Blooming flowers, dust, and hair from shedding animals are common triggers for sneezing. It’s the harmless result of a foreign substance like bacteria, small particles such as smoke, or pollen entering our nasal passages. But did you know a bright light can make some people sneeze? Here are two fascinating facts about sneezing that most people are unaware of. THE POWER OF A SNEEZE Most sneezing is a benign “reset” of the sinus cavity, but doctors have documented injuries associated with extreme sneezes, including pulled muscles and hernias. These “monster” sneezes can also injure eye muscles and sinuses. These unusual cases are more likely if the individual’s mouth is closed. The sinus pressure behind a sneeze can be 100 times greater than during heavy athletic exertion. That’s why droplets expelled can move at 100 mph and travel up to 8 feet. The force of expulsions varies with the size of the person. Even though sneezing with your eyes open is difficult, medical science confirms that it will not dislodge an eye, disproving an old superstition. THE ROLE OF LIGHT IN SNEEZING About 5% of the population experiences reflexive sneezing when exposed to bright lights. This condition is called the ACHOO syndrome (Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst) or photic sneezing. It is a real, scientifically proven reaction to a change in illumination, such as the sudden brightness of opening a window shade or stepping outside into daylight. ‘Bless You!’ Fun Facts About Sneezing
Classic Fish Fry
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
We’re in the middle of Lent, so there’s no better time to host your own fish fry for your loved ones!
INGREDIENTS • Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour • 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp water • 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
DIRECTIONS 1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Who suffers from ACHOO? It’s genetic and a dominant trait, so if your parent
is affected, you have a 50% chance of being a photic sneezer. The likelihood of bright
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light triggering sneezing is also higher among those with a deviated septum or uneven cartilage between the nostrils.
So, the next time you hear someone sneeze and you say “Bless you,” know the common phrase is a relic from the Middle Ages and the bubonic plague. People believed the soul left the body during a sneeze, allowing evil spirits to sneak in. Thankfully, we know better, but the sentiment is still appreciated.
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