All posts by Kenneth Dantzler-Corbin

I am a writer, editor, adjunct professor of Religion and Philosophy, English as a Second Language, Genealogy, Educator in Ambulatory Care, and Spiritual Support Specialist, Singer, Musician, and Social Justice Advocate for Human Rights.
disease, drugs, Health, Long Covid Symptoms, Public health

Are individuals with low levels of vitamin D at an increased risk of developing long COVID?

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Recent research presented at the 25th European Congress of Endocrinology has suggested that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of developing long COVID. This is a condition where the symptoms of COVID-19 persist for more than 12 weeks after the initial infection. The study looked at 100 patients with and without long COVID and found that those with long COVID had lower levels of vitamin D. This correlation was particularly evident in patients who experienced symptoms like confusion, forgetfulness, and poor concentration. While more research is needed to confirm the link, scientists are exploring whether vitamin D supplements could help reduce the risk of long-term COVID and improve its symptoms.

Long-term COVID risk may increase with low levels of vitamin D. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230513/Long-COVID-risk-may-increase-with-low-levels-of-vitamin-D.aspx

The Vitamin D Society. http://vitamindsociety.org/

Post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) – Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms/post-covid-19-condition.html

LONG COVID LINKED TO VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY. http://www.cachehosting.com/news/other/long-covid-linked-to-vitamin-d-deficiency/ar-AA1baMoE

Diet, education, Health, Healthy eating, Public health

Are current dietary recommendations for cardiovascular health facing challenges in light of emerging evidence regarding the impact of saturated fatty acids on the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein A (Lp(a))?

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A recent perspective piece published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition delved into the current dietary recommendations aimed at reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids in order to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The article shed light on the impact of lower saturated fatty acid intake on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein A. While dietary modifications have garnered significant attention in cardiovascular disease prevention, the effectiveness of replacing saturated fatty acids with alternative options remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that while reducing saturated fatty acid intake lowers LDL-C levels, it leads to an increase in lipoprotein A levels, which is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein A has been identified as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease. Although genetic factors primarily regulate lipoprotein A levels, certain non-genetic factors, including dietary saturated fatty acid intake, contribute to its increase. Replacing saturated fatty acids with carbohydrates or monounsaturated fatty acids does lower LDL-C levels but also results in a concurrent increase in lipoprotein A levels. This finding calls for further research and better clinical practices to monitor the effects of dietary changes on lipoprotein A and LDL-C levels. Additionally, assessing cardiovascular disease risk accurately may require measuring LDL-C independently of lipoprotein A cholesterol content or including an evaluation of lipoprotein A cholesterol content. The study suggests that individualized dietary recommendations tailored to lipid profiles and considering additional cardiac health markers, such as lipoprotein A cholesterol content, may be necessary for effective disease prevention.

Dietary Recommendations For Cardiovascular Health Challenged By New …. https://primenewsprint.com/health/dietary-recommendations-for-cardiovascular-health-challenged-by-new-evidence-on-saturated-fatty-acids-effects-on-ldl-c-and-lpa-levels/

books, Culture, Education, human rights, Politics, Social Justice

Why did the Illinois State House pass a bill prohibiting book bans in libraries, and what are the potential implications of this legislation for libraries and their patrons?

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The Illinois State House has approved a bill to prevent public and school libraries from restricting access to books and other materials. However, the bill also grants the Illinois secretary of state the power to withhold grant funding from violators. Alexi Giannoulias, the Democratic Secretary of State, started House Bill 2789. It says that libraries that want to get state grants must have a policy against book bans or follow the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. The bill gives public libraries more freedom to buy books and protects them from attempts to censor them. Republican Rep. Martin McLaughlin expressed concern about the state dictating to local library boards. Giannoulias praised the legislation as groundbreaking and vital for defending the freedom of expression against censorship. The Illinois State Senate must now approve the bill.

What would the implication of this pass do to the educational system? The Illinois State House passed a bill prohibiting book bans in libraries to combat the practice of book censorship and support the principles of freedom of expression. The bill also aims to encourage the improvement of free public libraries and promote sharing of library resources, including digital resources. The potential implications of this legislation for libraries and their patrons are significant. Libraries must adopt a policy against book bans or adhere to the Library Bill of Rights established by the American Library Association to qualify for state grants. This may lead to increased transparency and accountability for libraries but also create tension between local library boards and the state. Additionally, the legislation may help protect patrons’ right to access information and expand their reading choices while ensuring that libraries are not subject to external limitations or censorship attempts. However, the bill’s potential impact on the availability of controversial library materials and the balance between freedom of expression and public decency may be debated.

