I thought that it might be a good idea to write about something other than health for a change.
x % of y = y % of x
This incredibly simple math trick is blowing people’s minds on Twitter, and I thought I’d share it with those of you who haven’t read it.
It’s not always easy to work out percentages in your head, but a simple math trick being shared on Twitter can make it incredibly easy to perform difficult or unwieldy mathematical calculations on the spot.
Described as a “fascinating little life hack” by UK-based copywriter Ben Stephens, the trick involves doing a simple number swap to figure out your answer. It’s not a new technique, but the huge reaction online shows lots of people never knew the workaround existed.
As Stephens explains, if you ever have to calculate a difficult percentage on the spot without pen and paper or a calculator, you can simply shortcut – flip the numbers around.
So, for example, if you needed to work out 4 % of 75 in your head, just flip it and do 75 % of 4, which is easier.
Indeed, if you swap the numbers and calculate 75 percent of 4, you get 3 – and 3 is the same answer when you calculate 4 percent of 75. In case it doesn’t click straight away, 75 percent is three quarters, so in this case it becomes a simple division problem.
Another example: 18 % of 50 looks hard to calculate, but 50 % of 18 is simple, right?
Reasons why mosquitoes bite some people more than others
Although the common terminology is “bite”, mosquitoes actually stick their needles into people in order to draw blood.
I visit my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Charleston, SC periodically and have had terrible experiences with mosquitoes. Nobody but me seems to be targeted by them.
It has not been too bad lately, and I think not drinking beer might have lessened my attraction.
It is estimated that about 20 % of people are magnets for mosquitoes.
Let’s look at some of the reasons:
- Carbon Dioxide and Heavy Breath
Mosquitoes find carbon dioxide very appealing. In fact, I saw a “machine” in Charleston that produces carbon dioxide and keeps a very large area outdoors free of the pests.
They can detect carbon dioxide 164 feet away. So people who have an increased breathing rate, usually after exercise, are very delicious for mosquitoes.
Asthma, obesity, and pregnancy may also have a similar effect.
- Ingredients in Our Sweat
Lactic acid, ammonia and uric acid in our sweat attract mosquitoes. So, if you sweat a lot, and have a high body temperature, look out.
- Drinking Alcohol
According to a study done in 2002, increased amounts of ethanol in your breath and sweat as well as the higher body temperature attracts more mosquitoes.
- Body Odor
As I’ve written about it previously, our microbiome is composed of 100-300 trillion (there are various estimates) microorganisms that constitute our immune system. Many of these are on our skin. A study done in 2011 showed that if you have more than average bacteria on your skin, you would be more prone to mosquito bites.
- Clothing Color
Apparently, mosquitoes also use their vision to locate humans. So when you wear colors like dark blue, red or black they can easily find you.
- Blood Type
Some studies have shown that mosquitoes prefer people with type O or type A blood.
Maybe my Charleston experience can partly be explained by the fact that I have type A blood???
Most of the suggestions on how to repel mosquitoes rely on bug sprays. I am against this, as bug sprays contain very toxic chemicals.
I suggest mixing essential lavender oil with coconut oil for protection. Give it a try; you’ve got nothing to loose.
That’s it for now; see you all the next time.
