protect

The 13 keys to ‘Plan Mexico’, Mexico’s strategy to protect itself from China and wink at Trump

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“Continue making Mexico the best country in the world.” That is the ambitious objective of Claudia Sheinbaum, current president of Mexico, who will face a complicated panorama in the coming weeks due to the tariff plans of a Donald Trump who has entered the White House stomping. And to achieve that goal, Sheinbaum has presented his government’s 13 goals to reduce poverty and inequality, while turning the country into an attractive destination for investors. Mexico Plan. On January 13, Sheinbaum advertisement to the nation that “Mexico has a plan and is united forward.” He commented that there is a portfolio of intention of national and foreign investments and that, to attract all possible capital, they have created 13 goals to continue developing the country. These points of the Mexico Plan are the following: Go from the 12th economy to the tenth in the world. Raise the proportion of investment to GDP, above 25%. Generate 1.5 million jobs. 50% of what is consumed in the country are products “made in Mexico” in the textile, footwear, furniture and toys sectors. Increase national content by 15%. 50% of public purchases will be of national production. Vaccines made in Mexico thanks to advanced biotechnology programs. Going from 2.5 years to one year the time it takes to process a new business, also with the requirements for this reduced by 50%. Increase 150,000 additional professionals and technicians annually to those already generated. Business environmental sustainability. 30% of SMEs with access to financing from both private and government banks. Be one of the five most visited countries worldwide. Reduce poverty and inequality. Billionaire. One of the legs on which Plan Mexico will be based is to attract investments. According to the Government, nearly 2,000 projects are being contemplated by companies seeking to establish themselves in the country, which implies national and foreign investments of 277,000 million dollars. “Made in Mexico”. Something that is mentioned several times in the plan is the concept of “made in Mexico”, and as we see in BBCit is something that has every intention. One of the main focuses of this strategy is to return to manufacturing elements in Mexico to develop an industry that has been left aside. For example, prioritizing the textile sector that had been relegated to what Mexico imported, mainly from countries like China. Over the last decades, the country stopped producing what it consumed to import it from Asia and Rogelio Ramírez, Secretary of the Treasury, declared that “10% of exports currently have Mexico as a destination.” Playing both sides. Ramírez commented that “this loss of participation cost us, especially Mexico and the United States, a lot of industry and loss of activity. “Entire sectors were lost.” This is why a plan that favors the national business fabric can benefit both Mexico and its main trading partner, the United States. In the Government document it was specified that China had cornered the international industry and that the objective was to make Mexico recover the lost ground. Ramírez explained that, if replace 10% of China’s exports to North America with Mexican products, the country’s GDP would increase by 1.2%, that of the United States by 0.8% and that of Canada by 0.2%. The problem is that Mexico and China have been strengthening their relations for years. So much so that Trade between both countries skyrocketed during 2024turning Mexico into the gateway for Chinese products to the United States and, therefore, the Asian giant as a valuable trading partner. An example is companies electric cars like JAC or SEV, which have already announced million-dollar investments to open factories in Mexico. AND BYD is also very clear that, to enter the US market, they need to make the leap to Mexico. “No recipe for Donald Trump”. Despite Trump’s threats, Mexico can be crowned as an important US trading partner to get rid of China. We will see what happens with the protectionist policies that the new American president has promised during his campaign, since they may not have been just lip service. The reason is that Trump has no expectations of re-election, so he can go in with everything, giving free rein to his most aggressive ideas and policies. He has threatened Mexico on several occasions, as well as Canada, and Carlos Pérez Ricart, from the Center for Economic Research and Teaching, believes that “there is no recipe or adequate response for Donald Trump. Nobody has the key here and there is so much uncertainty in terms of rates and interventionism that there is nothing clear that can be planned.” What is evident is that Sheinbaum is clear that, coinciding with the arrival of the new president of the United States, citizens should know that there is a plan B in the medium and long term. We will see if it is enough and to what extent the promised US protectionism affects Mexico. Images | White House, Aeneas of Troy In Xataka | China and the US want the same territory in South America. China has offered an ambitious project, Trump will enter by force

