Saturday, January 26, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
How to React if You Fall off a Cruise Ship
- Never go out alone on a cruise ship, especially when the place you are going to seems lonely or has few people.
This is typically where dangerous activity is most likely to happen.
Always bring along someone else, or make sure plenty of others are
around.
- 2Thwart being thrown off, if possible. If someone begins to approach you strangely and picks you up/begins to push you, scream as loud as you can, and cry for help. In such dire situations, it is publicly acceptable to do anything to gain attention. Screaming "FIRE!" is likely to get others to notice than just "Help!" Bite, spit on, kick, or do anything else to defend yourself on the person attempting to hurt you. While this may seem like a joke, it is what people are advised to do if approached by an attacker and not at all a joke. This may help repel the attacker.
- 3If you are thrown off or fall off, try to hang onto something. For example, if the ship has several decks and you happen to pass by other decks as you drop, grab hold of the railings or other bearings.
- 4Once you are in the water, scream as loud as you can. DO NOT take your time - it is a matter of life and death. Scream, "HELP! I'M DROWNING! RESCUE ME! I'M DYING!", or anything else you can think of.
- 5Stay afloat. Don't panic. Move your arms and legs back and forth, doing free-stroke. Hang onto anything that may have fallen off the ship as a result of your descent, such as a plank of wood, or anything else that floats.
- 6Continue to scream even if someone on the ship sees and runs off to get help. You need as much attention as possible.
- 7Unfortunately, the ship might go far away soon without anyone noticing. Wave your arms up in the air to signal help. If you see any ships near, continue to do so. Hang onto a branch if you can see it.
- 8If you can see shore, then swim towards it. This is a last-ditch effort. If shore is nowhere nearby but there is an island, and you happen to make it successfully, be prepared to survive in the wild until rescue comes.
- 9If you do happen to be rescued, seek medical attention immediately. Chances are, you will be injured and in some kind of trauma. Report the case to authorities in the ship immediately. If you are in trauma, or are scared, remind yourself that you have survived falling off a ship, and tell yourself that you will recover in the end.
- 10Be reasonable. If you have been stranded for more than about three or four hours and no ships have happened to pass by, your chances of survival are extremely low. While it may be depressing, console yourself with memories of good times, the fact that you will probably pass out before you drown.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the New Year
Contributed by Aurora LaJambre, Catalogs.com Info Guru
People celebrate New Year’s Eve in their own way.
Some host parties and dinner, others go dancing or use the holiday to do
try something adventurous. Then, across the world, after a few hours of
celebration, there’s a pause at midnight.
Grab someone special, throw on your favorite outfit and start the New
Year on your own terms. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, chaotic,
fun or fancy night, there’s something on this top 10 list for everyone.
10. Sleeping
9. Watch Ball Drop in NYC
8. Walt Disney World
7. Watch Home Movies and Eat Your Favorite Foods
6. On the Slopes
5. Romantic
4. Southern Charm
3. Run 4 Miles in Central Park
2. Fireworks over the Falls
1. Host a Party
http://www.catalogs.com/info/bestof/ways-to-celebrate-the-new-year
The Right Way to Buy a Car
How to Avoid Being Scammed by a Used Car Salesman
Don't be ashamed, you know you've done it. You get all excited about
the brand new (or used) car you're about to purchase when suddenly it
hits you, as the salesperson says "Congratulations, you bought yourself a
new car!" You're happy, but you're thinking "Did I just get snookered?"
So how do you know if you're getting a good deal on a used car or if you're getting "scammed" by the salesman? Simple: Do your homework. Over the years, I've bought and sold many cars and I can tell you that there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do this. Let's identify 3 things you should never do when buying a used car and 3 things you should always do. We'll stick to buying rather than leasing as leasing is a different animal all-together. Of course this is by no means an exhaustive study on car buying, but take heed of these few, simple pointers and I guarantee it'll improve your chances of having a positive used car buying experience.
