Mosquito Virus Alert, Stroke Prevention, Tiger Woods Comeback & Other News

For the first time in the U.S., chikungunya fever has been transmitted locally, with reported cases in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Cases reported earlier this year involved travelers who picked up the disease while traveling abroad. The recent cases represent the first time the virus has been spread locally by mosquito bites.

Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle or joint pain. Symptoms usually last for a few days to a few weeks.

There’s also been one case of locally acquired dengue fever in Miami-Dade County, according to state health officials. Miami-Dade County is also one of several counties in Florida under a “mosquito borne illness advisory or alert” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are related stories from Baptist Health:

• Summer, Mosquitoes and Health Alerts
• Advisory: Mosquitoes & Dengue Fever

Stroke Prevention: Progress and Setback

When it comes to stroke prevention, the news is mixed. The number of stroke cases for the elderly has declined, but the rate of strokes in younger patients has spiked, according to a published report in the Washington Post.

To learn more about strokes and stroke prevention, check out these stories from Baptist Health: 

• Knowing the Facts About Strokes Can Save Lives 
• New Guidelines for Heart Disease, Stroke Prevention

14 Foods Experts Avoid

Nearly everyone has a sweet tooth or a few guilty pleasures. But when it comes to some treats, food experts take a firm stand, according to a Yahoo news report: 14 Foods Nutritionists Never Eat.

The do-not-touch list from the experts includes: hot dogs (and other processed meats), artificial sweeteners, sugary drinks, Maraschino cherries and “fluorescent orange crunchy snacks.”

Our registered dieticians and food experts have made their own recommendations in this menu of stories:

• Recipes for Fun: Cooking With Kids
• Avoid Risky Grilling Habits, Study Says
• New Sugar Guidelines: Cut Down on Hidden Sugar
• Added Sugars Amount to More Heart Risks
• Does Gluten Affect the Brain?

Welcome Back Tiger:

Sports fans were happy to see golf ace Tiger Woods on the greens this week at the British Open following his recovery from back surgery, as reported by different sports news outlets. Woods was in fine form while playing in his first major golf tournament in 11 months, according to USA Today.

From aching backs to frozen shoulders, a variety of injuries can keep you on the sidelines. Fortunately, there are different medical therapies and procedures that can get you back in the game.

Here’s a sampling from our roster of sports injury stories. 

• Unfair Odds: Girls more prone to knee injuries
• Spinal Cord ‘Pacemaker’ Reduces Chronic Back Pain
• Back Pain: Your Treatment Options Will Likely Start with Physical Therapy
• New Strategies Help Stem Rising Injuries Among Young Athletes
• Could You Have Frozen Shoulder?