WARM UP:

One Joke: 

What do you call stolen digestive medication? (Answer at bottom)

One Fact: 

The average person produces about two to four pints of spit per day!

One Quote:

“Life is a series of seasons, and what works in one season may not work in the next. What season are you in right now? What habits does that season require?”

– James Clear

One Guess…Name That Disease: (Answer at bottom)

• Description: A serious bacterial infection primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, leading to problems with breathing and swallowing. The bacteria make a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system. A cutaneous subtype also exists but is much less common. Typically spread through respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing but can also be spread from direct contact. Generally quite rare in the United States due to widespread vaccination.

• Signs and Symptoms: Symptoms include general fatigue, sore throat, horsenss. Signs may include swelling of the glands of the neck and a thick, gray membrane (“pseudomembrane”) covering the throat and tonsils, or skin lesions.

• Diagnosis: Usually diagnosed based on clinical grounds. A swab of the throat or open skin lesion can also be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

• Treatment: Antitoxin can be used to stop respiratory infections from damaging the body. Antibiotics used for respiratory and skin infections. Isolation required during the highly infectious stage. In advanced stages can cause serious and even fatal damage to the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Prevention through vaccination is highly effective.

• Prognosis: Even with treatment, about 1 in 10 patients with respiratory disease die. Without treatment, up to half of patients can die from this disease.

HEALTHCARE HEADLINES:

** Did you cure cancer when you were 14 years old? We didn’t either. But this 9th grader from Fairfax, Virginia just won $25,000 for developing a skin cancer treating soap. Pretty impressive!

** Trials for the blockbuster drug Ozempic were stopped early due to convincing evidence of delays in chronic kidney disease progression while on the drug.

** 41 states are suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis, citing the pervasive influence of the company’s knowingly addictive products. In a related story, studies are showing how social media platforms are causing changes to teenagers’ brains.

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WATER COOLER WONDERS…the stuff we found interesting this week:

** Stat: Americans are spending more than ever for Halloween this year, spending $12.2B. How much did you pay for your costume? Check out the top costumes below!

** Record: Size matters. This year’s largest pumpkin was 2,749 pounds, enough to make almost 700 pumpkin pies!

** Photos: See doggies all dressed up at this year’s New York City Halloween dog parade!

MONDAY FUNDAY:

Need more Halloween humor in your life? Laugh with Yamaneika Saunders, John Early, and Taylor Tomlinson as they discuss Hocus Pocus, fall sweaters, and more:

THANKS FOR READING!

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Joke Answer: Klepto-Bismol

Disease Answer:  Diphtheria