Things you should NEVER do:
1. Never negotiate price based on the monthly payment you think you can afford.
WHY NOT: Car salesman absolutely love knowing how much you pay (or are willing to pay) each month for your car. If a salesperson asks how much you can afford, don't give an exact number. If you do, you'll quickly give up control. Remember, negotiating is always about who has the control. So, let's say you're paying around $350/month for your 4 year old clunker. If you divulge this information, expect a good salesperson to ask "Is what you're paying now comfortable or can you afford a little more?" He (or she) is trying to gauge how much "flex" you have in your budget. This is not a good way to negotiate the best deal. Have a number in your head of what you can afford before you even get to the dealership, but never let on how high you're willing and able to go. This can hurt your leveraging power later on in the price negotiations.
2. Never discuss your trade-in details before settling on a price for your new car. WHY NOT: Car salesmen are trained to ask "so how much do you want for your trade?" If you're trading in your old car for another one, don't discuss your situation until after you've settled on the price of your new car. The reason is because the dealer will try and confuse things by working a deal on both ends simultaneously. Car dealerships make money on both the "front end" (the price of your new, used car) and the "back end" (the value of your trade-in). You'll almost always lose if you tell the salesperson upfront that you're trading in your car. When asked, simply state that you would like to discuss this if you find the car you want and after you find out the price of that car. Once you agree on a price for your new wheels, it's okay discuss your trade-in.
3. Never be afraid to walk away from a deal.
WHY NOT: Most salespeople understand that many of us are "emotional buyers". We see something we like and we've got to have it. Buying a new or used car is exciting. It's fun to envision ourselves driving around in a new ride, but you have to curb your emotions or you'll be easy prey for a savvy car salesman. If you've done your best negotiating and are still not sure you're getting a good deal, just get up and walk away. I don't care if the salesman tells you "I can't hold the car unless you leave a deposit." Don't be pressured! If you need some time to think it over and someone else buys your car, than maybe it just wasn't meant to be.
Things you should ALWAYS do:
1. If you saw a specific used car advertised, always bring the ad with you.
WHY: Dealers hate it when you walk into the showroom with an advertisement for one of their cars. The reason they hate it is because they MUST honor what's written in the ad. Many dealerships use low-ball or "teaser" ads to get you in the door, then try and push you into a more expensive vehicle. A smart buyer should have none of this. If you see a certain car advertised for a certain price, bring the ad with you if possible. Just be aware that many salespeople try hard to squirm out of 'ad-cars'. Expect to be steered away from a car with a too-good-to-be-true advertised price and into one with a much greater profit margin for the dealer.
2. Always know beforehand how much you can really afford.
WHY: We touched on this earlier when discussing why not to disclose how much you can spend monthly on a car. It would seem like common sense to assume that most people don't pay more than they can afford for an automobile, but history shows that this isn't always true. Cars are repossessed, impounded, auctioned and abandoned all the time because the people who purchased them couldn't afford them. Car buying is certainly an emotional experience. If you find yourself falling head over heels for a vehicle, recognize that you might be tempted to pay more than you've budgeted. The best way to avoid this is by taking your emotions out of the process. Instead, treat car buying as a business transaction. Before you begin your search , know exactly how much car you can and cannot afford and then stick to your guns. Don't tell anyone at the dealership know how much you are willing to spend and don't ever let a sweet talking salesperson coerce you into making a move you may regret after the "newness" of your car wears off.
3. Always do your research before going to the dealership.
WHY: How do you know if you're getting a good deal or not? A good place to start is by knowing how much the car you want to buy is selling for elsewhere. Before you go shopping for a new hot rod, check and see what's out there. Whenever possible try to compare apples with apples. (Price comparable cars to the one you want). A comparable or "comp" car is one that has roughly the same options, trim level, mileage and overall condition as the car you want to buy. There can be significant price swings between similar cars of different trim levels. For example, you may see a five year old Mustang advertised for a ridiculously low price. However, if you want one that actually goes faster than a '76 Pinto with two flat tires and a blown transmission, then you'll need to buy a Mustang GT. Oh, and expect to pay 20-40% more for the GT model. The point is that you should always investigate and find out all you can about comp cars. Know the options, different trim levels, engine choices, price averages for your area, etc. This way you'll have some idea as to what you can expect to find and whether or not you're getting the deal of a lifetime on the car of your dreams. Good luck!
