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6 Surprising Benefits of Getting Enough Sleep 04/20/2016 08:00pm • As a college professor, I am regularly surrounded by sleep-deprived young adults who sometimes wear their chronic lack of sleep as a badge of honor, comparing notes on who got less shut-eye before a big exam. But the truth is that a lack of sleep -- whether cramming for an exam or burning the candl Alternatives to using DEET as mosquito repellent 04/20/2016 05:36am • WASHINGTON — It's that time of year when any time spent time outside can mean an evening of itchy mosquito bites. And with concern growing over the Zika virus, health experts say wearing insect repellent is even more important this year. // The best mosquito defense is insect repellent, b Montgomery Co. health leader warns of local Zika dangers 04/19/2016 06:22pm • ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Ulder Tillman wants you to cover up this summer. Tillman is not a member of the fashion police — she's trying to get people to defend themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as the Zika virus. Montgomery County Health Officer Amid Zika concerns, official urges repellent-infused clothing 04/14/2016 02:34pm • WASHINGTON -- Due to growing concern about the Zika virus, health officials advise people traveling to and from affected areas to avoid mosquitoes.   "You can actually purchase lines of clothing that are pre-treated with insect repellent," said Mike Raupp, entomologist at the University of Maryl As summer nears, officials warn to protect against Zika virus 04/14/2016 05:21am • WASHINGTON — Public health officials are raising concerns about the mosquito-borne Zika virus as warm summer months approach. Efforts are underway nationwide to prepare for any outbreaks of the virus, which has been linked to serious health problems in newborn babies. "I do not anticipate NIH's Fauci says Zika more dangerous than first thought 04/12/2016 09:18am • WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are saying that the Zika virus is more dangerous than previously thought. And while federal money left over from the fight against Ebola is being transferred to combat Zika, they say it’s time for a full-blown effort to combat the spread of the disease. “T 50 American cities most at risk of Zika virus 04/12/2016 05:34am • The following information is provided by Graphiq and HeathGrove. A recent poll revealed that Americans don't know much about the Zika virus — a disease that many South American countries believe is a serious threat. Of the few who have some knowledge of Zika, many don't know if the mosquito-b D.C. expands mosquito battle to target Zika 04/05/2016 05:38pm • WASHINGTON — D.C. health officials will be expanding mosquito surveillance for new types of ailments and will be issuing warnings to prevent the spread of viruses including Zika. "This year we'll be doing two outreach events and giving people mosquito prevention kits. Those mosquito prevention How to Recover From Food Poisoning 04/04/2016 08:00pm • Spending formal dinner night on the cruise ship with your head slumped on the white-linen tablecloth -- that's food poisoning. Crawling to the bathroom, too weak to stand -- that's food poisoning. When you regurgitate and it tastes not just like the meat you ate, but like spoiled meat that sat in a 4 Reasons to Visit Quito This Year 04/03/2016 08:00pm • South America is a melting pot of culture, history and natural wonders. Considered the "middle of the world," Quito, Ecuador, offers travelers a unique opportunity to walk the equatorial line and immerse themselves in amazing cultures while reaching staggering heights. The city stands at 9,350 feet After hospital attacks, FBI offers cybersafety tips 04/01/2016 11:22pm • WASHINGTON — Officials at MedStar Health say they are close to restoring normal operations of its information technology systems after being hit with a malware attack on Monday. In a statement on its Facebook page, the health care giant repeats the assertion that there’s no evidence that pati Rubber mulch, skeeter sprays and kumquats 04/01/2016 05:31am • Meet Mike on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17, at The Calvert (County) Home Show in Prince Frederick, Maryland. Details here. Rubber mulch not a deterrent to termites In last week’s bits, we passed on a warning from Terminex that running mulch right up against the side of your home is a pri 10 Things Every Traveler Must Know Before Going to Brazil This Summer 03/30/2016 08:00pm • Pro tips for navigating the risks before organizing your trip.With just a few months left until the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this August, now is the time to decide if you want to squeeze in a last-minute trip to Brazil. But with the rapid spread of the Zika virus prompting a flurr FBI investigates virus after hospital chain forced to shut down network 03/28/2016 08:23pm • WASHINGTON — The FBI is investigating after Medstar Health, which operates hospitals and clinics throughout the Baltimore-Washington area, was hit with a computer virus that could be a case of so-called “ransomware." Medstar Health picked up on a virus present on its computer system Monday m 7 Cities in South America to Tack On to Your Rio Olympics Trip 03/28/2016 08:00pm • Many destinations are within easy reach of Rio.South America lures travelers with its natural wonders, cosmopolitan cities and secluded beaches. If you're already planning to visit Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics, consider taking a few more vacation days to explore all that South America