanization, population movements and climate change. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Treatment is symptomatic, aimed at reducing the symptoms for the comfort of the patient. Vaccinationisthemostimportantpreventivemeasureagainstyellow fever.Thevaccineissafe,affordableandhighlyeffective,andasingle doseofyellowfevervaccineissufficienttoconfersustainedimmunity andlife-longprotectionagainstyellowfeverdiseaseandaboosterdose ofyellowfevervaccineisnotneeded.Thevaccineprovideseffective immunity within 30 days for 99% of persons vaccinated. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSOnce contracted, the virus incubates in the body for 3 to 6 days, followed by infection that can occur in one or two phases. The first, "acute", phase usuallycausesfever,musclepainwithprominentbackache,headache, shivers,lossofappetite,andnauseaorvomiting.Mostpatientsimprove and their symptoms disappear after 3 to 4 days. However,15%ofpatientsenterasecond,moretoxicphasewithin24 hoursoftheinitialremission.Highfeverreturnsandseveralbody systemsareaffected.Thepatientrapidlydevelopsjaundiceand complainsofabdominalpainwithvomiting.Bleedingcanoccurfromthe mouth,nose,eyesorstomach.Oncethishappens,bloodappearsinthe vomitandfaeces.Kidneyfunctiondeteriorates.Halfofthepatientswho enterthetoxicphasediewithin10to14days,therestrecoverwithout significant organ damage. [35] Yellow fever is difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. It canbeconfusedwithseveremalaria,denguehemorrhagicfever, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially the fulminating forms of hepatitis BandD),otherhemorrhagicfevers(Bolivian,Argentine,Venezuelan hemorrhagic fevers and others flavivirus as West Nile, Zika virus etc) and otherdiseases,aswellaspoisoning.Bloodtestscandetectyellowfever antibodiesproducedinresponsetotheinfection.Severalother techniques are used to identify the virus in blood specimens or liver tissue collectedafterdeath.Thesetestsrequirehighlytrainedlaboratorystaff and specialized equipment and materials. POPULATIONS AT RISKForty-fourendemiccountriesinAfricaandLatinAmerica,witha combinedpopulationofover900million,areatrisk.InAfrica,an estimated508millionpeoplelivein31countriesatrisk.Theremaining population at risk are in 13 countries in Latin America, with Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru at greatest risk. AccordingtoWHOestimatesfromtheearly1990s,200,000casesof yellowfever,with30,000deaths,areexpectedgloballyeachyear,with 90% occurring in Africa. A recent analysis of African data sources due to be published later this year, estimates similar figures, but a slightly lower burden of 84,000170,000 severe cases and 29,00060,000 deaths due to yellow fever in Africa for the year 2013. Without vaccination, the burden figures would be much higher. Small numbers of imported cases occur in countries free of yellow fever. Although the disease has never been reported in Asia, the region is at risk because the conditions required for transmission are present there. In the pastcenturies(XVIItoXIX),outbreaksofyellowfeverwerereportedin NorthAmerica(Charleston,NewOrleans,NewYork,Philadelphia,etc) and Europe (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain). TRANSMISSIONTheyellowfevervirusisanarbovirusoftheflavivirusgenus,andthe mosquitoistheprimaryvector.Itcarriesthevirusfromonehostto another, primarily between monkeys, from monkeys to humans, and from person to person. SeveraldifferentspeciesoftheAedesandHaemogogusmosquitoes transmit the virus.[36] Themosquitoeseitherbreedaroundhouses(domestic),inthejungle (wild)orinbothhabitats(semi-domestic).Therearethreetypesof transmission cycles. Sylvatic(orjungle)yellowfever:Intropicalrainforests,yellowfever occursinmonkeysthatareinfectedbywildmosquitoes.Theinfected monkeys then pass the virus to other mosquitoes that feed on them. The infectedmosquitoesbitehumansenteringtheforest,resultingin occasional cases of yellow fever. The majority of infections occur in young men working in the forest (e.g. for logging). Intermediate yellow fever: In humid or semi-humid parts of Africa, small-scale epidemics occur. Semi-domestic mosquitoes (that breed in the wild andaroundhouseholds)infectbothmonkeysandhumans.Increased