So how do you know if you're getting a good deal on a used car or if you're getting "scammed" by the salesman? Simple: Do your homework. Over the years, I've bought and sold many cars and I can tell you that there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do this. Let's identify 3 things you should never do when buying a used car and 3 things you should always do. We'll stick to buying rather than leasing as leasing is a different animal all-together. Of course this is by no means an exhaustive study on car buying, but take heed of these few, simple pointers and I guarantee it'll improve your chances of having a positive used car buying experience.
Things you should NEVER do:
1. Never negotiate price based on the monthly payment you think you can afford.
WHY NOT: Car salesman absolutely love knowing how much you pay (or are willing to pay) each month for your car. If a salesperson asks how much you can afford, don't give an exact number. If you do, you'll quickly give up control. Remember, negotiating is always about who has the control. So, let's say you're paying around $350/month for your 4 year old clunker. If you divulge this information, expect a good salesperson to ask "Is what you're paying now comfortable or can you afford a little more?" He (or she) is trying to gauge how much "flex" you have in your budget. This is not a good way to negotiate the best deal. Have a number in your head of what you can afford before you even get to the dealership, but never let on how high you're willing and able to go. This can hurt your leveraging power later on in the price negotiations.
2. Never discuss your trade-in details before settling on a price for your new car. WHY NOT: Car salesmen are trained to ask "so how much do you want for your trade?" If you're trading in your old car for another one, don't discuss your situation until after you've settled on the price of your new car. The reason is because the dealer will try and confuse things by working a deal on both ends simultaneously. Car dealerships make money on both the "front end" (the price of your new, used car) and the "back end" (the value of your trade-in). You'll almost always lose if you tell the salesperson upfront that you're trading in your car. When asked, simply state that you would like to discuss this if you find the car you want and after you find out the price of that car. Once you agree on a price for your new wheels, it's okay discuss your trade-in.
3. Never be afraid to walk away from a deal.
WHY NOT: Most salespeople understand that many of us are "emotional buyers". We see something we like and we've got to have it. Buying a new or used car is exciting. It's fun to envision ourselves driving around in a new ride, but you have to curb your emotions or you'll be easy prey for a savvy car salesman. If you've done your best negotiating and are still not sure you're getting a good deal, just get up and walk away. I don't care if the salesman tells you "I can't hold the car unless you leave a deposit." Don't be pressured! If you need some time to think it over and someone else buys your car, than maybe it just wasn't meant to be.
Things you should ALWAYS do:
1. If you saw a specific used car advertised, always bring the ad with you.
WHY: Dealers hate it when you walk into the showroom with an advertisement for one of their cars. The reason they hate it is because they MUST honor what's written in the ad. Many dealerships use low-ball or "teaser" ads to get you in the door, then try and push you into a more expensive vehicle. A smart buyer should have none of this. If you see a certain car advertised for a certain price, bring the ad with you if possible. Just be aware that many salespeople try hard to squirm out of 'ad-cars'. Expect to be steered away from a car with a too-good-to-be-true advertised price and into one with a much greater profit margin for the dealer.
2. Always know beforehand how much you can really afford.
WHY: We touched on this earlier when discussing why not to disclose how much you can spend monthly on a car. It would seem like common sense to assume that most people don't pay more than they can afford for an automobile, but history shows that this isn't always true. Cars are repossessed, impounded, auctioned and abandoned all the time because the people who purchased them couldn't afford them. Car buying is certainly an emotional experience. If you find yourself falling head over heels for a vehicle, recognize that you might be tempted to pay more than you've budgeted. The best way to avoid this is by taking your emotions out of the process. Instead, treat car buying as a business transaction. Before you begin your search , know exactly how much car you can and cannot afford and then stick to your guns. Don't tell anyone at the dealership know how much you are willing to spend and don't ever let a sweet talking salesperson coerce you into making a move you may regret after the "newness" of your car wears off.