Source

Nur Ibrahim. Did Illinois State House pass a Bill Prohibiting Book Bans in Libraries?https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/illinois-house-bill-prohibiting-book-bans-libraries/.

Ancestry, Culture, genealogy, History

Who is Francisco Pizarro Gonzalez?

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Francisco Pizarro González, Marquess of the Atabillos, was a Spanish conqueror who lived from March 16, 1478, to June 26, 1541. He is best known for taking over Peru.

Pizarro, a poor Spaniard from Trujillo, sought wealth and adventure in the New World. He visited the Gulf of Urabá and crossed the Isthmus of Panama with Vasco Nez de Balboa, becoming the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. He was mayor of Panama City and led two failed Peruvian missions. Then, after getting permission from the king, Pizarro traveled on his third and most successful trip to Peru in 1529.

Pizarro created Peru’s first Spanish town, San Miguel de Piura after coastal residents fought his assault. In November 1532, Pizarro defeated Atahualpa at the Battle of Cajamarca. In July 1533, Pizarro killed Atahualpa after demanding a fee for the emperor’s freedom. Pizarro reached Cuzco and conquered Peru the same year. He created Lima in January 1535. Pizarro died in 1541.

Pizarro appears in my genealogical chart as a 14th cousin 9x removed.

Cite Resource

Francisco Pizarro – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Pizarro

Culture, government, Politics, White House

Are Supporters worried that Trump’s call for protest is a trap?

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Even though former President Donald Trump told his followers to gather to protest his prosecution, online support for public protests is still scattered, unorganized, and quiet. Instead, notable Trump backers are pushing the story that any public event is a “trap” set by law enforcement and that attending will be unproductive and likely to result in charges. This is a typical response to radical movements: violence, a backlash from the police, and a retreat as the remaining followers get scared. The Capitol disruption on January 6, 2021, prompted by a call to action at a Trump event, led to nearly a thousand charges, showing even the most ardent fan that pro-Trump zeal can lead to jail time. Telegram, a pro-Trump channel, asked its members if they would resist if Trump were arrested on Tuesday. Most said no.
“Is the potential protest against Trump’s arrest a J6-style trap?” asked British far-right agitator Paul Joseph Watson’s 218,000 fans on Trump’s social media site, Truth Social. 95% of 1,580 respondents agreed. Ali Alexander, a famous “Stop The Steal” proponent, told his more than 1755,000 Twitter followers that rallying in New York City would put them in the most hostile territory in the US. Megan Squire, Southern Poverty Law Center deputy head of data analytics, has a study folder called “It is a trap” with screen-shots of this online messaging. Trump backers who want to resist face challenges without a primary goal. The most important facts are that tiny groups or domestic militants moved by Trump’s call for rallies are the most significant danger to public safety.
After the FBI raided Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home and Trump attacked

Cited Resource:

Trump warns of arrest, calls for protest, but online support is muted. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/21/trump-warns-arrest-calls-protest-but-online-support-muted/11511264002/

disease, Health, Long Covid Symptoms, Long Covid Treatment

What is the truth about Long Covid?

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In 2020, the first wave of deaths from COVID-19 was over, but reports warned of a second wave of deaths from severe symptoms that persisted or worsened. This condition was known as long COVID, and it was projected that a significant proportion of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 would succumb to this life-threatening condition. There were articles in newspapers and magazines that told about all the different kinds of pain people suffered when their doctors couldn’t help. Paul Garner, a British epidemiologist, wrote an early and essential account in which he talked about feeling very tired, having a “muggy head,” having trouble breathing, having sore muscles, and having a “weird feeling in the skin.” Long-term COVID is an uncommon condition not only because of its kaleidoscope of symptoms but also because physicians did not initially recognize it.

So, COVID patients who couldn’t get better during the first few months of the pandemic could describe it. The early “long haulers” complaints were exacerbated by activists, whose advocacy convinced the government to allocate more than $1 billion for research. Three years later, the study has caught up with anecdotal reports and early evidence, and a clearer picture of protracted COVID has emerged. It is neither as widespread nor as severe as was initially anticipated, and the U.S. government has moved to lift the emergency declaration.

Researchers in Australia conducted phone interviews with every person in New South Wales diagnosed with COVID-19 between January and May 2020. The researchers discovered that recovery followed a parabola, with 80% of patients fully recovering after 30 days and 91% after 60 days. However, the population of symptomatic patients continued to diminish, with only 4% of the original patient population still experiencing symptoms four months after diagnosis. In addition, other research indicated that COVID could affect many people. To circumvent these issues, scientists have begun conducting retrospective cohort studies. These studies involve combing through anonymized electronic medical records to identify patients who tested positive for COVID and returned with subsequent symptoms.

