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1

Life Style / What is a lifestyle modification weight loss program?

« on: December 29, 2020, 05:09:55 PM »

What is a lifestyle modification weight loss program?
Mercy Health doctors recommend lifestyle modifications such as eating healthy and gradually starting an exercise plan for all obese patients trying to lose weight. Small lifestyle changes that gradually lower your weight can drastically improve your health. Symptoms from obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, musculoskeletal problems and diabetes can be reversed if the weight loss is maintained over a life span. This non-surgical weight loss program is medically supervised and patients are closely monitored as they progress towards better health and emotional well-being. Most patients will find a combination of treatments, including diet and exercise, is the most effective way to achieve weight loss.

What do lifestyle modifications entail?
Mercy Health doctors recommend a combination of eating nutritious foods, exercise and behavioral changes to help lose weight.

Dietary changes
Dietary changes have historically been the primary treatment for weight loss for most patients. Diets work when a person eats fewer calories than they consume on a regular, extended basis. To lose weight via a diet, some nutritional guidelines include:
•   Limit your consumption of juices and calorie-filled drinks such as sodas
•   If you drink juice, drink 100% fruit juices
•   Eat until you feel full and stop
•   Do not force children or teens to finish their plate — allow your child to stop eating when they are full
•   Prepare and serve foods that are high in nutrients such as whole grains, lower-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables
•   Eliminate or reduce calories that have no nutritional value such as processed foods, sugar and sweets
•   Avoid fried foods as much as possible
•   Reduce portion sizes

Exercising regularly
Your Mercy Health weight loss team will work with you to develop an exercise plan that is manageable for your life. Most patients will need to exercise 30 minutes or more each day to effectively lose weight. Activities can include walking your dog, taking a class at the gym, doing water aerobics. Find something fun you like to do and make it a habit to do it each day. Finding a partner to exercise with makes it easier to do it each day and holds you accountable for showing up. Exercising early in the morning can also be effective for patients with hectic lifestyles. You will start the day feeling accomplished and avoid missing it later in the day if something comes up unexpectedly. You can break your activity up into “mini” sessions. Take a 10-minute walking break at work instead of grabbing a snack. You will come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to jump back into work.

Behavioral changes
Behavioral changes in conjunction with diet and exercise are often recommended as a part of a long-term weight loss and management strategy. In some cases, a Mercy Health psychologist will analyze your eating, activity and thinking habits and give recommendations on
how to develop healthier lifestyle habits. Strategies may include:
•   Self-monitor — identify risk behavior such as stress eating
•   Stimulus control — remove any factors that encourage an unhealthy lifestyle such as not purchasing any foods that are tempting like ice cream or chips
•   Problem solve — address problems that have led to obesity such as leading a sedative lifestyle
•   Reward yourself — instead of using food as a reward, use other motivators such as a trip to the salon
•   Develop a support network — encourage your friends and family to help you in the journey and/or join a support group with others who have similar eating or lifestyle challenges

Benefits of lifestyle modifications for weight loss
Obese patients who are able lose weight and maintain a healthy weight using diet, exercise and behavioral changes can avoid complications and risks associated with more advanced treatments such as medical management and surgery.

Disadvantages of lifestyle modifications for weight loss
Although, many people lose weight using diet and exercise alone, many are not successful in keeping the weight off in the long term. Studies reveal that less than 10 percent of patients maintain long-term weight loss.

Source: www.nature.com

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Tips for Healthy Living / Foods for Long Life and Well-Being: Disease Prevention & Awareness

« on: December 21, 2020, 12:49:34 PM »

Foods for Long Life and Well-Being: Disease Prevention & Awareness
The time to start eating them is now
By Carol Sorgen

If you've made it this far in life, chances are strong that you may live into your 80s or even 90s. But will you be living well?  "We probably can't extend life much beyond what we already have done," says William Hart, PhD, MPH, associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at the St. Louis University Doisy School of Allied Health Professions. "But we can help make those last five to 10 years of life more enjoyable. Living longer isn't much fun if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it."  So what's the secret to staying healthy as you get older? Exercise, of course. Also, the right food. To get started, add these five nutrients to your diet.

Soy to Manage Your Cholesterol
"No, adding soy to your diet does not mean pouring more soy sauce on your Chinese food," says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, LDN, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. It does mean adding soy foods such as tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, or the green soybeans called edamame by the Japanese.  Soy has an impressive resume, along with some inevitable controversy. Adding soy to your diet has been shown to significantly lower cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, soy is high in iron, which many women need. Some women also say that soy helps them manage hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, although those benefits have not been proven by long-term clinical studies.

Still, its cholesterol-lowering benefits are powerful enough. Indeed, the right diet can lower cholesterol as much as medication, according to a study reported July 2003 in The Journal of the American Medical Association. That four-week study found that a diet of soy fiber, protein from oats and barley, almonds, and margarine from plant sterols lowered cholesterol as much as statins, the most widely prescribed cholesterol medicine. Soybeans themselves provide high-quality protein, are low in saturated fat, and contain no cholesterol, making them an ideal heart-healthy food. To lower your cholesterol, the American Heart Association suggests you look for products that provide 10 grams of soy protein per serving, and try to eat three or more servings per day.
 
Fiber for Your Whole Body
Once upon a time our diet was made up mostly of whole foods loaded with fiber. While we may have fallen to a wild beast or infection, fiber helped keep our cholesterol and blood sugar levels low, and kept our bowels functioning smoothly.  Now in our frenzied lifestyle, we're more likely to grab fast food, or use prepared foods at home that have only a passing acquaintance with dietary fiber. It's a little known fact: Most of us should double the amount of fiber we eat if we want to reap its benefits.  "I don't think it would be a bad idea to flip the food pyramid and suggest 9-11 servings of fruits and vegetables a day instead of the 5-7 we recommend now," says William Hart. "None of us eats enough fiber." The average American eats 12 grams of fiber a day; most health organizations recommend 20 to 35 grams.

Studies have shown that dietary fiber - including foods such as apples, barley, beans and other legumes, fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, oat bran and brown rice -- clearly lower blood cholesterol. High-fiber foods are also digested more slowly, so they don't cause spikes in blood sugar levels like white bread, potatoes and sweets do. Of course, everyone knows that fiber helps keep you regular, but so do laxatives. Fiber, however, has an added plus: High-fiber foods help us feel full, making it easier to control weight. You get more nutritional "bang for your buck" with high-fiber food, says Hart.

Antioxidant "Superfoods" to Protect Your Cells and Heart
When you're thinking "superfoods," think color, says Beverly Clevidence, PhD, a research leader at the USDA's Diet and Human Performance Laboratory. That means foods that are deep blue, purple, red, green, or orange. The carotenoids and anthocyanins that provide the color for these foods contain health-enhancing nutrients that protect against heart disease and cancer, and also improve our sense of balance, our memory, and other cognitive skills.