3. Always do your research before going to the dealership.
WHY: How do you know if you're getting a good deal or not? A good place to start is by knowing how much the car you want to buy is selling for elsewhere. Before you go shopping for a new hot rod, check and see what's out there. Whenever possible try to compare apples with apples. (Price comparable cars to the one you want). A comparable or "comp" car is one that has roughly the same options, trim level, mileage and overall condition as the car you want to buy. There can be significant price swings between similar cars of different trim levels. For example, you may see a five year old Mustang advertised for a ridiculously low price. However, if you want one that actually goes faster than a '76 Pinto with two flat tires and a blown transmission, then you'll need to buy a Mustang GT. Oh, and expect to pay 20-40% more for the GT model. The point is that you should always investigate and find out all you can about comp cars. Know the options, different trim levels, engine choices, price averages for your area, etc. This way you'll have some idea as to what you can expect to find and whether or not you're getting the deal of a lifetime on the car of your dreams. Good luck!
Published by Raymond Nobile
Raymond
Nobile is a journalist, author and freelance writer. He is an
accomplished business professional and is available for lecturing on a
range of topics.
For more information, contact Raymond at CFM97... View profile
- How to Save Money to Buy a CarSaving money to buy a car is not that difficult. Here are some easy to follow steps to help you save cash to buy your next car.
- A Unique Way to Sell Your Car: Take a Road TripThis unique way to sell your car is rooted in common sense.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
5 Habits of Millionaires and How to Make them Work for You
Save like a millionaire to live like one.
By Barbara Reinhold, Monster Career Coach
The economy may be in a funk, but it would appear career
expectations are still flying high. According to a study of college
students at the Ernst and Young
International Intern Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, in
August 2002, 59 percent of these young leaders expect to be millionaires
within their lifetime. What’s more, five percent of them expect to hit
the million-dollar mark while in their 20s.Perhaps they haven’t read about the 11 percent decline from 2001 to 2002 in US households with more than $1 million. Internationally, the picture is a bit brighter, as the number of people with more than $1 million to invest rose 2.1 percent to 7.3 million. The largest increases were in Asia and the Middle East, with while North America and Latin America had slight drops.
However, there are some consistent patterns among those people who plan to earn a million dollars, and these five strategies may be worth emulating.
Avoid The Earn-to-Spend Mentality
Michael LeBoeuf, author of The Millionaire in You points out that to increase wealth, it’s essential to emulate millionaires who view money as something to save and invest, rather than income to spend. Many wealthy people live quite simply, he points out, choosing less pretentious homes than they could theoretically afford and opting for financial independence over material showmanship.
Focus
LeBoeuf also counsels resisting the impulse to be scattered in your efforts and interests. “Winners focus; losers spray,” he says. And goals that are clearly written down are easier to keep in focus.
Calculate your college savings, college cost and education loans with our calculators.
Do Whatever Is Necessary to Meet Your Goal
People who earn their millions are able not only to focus, but to persevere in the pursuit of their goals. One single mom entrepreneur, Melissa Clark-Reynolds, started her first business, a health and safety consultancy, when she had a young son. En route to her goal of being a millionaire by age 35, Clarke-Reynolds and her son ate lots of pizza, did homework late at night and often slept at the office. She is now a chief executive mentor for Empower New Zealand, a global business consulting firm headquartered in London.
Take Calculated Risks
Perhaps it goes without saying, but you have to take strategic risks to earn and grow money. And a little rebelliousness seems to help too. One interesting study found a majority of male millionaire entrepreneurs had been in trouble with school authorities or the police during their adolescence.
Be Generous
And why doesn’t it surprise us that millionaires are often very generous? Sometimes it’s for the tax breaks, obviously, but often it’s not. Among the most generous of millionaires are those from North America, who are, according to a Merrill Lynch Cap-Gemini report, two to five times more likely to give to causes they value than their European counterparts.
These five millionaire habits are a pretty good prescription for living happily, whether or not the money follows. But LeBoeuf insists it’s not so unusual to be a millionaire, noting that one in 14 households has a net worth of $1 million.
