This podcast episode explores the fascinating world of close to expire food and its popularity in China among young and middle aged consumers due to its discounted prices and convenience and its growing appeal in western populations driven by concerns about cost and sustainability and provides useful tips for the safe purchase and consumption of these items also covers health myths on humidifiers that can potentially spread harmful microorganisms and the difference between the common cold and influenza which are illnesses that can potentially have serious consequences if not treated properly reminding listeners of the value of self care and the importance of seeking appropriate medical attention when needed and for humidifiers that the use of distilled or demineralized water is important for avoiding the dispersal of harmful microorganisms and minerals into the air and that regular cleaning of humidifiers is especially important during winter when indoor and outdoor air can be dry and common Chinese myths relating to the use of humidifiers and pear water during illness since Traditional Chinese medicine classifies foods as "hot or cold and popular myths from both Eastern and Western cultures around colds flu and influenza such as the need to drink water immediately after taking cough syrup and that influenza is just a bad cold and emphasizing the value of seeking medical attention if symptoms persist beyond a certain time frame and the importance of consulting a doctor for proper care acknowledging our human vulnerability and encouraging self care when dealing with illness .
