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Mississippi’s flu season remains severe, with flu activity declining only modestly since the beginning of the year. Children ages five and older are now the group reporting the most cases, but younger children are also at serious risk from influenza infection. 
Mississippi has confirmed the death of one child from flu this season; nationally, 53 pediatric deaths from flu have been reported, with 17 in just the last week. Children and adults, especially if they care for young children, should get a flu shot. This year’s flu vaccine is less effective than past years’, but vaccination still helps prevent serious flu illness and reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from flu.
Link Between Hot Beverages and Throat Cancer Strengthened
Past studies have suggested a link between a higher risk of throat cancer and the frequent consumption of very hot beverages. Now a new study of adults across China finds that the risk of throat cancer increases five times for men and women who drink very hot tea and also consume alcohol. For smokers who drank very hot tea, the cancer risk was doubled. Currently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer advises against drinking beverages hotter than 149 degrees; the typical temperature of hot coffee is 140 degrees.
Heart Disease Is the Leading Killer of Mississippians. You Can Change That.
More than 7,000 Mississippians died from heart diseases in 2016 — that’s one-quarter of all deaths in the state. Heart disease can be prevented, though, and the state’s death rate from heart disease has actually declined in the last decade. Here’s what you can do to keep a healthy heart:
Know your blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and cholesterol can damage the heart and other organs. Keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and work with your doctor to keep them at healthy levels.
Treat your body well. A diet high in vegetables and fruit, along with daily physical activity, both work to improve heart health — and your overall health.
Quit smoking. If you smoke, quit now. If your first try to quit fails, try again. There’s no better step for a longer and better life than quitting smoking. Get free help becoming tobacco-free with the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline.
