Third case of whooping cough reported at Rostraver Elementary School
A third case of whooping cough has been reported at Rostraver Elementary School in the Belle Vernon Area district in Westmoreland County.
Belle Vernon Area Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool notified the school community late last week of the newly reported case. Two cases at the school had previously been confirmed.
In the letter to the community, Dr. Glasspool said that the Pennsylvania Department of Health isn't recommending any changes to school operations, but asking all staff members and families to closely monitor any symptoms.
"We strongly encourage families to keep students home if they are showing signs of illness, especially if they are coughing," Dr. Glasspool said.
Last year, cases of whooping cough spiked on the state and national level, and Allegheny County's newly released data shows the county was hit hard.
Whooping cough is characterized by violent or prolonged coughing, and is highly contagious.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The #1 Dairy Product to Lower Inflammation, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelli McGrane, M.S., RDYogurt is one of the best dairy products for lowering inflammation. Probiotics in yogurt support gut health, which helps reduce inflammation. Managing stress, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help reduce isn't always a bad thing. When we get injured or have an infection, acute inflammation helps our bodies heal and fight off foreign invaders, like viruses. However, problems arise when inflammation is present over a long period of time and starts attacking healthy tissue. This is known as chronic inflammation, and it's been linked with a host of negative health outcomes, including increasing the risk of chronic diseases. One of the best ways to combat chronic inflammation is by filling your diet with anti-inflammatory foods, including yogurt. Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that typically contains probiotics—beneficial bacteria for gut health—and is one of the best dairy products for lowering chronic inflammation. We spoke with three registered dietitians to better understand yogurt's anti-inflammatory benefits. While research is ongoing, one study found that adults who regularly consumed yogurt had lower levels of inflammatory markers, like interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, compared to those who rarely ate yogurt., Although the exact reasons behind yogurt's anti-inflammatory effects are likely complex and multifactorial, here are a few factors that may contribute to its benefits. When it comes to optimal health, the diversity of gut bacteria counts, explains Kim Kulp, RDN. It's estimated that at least 70% of your immune system is found in your gut, making gut health critical for a healthy immune system. And the best way to support gut health is by fostering a diverse microbiome by incorporating probiotic-rich foods in your diet. Probiotics are beneficial gut bacteria that are found in a variety of fermented foods, including yogurt. In addition to promoting digestive health, Liz McMahon, MPH, RD, CNSC, LDN says that probiotics have been shown to help reduce inflammation, both in and outside of the gut. Another way yogurt may help reduce inflammation is by protecting your gut lining. The lining of your gut is like a defensive wall for your body—it creates a barrier that makes it harder for harmful substances to enter the body, which would otherwise trigger an inflammatory response. Probiotics play a major role in the health of your gut lining, with certain strains being particularly important. For example, certain Lactobacillus strains have been shown to boost the production of barrier-related mucus and proteins., Probiotics also produce anti-inflammatory compounds called short-chain fatty acids. A byproduct of prebiotic fiber being fermented by gut bacteria, short-chain fatty acids are the main source of energy for the cells lining your colon, including those that maintain the integrity of your gut lining., In addition to protecting against inflammation in the gut, studies suggest that short-chain fatty acids may help reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body. Regular yogurt consumption has also been linked with benefits for metabolic health and chronic inflammation thanks to its potential role in improving insulin sensitivity, notes Megan Huff, RDN., One potential reason for this is the production of short-chain fatty acids by beneficial bacteria, like those found in yogurt. Studies show that short-chain fatty acids