And are the folks in those households happy? Yes, says professor Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick, UK. After studying more than 9,000 people over eight years, Oswald concluded that people who come into money are happier. The happiest among them, he further says, seem to be “highly educated, well-paid women who have jobs.”
So how much money does the professor say it takes to be happy? “About $1 million, give or take a little.”
This article originally appeared on Monster.com.
or http://www.fastweb.com/personal-finance/articles/399-5-habits-of-millionaires-and-how-to-make-them-work-for-you
Natural Parasite Cleanse for Dogs
Parasites are a common problem with dogs. Many pet owners
seek to use a natural cleanse for dogs to rid their pets of parasites
because these treatments are thought to be less harsh than commercially
prepared products.
seek to use a natural cleanse for dogs to rid their pets of parasites
because these treatments are thought to be less harsh than commercially
prepared products.Other People Are Reading
-
Ingredients
-
Some of the ingredients that are usually included in a natural parasite cleanse for dogs
Effects
-
Black walnut and wormwood kill 100 different parasites in their adult stage, while clove kills the parasite eggs. All three should be taken together because if you kill only the adults, the eggs remain and will hatch and reinfest the host.
-
Warning
-
Some pets
-
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Read more: Natural Parasite Cleanse for Dogs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_6815036_natural-parasite-cleanse-dogs.html#ixzz2FtIEJNk2
The parasites picture gallery
 
An extraordinary variety of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and organisms stand ready to attack us and feed
off our bodies' cells. Using microscopes of varying power, photographers
show us a teeming microbial world that we could barely imagine without their help.
The approximate sizes of microbes can be approximated by using the following rule of thumb:
Food and water are the
most common sources of parasite and invading organism transmission.
Since most of us eat three times a day and drink water frequently
throughout the day,
our exposure to these sources is constant. Tap water has been found to
be contaminated with harmful organisms. Both plant and animal foods
carry parasites,
and cleaning and cooking methods often do not often destroy them before
ingestion. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) cites food as the
catalyst behind 80 percent
of the pathogenic outbreaks in the U.S. Most are linked to restaurants
and delis where less than sanitary conditions exist -- from food
preparation and storage
to the utensils and servers' hands.
 Animals,
just like humans, can become infected with parasites and unhealthy
organisms.
Internally, contaminated water and food can spread the problem to our
pets. Externally,
animals become infected by organisms on their bodies, especially on
their fur, because of exposure to infected animal wastes. Forgetting to
wash your hands
even one time after handling or cleaning up after your animal can
transmit the parasite to you. Pets are a wonderful part of our lives.
They provide comfort,
companionship, protection, amusement, and unconditional love for their
owners. Yet, pets, like humans, are often victims of serious infections
that can
unintentionally be passed on to their owners. In fact, there is a whole
set of diseases classified as 'zoonoses' (animal-transmitted diseases)
in parasitology textbooks.
Animals are major carriers of harmful organisms, and most physicians,
let alone the general public, are seemingly unaware of this fact.
Experts have projected that of the
110 million pet dogs and cats in this country, over half may be infected
with at least one or more different kinds of harmful organisms.
Considering these numbers,
the potential for transmission of parasitical invading organism
infection from animals to humans is extremely high. Making a parasite
cleanse an essential part of an effective health maintenance program for
both people and animals alike.  The
CDC estimates that the number of parasites present in the United States
alone number in the thousands.
These harmful organisms are biochemically complex creatures in their
life histories, development, reproductive cycles, nutritional
requirements, and manifestation.
They are categorized according to structure, shape, function, and
reproductive ability. These include microscopic organisms (protozoa);
roundworms, pinworms, whipworms, and hookworms (nematoda); tapeworms
(cestoda); and flukes (trematoda).
PROTOZOA
 Making
up approximately 70 percent of all invading organisms, protozoa are
invisible to the naked eye. They are one-celled microscopic organisms,
but don't let their
size fool you. Certain protoans, through their intensely rapid
reproductive ability, can take over the intestinal tract of their host;
and from there go on
to other organs and tissues. Some feed on red blood cells. Some protozoa
produce cysts - closed sacs in which they may be safely transported
through food
and water from one person to another. In the cyst state, protozoans are
safe from destruction by human digestive juices. These one-celled
'vampires'
can actually destroy the tissues of their hosts. According to experts,
an estimated 7 million people across the U.S. have some form of protozoa
living inside of them.
