Standard bulbs' heat is negligible, costly

Q All the talk of incandescent light bulbs wasting heat doesn't make sense in Minnesota. That heat goes toward heating the home. I've read many times about the cost savings in using fluorescent bulbs vs. standard incandescent bulbs. But has this heat "savings" been factored into the cost equation?

A Yes, it has been studied and it was found that the heat contribution from incandescent lamps really is negligible over the course of the heating season, even on individual days, said state energy specialist Phil Smith.

Even if it were a significant factor, it's not cost-effective. The electricity to light the lamp costs $23 for 1 million BTUs, whereas natural gas, even in an old clunker of a furnace, costs maybe $20 per million BTUs, factoring in inefficiency. That's expensive heat, Smith said.

And don't forget that it's winter only half the year. In summer the lights are adding to your air conditioning needs, unless you want to change out your light bulbs twice a year.

Q What's cat-scratch fever and how serious is it?

A Cat-scratch disease (also called cat-scratch fever) is an infectious disease characterized by swelling and pain in the lymph nodes. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and may include achiness and discomfort and/or loss of appetite. Caused by bacteria, in most cases it occurs after a scratch, bite or lick from a cat or kitten. Symptoms may not appear for several days after exposure and may last for several weeks.

Although cat-scratch disease usually subsides without treatment, antibiotic and/or antimicrobial therapy may speed recovery. Approximately 22,000 cases are reported in the United States each year, although more mild cases may go unnoticed and subside without treatment.

From webmd

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