contactbetweenpeopleandinfectedmosquitoesleadstotransmission. Many separate villages in an area can suffer cases simultaneously. This is themostcommontypeofoutbreakinAfrica.Anoutbreakcanbecomea moresevereepidemiciftheinfectioniscarriedintoanareapopulated with both domestic mosquitoes and unvaccinated people. Urbanyellowfever:Largeepidemicsoccurwheninfectedpeople introducethevirusintodenselypopulatedareaswithahighnumberof non-immune people and Aedes mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes transmit the virus from person to person. TREATMENTThereisnospecifictreatmentforyellowfever,onlysupportivecareto treatdehydration,respiratoryfailureandfever.Associatedbacterial infectionscanbetreatedwithantibiotics.Supportivecaremayimprove outcomesforseriouslyillpatients,butitisrarelyavailableinpoorer areas. PREVENTION-VACCINATIONVaccinationisthesinglemostimportantmeasureforpreventingyellow fever.Inhighriskareaswherevaccinationcoverageislow,prompt recognitionandcontrolofoutbreaksthroughimmunizationiscriticalto preventepidemics.Topreventoutbreaksthroughoutaffectedregions, vaccination coverage must reach at least 60% to 80% of a population at risk.Fewendemiccountriesthatrecentlybenefitedfromapreventive mass vaccination campaign in Africa currently have this level of coverage. [37] Preventivevaccinationcanbeofferedthroughroutineinfant immunizationandone-timemasscampaignstoincreasevaccination coverageincountriesatrisk,aswellasfortravellerstoyellowfever endemicarea.WHOstronglyrecommendsroutineyellowfever vaccination for children in areas at risk for the disease. Theyellowfevervaccineissafeandaffordable,providingeffective immunity against yellow fever within 10 days for 80100% of people and 99%immunitywithin30days.Asingledoseofyellowfevervaccineis sufficienttoconfersustainedimmunityandlife-longprotectionagainst yellowfeverdiseaseandaboosterdoseofyellowfevervaccineisnot needed.Serioussideeffectsareextremelyrare.Seriousadverseevents have been reported rarely following immunization in a few endemic areas and among vaccinated travellers (e.g. in Australia, Brazil, Peru, Togo and the United States of America). Scientists are investigating the causes. Inregardtotheuseofyellowfevervaccineinpeopleover60yearsof age,itisnotedthatwhiletheriskofyellowfevervaccine-associated viscerotropicdiseaseinpeoples60yearsofageishigherthanin youngerages,theoverallriskremainslow.Vaccinationshouldbe administrated after careful risk-benefit assessment, comparing the risk of acquiringyellowfeverdiseaseversustheriskofapotentialserious adverse event following immunization for peoples 60 years of age who havenotbeenpreviouslyvaccinatedandforwhomthevaccineis recommended. Theriskofdeathfromyellowfeverdiseaseisfargreaterthantherisks relatedtothevaccine.Peoplewhoshouldnotrecommendedtobe vaccinated include: Childrenagedlessthan9months(orbetween69monthsduringan epidemic, where the risk of disease is higher than an adverse event of the vaccine); Pregnant women except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of Infection is high; People with severe allergies to egg protein; and PeoplewithsevereimmunodeficiencyduetosymptomaticHIV/AIDSor other causes, or in the presence of a thymus disorder. [38] Travellers, particularly those arriving to Asia from Africa or Latin America musthaveacertificateofyellowfevervaccination.Iftherearemedical grounds for not getting vaccinated, International Health Regulations state that this must be certified by the appropriate authorities. MOSQUITO CONTROLIn some situations, mosquito control is vital until vaccination takes effect. Theriskofyellowfevertransmissioninurbanareascanbereducedby eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites and applying insecticides to waterwheretheydevelopintheirearlieststages.Applicationofspray insecticidestokilladultmosquitoesduringurbanepidemics,combined withemergencyvaccinationcampaigns,canreduceorhaltyellowfever transmission, "buying time" for vaccinated populations to build immunity. Historically,mosquitocontrolcampaignssuccessfullyeliminatedAedes aegypti,theurbanyellowfevervector,frommostmainlandcountriesof CentralandSouthAmerica.However,thismosquitospecieshas re-colonized urban areas in the region and poses a