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Between bed bugs, flu viruses and the risk of pulmonary embolism, taking a flight can feel like navigating a minefield. The good news is, there are lots of ways to keep yourself healthy.
All you have to do is wash your hands prior to touching your face and also before you eat or drink anything," said Philip M. Tierno Jr., the director of clinical microbiology and immunology at N.Y.U. Langone Medical Center and the author of "The Secret Life of Germs." Liberal use of hand sanitizers or disinfectant wipes can also help ward off disease, he said. But other than surgical face masks, which he said might offer some protection against catching a cold from a hacking seatmate, he dismissed most of the products being marketed to travelers as "ineffective" or "inefficient." For instance, while purifying the air with ions can help reduce airborne pollutants, he said, it can't protect you from catching a cold. "All the passenger next to you has to do is sneeze, and you're done," he said.
Maintaining good health during pregnancy is one of the surest ways mothers can protect their developing babies’ well-being. A new study suggests that adequate levels of vitamin D could be one such protective factor.
Since November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received 900 complaints of pet illnesses and deaths from owners and vets stemming from China-made chicken jerky dog treats. See the full story on our companion blog NewsFeed.