Your "superfoods" color chart should include:
•   Deep green -- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may help prevent colon cancer, while spinach and kale are good sources of calcium. And kale also helps fight against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older Americans.
•   Red -- Red tomatoes, especially when cooked, are beneficial sources of lycopeine, which helps protect against prostate and cervical cancer.
•   Orange/yellow - Squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and yams promote healthy lungs and help fight off skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma.
•   Deep blue/purple - Eggplant, plums, blueberries, blackberries (strawberries, raspberries, and cherries come under this category as well) lower your risk of heart disease by helping the liver "sop up" extra cholesterol, as well as improve your mental functioning.
"I've definitely been adding berries to my diet throughout the year," says Clevidence.  You don't have to limit your berry intake to in-season either. Fresh, frozen (without sugar), or dried...the benefits are the same.  Got milk? If you want to keep your bones strong and lessen your chance of fractures as you get older, add calcium-rich foods such as low-fat cheese and milk to your diet. Calcium also keeps teeth strong, helps your muscles contract, and your heart beat. Recent studies have even shown that calcium may lower your risk of colon polyps, and help you lose weight. Researchers at Purdue University found that women who consume calcium from low-fat dairy products, or get at least 1,000 milligrams a day, showed an overall decrease in body weight.
________________________________________
"Water is also essential if you're eating high-fiber foods. Water helps fiber do its job."
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As you get older, the amount of minerals in your bones decrease. Too little calcium increases your risk for osteoporosis and, with it, disabling or life-threatening fractures.  Dairy products are the best source of calcium. Choose skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese to avoid saturated fats. A single serving can provide you with 20% of the 1,200 milligrams a day you need. You can also add calcium to your diet with calcium-enriched cereals and orange juice. Foods such as dark green vegetables, dried beans, and sardines also contain calcium.  Won't taking a calcium supplement do the trick? Sure, says William Hart, but calcium-rich foods are also high in protein needed for bone and muscle strength.

While you're adding calcium to your diet, don't forget to exercise. Your bones will thank you later. "Calcium alone isn't enough. Add weight-bearing exercise as well," says Hart. Take the stairs, park at the far end of the parking lot, walk wherever you can. You'll help the calcium do its job."
Water for Energy and Your Skin

Most people don't drink enough water," says nutritionist Susan Ayersman. "We need water to flush out toxins, keep our tissues hydrated, keep our energy up."  Water is also essential if you're eating high-fiber foods, says Leslie Bonci at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Water helps fiber do its job. Don't stint on water just because you don't want to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, says Bonci. "Just be strategic about when you drink it," she says. "Drinking throughout the day, and not just before you go to bed should keep you from having to get up during the night."  If plain water doesn't quite do it for you, add slices of lemon, lime, or orange for flavor without calories. Or try a sprig of mint for a refreshing change of pace.

The Bottom Line
Don't be overwhelmed with all these suggestions. You don't need to add everything in at once. "Make haste slowly," says Bonci. "Add a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, replace a glass of milk with soy milk...just take it one step at a time."  Agrees Hart: "It's simply a matter of deciding to get the foods into your diet."

Source: www.medicinenet.com

3

Weight Loss / Facts you should know about weight loss

« on: December 21, 2020, 12:40:18 PM »

Facts you should know about weight loss

Whether your weight-loss goals involve trying to lose 5 pounds or more than 50, the same principles determine how much weight you lose and how fast your weight loss will occur. Remembering the following simple healthy eating diet tips and putting them into practice can lead to weight reduction without the aid of any special diet plans, weight loss programs, fitness books, or medications.

Our body weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day. Energy is measured in calories. Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes within the body that sustain life. Your basal metabolic rate is the number of calories (amount of energy) you need for your body to carry out necessary functions. If your weight remains constant, this is likely a sign that you are taking in the same amount of calories that you burn daily. If you're slowly gaining weight over time, it is likely that your caloric intake is greater than the number of calories you burn through your daily activities.

Every adult is in control of the amount of food he or she consumes each day, so our intake of calories is something we can control. To a major degree, we can also control our output of energy, or the number of calories we burn each day. The number of calories we burn each day is dependent upon the following:
•   Our basal metabolic rate (BMR), the number of calories we burn per hour simply by being alive and maintaining body functions
•   Our level of physical activity

For some people, due to genetic (inherited) factors or other health conditions, the resting metabolic rate (RMR) can be slightly higher or lower than average. Our weight also plays a role in determining how many calories we burn at rest -- the more calories are required to maintain your body in its present state, the greater your body weight. A 100-pound person requires less energy (food) to maintain body weight than a person who weighs 200 pounds.

Lifestyle and work habits partially determine how many calories we need to eat each day. Someone whose job involves heavy physical labor will naturally burn more calories in a day than someone who sits at a desk most of the day (a sedentary job). For people who do not have jobs that require intense physical activity, exercise or increased physical activity can increase the number of calories burned.

As a rough estimate, an average woman 31-50 years of age who leads a sedentary lifestyle needs about 1,800 calories per day to maintain a normal weight. A man of the same age requires about 2,200 calories. Participating in a moderate level of physical activity (exercising three to five days per week) requires about 200 additional calories per day. More strenuous exercise programs, such as those with cardio focus, can burn even more.

Source: www.medicinenet.com

4

Psychiatry / Childhood ADD or ADHD

« on: December 21, 2020, 11:14:57 AM »

Picture of a Boy with ADHD

Childhood ADD or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) facts

•   Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition. Childhood ADHD symptoms include
o   difficulty concentrating,
o   trouble controlling impulses, and
o   excessive activity.
•   While there is no specific cause of ADHD, there are many social, biological, and environmental factors that may raise one's risk of developing or being diagnosed with the disorder.
•   There are three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined (inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive) presentation.
•   While medications commonly treat ADHD, behavior therapy, school accommodations, and parent counseling are important in improving the child's ability to function, as well.
•   The most common medications used to treat ADHD are the stimulant medications.
•   About 85% of children with ADHD are at risk for having some form of the disorder in adulthood.
•   People with ADHD are at a higher risk for also having anxiety, depression, mood swings, drug or alcohol abuse issues, interpersonal problems, school problems during childhood, as well as some long-term medical, legal, and employment problems during adolescence and adulthood.
•   Much of the latest research on ADHD in children focuses on how exposure to environmental toxins may increase the risk of developing this condition.

