Latest news with #Streptococcus
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Adding cinnamon to your vacuum has two big benefits, say experts
It might seem like a strange thing to use for cleaning the floors but it has two benefits June has finally arrived, and with the warmer weather, many people will be thinking about tackling their big spring clean. There's something very satisfying about getting the house spotless for the summer months, and now cleaning experts have come up with a rather unusual tip to help eliminate musty smells and lingering odours. Apparently, adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner can help make your home smell fresh without costing a fortune or damaging the appliance. Years of use often take their toll on vacuum cleaners and they can start to smell stale. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair, and general grime don't exactly make for a fresh smell, and using the vacuum for just half an hour can leave the house smelling a bit stale. According to Lottomart, sprinkling cinnamon directly into the vacuum cleaner has two benefits. Firstly it spreads a sweet, fresh smell throughout the house every time you vacuum. And secondly, it has antibacterial properties, which means it can kill off nasty germs lurking in the carpet, reports the Express. They said: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!". "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco or Asda costs just £1." To make your vacuum emit a delightful scent, begin by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water. Then, sprinkle about 10g, which is roughly two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the dampened napkin or cotton pad, rubbing it in gently to ensure it's spread out evenly. After preparing the napkin, simply pop it into the vacuum cleaner's bag or dustbin. For those with a bagless vacuum, place it in the waste/dustbin compartment where it won't interfere with the suction. As you vacuum as usual, the cinnamon-laden napkin will move through the appliance, emitting a cosy, bakery-like aroma and counteracting any nasty smells. A Lottomart spokesperson commented: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. "It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Science journals have noted something special about cinnamon's antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOP Science has reported: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Irish Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Shockingly cheap' way to make your home smell amazing is hiding in the cupboard
With June nearly upon us and the warmer weather finally here, many will be turning their thoughts to the big spring clean. There's nothing quite like getting the house sparkling clean for the summer ahead, and now cleaning experts have issued an unusual tip to help get rid of musty odours and lingering smells. Simply adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner could help make your home smell fresh without breaking the bank (or your appliance). After years of use, many hoovers will start to smell rather worn. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hairs and general grime are not a recipe for freshness, and sometimes just running the vacuum for half an hour can leave your house smelling a bit off. According to Lottomart, a sprinkling of cinnamon directly inside your vacuum has two benefits: it spreads a sweet, fresh smell throughout the house every time you vac. And, it also has antibacterial properties, meaning nasty germs dwelling in your carpet will be killed off, too, reports the Express. They said: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon!". "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco costs just €1." To make your vacuum emit a delightful scent, start by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water. Then, sprinkle about 10g, which is roughly two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the damp napkin or cotton pad and rub it in gently to ensure it's spread out evenly. Once you've prepared the napkin, just pop it into the vacuum cleaner's bag or dustbin. If you have a bagless vacuum, place it in the waste/dustbin compartment where it won't interfere with the suction. As you vacuum as usual, the cinnamon-laden napkin will move through the machine, wafting a cosy, bakery-like aroma and getting rid of any nasty niffs. A Lottomart spokesperson said: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Science journals suggest there's something special about cinnamon's antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. IOPScience notes: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
'Shockingly cheap' way to make your home smell amazing is hiding in the cupboard
