Acute meningitis is life-threatening and presents with increased morbidity and mortality. A distinguishing characteristic exists between bacterial meningitis and the more common viral meningitis. With the increased use of the said conjugate vaccines, the annual occurrences of bacterial meningitis in the US decreased from the earlier 1.9 down to1.5 cases per 100,000 persons between the years 1998 and 2003, with a total mortality rate of 15.6%. The frequency rates in developing countries, however, continue to hover around the higher numbers. In the year 2009, around 88,000-odd cases of meningococcal disease (assumed) were reported in the countries in the “meningitis belt,” which resulted in close to 5,000-5,500 deaths. The worst hit regions and countries were Niger and Nigeria where the combined fatalities and cases were close to 3,000 deaths and 69,500 cases. Between the year 2003 and 2007, 10% of the epidemic cases were due to W135 and 87.8% were due to serogroup A. Prevention with meningitis vaccines Conjugate vaccines administered in early childhood for the following – H. influenzae types S and B pneumonia have effectively decreased the occurrence of bacterial meningitis in both children and adults. While, the overall occurrences of pneumococcal meningitis have reduced with the administration of the said conjugate vaccine, the fraction of cases of meningitis caused due to the nonvaccine serotypes has gone up. Also, the number of isolates that were insusceptible to cefotaxime and penicillin has also gone up. The newer form of conjugate vaccine against Neisseria meningitides is suggested to be administered to all persons with complement component deficiencies, travelers to meningococcal disease endemic regions, and children between the ages of 11 and 18 years. This vaccine is active against serogroups A, C, W135, and Y, but not serogroup B. Patients with asplenia (anatomic or functional) should be vaccinated against H. influenzae, pneumococcal and meningitis vaccine. Patients who are in the hospital suffering from meningitis of an uncertain etiology or with the N. meningitides infection will need droplet precautions for the first one day of the treatment, or until the latter can be eliminated. Currently available meningitis vaccines Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicemia (meningococcal disease). Vaccines are now available for all the five groups - A, B, C, W, and Y, which are the common disease causing agents. These include Men B, Men C, Men ACWY, Hib, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), MMR, BCG and MenACWY for travel. It is always beneficial to consult the doctor before you take any vaccinations.

Whether it's about cooking, watching TV, rinsing your clothes, or having a nice indoor barbecue, getting the right appliances for your home can drastically change the way your daily chores work. With the rising prices on appliances and everyday utility devices, appliance deals do matter. But what is important is to you get the best out of these appliance deals and pick the popular appliances from at a discount rate. Here are the top five highly recommended appliances you must have in your home: Split Air Conditioners Split air conditioners are amongst the king of appliance deals. From being featured in attractive discount appliances sale to providing sufficient cooling in your home, split air conditioners can make your life easier. If you're prone to eczema or itchy, dry skin conditions, getting a split air conditioner can help. Robotic Vacuum Cleaners Now you do not have to worry about the housekeeper missing a day or two! Robotic vacuum cleaners come with state-of-the-art technology and are becoming a part of the biggest appliances sales across the country. These are intelligent, vacuum tough-to-reach areas, and most importantly, come with a recharging bay. Prices from basic to advanced models can start from $100 a unit and go to $300 a unit and beyond, respectively. Washer and dryer combo Good washer and dryer combos can make your laundry sessions super comfortable and are a part of the main discount appliances. These can be easily accommodated in small homes, are very technologically advanced and look stylish too. They can wash and dry your clothes in one go, and often come with exclusive features like touch panels, quick diagnosis, and Wi-Fi Control for a hassle-free laundry experience. You can choose a model depending on the amount and kind of clothes you usually wash. They are adept at removing pollen, pet hair, and dust from your clothes too. Electric Kettles Tea and coffee are the top two beverages in everybody's lives. Getting a decent electric kettle can supercharge your day and allow you to drink tea or coffee whenever you wish to. Electric kettles help you save time, and some models come with a timer function so that you don't have to worry about when that boiling water or coffee is ready. They are simple to use and very convenient.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system. It is one of the most common neurological disorders and is more common in women than in men. According to some data, this condition affects around 2.2 million people worldwide. Avoiding and eating certain foods could help manage the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. In this post, we will explore foods to better manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. Saturated fats Animal products such as red meat, cheese, butter, and full-fat dairy are sources of saturated fats. These foods are known to raise the level of LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and are linked to inflammation. It could lead to various high-risk conditions such as stroke and heart attack. It is found that people with MS are at a high risk of heart problems, especially women. But specific easy steps would help manage this condition, such as avoiding unhealthy fats. Trans fats Like saturated fats, to