The medicinal plant that helps protect the liver naturally

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Among the variety of recommended products or foods to protect the livernaturally, the licorice It is perhaps one of the least mentioned. And for the vast majority, this element, member of the family of the Fabáceas cultivated in the north of Africa, Eastern Europe and southern as well as Tropical Asia And temperate, it is related to the candy industry. However, and according to various investigations, the licorice has a series of properties anti -inflammatory, Antioxidants and expectorantswhich makes it a beneficial food to relieve the Immune system, digestive And, in large part, the liver. Muelize has benefits on the digestive and immune system. Credit: Gate74 | Pixabay What benefits does the licorice have in the liver? He licoriceaccording to studies, has the ability to help in the function hepatic because it is able to eliminate, in a simple way, the accumulated toxic substances within the liver. Similarly, the sweet juices of the licorice They have a balancing, attenuator effect that provides a sedative action on the liverprotecting it from other discomforts and damage caused by poor diet or other factors. In addition to all of the above, the licorice It also has a series of properties that help reduce Body temperature since it fights dehydration and heat blows. It also grants a great barrier to avoid the entry of various microorganisms, so it is extremely recommended to strengthen the Immune system. He licorice It also has important benefits on the digestive system, since it is an anti -inflammatory, anti -anti -stomach and antispasmodic herb, it can prevent the stomach heaviness, Avoid indigestion and reduce flatulence. According to other studies, the consumption of licorice It also has direct benefits on other diseases such as depressionsince it provides a large amount of nutrients that act efficiently in the nervous system. The licorice helps reduce the inflammation of the oral, stomach and intestinal mucosa. Credit: Gokalp Iscan | Pixabay Even, and as revealed by smokerschew root of licorice It can be a good way to leave the cigar in the short term. He licorice can also help: Reduce inflammation of the oral, stomach and intestinal mucosa Reduce nausea and vomiting Calm conjunctivitis and eye discomfort Help regulate blood glucose levels Continue reading: Best home remedies for throat pain, according to experts The benefits of tea What to eat according to the blood type diet (tagstotranslate) liver

United Kingdom will display the “Frankenstein” of the electronic war to protect its submarine cables: the P8 Poseidon