Cleaning experts have shared a simple and cheap solution to make your home smell amazing - and it's hiding in your spice cupboard. Here's how it works With June around the corner and warmer weather upon us, many are tackling their household cleaning. Few tasks are as satisfying as getting the house spotless for the impending summer, and now cleaning experts have shared an unusual hack to eliminate musty smells and lingering odours. Adding cinnamon to your vacuum cleaner could make your home smell fresh without incurring significant costs or damaging your appliance. After prolonged use, many vacuum cleaners can develop unpleasant odours. Dust, dirt, mud, pet hair and general grime are not conducive to freshness, and even a 30-minute vacuuming session can leave your house smelling off. According to Lottomart, sprinkling cinnamon directly inside your vacuum has a dual effect: it disperses a sweet, fresh fragrance throughout the house with each use and, due to its antibacterial properties, eradicates germs dwelling in your carpet. They stated: "Over time, dust, pet hair, and trapped dirt can create a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours inside your vac. "But before you splash out on pricey fresheners or replace parts, there's a simple, natural, and shockingly cheap solution hiding right in your spice cupboard: cinnamon! "Cinnamon isn't just for cooking - it's a powerful, natural deodoriser with antibacterial properties. If you don't already have some ground cinnamon at home, a 36g tub from Tesco or Asda costs just £1." To make your vacuum cleaner emit a delightful scent, begin by moistening a small napkin or cotton pad with warm water, reports the Express. Then, distribute approximately 10g, or two teaspoons, of ground cinnamon onto the dampened material, massaging softly to ensure it's thoroughly imbued. After preparing the napkin, you simply need to place it inside your vacuum cleaner's dust bag or chamber. In bagless models, position it in the dirt collection area, taking care to avoid any interference with suction functionality. Proceed with your usual vacuuming routine, and as you do so, the aroma-infused napkin will disperse throughout the appliance, exuding a cosy, bakery-inspired fragrance and counteracting any disagreeable smells. A spokesperson for Lottomart commented: "Unlike chemical air fresheners or commercial cleaners, cinnamon neutralises bad smells at the source while leaving behind a warm, subtle fragrance. It's a far more pleasant, long-lasting scent compared to synthetic alternatives." Scientific journals have also noted the potent qualities present in cinnamon. IOP Science declares: "Cinnamon bark has been commonly used as spicy and traditional medicine. "It contains several antibacterial compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and cinnamaldehyde. Several studies have been done to know the antibacterial effect on bacteria such as Streptococcus in vitro."
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (May 13, 2025)
Malaysia * Eight FRU personnel killed in Perak road accident * FRU truck crash: Death toll rises to nine, all FRU personnel * Terengganu PAS apologises for jalur Gemilang error in event logo * No negligence found in fatal accident involving elephant calf, say police * Malaysia free of Streptococcus infections linked to pigs, says DVS * Pamela Ling abduction: MACC's timeline missing some facts, says lawyer * Statements of 27 people recorded in Pamela Ling abduction probe * PKR polls not 'us vs them' but a reminder of shared struggle, says Saifuddin * No reflection on Anwar if Nurul Izzah loses bid for PKR No. 2, says Saifuddin * 10.5% drop in drug users seen in Q1, says Home Minister * Police to launch thorough probe into fatal FRU truck crash, says deputy minister * Malaysia puts anti-dumping duties on some flat-rolled iron, non-alloy steel products * Ex-Penang deputy chief minister to be charged with abuse of power * PM orders probe of FRU truck crash, urges aid for victims and families * Ah long asks woman to send 'nudes' to secure RM3,000 loan * Lorry driver involved in fatal FRU collision has criminal history, says police chief * Lorry suffered steering failure before crashing into FRU truck, says Zahid * All captured wildlife to be microchipped before relocation * Two foreign students plead not guilty to staged kidnapping for RM2.9mil ransom * Croc weighing 100kg among three caught in Beaufort, Sabah * No ketum found in lorry, says Deputy IGP on fatal FRU crash * Adoption first, not 'shooting spree', says Negri MB on move to reduce stray dog population Singapore * Singapore to begin automated immigration clearance at West Coast, Marina South piers from 2027 * Singapore woman sues mum for evicting her; judge dismisses claim of right to stay indefinitely * Every Singaporean household can claim S$500 CDC vouchers from May 13 * Singaporean actress