deal with and manage MS, it is good to avoid trans fats such as packaged products, baked cookies, and crackers. Trans fats increase the risk of cardiovascular problems by enhancing inflammation in the blood vessels. Therefore, to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), it is best to avoid trans fats such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, margarine, etc. Cow’s milk It has been found that cow’s milk is high in saturated fats and loaded with some particular proteins that may worsen the condition of sclerosis. This is because the proteins in milk stimulate the immune cells and lead to the formation of lesions. But still, the reports concerning this research are mixed. So, it is suggested that if you want to reduce the intake of cow’s milk to manage the symptoms of MS, then there must be a regular intake of Vitamin D, calcium, and proteins from other food sources. Some of the alternatives to cow’s milk are almond milk, soy milk, and cashew milk, which contain more calcium. Sugar Excessive sugar in sweets is unsuitable for overall health. The reason is that sugar contains lots of empty calories that may lead to weight gain. This also contributes to fatigue. Also, overindulgence in sweets may make you moody, which results in brain fog. Gluten Gluten is found in some grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. People with celiac disease, which is caused by gluten intolerance, must try to avoid these grains entirely as it could result in intestinal damage. Those that don’t have celiac disease can also stay healthy by eliminating gluten from their meal plans. However, no evidence indicates that avoiding gluten benefits people with multiple sclerosis. But avoiding gluten could be beneficial if you have digestive issues such as an upset stomach. It is also suggested to choose gluten-free foods cautiously as they may be highly processed. Refined carbs Staying away from white bread, white rice, and cold breakfast cereals is of great help if you are suffering from MS. This is because these processed carbohydrates may negatively impact heart health by elevating blood sugar levels. Therefore, switching to healthy options such as brown rice, barley, and whole-wheat pasta is good. Relying on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains also helps keep weight in check by keeping you fuller for longer. This results in fewer mobility issues. Foods that are rich in fiber could also help reduce constipation which could occur in patients with sclerosis. Sodium Excessive sodium intake in the form of salt leads to high blood pressure, which results in a decreased life expectancy in people with MS. Therefore, if you suffer from heart issues, you should consume 1500 mg of sodium per day. If you are healthy with no heart ailments, you can consume less than 2300 mg of sodium per day. Avoiding certain foods is as significant as eating certain foods to manage and treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Consult your doctor and then make any decision concerning eating and avoiding any food.

KitchenAid mixers are one of the most popular mixer options for every kitchen. The durability of the products along with budget-friendly mixer models makes KitchenAid mixers a preferable choice too. Here are a few popular types of stand mixers from KitchenAid that you should have in your kitchen! KitchenAid Classic Tilt-Head stand mixers This tilt-head model is a durable option as compared to other stand mixers and is smartly designed that makes it an easy-to-use mixer. The KitchenAid mixer comes with a stainless-steel bowl, which easily locks into its specific place and assists in constant and consistent mixing. With 10 speed controls, KitchenAid mixers are specifically designed in a way that allows planetary mixing for great output. Also, this makes the tilt-head model one of the best-suited Kitchen Aid mixers for great mixing. If you are worried whether the parts of the mixers are dishwasher safe or not, the fret not, they are! You only have to hand wash the whips that are included in the pack. KitchenAid Artisan Design stand mixers With a 5-quart glass mixing bowl, the Kitchen Aid Artisan Design stand mixers are one of the must-haves for your kitchen. This microwave safe bowl has made it simpler for you to melt chocolate for your chocolate souffle. Also, the glass bowl with markings is a life saver in the kitchen when it comes to measuring the quantity of the ingredient that goes into the bowl. Now you can be worry free about even mixing with this Kitchen Aid mixers, all thanks to the glass bowl. The high-performance motors of the model come with 10-speed control and long-lasting metal make. If you want your kitchen appliances to complement your kitchen decor, it is possible with the several color options of Kitchen Aid Artisan Design stand mixers that are available in sugar pearl, apple red, azure blue, to name a few. KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers Are you looking for an attractive option from KitchenAid mixers? If yes, then you cannot miss out on KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers. The powerful performance of the mixer's motors along with the designer look of the model makes it an appropriate choice for your kitchen. With an all-metal construction, you can be sure about the durability of this KitchenAid mixers. The stainless-steel bowl comes with a handle that facilitates steady grip. If you are purchasing the KitchenAid Artisan series, then you are in for a large 5-quart capacity motor. With the revolutionary planetary mixing action, this stand mixer makes sure to not leave any unmixed ingredient. The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers are dishwasher safe, while the whip needs to be hand washed. Whether you are preparing a dough or mixing ingredients to bake a cake, Kitchen Aid mixers are one of the popular options when it comes to mixing.

