Connect with us
https://yoursportsnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/call-to-1.png

Health

Soap Is Better Than Hand Sanitizer

The science of disinfecting stuff is subtle. And a lot of what we thought we knew about killing off norovirus has turned out to be misguided. It’s very hard to grow a norovirus in the lab, so for a while, scientists used another virus from the same family—feline calicivirus, which can give a cat a […]

Published

on

Soap Is Better Than Hand Sanitizer

The science of disinfecting stuff is subtle. And a lot of what we thought we knew about killing off norovirus has turned out to be misguided. It’s very hard to grow a norovirus in the lab, so for a while, scientists used another virus from the same family—feline calicivirus, which can give a cat a cold—as a stand-in for their experiments. This was not a good idea. “Feline calicivirus is a wimp compared to human norovirus,” Lee-Ann Jaykus, an expert on food virology at North Carolina State University, told me. Her work has shown, for example, that bleach works pretty well at disinfecting feline virus in the lab, and that the same is true for a mouse norovirus that is often used in these experiments. But when she and colleagues tested human-norovirus samples drawn from patients’ fecal specimens, the particles seemed far more resistant.Maybe we should add that to our list of tips and tricks for getting by in January: soap, for sure, but also, when your time has come, cheerful acquiescence.Research finds that soap is good at cleaning things. At least 4,000 years of history suggest the same. Soap works because its structure mixes well with water on one end and with oils on the other. The latter, hydrophobic side can hook into, and then destroy, the membranes that surround some microbes (though norovirus isn’t one of them). Molecules of soap also cluster up in little balls that can surround and trap some germy grime before it’s flushed away beneath the tap. And soap, being sudsy, makes washing hands more fun.But only to a point. I asked Jaykus how she might proceed if she had a case of norovirus in her household. Would she wash her hands and wipe down surfaces with soap, or would she opt for something stronger?Ozempic Killed Diet and ExerciseThermometers Are Hot GarbageInfluenza cases have been surging. RSV activity is “very high.” Signs of COVID have been mounting in sewer water, and norovirus, too, is spawning outbreaks like we haven’t seen for at least a dozen years. You might even say that America is in the midst of a “quad-demic,” although I really hope you don’t, because “quad-demic” is not a word that anyone should say.This is faint praise for soap, but it’s hardly damning. If washing at the sink disinfects your hands, and soap facilitates that process, then great. And soap may even work in cases where the soap itself is grimy—a bathroom situation known (to me) as “the dirty-bar conundrum.” Some research finds that washing up with soap and contaminated water is beneficial too. Soap: It really works!She said that if her household were affected, she’d be sure to wash her hands, and she might try to do some cleaning with chlorine. But even so, she’d expect the worst to happen. Norovirus is so contagious, its chance of marching through a given house—especially one with kids—is very high. “I would pretty much call my boss and say I’m going to be out for four days,” Jaykus told me. “I’m sorry to say that I would give up.”For all his love of soap, Trump also seems attached to hand sanitizer: His first administration kept Purell supplied just outside the Oval Office, per Politico. This would have helped keep him free of certain pathogens, but not all of them. When scientists compare different means of removing norovirus from fingertips, they find that none is all that good, and some are extra bad. Commercial hand sanitizers hardly work. The same is true for quaternary ammonium cations, also known as QACs or “quats,” which are found in many standard disinfecting products for the home. My local gym dispenses antiseptic wipes for cleaning the equipment; these are tissues soaked in benzalkonium chloride, a QAC. Quats may work for killing off the germs that lead to COVID or the flu, but studies hint they might be flat-out useless against norovirus.They had soap.Not everyone endorses washing hands. Pete Hegseth, whose good judgment will be judged today in his confirmation hearing for secretary of defense, once said that he hadn’t washed his hands in 10 years. He later said this was a joke. After that, he started hawking bars of soap shaped like grenades. The man who picked him is, of course, more than avid in his washing-up; Donald Trump is known to use his Irish Spring down to the sliver.You know what works better than hand sanitizers or QACs at getting rid of actual human norovirus? I’ll bet you do! It’s soap.Douse them in a squirt of alcohol, and, chances are, they’ll come through just fine. One study looked at a spate of norovirus outbreaks at nursing homes in New England during the winter of 2006–07, and found that locations where staff made regular use of hand sanitizers were at much greater risk of experiencing an outbreak than others in the study. Why? Because those other nursing homes were equipped with something better.Or maybe one should say, it’s washing up with soap. A letter published in The Journal of Hospital Infection in 2015 by a team of German hygienists followed up on earlier work comparing hand sanitizers with soap and water, and argued that the benefits of the latter were mechanical in nature, by which the hygienists meant that simply rubbing one’s hands together under running water could produce an analogous effect. (They also argued that some kinds of hand sanitizer can inactivate a norovirus in a way that soap and water can’t.) Jaykus’s team has also found that the hand-rubbing part of hand-washing contributes the lion’s share of disinfecting. “It’s not an inactivation step; it’s a removal step,” she told me. As for soap, its role may be secondary to that of all the rubbing and the water: “We use the soap to make your hands slippery,” Jaykus said. “It makes it easier to wash your hands, and it also loosens up any debris.”