help regulate blood sugar levels and may improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. When it comes to reducing inflammation, it's important to address multiple lifestyle factors. Here are some key strategies for lowering or preventing against chronic inflammation: Manage Stress: It may not come as a surprise, but stress is a major contributor to chronic inflammation. While it's impossible to avoid feeling stressed, finding ways to manage it can go a long way in keeping your body healthy long-term. Yoga, meditation, going for a walk or dancing to your favorite songs are all easy ways to help lower cortisol levels. Get Moving: Physical activity isn't just important for your weight or muscle mass—it also plays a significant role in reducing inflammation. Whether it's going to the gym or finding an activity you enjoy doing outside, the key is finding ways to move your body consistently each day. Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Yogurt is just one of many foods with anti-inflammatory benefits. Kulp explains that fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and other plant compounds—all of which may help lower inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. In addition to eating more plants, an anti-inflammatory diet involves eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, and limiting your intake of ultra-processed foods, especially processed meats and excessive added sugars. If you're looking to help lower chronic inflammation, yogurt deserves a spot on your plate—or bowl—thanks to its probiotic content, which helps support gut health and lower inflammation. This fermented dairy food may also help improve insulin sensitivity, further supporting metabolic health. For optimal benefits, choose yogurts that contain live active cultures and have less than 4 grams of added sugar per serving. Or, better yet, buy unflavored yogurt and add fruit for natural sweetness and a boost of fiber. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What eating foods like dark chocolate and berries did to a study group of more than 120,000 people
A new study reveals what drinking tea and eating dark chocolate and berries did for a group of more than 120,000 people. Those foods, as well as fruits like grapes, apples, oranges, and beverages like red wine, all contain flavonoids, which are compounds found in many plant products. Flavonoids can 'help your body function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors,' per Healthline. The study's authors said those who consumed a diverse range of foods containing flavonoids (such as berries, grapes and dark chocolate) 'could lower their risk of developing serious health conditions and have the potential to live longer,' in a news release. The study has been peer-reviewed. In the study, which was recently published in the journal Nature Food, researchers observed 124,805 participants between the ages of 40 and 70 from the UK Biobank, a large-scale database with biomedical information. The participants were tracked for roughly 10 years and their dietary information was collected using a questionnaire asking them about the frequency in which they ate approximately 200 types of food and 30 beverages. Dr. Benjamin Parmenter, a research fellow at Edith Cowan University in Australia, was the study's first author and co-lead. He said consuming roughly 500 mg of flavonoids a day or more was linked to a 16 per cent lower risk of 'all-cause mortality' (meaning death from any cause). It was also linked to a roughly 10 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory disease. A study published in 2025 in peer-reviewed food science journal Foods said, as it pertains to human health, 'flavonoids are recognized for their ability to combat aging, mitigate inflammation, safeguard the nervous system, and promote overall well-being.' However, in another study published in 2022 in the Nutrition Journal, researchers 'observed an increased risk of prostate cancer by higher intake of total flavonoids.' In a study published in 2016 in the Journal of Nutritional Science, researchers called for further studies on flavonoids so their usefulness 'in the diet could be improved for better human health.' 'Over 30 different types of flavonoids are regularly consumed in the human diet. These are found in different types of everyday foods,' Parmenter told National Post over email. A few squares of dark chocolate could be roughly 25 mg of flavonoids. One apple is equal to roughly 100 mg of flavonoids, while one orange is roughly 60 mg. For tea drinkers, one cup of black tea is roughly 300 mg of flavonoids, while the same amount of green tea is roughly 150 mg. 