What's with all these flies and gnats?!
GHENT, WV (WVNS) — All of the rainfall this spring has brought about some unwelcome visitors – namely flies and gnats.
Everything you need to know about encountering an animal with rabies
Dr. Berry Crutchfield, Plant Pest Biologist for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, said all the moisture is crucial for the flies and gnats to survive.
Nonetheless, you may be itching to get them away from your home.
Dr. Crutchfield said there is a way to prevent a lot of them from appearing around the house.
'Dry things out or reduce moisture as much as possible around your property. So that would include things like increasing sunlight, mowing the grass, keeping the weeds cut. Just so airflow and sun gets in there to dry things out quicker,' said Dr. Crutchfield.
Dr. Crutchfield said to also clear your property of any garbage or decaying food or plant matter as these are prime food sources for flies and gnats.
He said you can spray your plants, grass, or soil with a basic insecticide as well, to keep these pests away.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
36 minutes ago
- Medscape
Training Reduces Clinicians' Obesity Bias, Improves Practice
Many healthcare providers (HCPs) harbor bias against people with excess weight or obesity, and that stigmatization can negatively affect patient care. Now, an innovative two-endpoint continuing medical education (CME) initiative has shown that clinicians can change when brought face to face with their negative attitudes and less than optimal referral behaviors regarding patients with obesity. Amanda Velazquez, MD Reporting in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, researchers led by Amanda Velazquez, MD, of the Center for Weight Management and Metabolic Health and the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, found a 4-hour CME program, conducted in April 2021, significantly reduced HCPs' self-reported negative stereotypes compared with baseline. Self-reported empathy and confidence in caring for patients with obesity significantly increased immediately post intervention and endured at 4- and 12-month follow-up. Additionally, the 4-hour symposium led to objectively improved diagnosis and referral to obesity care for patients treated across different specialties. 'There is considerable gap in the education of healthcare professionals about obesity,' Velazquez told Medscape Medical News , adding that established data have confirmed the existence of anti-weight bias among HCPs. 'Our study was unique in that it had a broad target group and invited professionals across all specialties from plastic surgeons and Ob/Gyns to nurses and emergency medical technicians. Our goal was to move the needle toward greater comfort in referring their patients to appropriate obesity management.' She noted that excessive weight exacerbates many conditions treated outside of obesity medicine, such as psoriasis, cardiometabolic disease, and impaired fertility. The Intervention Conducted at a single site in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California healthcare system, the symposium invited a diverse population of 472 eligible HCPs. Weight Bias: Weight bias was assessed by a 16-item questionnaire originally developed for medical students by Robert F. K ushner and colleagues, designed to assess negative prejudicial beliefs about patients with obesity. This measure captured three types of weight bias: negative obesity stereotypes (eg, 'Individuals with obesity have themselves to blame'); empathy for patients (eg, 'People with obesity feel stigmatized by the medical profession'); and confidence in clinical interaction with patients with obesity (eg, 'I feel comfortable talking to people about their weight'). As a result of the program, negative obesity stereotypes among attendees, according to the post-program questionnaire, were significantly reduced over baseline levels (2.81 ± 0.47 vs 2.50 ± 0.46; P < .001), while both their empathy (3.33 ± 0.64 vs 3.47 ± 0.63; P = .006) and confidence (3.10 ± 0.86 vs 3.85 ± 0.79; P < .001) significantly increased. Practice Patterns: Behavioral outcomes of interest, according to electronic medical records, were participants' objective practice changes regarding obesity diagnosis and referrals to healthy lifestyle programs, obesity medicine, and bariatric surgery. Comparative analyses were done for 218 attendees and 89 nonparticipants. After adjustment for years in practice, race/ethnicity, gender, profession type, practice type, and panel size, HCPs who attended the program had significantly increased odds of obesity diagnosis and obesity-related referrals in the 12 months following the intervention vs those not attending. Specifically, compared with nonattendees, participants had increased odds of changes across several measures. Diagnosing obesity: odds ratio [OR], 1.60; (95% CI,1.54-1.66); referring patients to healthy lifestyle programs: OR, 1.27 (95% CI, 1.19-1.36); and referrals to an obesity medicine specialty clinic: OR, 1.87 (95% CI, 1.63-2.14). For patients with a BMI ≥ 35, the post-intervention OR for referral to bariatric surgery was 2.12 (95% CI, 1.70-2.67) in the 12 months following the intervention. The comparison group's odds either decreased or did not change. As to participation by profession type, physicians were the most likely to attend, with physicians from family medicine, internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology more likely to participate than those from orthopedics and ophthalmology. While Velazquez was not surprised by the level of anti-weight bias the symposium revealed, she was not prepared for the magnitude of objective change it effected in practice patterns. 'The increase in the number of referrals to obesity care was so overwhelming, we had to change the BMI eligibility criterion to handle the influx,' she said. With referrals to the obesity clinic doubling, the threshold for new referrals was raised from BMI ≥ 30 to BMI ≥ 35 to address the overwhelming demand. Leslie Heinberg, PhD Offering a nonparticipant's perspective on the intervention, Leslie Heinberg, PhD, a professor of medicine and vice chair for psychology in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, called it 'an interesting and comprehensive study that goes beyond previous work in attitudinal change to look at change in actual practice behavior around obesity.' She was not surprised at the shift in attitude immediately after the symposium. 'We all know the right answers to give, but the change in attitudes persisted long after the intervention,' In her practice, patients often report experiencing weight stigma during interaction with their HCPs. 'But healthcare should be sensitive to patients across the entire weight spectrum.' Heinberg noted HCPs typically get little or no training in obesity issues, including the psychological aspects of this complex multifactorial condition. 'They might get one lecture during training, but 40% of the patients they treat will have obesity,' she said. Training is needed in how to talk to patients about excess weight. Her institution requires all new hires in any clinical capacity to have on-boarding training in obesity bias, with a yearly refresher course as well. Carolynn Francavilla, MD, an obesity medicine specialist and owner of Green Mountain Partners for Health in Lakewood, Colorado, also applauded the study. 'As someone who dedicates a significant amount of my time to developing CME and educating clinicians, I find it very encouraging that this study was able to demonstrate both reduced weight bias and improved referrals for care,' she told Medscape Medical News. 'While most physicians are now aware of treatment options, many do not understand the chronic nature of the disease and many still believe that willpower is enough to treat obesity.' The authors concluded that a focused CME intervention aimed at mitigating HCPs' weight bias and behavior can lead to improved diagnosis and referral to the full range of current options in obesity care. 'We're hoping to apply the intervention in other groups to see if it has the same positive impact on practice,' Velazquez said. 'But it will need some updating since the original interventions was conducted in 2021 before the explosion of GLP-1 therapy.' Future research should focus on integrating obesity pharmacotherapy into the CME content and further examining practice behaviors. 'In addition to a randomized trial of the intervention, future research should also assess longitudinal practice changes beyond 1 year, the authors wrote.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The best summer AC temperature? Experts have an unpopular answer.
