1. Peru reports first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus
Peru health authorities have reported the first case of the Zika virus having been sexually transmitted in the country, after a resident contracted the disease while traveling in Venezuela and then infected his wife once back in Peru. [Reuters]
2. Preventing Zika; Which Bug Sprays Are Safe for Pregnant Women?
The chemicals in most bug sprays—including DEET—are considered safe for pregnant women, as long as they’re used as directed, in moderate concentrations. [The Atlantic]
3. Jamaica making strides in reducing cervical cancer
The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) says the country is making strides in reducing cervical cancer through increased screenings and public education. [Jamaica Observer]
4. Young boy left blinded after e-cigarette explodes at Brooklyn mall
A 14-year-old has been blinded in one eye and potentially faces permanent damage to his hands after allegedly testing an e-cigarette at a mall kiosk in Brooklyn, New York. [FoxNews]
5. Study Links Green Spaces to Longer Lives for Women
Women living in homes surrounded by lots of trees and vegetation may have a lower risk of death than those in areas with less greenery, a new study suggests. [NLM]
6. Fears Rise over Yellow Fever’s Next Move
Scientists warn vaccine stocks would be overwhelmed in the event of large urban outbreaks. [Scientific American]
7. Gene editing ‘boosts’ cancer-killing cells
Cancer scientists have genetically modified the immune system to help it attack tumours in mice. [BBC]
8. Fast food serves up phthalates, too, study suggests
A new study finds that those fast food drive-thru hamburgers and take-out pizzas could increase your exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates. [CNN]
9. Sperm bank’s ‘perfect donor’ was mentally ill, fathered 36 kids
A man billed as a “perfect donor” by a sperm bank turned out to be a mentally ill felon whose lies on his donor application weren’t uncovered for more than a decade, according to families who are now terrified for their children’s futures. [FoxNews]
10. The More We Learn About Zika, the Worse It Gets
The more the U.S. government learns about the Zika virus, the more risks it seems to pose, especially to pregnant women. [Slate]
Surprising discovery:
Research says children of older mothers are smarter, taller, and stronger
New research shows that kids born to older mothers are more likely to finish school and perform better on standardized testing. [Quartz]
#QuoteoftheWeek – “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~Jim Rohn
Happy weekend #THMFam. Remember you can always reach us directly by emailing info@thinkheathmag.com and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook for more updates.
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