Readers write about brain tapeworms and sleep disorders

Orleans

My sister is on my father’s side, and I am on my mother’s side. When people see our pictures they say we are different, but when they meet us in person they say we are (similar) because our voices are the same. This essay perfectly describes how family members are similar in many ways beyond skin color.

east side

published on bostonglobe.com

I think there are many challenges to being a blended family that I will never be able to fully appreciate. However, I will note that it made me wonder if anyone had ever told me that I looked like my mother. And now, decades later in my life, I can’t remember a single time. But also, no one ever questioned whether she was my mother.

SoxDem1

published on bostonglobe.com

My children are nothing like me. I remember hoping their eyes stayed blue when they were born so we had something in common. Alas, they darkened to a beautiful brown color, and I had no other choice. We are similar in so many ways that I had long ago forgotten how different we are.

Michaelivi3

published on bostonglobe.com

Losing sleep

I would like (to have) more content like this (“The Science of Sleep.” September 29): Informed, helpful and thought-provoking.

Matzo8

published on bostonglobe.com

I suffer from insomnia and find that going to bed early is my best chance of getting enough sleep – I can’t fall asleep. Diet makes a huge difference – little to no ultra-processed food and adequate protein is absolutely essential for me to get proper rest. .. Finally, accept what is and not worry.

green lady

published on bostonglobe.com

As someone who has suffered from sleep disorders for the past few decades, I eagerly read this, hoping that this article would provide a compelling reason for MY problem. But no mention of hypothalamic dysfunction. About 20 years ago, I told my PCP about several nighttime awakenings and trouble getting back to sleep. We get to my childhood and the issue of concussions. Yes, I told him: one when I was about 14, and two before, less severe concussions, at about 3, and then at 11. He said it was very likely that my hypothalamus was damaged – AT LEAST once , but most likely three. times, and the damage became cumulative. For anyone who suffers from unexplained sleep problems, check out the list of problems associated with headache; I suspect this issue is too often overlooked.

Barbara Harting

Framingham

Mysterious diagnosis

A masterful and very informative article, bringing together perspectives from the fields of parasitology, archaeology, medical history, migration, religion, and a matter-of-fact account of the two colonizations of West Papua (“The Hidden Parasite” September 29). Thanks to the Globus newspaper for publishing it.

mtns4evr

published on bostonglobe.com

Although these worms are called “pork tapeworms”, they are actually HUMAN tapeworms: their primary host is humans. Pigs become infected from infected humans in unsanitary conditions when pigs come into contact with human feces contaminated with worm eggs. There are two ways of infection: eating cysts and eating eggs. If you eat undercooked pork meat with cysts, you will develop intestinal tapeworm and become an egg spreader. You will not develop cysts. You must eat eggs from the human feces of someone infected with tapeworm before you can develop cysts in your body and brain. . . . Pigs are secondary hosts and transmit intestinal worms to humans. This cycle can easily be stopped through hygiene, keeping human feces out of the hands of pigs and deworming pigs and humans regularly.

people24

published on bostonglobe.com

(Writer) Dr. Anand’s discussion focused on pork. I would like to read her perspective on the risk factor associated with tapeworm larvae found in farmed and wild caught fish. What is the risk factor for tapeworm infection from eating raw fish? Sushi? Crudo? Dr. Anand’s research is extremely important!

M. Susan Hamilton

Cambridge

Thanks to Dr. Anand for a fascinating, terrifying, scientific and historical look at this disease.

DonSL

published on bostonglobe.com

Good neighbors

Judy Forman’s book “Connections” about the kindness of Provincetown revealed the true nature of this wonderful city and refreshed the usual stories about its brighter side (“Small Town Kindness” September 29). My wife and I had the privilege of living on the Outer Cape for 20 years and being active in St. Mary’s of the Harbor Church in Provincetown. This led to us volunteering regularly at the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown, which serves hot lunches five days a week during the off-season. We saw the small acts of kindness every day that Judy described so well. People simply turned to people, friends or strangers, it didn’t matter – there was only a feeling of need for help or comfort.

Jake Ketchum

Hingham

A wonderful article about friendship, grace, gratitude, love, kindness and much more.

Horseman44

published on bostonglobe.com

I think people are becoming more aware and willing to help. My husband is becoming very weak with age. I still try to make sure he gets out of the house to see different sights and eat out. Often people rush to help us when we are trying to get into places, even when we don’t really need help, because this is normal for us and we have a routine. The other day I got him and his walker out of the car outside the restaurant door and then went to park the car. A woman talking in a group nearby rushed to his aid because he “looked uncomfortable.” Bless them all.

Sandy68

published on bostonglobe.com

There are not enough stories like this in the newspapers in troubled times. Reminds us that we have more in common than what divides us.

West Coast Lawyer

published on bostonglobe.com

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