The disparity in post-COVID symptoms between the two groups demonstrates the medical havoc caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A study of 150,000 patients in an Israeli health network revealed that those infected were more likely to experience prolonged specific symptoms. These symptoms included loss of taste and smell, concentration and memory issues, difficulty breathing, weakness, hair loss, palpitations, and chest pain. However, by the end of the first year, the differences between the infected and the controls had dissipated mainly. Those that remained affected were a relatively small number of patients. The researchers had anticipated discovering many chronic COVID aftereffects, but they only found a small number—researchers at Oxford University in the U.K.

The Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and the New York University Langone Medical Center found no evidence of a higher risk of any initial neurological or psychiatric diagnosis following COVID-19 than any other respiratory infection. However, 6.4% of COVID patients had a “cognitive deficit,” compared to 5.5% of patients with other respiratory infections. There is no evidence that the pandemic has triggered widespread disability, and disability claims have not increased during the pandemic. The New York State Insurance Fund has released a report analyzing long COVID claims made between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022. The report reveals that while there were several hundred successful claims after the initial wave, the number dropped to fewer than 10 per month. This number spiked to double digits only after the Alpha and Omicron waves. The most recent data from March 2022 indicates that only about five long-term COVID claims were approved per month out of approximately 3,000 disability claims in the state. This suggests that a substantial number of patients experience significant and potentially onerous symptoms for several months following a SARS-CoV-2 infection but only a minimal percentage experience symptoms for extended durations.

Cohort studies on chronic-term COVID have revealed that it is challenging to establish a causal relationship between a particular infection. Many patients suffer from a condition that differs marginally from short-term COVID. According to data from the Census Bureau and the National Center for Health Statistics, 11% of American adults who have had COVID are presently experiencing residual symptoms. Still, it is impossible to determine whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes these symptoms. There is no doubt that many people with long-term COVID struggle with their symptoms, and the medical community frequently fails to treat them properly. In February, Katherine Wu of The Atlantic wrote about a Brazilian chronic COVID patient whose ordeal resembled those of the first long-haulers. The media has continued to raise the alarm about long-term COVID, even though it is not yet known how many people have it, why, and what their chances of recovery are, let alone what the long-term consequences will be for society.

Even patients with the most debilitating form of long-term COVID can experience improvement within weeks and months, not years. Having COVID for a long time is challenging to define because patients can manifest dozens of symptoms in various combinations, none of which are specific to the disease. Post-Covid is a heterogeneous group of people who complain of prolonged COVID, with some suffering from the lingering effects of many diseases, others experiencing the onset of newly emerging symptoms or the continuation of old ones, and others affected by mood disorders and psychiatric symptoms. However, most patients do get better. According to Census Bureau survey data, the percentage of COVID-19 patients who claim they have experienced COVID decreased by 42% between June 2022 and January 2023. In addition, Dr. Knight’s clinic has seen a decrease in the number of COVID-treated patients. For those whose tiredness, insomnia, and chronic pain have been more severe and debilitating, the heightened concern about long-term COVID in recent years could turn out to be a blessing, as it may hasten the day when those with long-term COVID will be able to put their medical conditions behind them for good.

Resource:

The Truth About Long COVID Is Finally Emerging. It’s Not What We Thought.. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/the-truth-about-long-covid-is-finally-emerging-it-s-not-what-we-thought/ar-AA18P5r5

Behavioral Science, Health, mental health, positive thinking

How to live a positive life

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Introduction
Welcome to the world of positive thinking! In today’s fast-paced, frequently stressful world, becoming mired in negativity can be simple. However, with little effort and determination, anyone can learn to live a more positive life. Positive thinking is not just about being happy all the time; it is about cultivating an optimistic outlook on life that allows you to overcome challenges, build strong relationships, and achieve your goals. This article will discuss the power of positive thinking and give tips on living a happier life. So sit back, relax, and get ready to transform your mindset!

How to live positive
Living a positive life is not just about having happy thoughts all the time. It is about making a conscious effort to focus on the good in every situation. One way to do this is by practicing gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for and write it down. This can be as simple as being grateful for a warm cup of coffee in the morning or having a roof over your head.

Positive Attitude
Having a positive attitude is an essential component of living a fulfilling life. It is not just about being optimistic or having a happy-go-lucky outlook on life; it is also about cultivating a mindset that allows you to see the good in every situation. A positive attitude can help you overcome obstacles, build strong relationships, and achieve your goals.