Common protozoa include: Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidum parvum, Blastocystis hominis,
Trichomonas vaginalis, Toxoplasma gondii, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium muris, Pneumocystis carinii,
Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani,
Leishmania tropica, and Leishmania braziliensis.
NEMATODE
 While
the protozoans are only single-celled, nematode creatures are multi
cellular. The adult worms multiply by producing eggs called ova or
larvae. The eggs usually
become infectious in soil or in an intermediate host before humans are
infected. It is interesting to note that unless the worm infection is
heavy, many individuals
do not show signs of infestation. While it may be unpleasant to
consider, it is true that the human host can coexist quite comfortably
with a few worms, unless they
reproduce in great numbers and create organ obstruction. Experts claim
that 'some type of worm is
already in the intestines of over 75 percent of the world's population'.
This is a frightening statement.
Common nematode include: Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), Hookworm (Necator Americanus, Ancylostoma duodenal), Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis),
Roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati), Heart worm (Dirofilaria immitis), Strongyloides (Stronglyoides stercoralis), Trichinella (Trichinella spiralis),
Filaria (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Onchocerca volvulus,
Loa loa, Mansonella streptocerca, Mansonella perstans, Mansonella
ozzardi), and Anisakine larvae.
CESTODA
 Among
the oldest known parasites, tapeworms are considered humanity's largest
intestinal inhabitant. They each have a scolex (head) that attaches to
the intestinal wall.
As long as the head remains attached to the intestinal mucosa, a new
worm can grow from it. Tapeworms do not contain digestive tracts but get
their nourishment by
absorbing partially digested substances from the host. They are whitish
in color, flat, and ribbon-like, with a covering that is a transparent
skin-like layer.
Common cestoda include: Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum), and Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum).
TREMATODE
 Trematode
are leaf-shaped flatworms also known as flukes. They are parasitic
during nearly all of their life-cycle forms. The cycle begins when
larvae are released into
freshwater by infected snails. The free-swimming larvae can then
directly penetrate the skin of the human host or are ingested after
encysting in or on various edible, vegetation, fish, or crustaceans.
Common trematode include: Intestinal fluke (Fasciolopsis buski), Blood fluke (Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mansoni) Schistosoma haematobium), Liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis),
Oriental lung fluke (Paragonimus westermani), and Sheep liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica). 
Common Parasite Infections:
Pinworm Parasites (Enterobius vermmicularis)
The most common of all the worms in the United States, the pinworm is most prevalent in children. Transmission occurs through contaminated food, water, and hust dust - as well as human-to-human contact. The adult female pinworm moves outside the anus to lay eggs. Children can easily transmit the worms to the entire family through the bathtub, toilet seat, and bedclothes. Perianal itching is the most classic pinworm symptom. But these little quarter-inch mobile worms that resemble threads have been connected to an enormous range of neurological and behavioral symptoms. In a ten-year study of over 2000 cases of children with pinworms, it was documented seemingly unrelated symptoms which had previously not been associated with this parasitic infection.
Roundworm Parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides)
Another most common intestinal parasite in the world is the large roundworm known as Ascaris lumbricoides. Approximately 1 billion people are infected with ascaris. The worm resembles the common earthworm in appearance and is spread directly to humans from soil or contaminated food. Once the worms develop in the human system, they can pass through the liver and lungs, where they create severe tissue irritation and allergic reactions. Adult worms can travel through the body and end up almost anywhere, including the liver, heart and lungs. They can also create intestinal obstruction when present in large enough numbers. Symptoms can include nervousness, colic, poor appetite, fatigue, allergic reactions, coughing, wheezing, and a number of other reactions. Food cravings and malnutrition in children is characteristic of heavy ascaris infections because the worms compete with the human host for food. Ascaris inhibits absorption of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat-soluable vitamins.