Health

Officials work to unravel how and why gunman carried out deadly attack on NYC office building

NEW YORK (AP) — Investigators are piecing together more details about how a former high school football player who blamed the game for his mental health problems carried out a deadly attack on an office building that is home to the NFL. 1

Published

on

Officials work to unravel how and why gunman carried out deadly attack on NYC office building

NEW YORK (AP) — Investigators are piecing together more details about how a former high school football player who blamed the game for his mental health problems carried out a deadly attack on an office building that is home to the NFL.

Continue Reading

Health

Here's what to know about CTE, the brain disease the NYC shooter blamed for his mental

BOSTON (AP) — The degenerative brain disease that has besieged the National Football League for two decades with a billion-dollar lawsuit, congressional hearings, an A-list movie and an unrelenting cortege of ex-players’ obituaries has now intruded on America’s favorite sport in the most violent manner yet. The Las Vegas casino worker who killed four people […]

Published

on

Here's what to know about CTE, the brain disease the NYC shooter blamed for his mental ...

BOSTON (AP) — The degenerative brain disease that has besieged the National Football League for two decades with a billion-dollar lawsuit, congressional hearings, an A-list movie and an unrelenting cortege of ex-players’ obituaries has now intruded on America’s favorite sport in the most violent manner yet.

The Las Vegas casino worker who killed four people in a New York City skyscraper that is home to the NFL’s headquarters carried a note blaming the league for mental health problems he attributed to his time as a high school football player.

Shane Tamura, 27, said in a three-page note found in his wallet that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy — diagnosable only after death — and implored those who found him: “Study my brain.” Among his grievances against the NFL was a claim that the league put its profits ahead of player safety by concealing the harm CTE, and football, can cause.

Echoing an eerie trend in NFL player suicides, he shot himself in the chest, preserving his brain for an autopsy that could confirm whether his layman’s diagnosis was correct.

A degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions and other head trauma common in military combat and contact sports, CTE has been diagnosed in more than 100 former NFL players and arisen as an existential threat to the United States’ most powerful pro sports league.

Its dangers have led some states to consider banning youth football, prompted leagues at most levels to limit contact drills in practice, and spawned a series of concussion protocols and other rule changes designed to take the most violent edges off the hard-hitting sport.

Here is what we know and don’t know about the connection between CTE, the NFL and the shooter.

What is CTE?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy can affect regions of the brain involved with regulating behavior and emotions. This can lead to memory loss, depression, violent mood swings and other cognitive and behavioral issues, though researchers note that these symptoms can also be linked to other illnesses.

Experts say symptoms can arise years or decades after the last brain trauma. Evidence of the disease has been found not just in those with long professional careers but in high school athletes as well.

Why is it associated with the NFL?

Researchers have established a connection between CTE and contact sports, military combat and other activities with repeated blows to the head. After more than a decade of denial, the NFL conceded the link between football and CTE in 2016 testimony before Congress, and has so far paid more than $1.4 billion to retired players to settle concussion-related claims.

The 2015 Will Smith film “Concussion” detailed the pioneering efforts of forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu, whose diagnosis of CTE in Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame center Mike Webster was the first in a former NFL player. Hall of Famers Ken Stabler, Frank Gifford and Junior Seau have also been diagnosed with CTE, as has Aaron Hernandez; in a 2017 paper, evidence of the disease was found 110 of the 111 former NFL players’ brains studied.

Did the NFL headquarters shooter have CTE?

It’s not possible to say.

For now, CTE can only be diagnosed definitively by examining the brain posthumously through an autopsy. According to Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, progressive degeneration of brain tissue in people with CTE includes the buildup of an abnormal protein called tau in a pattern that distinguishes it from other diseases such as Alzheimer’s.


Associated Press writers Maryclaire Dale and Laura Ungar contributed to this story.

