The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival, is just a couple weeks away.

The Chinese New Year dates back nearly 4,000 years and originated to raise sacrifices to the agricultural gods and ancient ancestors. This was a way of honoring them for sustaining the Chinese people for another year. Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty set the date from the lunar calendar. More than celebrating a turn of the calendar, the event signifies the beginning of the planting season.

The celebration may only land on one day, but the new year’s festival is a massive event covering 15 days.

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Animals get sick just like humans, and feathered friends are no exception.

The bird flu, also called avian influenza, is very common and stems from two strains the virus, H5N1 and H7N9. The virus affects different kinds of birds including, but not limited to turkeys, ducks, chickens and wild turkeys.

Not only does the virus mutate quickly, but bird flu spreads easily in people who spend a lot of time around the animals. This leaves farmhands at great risk of starting an epidemic if their flock gets sick.

The bird flu has been resurging in the news of late. This is due to recent cases reported throughout the United Kingdom, China and Iran. Each country is addressing the problem accordingly by enforcing the laws and reevaluating farmers and their flocks. All governments are taking action to keep bird flu from the general public.

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It probably feels like there’s no shortage of diseases to worry about thanks to dirty water. Cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A can all come from contaminated liquid.

Unfortunately, another one seems to be on the rise with melioidosis.

Melioidosis is also referred to as Whitmore Disease or the bacterium’s more complicated name, Burkholderia pseudomallei.

The bacterium survives in stagnant, murky water and soil and when rains fall, it also has the ability to become airborne. It is commonly found in animals, but humans can also become very ill with this harmful germ. For example, a person may cut their hand while doing some landscaping, farming or construction work. The bacteria will then enter the body through that small entryway.

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There is often a misconception when it comes to Chinese cuisine. Many assume that because it’s all from the same country, all Chinese food is the same.

Thankfully, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

You could travel all across the country of China and not eat the same thing twice. Every region of China has unique flavors and dishes that make traveling to China all the more exciting:

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Day-to-day life can already be stressful enough.

That’s why travel can be such a welcoming break. Traveling is an opportunity to get away from the mundane, humdrum of everyday life. Not only does time away relax you, but it also rejuvenates the body and senses.

Unfortunately, though, sickness can happen at any time. Whether you’re traveling for work or taking a much-needed vacation, that virus can derail your trip. So, what are your options when you catch the flu while on the road?

Below are some basic tips to keep in mind while you’re away from the comforts of home.

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