Hookworm Parasites (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenal)
Hookworm larvae are found in warm, moist soil. They can enter the body by directly penetrating the skin. Hookworms travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, into the alveoli, and up the trachea to the throat - where they are swallowed and end up in their desired habitat, the small intestines. When the larvae pass through the lungs, bronchitis may sometimes develop. The teeth-like hooks of the larvae attach to the intestinal mucosa and rob the body of large amounts of blood. Found worldwide, hookworms are very prevelant in a wide variety of geographical locations and toplogies. Common symptoms may include itchiness, nausea, dizziness, pneumonitis, anorexia, weight-loss, weight-gain, and anemia. A single worms can live up to 15 years in the human body.
Trichinella Parasites (Trichinella spiralis)
Just about any symptom known to man can be caused by the various stages of trichinosis infection, which can masquerade as at least fifty more familiar diseases ranging from flu to generalized and specific aches and pains. Most roundworms are transmitted through contaminated soils, but the small spiral-shaped trichinella found in pork is the exception. These tiny roundworms can become enclosed in a cyst inside the muscles of pigs. If pork is eaten and not thoroughly cooked, the cysts are dissolved by the human host's digestive juices, and the worms mature and travel to the muscles, where they become encased. Eventually the worms can burrow throughout the entire body.
Beef Tapeworm Parasites (Taenia saginata)
Beef tapeworm can be ingested from raw or undercooked beef (rare or medium rare). Despite its size, several feet long, the beef tapeworm does not produce severe symptoms in its human host - but still performs a negative function in the body. It is composed of 1000 to 2000 segment strands, known as proglottid, which contains both male and female reproductive organs. Tapeworms thrive on the diet of the host for their carbohydrates, but utilize the tissues of the host for proteins. Beef tapeworms have a life span in the intestine of twenty to twenty-five years. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdmoninal cramping, nervousness, nausea, loss of appetite, and/or food cravings are possible.
Pork Tapeworm Parasites (Taenia solium)
Pork tapeworm is similar to beef tapeworm but is shorter, with less than 1000 ploglottids. Pork tapeworm infects man through the eating of infested undercooked pork such as fresh or smoked ham or sausage. Unlike the beef tapeworm, pork tapeworm infection is usually caused by multiple worms rather than just one. The larva stage develops in the muscle, spreads through the central nervous system into other tissues and organs, and finally hooks onto the upper small intestine. Pork tapeworm causes great harm to the human host when the immature larvae invades the muscle, heart, eyes, or brain. The larval migration of pork tapeworm represents the most dangerous infection of all the tapeworms. In the brain, the worms can create a condition known as cysticercosis, which can produce seizures and brain deterioration.
Fish Tapeworm Parasites (Diphyllobothrium latum)
The largest parasite found in humans, a fish tapeworm has up to 4000 proglottids (the worm's primary body). It can be contracted by eating raw or lightly cooked freshwater or certain migratory species of fish, such as Alaskan salmon, perch, pike, pickerel, and turbot. In the human intestine, a fish tapeworm can consume 80 to 100 percent of the host's vitamin B12. A vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia is a most debilitating effect. Digestive disturbances - including pain, fullness in the upper abdomen, and nausea - are common symptoms.
Liver Fluke Parasites (Clonorchis sinensis)
The liver fluke is transmitted through the ingestion of raw, dried, salted, pickled, or undercooked fish. Snails, carp, and over 40 additional species of fish have been known to be intermediate hosts to this fluke. In the human, it inhabits the bile ducts of the liver, causing the liver to become enlarged and tender. It can also cause inflammation, chills, fever, jaundice, and a type of hepatitis.
Blood Fluke Parasites (Schistosoma mansoni)
Freshwater snails play intermediate host in the life cycle development of the blood fluke. The snails release larvae into water, where the larvae can directly penetrate the skin of humans or fish in contaminated rivers or streams. The parasite burrows into the skin and is carried through the bloodstream to the veins of the liver, intestines, or bladder. Inflammation can occur when the worms lodge in the lining of the intestine or liver. Additionally, the bladder and urinary tract can become infected by worms lodged in the walls of the bladder. |
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