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It We count yesterday. The decision of the British Secretary of Defense, John Healey, of Authorize the appearance of a nuclear submarine Near the Russian “spy ship” has caught attention, not only because of the action itself, but for the subsequent public revelation in the House of Commons. Healey justified the maneuver as a “deterrence of deterrence” accusing Russia of spying on the submarine cables that connect to the nation with the world. The tension has not been there. The United Kingdom is going to stage one of the “bombs” of the electronic war. The answer and an operation. In response to the growing threat of underwater espionage that has occurred in the Baltic and In British watersUnited Kingdom launched in early January Nordic Warden operationin collaboration with the Nordic and Baltic countries. Its objective: monitor suspicious vessels in 22 areas of the Canal de la Mancha, the Kattegat Strait and the northern and Baltic seas. In addition, IA will be implemented to identify objectives and coordinate responses between participating countries to suspicious activities. It happens that, despite these measures, the activity of the Russian Yantar has not ceased. As we explain yesterday, The ship crossed the La Mancha channel without stoppingwhich led Healy to publicly reveal the incident of November and this week, probably with the intention of sending a message to Moscow. Poseidon on stage. With Regarding Nordic Wardenthe British Ministry of Defense has confirmed that will provide a series of very particular maritime patrol aircraft: the P-8 Poseidon Next to RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft for the operation. The P-8, developed by Boeing from the 737 commercial planeit becomes the “Frankenstein” of the electronic war for its own hybrid characteristics. We are facing An extremely versatile platformone designed for the anti -submarine war (ASW), anti -surface war (ASUW) and intelligence, surveillance and recognition (ISR). The P-8 is equipped with sophisticated sensors, such as latest technology sounds, synthetic opening radar, electronic intelligence systems and network data link capabilities. You can display torpedoes, anti -bursh missiles and Sonoboyas For the detection of submarines, in addition to operating in prolonged missions thanks to its great autonomy and flight replenishment systems. Used by the United States Navy, the United Kingdom has nine of these aircraft, operated from the base of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Lossiemouth, Scotland. But there is more. The operation also includes other maritime resources, such as naval frogs and dronesall in order to monitor and protect the critical underwater infrastructure that experts consider highly vulnerable to sabotage. Political messages and military muscle. No doubt, the Revelation of these underwater operationstraditionally maintained secret, suggests an effort (now British, Before Finland) for projecting a firmer posture. This type of military diplomacy remembers similar events, such as Appearance of the Uss Tennessee Balistic Missile Submarine in the Norway Sea In June last year, in response to Russian submarine display Kazan in Cuba. In this regard, experts such as Jonathan Bentham, of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, describe the surface appearance of the British Astute HMS as “a demonstration of strength”reflecting a change in Royal Navy’s strategy to adopt a more proactive approach. Finally, it is also framed in the context of The growing rhetoric between London and Moscow, intensified after the arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States. Perspectives and possible scenarios. The Guardian told This morning that the effectiveness of this British strategy is still to be seen, especially given Russian interest in imposing costs to the West for his support for Ukraine. In this sense, the true test will lie in itself new attacks on critical underwater infrastructure in the coming weeks. Although direct war with Russia does not seem imminent, The lines between conflict and espionage are becoming more diffusegenerating an increasingly unstable situation. If you want also, it is a reflection of how geopolitics operates in the military field. The presence of submarines, calesubmarine and spy ships in strategic waters, is not only a matter of security, but also of political messages and deterrence to avoid any contest. One thing seems more or less clear: the current tension suggests that the next incidents in the sea will determine to what extent the British posture and the rest of the nations that continue to dissuade future Russian provocations. Image | aceebee In Xataka | A British nuclear submarine has discovered a Russian ship in front of its submarine cables. The second time in three months In Xataka | Research on submarine cables cut in the Baltic has taken a turn: it was not Russia, it was inexperience