What are risk factors and causes of ADHD in children?
Although there is no single cause for ADHD, there are a number of biological, environmental, and social factors that seem to increase the risk of a person developing the disorder. Brain imaging studies show that the brains of people with ADHD tend to be smaller. The connections between certain parts of the brain are fewer, and the brain's regulation of the neurochemical dopamine tends to be less than in people who do not have the condition. Some medical conditions have been found to have a higher occurrence of ADHD compared to people without those conditions. Examples include seizures, asthma, as well as gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Risk factors for ADHD that can occur in the womb include maternal stress, smoking or exposure to lead during pregnancy, and low weight at birth. Being male and having a family history of ADHD increase the likelihood that an individual is diagnosed with ADHD. This illness has also been linked to being exposed to tobacco smoke at home (secondhand smoke) or lead during childhood.
Socially, low family income, low paternal education, exposure to childhood trauma, or a sudden life change are risk factors for developing ADHD. Behavioral expectations based on the culture of an area, from a school district, town, state, or country can influence how often this diagnosis is made, as well.

What are childhood ADHD/ADD symptoms and signs?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is the gold standard of mental health diagnoses, symptoms of ADD/ADHD include the following:
Inattention
•   Often makes careless mistakes or has problems paying attention to detail
•   Poor concentration during tasks or leisure activities
•   Does not seem to be listening and appears to zone out when spoken to directly
•   Frequently fails to complete instructions or to complete work tasks or chores
•   Often has trouble organizing a task or activity
•   Short attention span
•   Frequently avoids, dislikes, or resists participating in activities that require sustained concentration/mental effort, due to difficulty focusing, a tendency to waste time
•   Repeatedly loses things needed to complete tasks or activities
•   Easily distracted by extraneous input or unrelated thoughts
•   Frequent forgetfulness/absentmindedness
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
•   Often engages in fidgeting, squirming, or tapping hands or feet
•   Frequently has trouble staying seated
•   Frequent restlessness or boredom
•   Has trouble engaging in leisure activities quietly
•   Engages in multiple activities at once
•   Often talks excessively
•   Repeatedly interrupts others talking
•   Trouble waiting his or her turn
•   Often intrudes on others

The fact that children with ADHD may be able to highly focus on activities they enjoy (such as watching television or playing video games), even excessively, does not mean that they do not have the condition. The difference in attention of ADHD children is that they tend to have suboptimal memory, be less able to pay attention consistently, particularly when required to complete less pleasurable activities. Their trouble sitting still may involve engaging in behaviors like running or climbing in situations where it is unsafe or otherwise inappropriate. While symptoms like insomnia, irritability, tantrums, otherwise quick temper or difficulty managing their anger, as well as low frustration tolerance, are not specific to ADHD or required for its diagnosis, many children, teens, and adults with this illness have these symptoms. Besides insomnia, other sleep problems like sleep apnea, low sleep efficiency, and trouble staying awake during the day often plague children who have ADHD .

Source: www.medicinenet.com

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Depression & Stress / More Social Media, More Depression

« on: December 21, 2020, 10:27:27 AM »

By Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter


More Social Media, More Depression

Young adults who spend hours a day on social media are at heightened risk of developing depression in the near future, new research suggests. In recent years, a number of studies have linked heavy social media use to an increased risk of depression. "But then you have to ask the chicken-and-egg question," said study author Dr. Brian Primack, a professor of public health at the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville. On one hand, he said, excessive time on Twitter or Facebook might fuel depression symptoms. On the other, people with depression might withdraw from face-to-face interactions and spend more time online. So Primack and his colleagues decided to see whether social media use made a difference in young adults' risk of future depression.

It did, according to their report, which was published online Dec. 10 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study included nearly 1,000 adults aged 18 to 30 who were depression-free at the outset, based on a standard questionnaire. All reported on their usual social media time and were assessed for depression again six months later. By that time, nearly 10% fit the criteria for depression. Overall, depression risk rose in tandem with time spent on social media. Compared with the lightest users (2 hours or less per day), the heaviest users (at least 5 hours per day) had a three times higher depression risk. Meanwhile, that risk was two times higher among young adults who were active on social media around 3.5 to 5 hours per day. Primack noted that the findings do not definitively prove cause and effect.

However, he added, his team accounted for factors like people's education level, income, race and whether they were employed. They also asked participants whether they'd experienced childhood traumas like physical abuse and emotional neglect, which are also risk factors for depression. Even then, excessive time on social media predicted a higher depression risk. And, Primack said, there was no evidence the relationship went the other way: Among 299 other study participants who were depressed at the start, there was no increase in social media use over time.

Nathaniel Counts is senior vice president of behavioral health innovation for the nonprofit Mental Health America. He said the researchers did a good job of accounting for other factors that could explain the link between social media use and depression. However, depression is complicated, and it's difficult to tease out the role of a single factor, Counts added. For example, he said that a young person could be dealing with a difficult family situation, then start to spend more time on social media as an escape. That online time might precede depression, but not be a cause of it.

Things get more complicated still because individuals vary, as do their reasons for using social media. Both Primack and Counts said the ways in which young adults use those platforms is likely key. "If you're positively engaging with new friends," Counts said, "that's different from passively scrolling through your news feed and comparing yourself to other people." He pointed out that young people who commonly feel marginalized -- LGBTQ youth, for example -- may find supportive communities online.

The study lacked "nuanced" data on how people used social media, Primack said. "We don't know if they were having angry rants online, or clicking 'like' on pictures of cute puppies." But, he added, most people use social media in various ways, not just one: Someone might go online to connect with friends, Primack noted, then end up scrolling through "the reels of other people's lives, and coming away with a feeling of 'I don't measure up.'"

Primack suggested that people try to regularly take stock of how they feel after using social media. "Just as in all areas of life," he said, "it's good to look at our habits and ask, what are my feelings right now? What are my responses? Is this serving me?" Counts agreed. "In general," he said, "we don't always take time to reflect. Is this a productive use of my time?" But both also said individuals should not bear all the responsibility. Social media platforms could be better designed -- with not only marketing in mind, but users' mental well-being, too, Counts said. "How do we, as a society, monitor where we are and where we want to be?" he said. Primack described the new findings as a "cautionary tale."

"Social media is still a new tool," he said. "And it may be something that we're not using optimally."

Source: Brian Primack, MD, PhD, dean, College of Education and Health Professions, and professor, public health, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.; Nathaniel Counts, JD, senior vice president, behavioral health innovations, Mental Health America, Alexandria, Va.; American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Dec. 10, 2020, online

6

Rheumatology / Vitamin D Deficiency

« on: December 10, 2020, 03:55:49 PM »

If you shun the sun, suffer from milk allergies, or adhere to a strict vegan diet, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body in response to skin being exposed to sunlight. It is also occurs naturally in a few foods -- including some fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks -- and in fortified dairy and grain products.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Traditionally, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with rickets, a disease in which the bone tissue doesn't properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. But increasingly, research is revealing the importance of vitamin D in protecting against a host of health problems.

