Itchy Owie

It has been a rough year thus far for us up in Saltlick in regards to biting bugs. We seem to have more than our own share of pests: ants, ticks, spiders, gnats, horseflies, chiggers and no-see-ums. The last 2 on the list, I have experienced much in the past week, and it got me thinking that I don't even know what these 2 are, and I don't think I would know one if I saw one. Both, it turns out, they are both so small, there is no wonder I haven't ever really seen one in detail enough to know what it was.
So, I did a little internet research, and out of the kindness of my heart have elected to share my findings with you. Enjoy.
No-see-ums (biting midges) pictured above
Chiggers

Are you taking cholesterol medicine?

Are you taking cholesterol medicine? If you are, are you aware of a disorder called rhabdomyolysis? If not, I recommend that you become aware of it.
In brief, this disorder can occur if high levels of statin in your body prevent the production of crucial proteins utilized in muscle function. The result minimally can be muscle soreness and rapid fatigue associated with exertional activities, and at worst, can lead to kidney failure and death.
My brother, Larry, and a close friend, Shane, have both been taking cholesterol medications and have both had unexplained diffuse muscle and joint pains. After suffering with the symptoms for way too long, they both have come to find that the medications they were taken were the culprits.
If you would like to know more, here are some resources:
Mayo Clinic rhabdo info

American Family Physician rhabdo info

Space Doc rhabdo info
Please feel free to contact me with your insights, suggestions, concerns or questions regarding this matter.

Killer Sand vs. Jaws

Despite my poor attempt at humor titling this blog article, I have chosen to reference this news article out of a serious desire to share interesting and potentially helpful info.

I had never heard of deaths occurring from people having holes dug in the sand cave in on them, but apparently this type thing happens more often than shark bite deaths.

See for yourself........ Doctors Say Sand More Deadly Than Sharks at Beach