Vital Signs newsletter: Top health stories this week

February school vacations are upon us, and April break isn’t far behind. While families eagerly anticipate warmer temperatures, Maine health officials warn against returning with unwanted souvenirs: bacteria, viruses and parasites. One nasty disease carried by mosquitoes has worryingly appeared for the first time in the Caribbean, sickening at least one Maine resident.

Heading overseas for school vacation? How to avoid common travel ailments

Other top health stories this week:

Levant girl’s friendship with NHL player helps her fight rare disease

Maggie Rudnicki, 5, first met Boston Bruins player Andrew Ference last March while she was preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Ference was touched by Maggie’s courage in facing a rare genetic disorder that prevents her body from generating red blood cells.

Hot Pockets recalled for ‘diseased and unsound animal’ contents

Nestle USA issued a recall notice for two varieties of Hot Pockets in response to a meat supplier’s recall of beef, the company announced Tuesday on its website and Facebook account.

From our bloggers:

Wendy Watkins, Gym Class Dropout

The secret of my most successful clients

It’s maddening to me because I know if others just take this one step, the results they want will happen for them.

Diane Atwood, Catching Health

New Stroke Prevention Guidelines for Women

For the first time ever, there are new guidelines for treating strokes in women, who have unique risk factors compared to men.

From the source:

Are Snoop Lion and model Kate Upton regretting their viral music video for Hot Pockets in light of the recall? “YOU, YOU got what I eaaaaaaat! You make the steak and cheese, that brings me to my knees.” Yikes.

 

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.