Symptoms and Health Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you have a vitamin D deficiency. However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with the following:
•   Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
•   Cognitive impairment in older adults
•   Severe asthma in children
•   Cancer

Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons:

You don't consume the recommended levels of the vitamin over time. This is likely if you follow a strict vegan diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk, and beef liver.

Your exposure to sunlight is limited. Because the body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, you may be at risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons, or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure.

You have dark skin. The pigment melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form. As people age, their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form, thus increasing their risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your digestive tract cannot adequately absorb vitamin D. Certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can affect your intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.

You are obese. Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, altering its release into the circulation. People with a body mass index of 30 or greater often have low blood levels of vitamin D.

Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency
Treatment for vitamin D deficiency involves getting more vitamin D -- through diet and supplements. If you don't spend much time in the sun or always are careful to cover your skin (sunscreen inhibits vitamin D production), you should speak to your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement, particularly if you have risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

Source WebMD

7

Food & Nutrition / 8 High Protein Nuts to Add to Your Diet

« on: December 09, 2020, 05:00:30 PM »

Source: Healthline

Nuts make a delicious, protein-rich snack or addition to meals.  They’re versatile, easy to eat on the go, and a good source of plant-based protein, especially for those who eat few or no animal products. Eating nuts can help you meet your needs for protein, which is necessary for building bones, muscles, and skin. Protein also increases feelings of fullness, helping you stay satisfied and energized. While all nuts contain protein, some provide more than others. This article reviews 8 nuts that are high in protein.

1. Almonds
Protein: 7 grams per 1/4-cup (35-gram) serving of almonds
Almonds are actually a seed. However, people often group them with nuts and consider them to be a high protein option.  In addition to being high in protein, almonds are loaded with antioxidants. These plant compounds protect the body from free-radical-induced oxidative stress, which can lead to aging, heart disease, and some cancers. The brown layer of skin surrounding almonds contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, so it’s best to eat almonds with the skin for the most benefits. To make a balanced snack with almonds, pair them with a piece of fruit. Almonds provide 7 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (35-gram) serving. They’re also packed with antioxidant compounds that can help protect your cells from damage.

2. Walnuts
Protein: 4.5 grams per 1/4-cup (29-gram) serving of chopped walnuts
Eating walnuts is a delicious way to boost your protein intake. Walnuts are also a source of heart-healthy fats. Specifically, they contain more omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), than any other nut. Some observational studies have linked ALA intake to a lower risk of heart disease. With their fatty texture and mouthfeel, walnuts are a good addition to ground meats and can further increase the protein content of meat-based dishes. Walnuts contain 4.5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (29 grams). Adding walnuts to your diet is a good way to boost your intake of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Pistachios
Protein: 6 grams per 1/4-cup (30-gram) serving of pistachios
A serving of pistachios provides as much protein as one egg. These nuts have a higher ratio of essential amino acids relative to their protein content, compared with most other nuts.Essential amino acids are those that need to be obtained through the diet so that the body can use them to build proteins that are necessary for important functions. For a fun way to eat pistachios, try blending them into a nut butter to eat on toast, apples, or crackers. With 6 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (30 grams), pistachios contain as much protein as an egg per serving, plus a high amount of essential amino acids.

4. Cashews
Protein: 5 grams per 1/4 cup (32 grams) of cashews
Cashews are technically seeds. They’re not only high in protein but also contain several important vitamins and minerals. A 1/4-cup (32-gram) serving provides about 80% of the Daily Value (DV) for copper. Copper is a mineral that supports immunity and aids the creation of red blood cells and connective tissue. Studies have also found a link between low copper intake and an increased risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.  Thus, getting more copper in your diet by eating cashews may be one way to help protect against this condition. To enjoy more cashews in your diet, eat them as part of a balanced snack on top of plain yogurt with fruit. Cashews contain 5 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (32-gram) serving. Along with protein, cashews contain essential micronutrients like copper.

5. Pine nuts
Protein: 4.5 grams per 1/4 cup (34 grams) of pine nuts
Pine nuts are the seeds of certain varieties of pine cones. They’re prized for their mild, sweet taste and buttery texture, which comes from their high fat content. In addition to providing 4 grams of protein, a 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving of pine nuts has 23 grams of fat.  The fat in pine nuts mostly comes from unsaturated fats, which may help reduce risk factors for heart disease. One of the fatty acids in pine nuts may also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and help prevent cancer from spreading. Toasted pine nuts are a delicious way to add some extra protein to salads, grain bowls, or vegetables. To toast pine nuts at home, cook them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.  Sweet, buttery pine nuts have more than just a delicious taste. They also provide 4.5 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving, as well as healthy fats.

6. Brazil nuts
Protein: 4.75 grams per 1/4 cup (33 grams) serving
Brazil nuts come from the seeds of a rainforest tree and are easy to spot in a bag of mixed nuts, as they’re usually the biggest ones.  Along with protein, they provide healthy fats, fiber, and an assortment of micronutrients. What’s more, Brazil nuts are one of the best food sources of selenium, an essential mineral that supports thyroid health and protects the body from infection. Just one Brazil nut (5 grams) has almost 175% of the DV for selenium. Try mixing Brazil nuts with other nuts and seeds, dried mango, and dark chocolate chunks for a protein-rich trail mix. Brazil nuts contain 4.75 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (33-gram) serving. Eating Brazil nuts is an excellent way to add more protein to your diet and meet your daily needs for selenium.

7. Peanuts
Protein: 9.5 grams per 1/4-cup (37-gram) serving
Peanuts are a legume but considered a nut from a nutritional and culinary standpoint.  Like most legumes, they provide a lot of plant-based protein. In fact, peanuts have the highest protein content out of all commonly consumed nuts. Peanuts are also one of the best food sources of biotin, a vitamin that helps convert food into usable energy in the body. For a balanced snack that provides protein, fats, and carbs, combine peanut butter and bananas on their own, or assemble them on top of toast. With 9.5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (37 grams), peanuts beat out all other nuts on the list in terms of protein content. They likewise provide a healthy dose of biotin and other nutrients.

8. Hazelnuts
Protein: 5 grams per 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving
Hazelnuts have a slightly sweet, buttery, and toasted flavor, making them a particularly delicious source of protein. Studies have also found that adding hazelnuts to your diet may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. For a high protein snack, make some homemade “Nutella” spread. Blend 1 cup (135 grams) of hazelnuts with 2 scoops (60 grams) of chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of cocoa powder, and two tablespoons (30 mL) of maple syrup. Hazelnuts contain 5 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving. In addition to boosting protein intake, consuming more hazelnuts may help improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.