renewed risk of urban yellow fever. Mosquito control programmes targeting wild mosquitoes in forested areas arenotpracticalforpreventingjungle(orsylvatic)yellowfever transmission. EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSEPromptdetectionofyellowfeverandrapidresponse throughemergency vaccinationcampaignsareessentialforcontrollingoutbreaks.However, underreporting is a concern the true number of cases is estimated to be 10 to 250 times what is now being reported. WHOrecommendsthateveryat-riskcountryhaveatleastonenational laboratorywherebasicyellowfeverbloodtestscanbeperformed.One laboratoryconfirmedcaseofyellowfeverinanunvaccinatedpopulation couldbeconsideredanoutbreak,andaconfirmedcaseinanycontext mustbefullyinvestigated,particularlyinanyareawheremostofthe population has been vaccinated.Investigationteamsmustassessandrespondtotheoutbreakwithboth emergency measures and longer-term immunization plans. [39] The Yellow Fever Initiative is a preventive control strategy of vaccination led by WHO and supported by UNICEF and National Governments, with a particularfocusonmosthighendemiccountriesinAfricawherethe diseaseismostprominent.TheInitiativerecommendsincludingyellow fever vaccines in routine infant immunizations (starting at age 9 months), implementing mass vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas for people in all age groups aged 9 months and older, and maintaining surveillance and outbreak response capacity. CAUTION These under-mentioned remedies, natural preventative lotions or creams, should be used with caution, and by no means are cure or prevention for mosquitoes and other insects bites.PeopleshouldconsultwiththePublicHealthAuthoritiesinthelocation they live, visiting or travelling into. Peoplewithsensitiveskinshouldconsulttheirskinspecialistormedical doctor,iftheyfeelanysecondaryreactions;orevenbeforeusingthese simple remedies, natural preventative lotions or creams.Peopleshouldalwaysobtainvaccinationforthesedifferenttypesof diseases and viruses. People should not use these under-mentioned remedies, lotions or creams as a replacement of the required vaccine for diseases and viruses. Peopleshouldatallcostrestrainfromgoingtoinfectedlocations knowingly, without proper medical care. Peopleshouldknowthatinbothanimalsandinsects,thefemalesare deadlier than the male. Peopleshouldrestrainfromgoingtoremotelocationsandthejungle duringmatingseasons,iftheyarenotprofessionalsinthesejungles environments. PeopleshouldcontacttheLocalAuthoritiesforsafetyadviceand permission, before travelling to remote areas and jungles. Peopleshouldbeaccompaniedwithexpertguides,whentravellingto remote and high risk areas. [40] REMEDIES LOTIONS - CREAMS 1 Lime Juice, mixed with Alcohol and Johnson Baby Oil; when rubbed on skin, distract mosquitoes and most insects.2PureGarlicOilwhenrubbedonshoes,bootsandclothes;distract snakes. 3 Garlic Oil mixed with Johnson Baby Oil, when rubbed on skin; distract mosquitoes and most insects. 4GingerOil(Zingiberofficinale)hasawarm,spicyfragrancethatis energizing, when rubbed on skin; distract mosquitoes and most insects.5 Kerosene when rubbed on pants and boots; distract snakes, scorpions and spiders. 6 Neem Oil mixed with Johnson Baby Oil, when rubbed on skin; distract mosquitoes and most insects.7PeppermintOilmixedwithJohnsonBabyOil,whenrubbedonskin; distract mosquitoes and most insects. 8PureLimeJuice,PureGarlicOil,PureGingerOil,PureNeemOiland Pure Peppermint Oil, when apply to the affected areas for ants bites, bee and wasp stings, eliminate the swelling and ease the pain considerable. Treatingbeeandwaspstingsdependsontheirseverity.Themajorityof problems that require medical attention come from an allergic reaction to the sting. In most cases, complications from that reaction respond well to medications -- when given in time. Treatment of Bee and Wasp Stings Removeanystingersimmediatelyandapplyanyofthesenatural products: Pure Lime Juice, Pure Garlic Oil, Pure Ginger Oil, Pure Neem Oil or Pure Peppermint Oil. AsDOCTORSACROSSBORDERS,wearefacewiththesechallenges everyday; and we use all of the mentioned Remedies, Lotions and Creams; most we prepare ourselves.The best of luck, stay healthy and safe. Dr. McYearwood M.M.C [41]