12 beautiful and simple hairstyles with which to protect your hair on rainy days

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Rain can be our hair’s worst enemy, especially if we are prone to frizz. But don’t worry, there is the perfect solution for this problem. We present to you 12 super easy and quick hairstyleswhich you can do in the blink of an eye, with which protect your hair from humidity and look spectacular even on the rainiest days. From classic ponytails to simple hairstyles with different accessories, the styling possibilities are endless and suit everyone. fashionable haircuts. With the options that we will show you below, you can enjoy the rain without worrying about the frizz of your hair. You will discover that the rain can no longer be an obstacle to showing off impeccable and stylish hairstyles on the grayest days. 112 © Getty Images All kinds of pigtails Let’s start with the ponytail, a timeless classicit is an infallible option for any occasion. Whether high and polished, or low and casualthis style is perfect for keeping your hair at bay from the rain. Its versatility makes it A hairstyle that never goes out of style and adapts to any type of hair. Plus, it’s very easy to make and will only take you a few minutes. 212 © Getty Images ‘Wet look’ If you have a little more time to dedicate to your hairstyle, the wet effect or wet look It is an excellent option for rainy days. This style, in addition to providingr extra hold that will keep your hair in place and prevent the dreaded frizzwill give you a sophisticated and modern look. It is perfect for creating a polished and elegant lookideal for special occasions or simply to feel more confident. 312 © Getty Images Bun with clip Are you looking for a hairstyle that will get you out of any trouble in a matter of seconds? With a simple clip, you can collect your hair in an instant and get a casual and stylish look. This hairstyle is perfect for those days when you don’t have much timebut you want to look put together. In addition, it is ideal for keeping your hair under control on very rainy or windy days. 412 © Getty Images with a handkerchief Always carry a scarf in your bag. This small accessory can become your best ally on rainy days. With a simple gesture, you can cover your hair and protect it from humidityavoiding the frizz and keeping your hairstyle intact. Besides, will allow you to create original looks full of personalitywhether tied as a turban, as a headband or simply as a complement to your ponytail. 512 © Getty Images Special for curly hair If you have curly hair, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with. frizzespecially on rainy days. Therefore, a carefree bun can become your best ally to keep your curls at bay and look spectacular even on those days. This hairstyle not only will help you control frizzbut it will also give you a look chic and casual that will make you feel comfortable and safe. 612 © Getty Images Choose a braid Braids are another lifesaver on days when the weather is not good. Whether it is a classic, a herringbone, a French or a four-plythe options are endless. These hairstyles not only They protect your hair from humidity and frizzbut they also allow you to create varied and sophisticated looks. Choose the type of braid that you like the most and adapt your hairstyle to any occasion. 712 © Getty Images Semi-updo with bun The top part of our hair is usually the most affected by humidity and rainwhich causes annoying frizz. A semi-updo will allow you to keep the upper area of ​​your hair under control and avoid the frizz. Gather the front and top of your hair into a small casual bun.leaving the rest of the hair loose. 812 © Getty Images Bubble ponytail If you have a special occasion and the weather is not good, the ponytail bubble It is the perfect solution. This hairstyle will give you a sophisticated and fun look.either at the same time. You can personalize it with colored bows, hairpins with rhinestones or gold accessories for an even more glamorous touch. A versatile option that you can adapt to any style and that will make you stand out. 912 © Getty Images Ribbons and headbands If you bother them baby hair They are your worst nightmare on rainy days, a hairband or headband can be your salvation. These accessories will not only help you keep your hair in place, but will also add a chic and sophisticated touch to your look. By gathering unruly strands around your face, you’ll prevent them from frizzing and give yourself a more polished and elegant look. 1012 © Getty Images ‘Clean look’ a bun clean lookwith its impeccable and long-lasting finish, is another solution for your hair on these types of days. This hairstyle, characterized by its polished and stylized appearance, ensures you an unmatched fixation that will last for hours and hours without moving. A look that not only protects you from frizz and humidity, but also gives you a sophisticated and elegant look, Perfect for everyday use or for a more special event. 1112 © Getty Images Fix your hair with clips If you prefer to wear your hair down, You will like the idea of ​​using tweezers. You can create original and fun looks fixing strands strategically to avoid frizz. Play with different colors and textures of tweezers. Use just one for a subtle touch or several for a more striking effect. In addition to controlling your hair, these accessories will add a personal and modern touch to your hairstyle. 1212 © Getty Images Foam waves If what you want is to show off defined and long-lasting waves that resist humidityAfter showering, apply a generous amount of foam on your damp hair and dry with a diffuser. This method will help you enhance your natural curls or create soft, textured … Read more