'We observed that consuming a higher quantity and wider diversity of dietary flavonoids, when consumed together, may represent the optimal approach for improving long-term health, compared with increasing either flavonoid quantity or diversity alone,' Parmenter said. Those with the highest flavonoid diversity were more likely to be female, older, have a lower body mass index (BMI), be more physically active and have a higher education and were less likely to be current smokers, according to the study. 'We also know from lab data and clinical studies that different flavonoids work in different ways, some improve blood pressure, others help with cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation,' said study co-lead professor Aedín Cassidy, per the news release. Cassidy is from the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University Belfast. The findings of the study show how 'simple and achievable dietary dietary swaps' can 'potentially improve health in the long-term,' she said. 'Dietary swaps, such as drinking more tea and eating more berries and apples for example, can help increase the variety and intake of flavonoid-rich foods, and potentially improve health in the long-term,' said Cassidy. According to researchers, no previous works appear to have reported on the human health benefits of a flavonoid-diverse diet. 'Consequently, replication of our findings in other cohorts and clinical trials will be critical, as will the exploration of flavonoid diversity with other disease outcomes. Interpretation, however, requires careful consideration,' said researchers, in the study. The study was led by researchers from Queen's University Belfast, Edith Cowan University Perth, and the Medical University of Vienna and Universitat Wien. Smoking one cigarette equals 20 minute off your life, study finds What drinking 3 cups of coffee daily did to a study group of more than 170,000 people Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The worst hamburgers for your health — and the ones you should consider for your BBQ to avoid high sodium, fat this summer
Grilling season is upon us at long last, and for many Canadians, the chance to soak up more summer by having dinner outside is a key part to making the most of these sweet, sunny days. However, most barbecue fare can be a minefield of sodium. A Health Canada report from 2017 states many Canadian kids and men consume the mineral to potentially health-affecting excess. That includes 72 per cent of children aged four to 13, and a whopping 90 per cent of men between ages 14 and 30. On the other hand, notably, less than half of women in the same age group aren't consuming excess sodium. A small amount of sodium is a necessary part of a balanced diet as the mineral regulates blood pressure, keeps fluids in balance and helps muscle and nerve functioning. But too much is a serious health concern: "The average daily sodium intake of Canadians is currently estimated at 2760 mg, which is higher than the established goal of 2300 mg per day," Health Canada shares in that same report, going a long way to explaining the prevalence of high blood pressure in the country. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. The study adds roughly 25 per cent of Canadians over age 20 have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. But it also explains the actual number is likely much higher, given the condition presents no symptoms and develops slowly. If that's not enough to have you put down the salt shaker, how about this: Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the second and third leading causes of death in Canada after cancer. Most of the excess sodium in the typical Canadian diet is found in salty snacks, condiments, canned soups, frozen entrees like pizza and microwaved meals — and, above all, bakery goods and processed meats. Burgers, sausages, canned meats and deli meats all fall under this last category. That means when it comes time to fire up the grill, those watching their sodium intake can't just reach for any old patty. Here, we're comparing the nutritional label on a variety of popular grocery store favourites. From veggie burgers and imitation meat patties, to your classic chicken and beef burgers, this is everything you need to know about the sodium content in popular pre-made hamburger products you may be eyeing this summer. Pre-formed beef burgers are a barbecue staple. However, these patties are typically full of sodium, with some packages noting a single patty could use up a whopping quarter of your recommended daily