The bottom line
Nuts are a healthy source of plant-based protein. They make a convenient snack, and you can add them to many dishes to boost their protein content. The nuts on this list are all good sources of protein, with peanuts providing the most protein per serving.  If you cannot eat peanuts or want to try some different protein-rich nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts are a few interesting options.

Source : www.healthline.com

8

Respiratory Medicine / Flu in Older Adults: Symptoms, Complications

« on: December 07, 2020, 01:15:20 PM »

Flu in Older Adults: Symptoms, Complications

The flu (influenza) is a seasonal virus that causes mild to severe symptoms. Some people recover in about a week, while others can be at risk of serious, life threatening complications. The risk of complications increases if you’re over the age of 65. Older adults tend to have a weaker immune system, which naturally occurs as we age. And when your immune system isn’t strong, it becomes harder for the body to fight off a virus. When a flu infection worsens, it can progress to pneumonia and lead to hospitalization, and sometimes death. If you’re over the age of 65, here’s what you need to know about the flu, including symptoms, complications, and prevention.

What are the symptoms of the flu?
The onset of flu symptoms can happen quickly, with some people developing symptoms 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus.  If you become sick, it’s important that you know how to differentiate flu symptoms from common cold symptoms. Flu and cold symptoms can be similar, but cold symptoms are usually milder. In addition, cold symptoms come on gradually.  It’s different with the flu. Not only is the onset of symptoms abrupt, but the flu also causes symptoms that might not occur with the common cold. Symptoms of the flu and common cold include:
•   runny nose
•   congestion
•   sore throat
•   coughing
If you have the flu, additional symptoms may include:
•   fever
•   body aches
•   chills
•   fatigue
•   weakness
•   chest discomfort
•   headache

If you’re over the age of 65 and develop any of these flu symptoms, see a doctor right away to reduce the risk of complications.  If you see a doctor within the first 48 hours of your first symptom, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. When taken early, this medication can reduce the duration and severity of your illness.

What are flu complications?
Flu complications aren’t as common in younger people and those with a healthy immune system. But up to about 85 percent  of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people who are 65 years or older. Additionally, up to about 70 percent  of flu-related hospitalizations occur in the same age group. Some flu-related complications aren’t as severe and may include a sinus or an ear infection. More serious complications can include bronchitis and pneumonia, which affect the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when inflammation develops in the lining of the bronchial tubes. These are the tubes that carry air to the lungs.
Symptoms of bronchitis can include:
•   coughing up yellow, gray, or green mucus
•   fatigue
•   shortness of breath
•   fever
•   chest pains

Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can cause chest pains, shortness of breath, and a severe cough. In older adults, pneumonia can also cause a lower than normal body temperature, confusion, and nausea and vomiting. Pneumonia is a serious complication. If left untreated, bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause organ failure. This lung infection can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs or a lung abscess. Other complications that may occur with the flu include inflammation of the heart, brain, and muscles. It can also lead to multi-organ failure. If you live with asthma or heart disease, the flu virus can worsen these chronic conditions.

Don’t ignore severe symptoms that develop while battling the flu. See a doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, vomiting, or mental confusion.

Source: www.healthline.com

9

Weight Loss / Age is no barrier to successful weight loss

« on: December 01, 2020, 05:16:43 PM »

Obese patients over the age of 60 can lose an equivalent amount of weight as younger people using only lifestyle changes, according to a new study from the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust that demonstrates that age is no barrier to losing weight. The researchers hope that their findings will help to correct prevailing societal misconceptions about the effectiveness of weight loss programmes in older people, as well dispel myths about the potential benefits of older people trying to reduce their weight. The findings are based on analysis of patient records from a hospital-based obesity service and are reported in the journal Clinical Endocrinology.

This retrospective study was conducted at the Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM) at UHCW. The researchers randomly selected 242 patients who attended the WISDEM-based obesity service between 2005 and 2016, and compared two groups (those aged under 60 years and those aged between 60 and 78 years) for the weight loss that they achieved during their time within the service. All patients had their body weight measured both before and after lifestyle interventions administered and coordinated within the WISDEM-based obesity service, and the percentage reduction in body weight calculated across both groups. When compared, the two groups were equivalent statistically, with those aged 60 years and over on average reducing their body weight by 7.3% compared with a body weight reduction of 6.9% in those aged under 60 years. Both groups spent a similar amount of time within the obesity service, on average 33.6 months for those 60 years and over, and 41.5 months for those younger than 60 years.

The hospital-based programme used only lifestyle-based changes tailored to each individual patient, focusing on dietary changes, psychological support and encouragement of physical activity. Most of the patients referred to the obesity service were morbidly obese with BMIs typically over 40Kgm-2. There are more than fifty co-morbidities of obesity that can be lessened as we lose weight, including diabetes, psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, osteoarthritis and other mechanical problems. Obesity is also linked to increased mortality and poor well-being. Lead author Dr Thomas Barber of Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick said: "Weight loss is important at any age, but as we get older we're more likely to develop the weight-related co-morbidities of obesity. Many of these are similar to the effects of aging, so you could argue that the relevance of weight loss becomes heightened as we get older, and this is something that we should embrace.

"There are a number of reasons why people may discount weight loss in older people. These include an 'ageist' perspective that weight-loss is not relevant to older people and misconceptions of reduced ability of older people to lose weight through dietary modification and increased exercise. Older people may feel that hospital-based obesity services are not for them. Service providers and policymakers should appreciate the importance of weight loss in older people with obesity, for the maintenance of health and well-being, and the facilitation of healthy ageing. Furthermore, age per se should not contribute towards clinical decisions regarding the implementation of lifestyle management of older people.

"Age should be no barrier to lifestyle management of obesity. Rather than putting up barriers to older people accessing weight loss programmes, we should be proactively facilitating that process. To do otherwise would risk further and unnecessary neglect of older people through societal ageist misconceptions."

Story Source: University of Warwick.

10

Treatment & Solution for Coronavirus / 130,000 Lives Could Be Saved the Next 3 Months If Everyone Wore a Mask

« on: November 25, 2020, 11:48:17 AM »

Source: www.wsj.com

As Many as 130,000 Lives Could Be Saved the Next 3 Months If Everyone Wore a Mask
Experts say mask wearing can reduce COVID-19 cases and deaths as well as help the U.S. economy. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images
•   Experts say if 95 percent of people wore a face mask, it could save nearly 130,000 lives between now and March 1.
•   They add that mask wearing could help businesses stay open as COVID-19 cases are reduced.
•   The incoming Biden administration plans to work with governors and mayors to encourage people across the country to wear masks.