Chen Xiuhuan and daughter visit Jeju for Mothers Day after watching 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' * Singapore monitoring rise in Covid-19 cases; no indication variants are more transmissible or severe * S$1,000 fine for man who hung placard around his neck to publicise religious movement in Singapore * Monkey nuisance at Singapore's Mandai Columbarium: Visitors asked not to leave food offerings unattended * High Court orders Ng Yu Zhi's bankruptcy trustees to accept $12m claim by defrauded investor Indonesia * 'Be firm on thugs': Indonesia to tackle protection rackets as investments threatened * Indonesian military's security protection for Attorney General's Office draws flak Thailand * Evacuation ordered after factory fire in Bangkok leads to high levels of air pollution * Thailand's political war heads toward a no-return showdown * Former Thai PM Thaksin is genuinely ill and ready to defend himself, says PM Paetongtarn * 48-day rescue mission at collapsed Bangkok building concludes * Thailand's edible insect market poised for explosive growth Philippines * Duterte wins mayoral race from jail * Marcos' grip on power shaken as Duterte allies, opposition surge in Philippines midterm polls * Kanlaon volcano spews ash over a mile into the sky * Dutertes outperform in Philippine midterms in blow to Marcos * Philippines election result could tip scales for Sara Duterte Vietnam * Hanoi agrees to nuke power plant deal with Russia * Thai PM's visit to Vietnam will lift bilateral ties to new heights: Envoy * Vietnam tycoon seeks to manage her assets from prison, media reports Myanmar * Witnesses claim 22 killed in Myanmar junta airstrike on school * Survivors of Myanmar earthquake find refuge in China-donated tents Cambodia * Cambodian Mine Action Centre destroys 120 cluster bomblets in Ratanakiri controlled explosion * Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu shines in Cambodia Laos * Australia provides AUD2.89mil to improve reproductive health in remote areas of Laos * Laos looks into blockchain, digital assets to boost digital economy Brunei * Brunei supports businesses, partnerships for sustainable growth: Minister * Universiti Brunei Darussalam salutes nurses and midwives' contributions Aseanplus * 'First calm night in recent days' as ceasefire holds * Beijing courts Latin America * 'Ousted PM behind deadly crackdown' * Presidential candidates kick off campaigns * Stocks, dollar surge as US and China agree 90-day tariff relief * UN aviation body rules Russia downed Flight MH17 * Ringgit opens higher vs dollar, market sentiment improves * Barbie Hsu's mum remembers late star in first family photo after heartbreaking loss: 'My heart aches' * Australia's conservative Liberal party elect first woman leader after election loss * FBM KLCI jumps 1% at opening bell on US-China tariffs relief * US-China tariff development positive for Malaysian equity market - CIMB Securities * Oil prices ease off 2-week highs after US, China pause tariff war * Ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina's party barred from election as party registration suspended * Foreign dollars flow into Bursa Malaysia for third straight week * Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik win National Sportsman award * Xi's defiance pays off as Trump meets most Chinese trade demands * Most Asian markets extend rally in glow of China-US truce * Cricket-Australia's Green, Cummins and Hazlewood return for World Test Championship final * Modi warns Pakistan: India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail * 'Shang-Chi' star Simu Liu engaged to girlfriend Allison Hsu * Jaded young Chinese reset lives with rural 'retirement' * FBM KLCI leads gains in Asia with 2% rally * China stocks flat, Hong Kong retreats as tariff optimism fades * Cricket-Australia in touch with IPL over security as players ponder return * China's Xi slams 'bullying' as Beijing hosts Latin American leaders * Japanese 'salarymen' inspire with cheerleading acrobatics * Trump blinked in trade war with China. Can South-east Asia get a break, too? * Pakistan says committed to truce with India, vows to respond to aggression * Asia Pacific trade envoys to discuss multilateral cooperation in tariff era * Man in South Korea blames parents for short stature, publicly vows murder * US tariff pause on Beijing puts pressure on 'China-plus-one' countries * Henry Golding details 'Crazy Rich Asians' reunions as Max develops TV series * China job ad featuring 'free toilet use' as work benefit sparks humorous reactions online * Australia's conservative Liberal party elects first woman leader after election loss * Tariffs set to level up game console prices * Mandopop superstar Jam Hsiao is back in KL after six years; star singer's concert all set for Aug 2 at Axiata Arena * China's Xi Jinping urges countries to 'stand united' in face of global trade war * Cricket-South Africa name Rabada in World Test Championship final squad * Former China National Petroleum Corp chairman sentenced to 13 years in prison for bribery * 'Up to Yoon Suk Yeol to leave party,' Kim Moon-soo says * Expect the very best of Asia and South-East Asia to come to the fore as Maybank's RM13mil golf extravaganza is back to excite the fans * 'Marsquakes' point to liquid water in red planet's crust, study finds * Ringgit weakens against US dollar, gains versus other currencies * Malaysian designer Shaleen Cheah on crafting elegant, expressive fashion * 17 dead in India after drinking moonshine * Taiwanese comedian-host Nono sentenced to 2½ years' jail for attempted rape * After the China-US trade deal, what tariffs will exporters actually pay? * China lifts ban on Boeing deliveries following US-China trade agreement: report * Anwar's visit to Russia marks diplomatic milestone, strengthens KL-Moscow ties * Actress Christy Chung wows netizens in rare photoshoot with all 3 daughters * 80 years after WWII, Japanese junior high school badge found in Okinawa natural cave * Foreign Ministry closely monitoring situation in India and Pakistan, assisting affected Malaysians
The Star
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Hongkongers urged not to slam acupuncture treatment after ‘flesh-eating' infection
The head of an industry body for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners has said it is still too soon to jump to any conclusions after a Hongkonger suffered a 'flesh-eating infection' and had his leg amputated following an acupuncture treatment, stressing that the risk involved is low. Chan Wing-kwong, chairman of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, said on Wednesday that the case revealed by health authorities the previous day could be an isolated incident, adding that the patient had underlying illnesses. 'Residents do not need to be worried when they receive an acupuncture treatment by registered traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, as we have certain anti-infection guidelines and procedures,' Chan said during a radio programme. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. 'This is an isolated incident. Based on the available information, this is the first time such an incident has occurred in Hong Kong ... Before the case is fully investigated, our comments and judgments will be unfair to the practitioner and patient.' The Centre for Health Protection announced on Tuesday that the Hong Kong man, 47, had undergone an amputation of his left lower leg two days after he contracted Group A Streptococcal bacteria and was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, following acupuncture treatment he received at two traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Necrotising fasciitis is commonly known as 'flesh-eating infection'. Department of Health personnel investigated the acupuncture treatment premises, reviewed procedures and collected environmental samples from one practitioner. It discovered that one environmental sample tested positive for Group A Streptococcus, which matched that of the affected patient's sample. The department added that during its investigation, its team suspected that the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner involved had not 'strictly followed infection control procedures'. A genetic analysis to identify the source of infection was still ongoing. 'I believe that the Chinese medicine practitioner does not only see one patient a day. They would see many of them and perform acupuncture on them as well,' Chan said. 'The issue has only occurred with one patient, so we must investigate to see whether this was the fault of the Chinese medicine practitioner.' Chan, also a lawmaker, said that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners took multiple steps to prevent infection when performing acupuncture. The steps include sterilising the treatment area with alcohol, washing their hands, using single-use needles and ensuring their hands do not touch the tip of the needle. These measures even extended to the beds to conduct treatments, with practitioners using single-use bedsheets or performing sterilisation before they are used again. Group A Streptococcus bacteria are considered the most common cause of flesh-eating infection, which can enter the body through a wound in the skin and can be transmitted by droplets and physical contact. It can cause mild diseases in healthy people, but the risk to the elderly and people with chronic illnesses like diabetes is higher, according to the Department of Health, which has called on the public to maintain good hygiene and take good care of wounds. More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