Another way to live positively is by surrounding yourself with positive people who uplift and encourage you. For example, seek out friends and family members with similar outlooks on life who inspire you to be your best self. Also, care for your body by eating well, working out regularly, and getting enough sleep. When your body feels good, it is easier to maintain a positive attitude.

Lastly, remember that positivity is a choice. You have the power to choose how you react to situations and how you perceive them. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts or events, try reframing them more positively. By choosing positivity, you can create a happier and more fulfilling life.

One way to develop a positive attitude is by practicing gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. This can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards the positive aspects of your life. Additionally, surround yourself with people with a positive outlook on life, as their energy can be contagious and uplifting.

Another critical aspect of maintaining a positive attitude is letting go of negativity. This means acknowledging negative thoughts and emotions without dwelling on them or allowing them to consume you. Instead, focus on finding solutions and taking action toward creating positive change in your life.

Remember, having a positive attitude does not happen overnight; it takes practice and effort. However, with time and dedication, anyone can learn to live with positivity at the forefront of their mind.

Positive Living
Positive living is about cultivating a mindset that focuses on the good in life. It is about embracing positivity and letting go of negative thoughts and emotions. Positive living involves taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This means eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and practicing self-care.

One of the keys to positive living is gratitude. Focusing on what we are grateful for helps us see the good in our lives and appreciate what we have. Another essential aspect of positive living is mindfulness. Being present and fully engaged in your work can help you feel more positive and fulfilled.

Ultimately, positive living is about seeing the world through positivity rather than negativity. It is not always easy, but with practice, it can become a habit that transforms your life for the better.

Confronting negative people
We will inevitably encounter negative people in our lives. They may be coworkers, family members, or even friends. Unfortunately, these individuals can bring us down and make us feel negative about ourselves and the world around us. However, we must remember that we can control how we react to these people.

One way to confront negative people is by setting boundaries. Let them know that their negativity is not welcome in your life and that you will not tolerate it. This can be done politely but firmly. Additionally, try to limit your interactions with these individuals as much as possible. Instead, surround yourself with positive people who uplift and inspire you.

Another approach is to practice empathy and understanding toward negative people. Often, their negativity stems from their struggles and insecurities. By showing compassion, you can help shift their perspective and bring positivity into their lives.

Remember that it can be hard to deal with negative people, but it is crucial for our mental health and well-being that we do. Do not let others bring you down or steal your joy. Instead, stay positive and surround yourself with those who uplift you.

Living a positive life when things go wrong
Life is unpredictable, and things sometimes go differently than planned. Falling into a negative mindset is easy when faced with unexpected challenges or setbacks. However, it is essential to remember that maintaining a positive outlook can help us overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.

One way to live positively when things go wrong is to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on the problem. Instead of getting stuck in a cycle of negativity, brainstorm potential solutions and take action toward resolving the issue. Additionally, practicing self-care and seeking support from loved ones can help us stay resilient during difficult times.

It is also important to remember that setbacks and failures are a natural part of life. Rather than viewing them as personal shortcomings, try to reframe them as opportunities for growth and learning. By thinking this way, we can approach challenges with curiosity and an open mind, which will help us grow as people in the long run.

To stay positive when things go wrong, you need to be strong, kind to yourself, and willing to see problems as chances to grow. By cultivating these qualities within ourselves, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and optimism.

Conclusion
In conclusion, positive thinking is a powerful tool that can transform your life. It enables you to see the good in every situation and solve problems. Living positively requires a conscious effort to focus on the good things in life and let go of negative thoughts and emotions. It also involves surrounding yourself with positive people who encouraging and motivate you toward your goals. When faced with challenges, a positive attitude helps you to stay calm and find creative ways to overcome them. Remember that positivity is not just a state of mind but a way of life, so make it a habit to practice positivity every day. With time, you will notice significant improvements in your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Behavioral Science, Culture, Social Justice

Hate Speech is Unacceptable

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Adidas is immediately severing relations with Ye, previously known as Kanye West.

In the current fiscal year, the company’s net income might be reduced by up to $246,5 million. The rapper has made controversial remarks, including social media postings that are antisemitic. Adidas is reconsidering its relationship with Kanye West’s Yeezy brand, which it deems “one of the most successful partnerships in the history of our business.” It hopes to provide further information on the review later this month. Ye has accused Adidas of stealing his ideas and mismanaging the brand, and ridiculed the company’s departing CEO. Making racist comments does not fix a situation. At any moment, hate speech is inappropriate from anybody.

Culture, Ethics, government, human rights, Politics, Social Justice, White House

What do you think of Alabama Senator Tuberville’s comparison of descendants of slaves to criminals?

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Saturday, during a rally for former President Donald Trump, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, equated descendants of enslaved people to criminals, generating severe outrage for pushing a racist narrative. Before a predominantly white audience in Minden, Nevada, Tuberville denounced Democrats as “pro-crime.” “They desire crime because they wish to seize what you have.” They seek to control your possessions. “They seek compensation because they believe the perpetrators are entitled to it,” Tuberville added. “Bull****! That is not obliged to them.” In a press release, NAACP President Derrick Johnson described Tuberville’s remarks as “flat out racist, ignorant, and utterly sickening.”

A Call For Reparations: How America Might Narrow The Racial Wealth Gap

America is notorious for racial inequality. A Call for Reparations: How the United States Could Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap
Johnson continued, “His words promote a centuries-old lie about Black people that throughout history has resulted in the most dangerous policies and violent attacks on our community.” The office of Tuberville did not reply promptly to NPR’s request for comment. As a means of addressing the enduring impacts of slavery, support for reparations for black Americans whose ancestors were slaves has increased throughout time. More than 170 Democratic co-sponsors backed a measure to examine reparations for slavery last spring. A House committee voted to advance the proposal, but the entire House of Representatives has not yet examined it. As a means of addressing the enduring impacts of slavery, support for reparations for black Americans whose ancestors were slaves has increased throughout time.

Bibliography

Kim, Juliana. “Alabama Sen. Tuberville Equates Descendants of Enslaved People to Criminals : NPR.” NPR.org, October 10, 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/10/1127872936/senator-tuberville-racist-reparations-stereotype?fbclid=IwAR3H5GpsKM5XxUnWyy1jHr7hJk5xF7vs7YRvdYYE5wHIJyCiDv9QbC2bPTg.

disease, drugs, Health, Public health

What You Should Know Regarding Monkeypox?

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Thousands of people have contracted monkeypox throughout the United States. The spread has been designated as an epidemic, which naturally arouses public concern. Discover who is at danger and how we can protect ourselves, our community, and our loved ones.

How does monkeypox spread?

It is essential to realize that viruses are not selective. They want just a host. The same holds true for monkeypox as for any other virus. To help reduce the spread of monkeypox, we must first eliminate its stigma. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual orientation, is vulnerable.

It is evident that monkeypox is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact. Identifying and reducing high-risk behaviors and settings is the most effective method of disease prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following behaviors enhance the likelihood of acquiring monkeypox:

  • Close contact with a person or individuals who have been diagnosed with monkeypox or with a person or persons who have a rash that resembles monkeypox.
  • Close or close personal contact with people infected with monkeypox in a social network. Social networks might include individuals met at pubs, parties, on websites or via apps.
  • Sexual contact or intimate behavior with several partners in places where monkeypox is known to occur.
  • Within 21 days after sickness start, travel outside the United States to a nation with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox is endemic.
  • Occupational exposure to monkeypox or other orthopoxviruses, such as testing laboratory personnel or some public health personnel. In these situations, the right use of personal protective equipment will aid in reducing danger.

How can I reduce my infection risk?

As with any infectious illness, the pillars of infection prevention and control may be applied: When you are unwell, you should wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, lips, and face, and avoid contact with others. Avoid prolonged physical contact, contact with respiratory secretions, and contact with products or textiles used by someone with monkeypox to reduce your chance of developing the disease.

Is a monkeypox vaccination available?

Kansas City has provided the University of Kansas Health System with a restricted amount of vaccination doses. The health care system administers vaccinations to people who fulfill the qualifying requirements. Currently, the CDC advises immunization against:

People who are aware that a sexual partner has been diagnosed with monkeypox during the preceding 14 days.

Individuals who have had several sexual partners in the preceding 14 days in an area where monkeypox is known to exist.

Individuals who have reported any of the following during the preceding 14 days:

  • Sex with numerous partners or multiple partners.
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue or in conjunction with an event, location, or specified geographic region where transmission of monkeypox has been recorded.
  • We are devoted to providing everyone with high-quality care. If you are a current patient of the health system and feel you fulfill any of the eligibility requirements, contact your primary care physician or provider (by phone, text message, or MyChart message) for further information.
  • We must collaborate to eliminate the stigma associated with this condition and prioritize wellness. We highly urge persons at high risk or who are worried to communicate honestly with their healthcare professionals.