If you drive to work or take public transportation, you may be at a disadvantage compared to your bike-commuting coworkers.

In a small study, researchers at Concordia University in Montreal compared the effects of the three modes of commuting—bicycling, driving a car, and taking public transportation—on work performance and stress. They found that pedaling to work reduces stress levels at the start of the work day, which can have a significant effect on stress and work performance throughout the day.

Researchers arrived at their conclusion based on information collected via an internet survey of 123 employees at an information technology company. Each participant completed the survey within 45 minutes of arriving at work, answering questions about mood, perceived stress of commuting, and method of commuting. Not only can cycling lower your work stress level, it can also boost your health, save money, and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As concerns about traffic congestion and pollution continue to grow, alternative commuting methods like biking may be the answer.

Sourced from: Concordia University

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in the number of counties in the southern United States reporting the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus and other diseases. In addition to Zika, these mosquitoes also transmit chikungunya and dengue.

The CDC data, which was published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, is based on information collected in the fall of 2016. The report indicates 38 new counties with Aedes aegypti activity and 127 new counties with Aedes albopictus activity. Compared to the data collected in the spring of 2016, this indicates a 21 percent and 10 percent increase, respectively.

The findings emphasize the need for continued and improved mosquito surveillance by state and local health officials in these areas, says the CDC. You can find out if you live in an area where there are Zika-infected mosquitoes on the CDC website, which also offers Zika-prevention tips.

Sourced from: CDC

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who eat fish at least twice a week have lower levels of disease activity than those who rarely or never eat fish, according to a study published in Arthritis Care & Research.

The study involved 176 people with rheumatoid arthritis. Study participants completed an eating-habits questionnaire for one year, and over the same period researchers tracked disease activity such as swollen and/or tender joints and other signs and symptoms.

Together, the data about the frequency of fish consumption and disease activity, suggested that eating fish can reduce inflammation in people with RA.

Sourced from: ScienceDaily