“We are truly at war with this virus… But we have a secret weapon – the American spirit in each and every one of you. So please – be a Patriot. Limit interactions outside your household and wear a mask.” That plea via Twitter was made by U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH, as the COVID-19 pandemic surges at unprecedented numbers. As of Wednesday, more than 250,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19. More than 11 million have tested positive for the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that causes the disease. Over the past week, we’ve averaged more than 150,000 new cases per day.

In addition, a new projection from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington predicts the COVID-19 death toll could surpass 438,000 by March 1 if current trends continue. The IHME scientists note, however, that this death toll isn’t inevitable. They say we could save nearly 130,000 livesTrusted Source if 95 percent of the U.S. population wore a mask.  Even if only 85 percent wore a mask, nearly 96,000 deaths could be prevented.

More reasons to wear a mask
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now says wearing a mask also protects you, not just the people around you.In an updated scientific briefTrusted Source released last week, the CDC says it has confirmed seven studies that show wearing a mask also protects the person wearing it. And the report says by wearing a mask, you can help protect the economy, too.

The CDC says a data analysis shows that just a 15 percent increase in mask wearing could prevent the need for lockdowns and help reduce economic losses up to $1 trillion. A new study published in the journal Aerosol Science and Technology suggests that a simple cloth mask can be quite effective. UCLA researchers reported that a cough could send particles more than 6 feet away without any face covering. But a two-layer cloth mask reduced cough particles by 77 percent.

“That’s actually more than I expected before I started the experiment, that’s good news,” said Yifang Zhu, PhD, a professor of environmental health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. She said surgical masks you can purchase at a pharmacy worked even better. “The disposable masks we tested are actually quite effective. They can offer somewhere around 90 percent reduction of particles,” Zhu told Healthline. But she said face shields offered little protection. “Aerosol droplets just come around the gaps and are transported away very easily,” Zhu said.
Source: www.healthline.com

11

Treatment & Solution for Coronavirus / Wearing a Mask May Reduce How Sick You Get from COVID-19

« on: November 24, 2020, 12:49:12 PM »

Source: kawarthanow.com

New research suggests that wearing masks not only protects others from the spread of COVID-19, but may reduce the amount of virus that gets through to the wearer as well, resulting in less severe illness if they do become sick. Getty Images
•   It has been thought that mask wearing mainly benefits the people around you.
•   However, scientists are beginning to speculate that masks may also help the wearer.
•   It is known that a lower viral dose can lead to less severe illness.
•   Wearing a mask may reduce the amount of virus that gets through to the wearer.
•   Less virus getting through may translate to less severe illness if you do become sick.

Up until now, scientists have thought that the main benefits of wearing a mask is to protect other people. Now, however, some are beginning to speculate that mask wearing may provide a form of protection for the wearer as well. They say that masks may reduce the amount of virus that reaches a person, potentially leading to less severe illness if you do become infected. This means that COVID-19 may be able to spread throughout the population, getting us closer to herd immunity, without affecting people as badly as it otherwise would. In fact, mask wearing may be one reason we have seen so many cases of mild and asymptomatic illness.

How masks protect other people
COVID-19 is believed to be spread by the virus-containing droplets  that are released when people speak, cough, or breathe.  If these droplets land in another person’s mouth or nose or are inhaled from the air, they can infect that person and make them sick. According to Robert F. Garry, Jr., PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology, at Tulane University School of Medicine, a mask provides a physical barrier to catch those droplets. In fact, cloth masks can block about 40 to 60 percent of the droplets, said Garry. N95 masks  can do an even better job, blocking 95 percent of very small particles, including viruses. Masks capture these droplets before they can reach other people and infect them.

How masks might protect the wearer as well
Garry said it goes back to the idea that the size of the inoculum (the dose of the virus) determines how sick an individual will get. Usually, with viruses, the higher the dose, the sooner symptoms develop and the more severe the illness is, he explained. Based upon this idea, Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, and her colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco, have proposed that mask wearing could help reduce the severity of COVID-19 when people do become ill.

If a lesser quantity of respiratory droplets make it through to the mask wearer, this means they receive a lower dose of the virus. A lower dose means that, even if the person becomes ill, it may not be as severe a case. Gandhi noted that there is evidence in the literature indicating that this may indeed be happening with COVID-19. In a recent hamster study that simulated masking, the “masked” hamsters were less likely to get COVID-19. They also had milder disease when they did get it.

In addition, epidemiologic evidence in settings like cruise ships and food processing plants has shown higher rates of asymptomatic infection after mask mandates were instituted. She also pointed to a paper  that suggests that universal masking in situations like hospitals has led to asymptomatic infections. According to the paper, many healthcare workers have had positive antibody testing for COVID-19 even though the workers didn’t know they had been infected. Finally, she said, many countries that have population-level masking have done better at keeping their rates of severe disease and death down.

How mask wearing can help while we wait for a vaccine
Gandhi said she believes population-wide masking could play an important role in getting us through the pandemic. Masks reduce transmission, she said. She and her team also believe they can reduce the severity of disease when people do become infected. “We suggest mask mandates like the one called for by former VP Joe Biden,” she said. She also feels that universal masking is a strategy that may allow work and school to continue.
Rather than closing everything down when new cases emerge, Gandhi suggests that a better plan may be to monitor for upticks in severe illness, hospitalizations, and death before instituting lockdowns. We may see cases, she said, “but, as long as they are asymptomatic, public health officials should be concentrating more on decreasing rates of morbidity from this infection and monitoring closely for severe illness, not asymptomatic disease.”
In a report published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine on September 8, 2020, Gandhi’s team further pointed out that asymptomatic infections could actually be beneficial to the general population. “Exposing society to SARS-CoV-2 [the virus that causes COVID-19] without the unacceptable consequences of severe illness with public masking could lead to greater community-level immunity and slower spread as we await a vaccine,” the authors wrote.

The bottom line
Not only does mask wearing protect those around us, it may also protect us. A lower viral dose is known to be linked to less severe illness. Masks may reduce the dose, leading to milder, or no symptoms, if we do contract COVID-19. Universal mask wearing can play a vital role while we wait for the development of a vaccine. It can slow transmission and may possibly reduce the severity of illness, easing the burden on society.