value (DV) intake. When it comes to the DV on nutrition labels, five per cent or less is a little, while 15 per cent and above is a lot. President's Choice Thick and Juicy Beef Burgers Sodium: 600 mg, 26% DV Fat: 33 g (includes 15 g saturated + 1.5 g trans), 44% DV No Name Beef Burgers Sodium: 440 mg, 19% DV Fat: 28 g (includes 13 g saturated + 2 g trans), 37% DV Compliments Frozen Traditional Beef Burgers Sodium: 390 mg, 17% DV Fat: 10 g saturated + 1 g trans, 55% DV Montana's Frozen Canadian Angus Beef Burgers Sodium: 570 mg, 25% DV Fat: 11 g saturated + 2 g trans, 65% DV Changing it up with chicken burgers keeps barbecued dinners interesting as summer's heat continues on. These patties also seem to score slightly lower on sodium and fat levels than their beef counterparts. Zabiha Halal Chicken Burgers Sodium: 480 mg, 21% DV Fat: 8 g (includes 2 g saturated), 11% DV Compliments Balance Chicken Burgers Sodium: 330 mg, 14% DV Fat: 1.5 g saturated, 8% DV Janes Breaded Chicken Burgers Sodium: 410 mg, 18% DV Fat: 1.5 g saturated, 8% DV Great Value Chicken Burgers Sodium: 300 mg, 13% DV Fat: 11 g (includes 15 g saturated + 0.1 g trans), 15% DV Need a break from the red meats or poultry? Fish burgers are a good alternative when you're thinking of firing up the barbecue. Stick to non-breaded versions to stay on the healthier side. Compliments Wild Pacific Salmon Burgers Sodium: 310 mg, 13% DV Fat: 0.3 saturated, 2% DV President's Choice The Ultimate Atlantic Salmon Burgers Sodium: 420 mg, 18% DV Fat: 10g (includes 1.5 g saturated), 13% DV High Liner Breaded Fish Burgers Sodium: 610 mg, 27% DV Fat: 13g (includes 1 g saturated), 17% DV Janes Beer Battered Fish Burgers Sodium: 410 mg, 18% Fat: 1.5 g saturated, 8% DV Gone are the days of vegetarians getting left out at the cookout: Brands like Impossible, Beyond Meat, Yves and Gardein offer a this-close facsimile of their beef brethren — including the sodium and fat, it seems. Beyond Meat Plant-Based Burgers Sodium: 370 mg, 16% DV Fat: 6 g saturated + 0.1 g trans, 31% DV Impossible Plant-Based Burgers Sodium: 370 mg, 16% DV Fat: 8 g saturated, 40% DV Yves The Good Veggie Burgers Sodium: 310 mg, 14% Fat: 0.2 g saturated, 3% DV Gardein Suprême Plant-Based Burgers Sodium: 420 mg, 18% DV Fat: 9 saturated + 0.1 g trans, 44% DV Burger patties composed of vegetables, beans, grains and seasonings are an old-school vegetarian staple. Typically, these burgers are top-tier in healthiness regarding sodium and fat levels. Dr. Prager's California-Style Veggie Burgers Sodium: 250 mg, 10% DV Fat: 0 g saturated Big Mountain The Original Veggie Burgers Sodium: 135 mg, 6% DV Fat: 2 g saturated, 10% DV President's Choice Chickpea and Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers Sodium: 590 mg, 26% Fat: 9 g (including 1g saturated), 12% DV Wholly Veggie The Big Griller Veggie Burgers Sodium: 250 mg, 11% DV Fat: 0.5 g saturated, 5% DV Another potential sodium minefield standing between you and a barbecue meal that meets your dietary needs are burger buns. Some buns, it seems, might have as much salt as the patties they're clasped around. Some buns from the D'Italiano brand have 16 per cent of your daily sodium allotment per bun. That means a burger with one of these buns could have as high as half your daily intake, depending on the variety of patty inside — and that's before you've put cheese or ketchup on it. Wonderbread white buns, meanwhile, clock in at 10 per cent of your daily sodium needs — as do Compliments brand brioche buns. Villaggio's Toscana buns have 12 per cent of your daily sodium allowance, while Dempster's hamburger buns clock in at 10 per cent. Even though it tastes sweet, ketchup packs a sodium punch. At 50 grams — or about four tablespoon's worth — you're being delivered 18.5 per cent of your daily sodium recommendation. Mustard and relish aren't off the hook, either: According to the USDA, the average yellow mustard has 23.5 per cent of your daily sodium in a comparable amount. On the other hand, relish hovers around 16.5 per cent of your sodium needs for about four tablespoons. Adding cheese? One slice of Kraft Singles has 12 per cent of your sodium allowance, while Ziggy's brand cheddar slices offer seven per cent. It's possible that building the perfect burger could cost an entire day's worth of sodium intake if you're not careful. But simple swaps — like reaching for unprocessed cheese, going light on the condiments and checking the nutrition facts on the buns — can keep things in check, as will occasionally choosing patties made from chicken, fish and vegetables in place of beef. Get ready to light the grill!