Summer 2025 is here and temperatures are reaching dangerous levels, making air conditioning important for comfort and safety. But what temperature should you set your thermostat at? The answer is a balancing act between energy savings, comfort and safety. 'It is essential to stay cool during hot weather — use air conditioning or go to a cool place where you feel comfortable,' Dr. Michelle Morse, New York City's acting health commissioner, said in a statement. 'Heat is dangerous, but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health.' People also have bills to pay as AC demand skyrockets. Here are ways to stay cool while balancing budgets. Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe. The best temperature to set your air conditioning is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you wake up, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Energy companies in Florida, Maryland and Missouri also recommend thermostats at 78 degrees during summer months. Not many people follow this recommendation, as a 2021 Consumer Reports survey showed. And a 2024 poll from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, found 72 degrees was a favorite among readers. But setting your thermostat at a higher temperature can maximize efficiency. As temperatures ideally drop at night, people should set thermostats 4 degrees warmer when they go to sleep. If you're away from home, you can avoid unnecessary energy usage by setting temperatures 7 degrees warmer, the energy department said. Even 7 to 10 degrees, for around 8 hours daily, can save up to 10% annually on cooling and heating. Since windows bring in heat, window curtains can help keep indoors cooler. Look for air leaks — such as windows, baseboards and doors — and seal them to keep cool air in and hot air outside. Reduce use of appliances that generate heat, such as stoves or ovens. Use fans to circulate cool air, but don't use them as your only cooling device. There are other methods to stay cool, which USA TODAY compiled here. You should also check on others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, including young children, older people and people with chronic health issues. If it gets too hot, look for a nearby cooling center. Even public areas, such as malls, museums or pools, can give critical respite. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Greta Cross, USA TODAY. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@ or on Signal at emcuevas.01. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Experts say this is best AC temperature amid heat wave
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Arkay Zero Proof Spirits: A Healthy Kick Thanks to Capsaicin -- The Natural Compound That Does More Than Mimic Liquor
MIAMI, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arkay Beverages, the pioneer in zero-proof spirits, is proud to announce that its entire range — including whisky, vodka, rum, tequila, and gin alternatives — has delivered, since 2011, more than just exceptional flavor and warmth. Thanks to the infusion of capsaicin, embedded in Arkay's patented W.A.R.M. molecule, these zero-proof spirit alternatives don't just mimic the kick of traditional alcohol — they may also provide science-backed health benefits. "Our mission has always been to create sophisticated non-alcoholic spirit alternatives that feel and taste like the real thing," says Reynald Vito Grattagliano, founder of Arkay Beverages. "By incorporating capsaicin, we've taken the experience to the next level — delivering the familiar burn of liquor while actively supporting wellness." Why Capsaicin? 🔥 Pain Relief Used in creams and medical patches, capsaicin helps relieve chronic pain by depleting the neuropeptide "substance P", which transmits pain signals. ⚖️ Weight Loss & Metabolism Boost Capsaicin increases body temperature through thermogenesis, helping burn calories, suppress appetite, and support fat oxidation — ideal for healthy weight management. 🩸 Heart Health Research shows capsaicin can relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and improve circulation. 🌶️ Anti-Inflammatory Properties Capsaicin may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. 🦠 Antioxidant & Antimicrobial Action It helps neutralize free radicals and inhibit harmful microbes — supporting immune, gut, and skin health. 🧠 Potential Anti-Cancer Effects Emerging research suggests capsaicin may trigger apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. 🧬 Digestive Support Contrary to common belief, capsaicin does not cause ulcers — it may actually stimulate digestion and help protect the stomach lining. The Arkay Experience: Flavor, Fire, and Functional BenefitsUnlike traditional alcohol or most alcohol-free spirit alternatives, Arkay contains zero alcohol and recreates the sensory experience using a functional, health-forward formulation. The inclusion of capsaicin through the W.A.R.M. molecule delivers a natural, satisfying burn — providing the full experience of drinking spirits without the harmful effects of alcohol, such as hangovers, liver damage, or addiction. Arkay's zero-proof spirits are vegan, sugar-free, keto-friendly, and suitable for individuals managing diabetes or seeking a healthier lifestyle. About Arkay BeveragesFounded in 2011, Arkay Beverages is the world's first alcohol-free spirits brand. With its revolutionary "burning" formula, Arkay has sold millions of bottles worldwide, redefining how consumers enjoy sophisticated, alcohol-free spirits — now enhanced with functional benefits thanks to capsaicin. Media Contact: Email: press@ Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Arkay Beverages