Source: www.healthline.com

12

Treatment & Solution for Coronavirus / The Simple Science Behind Why Masks Work

« on: November 23, 2020, 02:13:59 PM »

Picture source: www.abc.net.au

A growing amount of evidence shows us why wearing face masks is one of the most effective things we can do to stop the spread of COVID-19.
•   The CDC continues to advise wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
•   Masks work by creating a physical barrier to the spread of virus-containing respiratory droplets.
•   Growing evidence supports their effectiveness.
•   While many Americans have objected to wearing masks, experts say their concerns are unfounded.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to strongly advise the wearing of face masks to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. On July 14, 2020 the CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a press release: “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus — particularly when used universally within a community setting.” While these recommendations have been met with some skepticism among the public, scientific evidence continues to show that masks do work. As to the reasons why, the experts say the science is quite simple.
Why face masks work

Transmission of the coronavirus is thought to occur through respiratory droplets that are released when people speak, sneeze, or talk, according to Dr. MeiLan Han, a professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary and critical care at the University of Michigan. If these droplets land in the mouth or nose of people nearby, or are inhaled into the lungs, a person can contract the virus. Masks create a physical barrier that catches these droplets and prevents them from spreading as far into the surrounding air as they normally would.

Han said the masks become even more important because a significant proportion of people who get COVID-19 either don’t exhibit symptoms or there’s a delay before symptoms show up. Studies show, however, that these people can still transmit the virus to people around them. The data suggest that the use of face coverings can help limit the spread of the disease by these asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals, said Han.
Growing evidence supports mask effectiveness

In the July 14, 2020 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the authors of an editorial piece said that “the time is now” for universal mask wearing. In support of their opinion, they pointed to two case studies that were published that same day. The first study showed that a universal mask wearing policy in a Boston hospital system reduced the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Prior to the institution of the mask policy, new cases among healthcare workers who had either direct or indirect patient contact were increasing exponentially. After the policy was put into place, however, the proportion of symptomatic healthcare workers who tested positive for COVID-19 “steadily declined,” according to the report.

The editorial additionally spoke about a report  in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) which showed that wearing a mask appeared to prevent two Missouri hairstylists from spreading the disease to their customers. Both stylists had continued to see customers for several days after developing symptoms, but wore face masks as per local government ordinance. Ninety-eight percent of their customers wore masks as well. Of the 139 customers that the stylists saw before being diagnosed, none developed COVID-19 symptoms during the follow-up period. None of their secondary contacts developed symptoms either. In addition, of the 67 clients who agreed to be tested, none were positive for the virus.
Answering the skeptics

Despite the scientific evidence supporting the wearing of masks, many Americans have voiced objections to their use. We asked Dr. Vinisha Amin, hospital medicine physician at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health to counter some of the more frequently raised concerns and misinformed myths that are currently being spread.

1. Masks don’t work
“Let’s disintegrate that myth!” said Amin. “Masks are helpful and effective in protecting you and your loved ones from the virus.” “There is a plethora of scientific data and research to help solidify this recommendation,” she added. “In the scientific world, evidence-based medicine takes precedence, and we must put trust in our physicians and scientific community when they make such recommendations given that they are for your own and your loved ones’ medical/health safety,” Amin said.

2. They’re so uncomfortable to wear
“That means you have only tried one mask and gave up quickly on finding one that works well,” said Amin. “Yes, they may create humidity, but in that situation, wear a cotton material mask which is a more breathable material than polyester,” she advised.  “Yes, they might hurt your ears. In that situation find a mask where the elastic band that wraps around the ear is cloth covered or a softer elastic band which won’t irritate your skin,” she said. “Yes, they fog up glasses. I have the same issue,” she added. “In that situation, place your eyeglasses over the mask on the bridge of your nose to help hold the mask in place and also help mitigate the fog under your glasses.”

3. I’m worried about carbon dioxide building up and making me sick
“There is absolutely no scientific reasoning that supports the claim that there is carbon dioxide buildup due to masks,” said Amin. “Healthcare professionals such as our physicians and surgeons have been utilizing tighter and more impenetrable masks for decades, yet we are still able to breathe through them,” she said. She continued, “Masks allow for oxygen to penetrate in just as readily as they allow for carbon dioxide to penetrate out.”

4. I’m not at high risk
Amin acknowledged that the most vulnerable people are those with comorbid conditions or those who are immunocompromised. She noted, however, that “although you may be healthy and fit, you might not even be aware that you have acquired the virus and could be shedding high viral loads to your vulnerable loved ones at home.” “We are all co-dependent on each other for our well-being and health as a community,” she explained.

The bottom line
There’s growing evidence that masks do work in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks works in a very simple way by capturing the virus-containing droplets we emit when we speak, cough, or sneeze. Although the principle behind masks is a simple one, they’re a very important part of containing the disease. Experts say they work best when we all cooperate and wear them.
Source: www.healthline.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNeYfUTA11s&feature=youtu.be

13

Research and Analysis / Fish Oil, Vitamin D, and Exercise: How Helpful Are They?

« on: November 22, 2020, 05:41:28 PM »

By Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter

Vitamin D, fish oil supplements and weight training have long been touted for their health benefits, but for healthy seniors, none of them -- either in combination or alone -- boosts physical or mental performance or prevents broken bones, Swiss researchers report. For three years, they tracked more than 2,100 men and women (average age: 74) who were randomly assigned to a program involving one or more of the three health interventions. The upshot: "The results suggest that additional vitamin D and omega-3 [fish oil] intake in active 70-plus adults without previous illnesses, carries no benefit for the risk of non-vertebral fractures, or for muscle and memory function," said study leader Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, head of geriatrics and aging research at University Hospital Zurich.
But the takeaway was not entirely discouraging.

Ongoing analysis suggests taking a gram a day of fish oil reduced seniors' overall infection risk by 11%. And some specific infection risks dropped even more -- including a dramatic 62% reduction in urinary tract infections, a common ailment in older folks. Even if their risk of broken bones was unimproved, participants who took 2000 IUs of vitamin D every day saw a "significant" drop in their systolic (upper) blood pressure readings, Bischoff-Ferrari said. Vitamin D supplementation was also linked to a 16% drop in overall infection risk among 70- to 74-year-olds. "In view of the safety and affordability of the supplements, as well as the high mortality rate from infections in older adults, these results are relevant for public health," she said.

Researchers also tested the impact of two exercise regimens: a strength-training program and an "attention control exercise program" for joint flexibility. Each involved three 30-minute sessions per week. Some participants either exercised or took supplements; others did a mix of both. For participants without major preexisting health problems, researchers found no statistically significant health benefit from the regimens. They said most participants started the study in excellent shape, which may have limited the chance to show bigger benefits. "Over 80% were moderately to highly physically active, and about half were healthy agers without comorbidities," Bischoff-Ferrari said. "In fact, all participants over the three years improved their blood pressure, their cognitive function and their lower extremity function."

Another complicating factor might be the amount of daily supplementation that was tested, said Lona Sandon, director of clinical nutrition at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, who reviewed the findings. "One of my first thoughts on this study is: Was the dose of intervention enough to cause a difference?" Sandon said. "The vitamin D dose was only 2000 IUs … [which is] considered the current upper limit for vitamin D. However, there is much scientific controversy about just how much vitamin D really is the upper limit and needed to alter blood levels. We make much more vitamin D from sunlight than this."

The fish oil dose was also relatively low, Sandon noted. Studies showing benefit for things like lowering inflammation use much higher doses, and strength training was also below current recommendations of two hours a week, she added. "Only about two-thirds of the participants self-reported meeting the 30-minutes, three days/week [requirement]," Sandon pointed out. "So do the results surprise me? Not at all with those doses." Her bottom line: "Getting adequate vitamin D in food and from sunshine is good for us and essential," Sandon said. "Omega-3s are essential nutrients for the body and proper functioning, too.  Exercise does help keep us physically and mentally functioning better. People should not give up on eating healthy and keeping moving. I do not see a downside to any of these things."



SOURCES:
1. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, M.D., Dr.P.H., chair, Department of Geriatrics and Aging Research, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, and director, Center on Aging and Mobility, University Hospital and City Hospital Waid, Zurich;
2. Lona Sandon, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., associate professor, Department of Clinical Nutrition, and director, master of clinical nutrition coordinated program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 10, 2020
 
Copyright © 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

14

Treatment & Solution for Coronavirus / Diabetes and the Flu Shot During COVID-19

« on: November 22, 2020, 04:27:36 PM »

MarketWatch

Many diabetes doctors and care specialists are saying they’ve been getting more frequent questions from patients about flu shots this year due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Their answer: Getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever for people with diabetes (PWDs), because contracting the flu could weaken the immune system, leading to fluctuating and higher glucose levels — which puts us at elevated risk for COVID-19 and its effects on the body. Surprisingly, stats show that the general public isn’t thinking about the flu as much as they ought to be.

A September 2020 survey from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan found that only 1 in 3 parents agree it’s more important to get a flu shot this year, and nearly 1 in 3 won’t be vaccinating their kids for the season. With that, some health experts describe the potential for a“twindemic” of both COVID-19 and flu in the United States this winter. But for PWDs, getting a flu shot is as critical as it’s ever been, says Davida Kruger, a nurse practitioner and diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. “We do not want folks with diabetes to have to deal with anything more on top of everything else,” she said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flags this in a yellow notification box at the top of its flu and diabetes pageTrusted Source, calling out how critical it is for those with diabetes, asthma, and other chronic conditions to get a flu vaccine. In New York, DCES Margaret Pellizzari agrees. She says that at Northwell Health pediatric endocrinology clinics, they’ve stepped up awareness on the need for flu vaccinations this year.

They cite the American Diabetes Association guidance specifically, which encourages PWDs and their families to get a flu shot as well as a pneumonia vaccine each year. “We state the rationale for this practice and hope (patients) are able to make a reasonable decision to stay as protected as possible,” she told DiabetesMine. “We discuss the fact that while the vaccine may not be 100 percent protective, it may minimize the severity if a PWD catches the flu despite vaccination.”

15

Corona Virus Signs and Symptoms / The Unusual COVID-19 Symptoms You Can Miss

« on: November 22, 2020, 11:08:57 AM »

The CDC recently added new known symptoms of COVID-19. Getty Images

    1.Experts are still learning the symptoms of the infection.
    2.Loss of smell, dizziness, and rash are among the symptoms of COVID-19 that people may miss.
    3.Cardiovascular and blood clotting issues are also now becoming a problem for some people with the disease.

All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub and follow our live updates page for the most recent information on the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 has gained international notoriety as a respiratory infection that may cause fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

But those aren’t the only symptoms that have been linked to the new coronavirus disease.

Some people with COVID-19 have presented with less typical symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, delirium, chickenpox-like lesions, and more.

“Respiratory symptoms tend to be the most common, obviously, but we’ve also seen symptoms that involve other organ systems,” Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena, an emergency physician and director of global health at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York, told Healthline.

People with atypical symptoms of the infection may develop more classic symptoms as well, such as fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and trouble breathing. A full list of symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is available hereTrusted Source.

However, others may develop only atypical symptoms — and a portion of people who contract the virus don’t develop any noticeable symptoms at all.

“The expression of viral infection has been very, very wide,” Cioe-Pena said.

“There are people that are asymptomatic carriers, and their bodies are doing a really good job containing it. And then there are other people who obviously have very systemic and bad symptoms. And then everyone in between,” he explained.

Learning about some less common symptoms may help you recognize COVID-19 if you or someone close to you develops it.

Loss of taste or smell

Earlier this month, the CDCTrusted Source added “new loss of taste or smell” to its list of COVID-19 symptoms.

When scientists at the University of California, San Diego studied responses from 59 people with COVID-19, they found that more than two-thirds of them reported loss of taste or smell.

Your sense of taste or smell may also be disrupted by other conditions, such as the flu or seasonal allergies. But in some cases, such sensory changes may be a warning sign of COVID-19.

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

So far, the CDC hasn’t added nausea or other digestive complaints to its list of COVID-19 symptoms. However, early research suggests gastrointestinal distress is relatively common in people with COVID-19.

Recently, the authors of a new study from Stanford Medicine reviewed the medical records of 116 people who had tested positive for COVID-19.

They found that nearly one-third had digestive symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Rash, hives, or chickenpox-like lesions

When dermatologists in Lombardy, Italy, assessed 88 people who had tested positive for COVID-19, they found roughly 20 percent had skin symptoms.

Those skin symptoms consisted of a red rash, widespread hives, or chickenpox-like lesions.

“Patients may present with skin lesions on their feet or toes or red rashes that may resemble a skin infection at first glance,” Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, told Healthline.

“Many of these rashes may represent superficial clotting or even bleeding in the skin or extremities,” Glatter said.

Stopping the spread of infection

Given the wide range of effects that the new coronavirus can have, many people may have contracted it without realizing it.

To effectively identify and quarantine cases of confirmed infection, Dexter told Healthline that increased testing for the virus is essential.

“People will need to be routinely screened and then isolated when they or someone in their household are diagnosed with the infection,” she said.

“Until we can test broadly, we won’t be able to get people back to work safely,” she added.

For now, Cioe-Pena emphasizes the importance of continued physical, or social, distancing.

“We can’t relax social distancing yet. We’re getting encouraging news [in New York], like new infections are down, but it’s a direct cause and effect from social distancing,” he said.

“We don’t get a medal for trying really hard in March and April and then slacking off in May,” he added.