THE DILOCKS ARADOX
HOW YOUR HOME’S HUMIDITY MAY BE PROTECTING — OR ENDANGERING — YOUR FAMILY
As we enjoy our final days of summer heat and humidity, you may be looking forward to cool, crisp fall nights, colorful leaves, and fresh apples. But you’re not the only one anxious for fall to start; viruses also love when the temperatures drop and New York’s air becomes dry. For years, studies have tried to pinpoint why it is exactly that viruses, such as influenza and possibly COVID-19, love the cold weather, and researchers seem to agree on a few theories. To start, as the weather gets colder, many of us spend more time together indoors. This closeness can cause the transmission of diseases to increase. Others point to a lack of vitamin D. The sun keeps us healthy, and without its constant and long presence in the winter, our bodies’ ability to combat illness is weakened. The last theory is that it may just be pure bad luck. Studies show that viruses may have a better chance at thriving in colder and drier temperatures simply because of the way our bodies respond in cold, dry climates. In a 2019 Yale study, researchers found that our airways and the cells designed to protect us don’t work as well in cold, dry weather. Our cilia, the structures in our airways that catch and remove germs and other particles, may not function as effectively in cold temperatures. While our airways struggle to repair the damage these viruses
Who says a loaded potato has to clog your arteries? In this healthy version that serves four, a sweet potato base is topped with fiber-rich bean salsa. EASY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES Inspired by EatingWell.com This winter, balancing your home’s humidity can be one way to defend against a flu season that will accompany the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2013 study found that viral particles in a room with 43% humidity had an infectability rate of 14%, compared to an infectability rate of greater than 70% when the room's humidity was 23% or less. If an ideal humidity rate feels impossible to achieve in your home, the team at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley can help. We may be able to add a humidifier onto your existing HVAC equipment or update an older system to include humidification. Learn more by giving our team a call to discuss how we can improve your chances for a healthier home and family this winter. do, messaging among cells is diminished. This might explain why, as the temperature and dew point drop, our chance of catching the sniffles jumps. Now, before you resign yourself to the steam room this winter, keep in mind that high humidity can also be a viral breeding ground. Studies have found that high humidity allows water droplets carrying viruses to cling in the air longer, which makes them more easily transferrable. However, the risk in high humidity is much lower than in low humidity.
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INGREDIENTS
• 4 medium sweet potatoes • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed • 2 medium tomatoes, diced • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander • 3/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS 1. With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool the potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warm bean salsa inside. 4. Top each potato with a tablespoon of sour cream, garnish with cilantro, and serve!
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