Chilly winters and frosty nights are heading closer. With the winter months, comes the season of festivity. Halloween, Thanksgiving or the Christmas day, parties and gatherings are something that will surely keep you warm during the winter months. There is no escape from frozen pathways and roads. Blizzards and snowfall are something that you cannot escape during the winter months. Therefore, instead of just concentrating on your party arrangements, it will be ideal for you to make necessary preparations for snow clearing. To purchase snow clearing items at a discounted price, you can look out for snow blower clearance offers or snow blower sale that are announced quite often. Every year there are several stores, which offer snow blower discounts to clear off their old stocks before the new season begins. If you can look out for such stores, you can easily get a snow blower without making a dent in your budget. Many lucky customers also get free snow blower machines, when they search for snow blower sale. Finding free snow blower offers might not be a simple task as you need to search for it extensively. Even if you are not lucky enough to get a free deal, you can at least save half the price or even more from snow blower discounts. Not only home improvement stores in your area but also several online stores offer snow blower discounts and sales during this season. You can check them out as well. Find the stores that offer delivery services in your area and place your order according to your requirement. Purchasing snow blower from online stores has become quite popular these days, and you can find various models in online snow blower sale. You just need to select the right model and place the order. Whether you purchase online or you get it from a local retailer, you need to make sure that it is a functional piece and not a faulty one. Some fraudulent stores often try to sell their faulty pieces during snow blower discounts sale and getting duped by such machines can be a waste of your money. Special care should be given to the reputation of the online store as you cannot physically verify the product when purchasing online. As price saving is the main reason, for which you are searching the snow blower clearance sale offers, it is recommended that you compare the price of a few stores before placing the order. When comparing the price of the snow blowers, also check their features. This will help you get the best value for money that you spend for the machine. Also follow the usage guidelines thoroughly to ensure its smooth functioning.

Crock-Pot® is a countertop slow-cooker that helps simmer food on low heat for a long time. Crock-Pot® allows unattended cooking for hours of dishes that can be boiled, like stews, soups or pot roasts. The Crock-Pot® usually has a circular or oval cooking pot made of porcelain or ceramic, surrounded by a metal that has a heating element and a lid made of glass. The lid usually sits in a groove of the pot to let vapor sit in the groove and seal the pot with low pressure. The pot by itself acts as a reservoir of heat, but the heat has two to three different settings for monitoring heat. The heat settings usually include a regulation of low, medium and high with some Crock-Pot® appliances also providing the option of “keep warm”. The process of using Crock-Pot® appliances involves adding a liquid such as water, stock or wine along with other food to be cooked inside it. The advantage of using such slow cookers is that it becomes almost impossible for the food to burn. Overcooking, however, should be taken care of. Crock-Pot® can also be used for preparing food at an earlier time and keeping it warm for the rest of the day. Some Crock-Pot® appliances are portable too and are great for outdoor settings such as a picnic or a cook-out. Parties, get-togethers, and gatherings can have delicious warm food with the help of Crock-Pot® appliances. While slow cookers help cook food on slow heat, an instant pot, also known as instapot is a fast pressure cooker. Pressure cooking is a faster way as it seals the pot with heat and high pressure. It seals in moisture and flavor together to take food from frozen to cooked in a short period of time. Most instant pots, however, also double as slow cookers or crock-pots as they have a heat management system that allows for slow cooking as well. There are many differences between a crock pot and an instapot. One main difference is that an instapot has insulated housing which a Crock-Pot® does not and this helps in energy saving and efficiency. Another factor involved is how far in advance one plans to cook. If one is impulsive, an instapot works best for them as they can immediately cater to their craving, while planners benefit from Crock-Pot® to add as much flavor as possible.