What to Read Next

Continue Reading

Health

AWG Group unveils Magnum Sports Complex

Cebu’s sports and wellness landscape is set for a significant transformation with the opening of the Magnum Sports Complex on July 17, 2025. Magnum Sports Complex stands as the ultimate destination, meticulously designed to cater to everyone from the seasoned athlete to the casual player and wellness enthusiast. Developed by the AWG Group of Companies, […]

Published

on

AWG Group unveils Magnum Sports Complex

Cebu’s sports and wellness landscape is set for a significant transformation with the opening of the Magnum Sports Complex on July 17, 2025.

Magnum Sports Complex stands as the ultimate destination, meticulously designed to cater to everyone from the seasoned athlete to the casual player and wellness enthusiast.

Developed by the AWG Group of Companies, this ₱300 million, 1.5-hectare, 3-story facility strategically located on San Miguel Road, Apas —just a short distance from the bustling IT Park—is poised to become Cebu’s comprehensive hub for both recreational activities and serious athletic pursuits.

A vision realized: power, presence, and purpose

AWG Group unveils Magnum Sports Complex: Cebu's game-changing hub for health & athletics

The opening of Magnum Sports Complex was a testament to community spirit, drawing support from personnel, distinguished guests, and leaders across Cebu’s diverse sports communities. Spearheaded by Atty. Augusto W. Go and Elizabeth Gan-Go, the event showcased the complex’s extensive array of state-of-the-art facilities, meticulously designed to ignite the passion of every sports enthusiast and fitness lover.

The name “Magnum” was a deliberate choice, resonating with power, presence, and purpose. It encapsulates the complex’s ambition to be a central hub for sports, fostering passion, discipline, and a strong sense of community. Atty. Go highlighted the urgent need for such a facility in Cebu, stating with conviction, “Cebu needs something like this.” 

Your ultimate sports and wellness destination

AWG Group unveils Magnum Sports Complex: Cebu's game-changing hub for health & athletics

Atty. Augusto W. Go

Magnum Sports Complex stands as the ultimate destination, meticulously designed to cater to everyone from the seasoned athlete to the casual player and wellness enthusiast. This state-of-the-art facility boasts an impressive and diverse range of amenities, ensuring that every passion and pursuit is addressed with top-tier equipment and premium materials.

  • A Haven for Team Sports: For those who thrive in team environments, Magnum Sports Complex offers an exceptional lineup. The tennis court features premium Tiger Turf Elite grass from New Zealand, providing a world-class playing surface. Basketball enthusiasts will appreciate the FIBA-standard indoor courts, while volleyball courts, pickleball courts, and six dedicated badminton courts round out the extensive offerings for group play.
  • Dedicated Spaces for Individual Pursuits: Individuals seeking focused practice or leisurely activity will find their niche here. The complex provides dedicated spaces for table tennis, an indoor archery range for precision training, and billiard tables for a classic game.
  • Elevating Wellness and Training: Magnum Sports Complex is equally committed to holistic well-being and advanced training. A serene yoga studio offers a tranquil space for mindfulness and flexibility, while a dedicated martial arts studio caters to various disciplines. The innovative tennis simulator provides an immersive training experience, and a fully equipped wellness gym supports all fitness goals, making it an ideal environment for enhancing physical and mental health.

 
 

Beyond the sports facilities, the complex also includes food kiosks and ample parking for over 100 vehicles, ensuring convenience for all visitors. Its spacious design also allows for the future hosting of special events, with the basketball court bleachers alone accommodating up to 200 people.

Catering to demand and charting the future

AWG Group unveils Magnum Sports Complex: Cebu's game-changing hub for health & athletics

Elizabeth Gan-Go and Dondon Hontiveros

Recognizing the unique needs of surrounding BPO companies in IT Park, Elizabeth Gan-Go revealed plans for 24-hour operation, noting that BPO employees often prioritize fitness during early morning hours. This commitment underscores the AWG Group’s dedication to fostering a healthier future for everyone.

 

Looking ahead, Gan-Go shared that the AWG Group is already eyeing a property in Lapu-Lapu for another potential sports facility. She also expressed openness to Magnum Sports Complex hosting larger events, such as the Palarong Pambansa, should the facility meet the necessary qualifications. 

The opening of Magnum Sports Complex marks a significant milestone for Cebu. This cutting-edge facility, already boasting numerous state-of-the-art amenities, continues its development to further enhance its offerings and solidify its vision as a dynamic sports hub. It’s poised to elevate the region’s sports infrastructure and actively promote a healthier, more dynamic lifestyle for residents, becoming an integral force in shaping Cebu’s vibrant future.