Pregnant mothers and organizations demand to protect citizenship by birthright

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On the first day of his second term as president, Donald Trump signed a series of decrees and in particularthe immigration environment captured the spotlight, after one of those decrees, called “Protecting the meaning and value of American citizenship,” aims to redefine birthright citizenship, the process that guarantees all born In the United States you automatically obtain citizenship, but this is not the case for the children of immigrants. Given the controversial decision, a group of Democratic Party governors took one of the measures applied by the president to court on his first day, but they were not the only ones to raise their voices, as five pregnant mothers and the organizations CASA and the Project of Asylum Seekers (ASAP) filed a lawsuit in response to the issuance of the Executive Order. Through a joint statement, The lawsuit charges that it is intended to end the constitutional right of birthright citizenship explicitly provided for in the Fourteenth Amendment. That lawsuit was filed in the District of Maryland and is being litigated by ASAP, CASA, and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law School. What does the order signed by Trump say? As detailed by the White House itself, “The 14th Amendment has never been interpreted as a universal extension of citizenship to all persons born in the United States… has always excluded from birthright citizenship persons who were born in the United States but (who) are not ‘subject to its jurisdiction.’” In that sense, The Federal Government establishes that children of undocumented immigrants are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and, therefore, should not be considered citizens. Demands from the womb “When I fled persecution in my country, I found a new home in the United States and I am proud of the life my husband and I have built in this country over the past six years,” said Monica, a pregnant mother and ASAP member. , asylum seeker and plaintiff named in the lawsuit. “I am shocked that the government does not want my American-born son to have American citizenship. I am afraid for my son and for our family, especially since we cannot return to our country or get our son another citizenship; “I don’t know what we will do,” he continued. Another plaintiff is Maribel, a member of CASA who has lived in the United States for almost two decades. She has two children who were born in this country and today she is pregnant again, she shared: “I am afraid that my unborn child will be denied the basic rights that my other children enjoy, including access to healthcare and quality education. Without the protections of American citizenship, the Trump administration could even try to take my baby from me and our family and deport them to a country they have never known. “It is deeply wrong to subject a newborn baby to such cruelty.” “This Executive Order undermines the very essence of our democracy and represents a direct attack on the constitution. By attempting to deny U.S. citizenship to children born within our borders based solely on their parents’ immigration status, President Trump is attempting to upend centuries of history and legal protections established through executive orders. This cannot be tolerated,” said Nicholas Katz, General Counsel of the CASA organization. “CASA is committed to protecting our members and defending their rights, while continuing to fight for a fair and equitable immigration system, based on dignity and respect for all people,” he said. “Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment and has been recognized by the Supreme Court as the law of the land for more than 100 years.”said Rupa Bhattacharyya, Legal Director of ICAP. “The President of the United States does not have the power to amend the Constitution with the stroke of a pen in an Executive Order. “We are confident that the Court will correct this overreach and ensure that all babies born in the United States receive their rightful citizenship and all the privileges and benefits that flow from it.” “This executive order has created chaos and confusion in immigrant communities and among our members, as many asylum seekers wonder if their American-born children will have to apply for asylum,” said Swapna Reddy, co-executive director of ASAP. “Our members, like so many other immigrant parents in the United States right now, are afraid: afraid that their children will not be able to live a stable life without fear and afraid that their children do not belong in the only country they have ever known. “More than 150 years ago, Black people worked together to ensure a more equal right to American citizenship, and now we are proud to defend this right for our members, more than 90,000 of whom are Black,” he said. Keep reading:· Former Ambassador Landau sees “opportunities” between the US and Mexico with Trump, but orders will set a tough binational agenda· New law will allow ICE to detain almost any undocumented immigrant, warns former agency official· Tom Homan on mass deportation: “ICE agents from all over the country will be on the streets from the beginning”

Protect your eyesight with Lutein: The vitamin that fights eye diseases

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Although his name may sound unknown to many, Lutein is a natural yellowish pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family.. This compound, recognized for its powerful antioxidant action, plays a crucial role in our body, especially in protection and care of eye health. lutein acts as a natural light filterprotecting ocular tissues from damage caused by sun exposure. This pigment is mainly concentrated in the macula, a central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Thanks to its ability to block ultraviolet rays and high-energy blue light, Lutein helps preserve visual health and prevent damage to the retina. Natural sources of Lutein Lutein is found in a variety of foods, especially brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Among the richest sources are: Spinach kale Broccoli Pumpkin Carrots Eggs (particularly the yolk) Corn Including these foods in a balanced diet can increase lutein levels in the body and enhance its benefits. Recommended dosage and supplementation For those looking to supplement their diet, Experts suggest a daily dose of lutein ranging between 10 mg and 20 mg. It is important to consume it together with a meal that contains healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, to improve its absorption. However, supplementation should be done under the supervision of a doctor, as the ideal dosage may vary depending on health status and individual needs. Eye health benefits According to the specialized health portal Tua Saúde, lutein offers a wide range of benefits, among which are prevention of cataracts and macular degenerationso it helps reduce the risk of these age-related conditions. In addition, can improve night visioncontributing to a better adjustment of vision in low light conditions. This vitamin also reduces oxidative stressprotecting eye cells from damage caused by free radicals and, finally, delays the progression of eye diseaseshelping to slow the progression of various conditions that affect visual health. Lutein has been established as an essential element for eye health, especially in a time where exposure to screens and blue light is constant. Whether through a diet rich in carotenoids or through supplements, this powerful antioxidant can make a big difference in quality of life and visual health. Beyond eye health In addition to its effects on vision, lutein may also have additional benefits for overall health. Studies suggest that its antioxidant action may contribute to protection against cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Keep reading:

Tips to protect yourself from smoke and prevent damage during the Los Angeles fires

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Wildfires in Los Angeles have caused a worrying cloud of smoke that affects air quality in much of Southern California. The density of the smoke not only causes discomfort, but also serious health risks for millions of residents. Next, We explain the dangers of forest fire smoke and the measures you can take to minimize its effects. Why is wildfire smoke so dangerous? Smoke generated by forest fires contains a mixture of toxic gases and tiny particles, known as PM2.5, that represent a serious risk to human health. These particles are so small that They can penetrate deep into the lungs and even reach the bloodstream, causing systemic damage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to these particles can: * Aggravate respiratory diseasessuch as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). * Increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. * Contribute to premature deaths. Besides, urban fires, where synthetic materials are also burned, release chemicals, such as cyanide and carbon dioxide, which aggravate pollution. There are people who are more vulnerable to suffering from health-related conditions due to the smoke and poor air quality caused by the fires in Los Angeles. (Photo: Chris Pizzello/AP) Who are the most affected? Although smoke affects the entire population, certain groups are particularly vulnerable: 1) Children: Their lungs are fully developing and their faster breathing rate exposes them to absorbing more pollutants. This can cause inflammation, coughing, and worsening of conditions such as asthma. According to Dr. Lisa Patel, a professor at Stanford Children’s Health, wildfire smoke is up to 10 times more toxic to children than other sources of pollution. 2) Seniors: The immune system of the elderly is less efficient, making them more prone to respiratory and cardiovascular complications caused by smoke exposure. 3) People with pre-existing conditions: Individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease or diabetes face a higher risk of serious complications. Fine particles can worsen your conditions and increase the risk of hospitalizations. 4) Pregnant women: Exposure to smoke can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and maternal complications such as hypertension and preeclampsia. How does it affect air quality in Southern California? More than 17 million people in Southern California are under alert due to wildfire smoke. In some areas near the fires, the air quality index (AQI) has exceeded 170 points, considered dangerous for the health of the general population. Even tens of kilometers away, in places like Long Beach or Rancho Palos Verdes, The AQI has reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Strong winds also contribute to transporting smoke to more distant areas, amplifying the impact. Certain precautions must be taken in the presence of smoke in almost the entire city. (Photo: Chris Pizzello/AP) How to protect yourself from forest fire smoke? To minimize the risks of smoke, follow these recommendations: 1) Stay indoors * Close doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering. * Use air conditioning systems or air purifiers with HEPA filters. These devices are effective at reducing particles in indoor air. * Create a safe room in your home with an air purifier, especially if there are children, the elderly or people with respiratory conditions. 2) Avoid activities that pollute indoor air *Do not use candles, incense or gas stoves. *Do not vacuum, as this can raise dust and fine particles. 3) Wear masks when going out * Opt for N95 or P-100 masks, that filter fine particles. Surgical or cloth masks are not effective against PM2.5. 4) Protect children * Keep the children inside the house as much as possible. * Children over 2 years old they must wear a tight-fitting mask if they have to go out. 5) Handle ashes safely *Wear protective clothing, Gloves and glasses when cleaning ashes. * Moisten ashes before sweeping to prevent them from dispersing into the air. * Discard the ashes in sealed plastic bags. 6) Monitor air quality * Consult interactive maps and air quality alerts, such as those from the AQMD, to find out the conditions in your area. * Download apps or sign up to receive notifications. 7) Plan for future emergencies * Stock up on masks and air filters. * Have an emergency kit with essential medications and drinking water. * Make sure you have fire extinguishers and know how to use them. What to do if you can’t avoid smoke? If, despite your efforts, symptoms such as eye irritation, difficulty breathing, or persistent cough continue, Consider finding temporary shelter where the air quality is better. Many communities offer public spaces with filtered air, such as libraries or community centers. Keep reading: * Fires in Los Angeles: Can sea water be used to fight fire?* Fires in Los Angeles: 3 reasons why they could not be put out* “Firenado”: ​​The shocking fire tornado that formed in one of the fires in Los Angeles

Increase in norovirus cases: keys to protect yourself

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In December, The United States has experienced an unusual increase in norovirus outbreaks, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the first week of the month, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported, suspected or confirmed, a figure higher than that recorded during the same period in previous years, including those prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The norovirus, known as the “vomiting and diarrhea virus”, It is a highly contagious pathogen that causes sudden, severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Although outbreaks can occur throughout the year, their incidence increases between November and April. The virus is estimated to affect between 19 and 21 million people in the US annually. One of the most notable outbreaks in December involved at least 80 people who They got sick after eating raw oysters in a restaurant in Los Angeles. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified that the contaminated oysters came from British Columbia, Canada, and had been distributed in 14 states and the District of Columbia before being recalled. In addition to seafood, Other products recently recalled for being linked to norovirus include fresh and frozen berries, according to an FDA database. Many cases of norovirus are linked to eating raw oysters. (Photo: Eldar Emric/AP) How does norovirus spread? Norovirus is extremely contagious due to two key characteristics: its ease of transmission and its ability to survive on surfaces for days or even weeks. People can contract the virus by being in contact with infected individuals or by consuming contaminated food, water, or touching surfaces. An illustrative case from Tennessee highlights how easily the virus spreads. A member of a bridge club vomited in a parking lot after becoming ill with norovirus, and everyone present contracted the virus. Researchers later found traces of the virus on the playing cards used at the event. According to William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, it only takes a small amount of the virus to infect someone. This ability explains why norovirus thrives in closed, crowded spaces, such as cruise ships, nursing homes, schools and daycares. Another common route of transmission is contaminated water. Untreated wastewater can introduce the virus into irrigation systems, contaminating fruits, vegetables and shellfish such as oysters and mussels, which filter large volumes of water and concentrate the virus in their flesh. How to prevent norovirus? Prevention starts with good hand hygiene. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food. Although hand sanitizers are useful against many pathogens, their effectiveness against norovirus is limited due to the resistant structure of the virus. Other key measures to prevent infection are: * Cook food properly: The CDC suggests cooking shellfish, such as oysters, to an internal temperature of at least 63°C to kill the virus. Washing fresh fruits and vegetables is also essential. * Clean and disinfect surfaces: Areas used for food preparation, such as cutting boards and countertops, should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. * Avoid contact with infected people: If someone in your home is sick, limit direct contact and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Bedding and towels used by infected people should be washed with detergent on long cycles and dried at high temperatures. * Waiting to handle food: An infected person should not prepare or handle food until at least two days after symptoms disappear. This is crucial, as the virus can remain in feces for up to two weeks and still be contagious. Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever are some of the characteristic symptoms of norovirus. (Photo: Shutterstock) What are the symptoms of norovirus? Symptoms of a norovirus infection They include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. What sets this virus apart is how quickly symptoms appear. “You feel fine and all of a sudden you have an explosive episode of vomiting,” Schaffner says. There is no antiviral treatment for norovirus. Doctors recommend resting, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and staying isolated to avoid infecting others. Symptoms generally disappear within a few days without the need for additional treatment. Although most people recover quickly, certain groups are more vulnerable to serious complications, including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Severe dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and, in children, irritability. In severe situations, patients may require hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids. The norovirus outbreak in December is a reminder of the importance of hygiene and food safety. This “persistent bug,” as Schaffner describes it, can be challenging, but with proper preventive measures and education, it is possible to significantly reduce its spread. Stay alert, follow the recommendations of experts and take care of your health and that of others. Keep reading: * Human metapneumovirus: what it is and what experts say about whether it could become a pandemic* Respiratory infections in winter: myths, realities and tips to take care of yourself this season

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