“An estimated 58.5 million US adults have arthritis. Experts believe that number will grow as our nation’s population gets older.  Arthritis is a leading cause of work disability among US adults.  An estimated 25.7 million adults are limited in their usual activities because of arthritis. That number is expected to grow to 35 million by 2040.  Arthritis is common among people with other chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”.

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/arthritis-fast-facts.html)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was forced to retire after developing the disease in 1939.  Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses.  ALS is a relentlessly progressive disorder. The rate of progression between individuals is variable , different for each individual and the history generally reflects gradual and progressive worsening over time until last stage called end stage occurs. Their are 4 stages to ALS early, middle, late, and end stages.”

MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association

“Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses.  ALS is a relentlessly progressive disorder. The rate of progression between individuals is variable , different for each individual and the history generally reflects gradual and progressive worsening over time until last stage called end stage occurs. Their are 4 stages to ALS early, middle, late, and end stages.”

MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association

“Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown blood-sucking, wingless insects. Bedbug bites usually clear up without treatment in a week or two. Bedbugs aren’t known to spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction in some people. Bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed. They hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, box springs, headboards, bed frames and other objects around a bed and come out at night to feed on their preferred host, humans. The risk of running into bedbugs is higher if you spend time in places where nighttime guests come and go often — such as hotels, hospitals or homeless shelters.

Lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood. Lice spread from person to person through close contact and by sharing belongings. You or your doctor can usually confirm a body lice infestation through a visual examination of your body and clothing items.There are 3 types of lice head, body, and pubic lice. Unless treated properly, lice can become a recurring problem.”.

MAYO CLINIC (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20374399)

Bite marks on the body are the first sign of a bug infestation.

However; there are many species of bloodsucking mites and insects some of which typically include fleas, lice, ticks, bed bugs and so on. So how can you tell what is biting you?

This article will inform you the differences between bed bug bites vs lice bites in order to help you better understand what is biting you.

The first sign of a bed bug infestation is bite marks on your body as well as those of your family members. However, in many people, there is no significant visible reaction as they may have grown immune to the bed bug bites. Hence; it is important to also watch out for other tell-tale signs of bed bugs which typically include brown or rust colored stains on mattresses, discarded white or brown colored shells, as well as an obnoxious almond like smell in the air near the sleeping areas.

Bed bug bites also have following distinguishing characteristics:

• Bite marks may be seen on face, arms, legs and neck.
• The bites typically produce swollen bump with or without a red spot at the centre.
• The bites may be present in a linear pattern with groups of 2 or three bumps in one spot where the bed bug has inserted its mouthparts into the skin.
• In some people, the bites might lead to an allergic reaction which can cause intense itchiness, pain, and inflammation.

Bed bugs hide during the daytime and usually come out only at night-time to feed. So make sure you check your sleeping areas for bed bug signs. The pests also tend to hide in cracks and crevices around the bedding, so visually examine these areas. You will also have to vacuum the entire house and, if needed, discard heavily infested items.

Now Lice=What’s the actual difference with Beg Bugs?

Body lice or head lice are common reasons why humans develop itchiness in their scalp or other body parts. The main similarity between bed bugs vs body lice is that both are typically seen in low economy housing areas or areas where humans have to live in close or cramped quarters under unsanitary conditions. Body lice are also common in school-aged children as they tend to come in close contact with infested kids. Bed bugs may be even found in the cleanest of places including five star hotels or posh residential areas. This is because; they have nothing to do with cleanliness or hygiene and usually come inside one’s homes through the luggage or even through buses, planes, movie theatres and retail stores.

Body lice bites can cause severe irritation on the skin. In sensitive people, red bumps might arise on the bitten areas. Large infestation can even lead to pain, fever, headaches and chills. Crab lice (pubic lice) often produce bluish spots about 1/10^th of an inch in measurement in the bitten regions.

Summary of differences between bed bugs and body lice

• Bed bugs are larger in size than body or hair lice and can be best compared (in size as well as appearance) to an apple seed. Body lice or hair lice measure upto 3mm in length.
• Bed bugs leave characteristic tell-tale signs like a almond-like smell, discarded shells or exoskeletons as well as bloody or fecal matter on the bedding and sleeping areas. Body lice are usually only found through combing with a fine toothed comb.
• Bed bugs get transported from place to place through infested hotels, planes, buses or trains etc. Body lice such as crab lice are transmitted through sexual activities.
• Bed bug bites vs body lice bites: The former may be seen on face, arms, back, neck, chest or other exposed body parts. Body lice or hair lice bites may be present only on specific areas such as scalp, pubic region etc.
• Bed bug bites do not lead to any diseases. Body lice can lead to shivering, fever, aches and pains, especially in case of more severe infestations.
• The best remedies for both bed bug bites and body lice bites is treating and eliminating the infestations from the root. Bed bug infestations might need an integrated pest control approach such as vacuuming, discarding infested items, and spraying or dusting the areas with bed bug products. In case of lice, one will need to use lice combs, anti-lice solutions, lotions, shampoos and soaps to kill the larvae and eggs.

Though potentially harmless, both bed bug bites and body lice bites can be extremely annoying and itchy. Hence, it is vital to know how to identify the bug bites VS. lice through how they feel and look in order to seek proper medical attention or treat it at home so you get rid of the entire infestation of bed bugs or lice.

“Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain condition, meaning it causes parts of your brain to deteriorate. It’s best known for causing slowed movements, tremors, balance problems and more. It is ranking second among age-related degenerative brain diseases. It’s also the most common motor (movement-related) brain disease. The best-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease involve loss of muscle control. However, experts now know that muscle control-related issues aren’t the only possible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  Parkinson’s disease is not curable, but there are multiple ways to manage its symptoms. The treatments can also vary from person to person, depending on their specific symptoms and how well certain treatments work. Medications are the primary way to treat this condition.”

Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview)

“Parkinson’s disease affects 10 million people worldwide, along with its symptoms, causes and treatments. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. The cause remains largely unknown. Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause.  The first step to living well with Parkinson’s disease is to understand the disease and the progression.”

Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons)

“Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.  While virtually anyone could be at risk for developing Parkinson’s, some research studies suggest this disease affects more men than women. It’s unclear why, but studies are underway to understand factors that may increase a person’s risk. One clear risk is age since most are over 60 y/o.”

NIH National Institute on Aging (https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease)

“When you’re over age 65, your immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be. Seniors make up the bulk of the people who die or are hospitalized for flu-related problems like one being pneumonia to sepsis.  Getting older can be a triple whammy. You lose muscle as you age. That makes it harder to keep the pounds from creeping up. You also become less active. At the same time, your body burns fewer calories for the same physical activities as when you were younger.  Our nutritional needs change as we age. Many of us don’t eat as well. Plus, older bodies can more easily lack certain vitamins and nutrients.  Also, bones become less dense and more prone to breaks and fractures.  Did you know that age is the single biggest predictor of your chances of getting cancer? It jumps up after you hit age 50. Half of all cancers happen in people over age 65. For lung cancer, the median age is 70.  Still getting older doesn’t mean you’re destined to get cancer. You can adopt healthy habits proven to help you lower the odds.”.

WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/challenges-of-aging)