It’s game on, Cebu!

Book your court by calling 032 272 0325 / 032 272 8269 / 0915 451 2097. You may also email [email protected]. You may also follow Magnum Sports Complex on Facebook.

RELATED STORIES:

 

Continue Reading

Health

Addie Rochelle's Inspiring Comeback After Spinal Fusion

Addie Rochelle’s journey illustrates resilience following a serious spinal surgery. Diagnosed with scoliosis in June 2021 during a routine sports physical, she underwent spinal fusion surgery. The process not only tested her physical capabilities but also her mental strength and determination. Rochelle focuses on recovery and growth, viewing her journey as a series of positive […]

Published

on

Addie Rochelle's Inspiring Comeback After Spinal Fusion

Addie Rochelle’s journey illustrates resilience following a serious spinal surgery. Diagnosed with scoliosis in June 2021 during a routine sports physical, she underwent spinal fusion surgery. The process not only tested her physical capabilities but also her mental strength and determination. Rochelle focuses on recovery and growth, viewing her journey as a series of positive steps rather than setbacks.

By the Numbers

  • Addie Rochelle was diagnosed with scoliosis during a standard sports physical in June 2021.
  • She underwent spinal fusion surgery, emphasizing the significance of her recovery journey.

Yes, But

While Rochelle’s story is primarily one of triumph, the challenges of recovery and rehabilitation from such a major surgery highlight the potential risks that could deter some young athletes.

State of Play

  • Rochelle’s current focus is on her rehabilitation and returning to competitive play.
  • Her experience is inspiring others in the sport dealing with similar challenges.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Rochelle may serve as a motivational figure in athletic circles, potentially speaking out on mental health and recovery from injury, influencing both peers and younger athletes.

Bottom Line

Addie Rochelle’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength required to overcome adversity, highlighting the importance of mental resilience alongside physical recovery in sports.

Continue Reading

Health

Sports leagues shouldn't rewrite history of transgender athletes who set records

Many have called for achievements of transgender athletes participating in female sports to be erased from league records. While I believe that sports leagues have the right to prohibit biological males from participating in female events, the records already set by such individuals should remain on the books for two reasons. First, I believe it […]

Published

on

Sports leagues shouldn't rewrite history of transgender athletes who set records

Many have called for achievements of transgender athletes participating in female sports to be erased from league records.

While I believe that sports leagues have the right to prohibit biological males from participating in female events, the records already set by such individuals should remain on the books for two reasons. First, I believe it makes the leagues look worse for essentially trying to rewrite history instead of just accepting that the process isn’t perfect. Many other cases could be made for a lack of fairness in competitive sporting events, and rising to the top involves both skill and luck.

Second, and more importantly, it sets a dangerous precedent. What if a record-holding athlete made an allegedly bigoted comment and then a faction called for that person’s records to be taken off the books because of that?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Record keeping should not be politicized. Sports records should be set on the field, not in the courtroom. Such records that go on the books should stay on the books. Removing them is never justified.

Anthony Gerlach, Menomonee Falls

Opinion: Comparing Milwaukee crime with New York under Rudy Giuliani doesn’t hold water

More: We’re supposed to report anyone failing to emphasize beauty of Apostle Islands?

Tips for getting your letter to the editor published

Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state:

  • Please include your name, street address and daytime phone.

  • Generally, we limit letters to 200 words.

  • Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter.

  • Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing.

  • Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person.

  • We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions.

  • We don’t publish poetry, anonymous or open letters.

  • Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months.

  • All letters are subject to editing.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sports records shouldn’t be politicized against transgender | Letters

Continue Reading

Health

Saturday Special

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom… Travis Decker, a Wenatchee resident and military veteran, is accused of killing his three young daughters outside Wenatchee.  Veterans in the Wenatchee Valley are asking for increased mental health services, to prevent the next tragedy. The small town of Quilcene, tucked away in the Olympic […]

Published

on

Saturday Special

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom…

Travis Decker, a Wenatchee resident and military veteran, is accused of killing his three young daughters outside Wenatchee. 

Veterans in the Wenatchee Valley are asking for increased mental health services, to prevent the next tragedy.

The small town of Quilcene, tucked away in the Olympic Peninsula, is being divided by national politics. 

Quilcene is the first school district in Washington to ban trans athletes – even though there are no trans athletes trying to compete.

And for a lot of families, day camps provide critical summer childcare for parents, and a chance for kids to play outdoors and learn new skills. 

But for kids with disabilities, welcoming day camps can be hard to find around Seattle.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending