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Fall traditionally heralds the return of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and colorful foliage. However, it also marks the onset of the flu season, and this year, as in the past couple of years, it includes a continued struggle with COVID-19 and the rise of another concerning virus, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). As we approach another potential “tripledemic,” there is new hope with updated vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and the annual flu shot.
The Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
The COVID-19 situation remains fluid, with variants such as Omicron’s descendant, XBB.1.5, throwing new challenges at healthcare professionals and vaccine manufacturers alike. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have updated their COVID-19 vaccines to target this specific variant. With FDA approval expected soon, these shots are an integral part of the plan to avoid another catastrophic respiratory season.
Effectiveness
Recent lab tests indicate that the updated COVID-19 vaccines will offer crossover protection against the most prevalent coronavirus strains. While earlier vaccinations offered some defense, especially against severe disease and death, their efficacy waned. This warning makes the updated booster shots crucial for continued protection.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
Influenza is no minor adversary. It poses significant risks to the young, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is recommended that anyone aged six months and older get an annual influenza vaccine. Seniors can choose from three kinds of flu shots designed to ramp up an older adult’s immune system more effectively.
RSV Vaccines Finally Arrive
RSV is the least discussed but equally worrying virus. While generally manifesting as a cold-like ailment, it can be deadly for children under five and older adults. New RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are now approved for adults 60 and older and recommended for pregnant women to protect their newborns.
For Babies
Another preventative measure against RSV for infants is a lab-made antibody injection, recently approved and known as Beyfortus. This one-dose drug is recommended for all infants younger than eight months before their first RSV season.
Can You Get All the shots at Once?
Yes, you can. The CDC advises that receiving a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot simultaneously has no detrimental effects on their efficacy or side effects. For those who are eligible, adding an RSV shot to the mix could be discussed with healthcare providers.
A Call to Action
Seriously, with hospitalizations due to COVID-19, flu, and RSV putting tremendous strain on healthcare systems, taking preventative measures is more important than ever. Updated vaccines are weapons in our arsenal that can make a real difference. As we await more detailed advice from health organizations on the most effective way to use these vaccines, one message is clear: the more people get vaccinated, the safer we will be. So, this fall, consider it your civic duty to get your shots—not just for your health but for the community’s collective well-being.
September Is National Food Safety Education Month. (2016). In FEW’s News (Vol. 48, Issue 5, p. 3). Federally Employed Women, Inc.
Flu Shots for Children are More Important Than Ever. https://www.familiesfightingflu.org/getting-your-child-their-flu-shot-now-is-more-important-than-ever/
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that the politicization of COVID-19 vaccines may have contributed to a higher excess death rate among Republicans in Ohio and Florida during the pandemic. The researchers from Yale University analyzed 538,159 deaths of individuals aged 25 years and older in these states between January 2018 and December 2021, linked to their 2017 voter registration. The study found that after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in May 2021, registered Republicans had a higher rate of excess deaths than Democrats. The gap in excess death rates between the two parties widened to 7.7 percentage points after May 1, 2021, indicating that the excess death rate among Republican voters was 43 percent higher than among Democratic voters. The findings suggest that differences in vaccination attitudes and uptake between Republican and Democratic voters might have influenced the severity and trajectory of the pandemic in certain regions. However, the researchers also acknowledged that political party affiliation could be a “proxy” for other factors influencing excess mortality, such as underlying medical conditions, race, socioeconomic status, or health insurance coverage.
Sources:
Vegetarian Diet Helps Lower Blood Pressure | Natural Products INSIDER. https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/heart-health/vegetarian-diet-helps-lower-blood-pressure
Introduction to Clinical Nutrition 2nd edition, Revised and Expanded – SILO.PUB. https://silo.pub/introduction-to-clinical-nutrition-2nd-edition-revised-and-expanded.html
COVID-19 vaccine politics could be linked to excess GOP deaths in Ohio, Florida: study. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4116913-covid-19-vaccine-politics-could-be-linked-to-excess-gop-deaths-in-ohio-florida-study/?fbclid=IwAR3ICmuGMaeExaDmiYWutACqwdkjFrMAA4wqCTgq5MyxpnF09c9qNc67tfE

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect millions of individuals worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. Over the years, research has highlighted the role of chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system dysregulation in the development of mood disorders. A protein of interest in this context is C-reactive protein (CRP), which is involved in the recognition and elimination of pathogens and damaged cells through inflammatory mechanisms. While previous studies have demonstrated elevated CRP levels in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), the understanding of CRP’s role in other mood disorders, like bipolar and unipolar depression, remains limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, a recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders set out to explore the association between CRP levels and mood disorders, shedding light on the potential implications for understanding these complex conditions.
The study conducted a retrospective analysis, enrolling patients diagnosed with a mood disorder. The researchers utilized psychopathological rating scales to assess general psychopathology and collected blood samples for further analysis of CRP levels. By examining these factors, the study aimed to gain insights into the role of CRP in both unipolar and bipolar depression, expanding our understanding beyond MDD.
The findings of the study hold significant implications for the field of mood disorders. First and foremost, the association between CRP levels and mood disorders suggests that neuroinflammation could be a relevant factor in the pathophysiology of these conditions. This understanding opens doors to exploring new treatment approaches that target inflammatory mechanisms and immune system dysregulation. By identifying distinct subgroups of patients based on their inflammatory patterns, personalized treatment strategies can be developed, potentially improving outcomes and prognosis.
Furthermore, monitoring CRP levels could serve as a prognostic indicator, helping clinicians assess disease progression, predict treatment response, and identify individuals at higher risk for relapse or complications. Tracking changes in CRP levels over time during treatment may also provide valuable insights into treatment effectiveness and guide adjustments to optimize patient care.
The study also highlighted the influence of chronotype, with individuals exhibiting an eveningness-type chronotype displaying higher CRP levels. Incorporating chronotype considerations into the management of mood disorders could provide a more comprehensive approach, taking into account an individual’s chronobiological rhythms and potential impact on inflammation.
The investigation into the association between CRP levels and mood disorders represents an exciting step forward in understanding the complex nature of these conditions. By recognizing the role of chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system dysregulation, researchers and clinicians can explore innovative treatment approaches tailored to patients’ specific inflammatory profiles. The findings offer the potential for improved prognostic indicators, personalized interventions, and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving mood disorders. As further research unfolds, this knowledge could pave the way for more effective and targeted strategies to alleviate the burden of mood disorders and enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide.
Cited works:
C-reactive protein levels and mood disorders: Insights from a retrospective study. https://www.psypost.org/2023/07/c-reactive-protein-levels-and-mood-disorders-insights-from-a-retrospective-study-166293?fbclid=IwAR2gD32l5gnPGgvnU_GEPExCBs0rh5v20Tj4NNYjb85qzn48qY_Vhiy9gLA
Introduction
From a young age, we have always been told to take care of our teeth for oral health and to avoid tooth loss as we grow older. However, recent research from Japan suggests that the consequences of poor dental hygiene go beyond just gum health – they may also impact our brains. Scientists have discovered a correlation between tooth loss, gum disease, and shrinkage in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory and Alzheimer’s disease. These findings raise important considerations about preserving not only gum health but also brain health.
The Study and Its Implications
One hundred seventy-two participants who were 55 or older participated in the study by researchers at Tohoku University in Japan. At the beginning of the study, the participants underwent memory tests, and data on their general health and medical history were collected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed to measure the hippocampus volume at the start of the study and four years later.
Dentists counted the number of teeth and examined periodontal probing depth (PD) to assess gum disease. According to the researchers, the number of teeth and the severity of gum disease affected the volume of the left hippocampus. Individuals with mild gum disease and fewer teeth experienced faster shrinkage in the left hippocampus. Surprisingly, one less tooth was found to increase the rate of brain shrinkage in people with mild gum disease, comparable to an additional year of brain aging.
On the other hand, individuals with severe gum disease and more teeth showed a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the same region. An additional tooth in those with severe gum disease led to left hippocampus shrinkage equivalent to 1.3 years of brain aging.
Promoting Dental Health for Cognitive Well-being
While this study does not establish a causal relationship, it highlights the significance of oral health in relation to cognitive function. Dentists and healthcare professionals must consider the potential impact of dental health on brain health when making critical decisions about patients’ oral care. It also emphasizes the importance of regular dental visits and proper management of gum disease.
Although the study had a small sample size and focused on one region, further research on more extensive and diverse populations is necessary to generalize the results. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder that maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for oral health and cognitive well-being.
Conclusion
The link between dental health and brain function adds a new dimension to our understanding of the importance of oral care. Tooth loss and gum disease have been associated with changes in the hippocampus, a brain region essential for memory and impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is needed to establish the causal relationship, these findings emphasize the need to prioritize dental health to preserve our smiles and cognitive abilities. So, next time you brush your teeth, remember that you are caring not just for your gums but also for your brain.
Cited Works
Li, Q., Ye, H., Ding, Y., Chen, G., Liu, Z., Xu, J., Chen, R., & Yang, H. (2017). Clinical characteristics of moderate-to-severe thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in 354 Chinese cases. PLoS One, 12(5), e0176064.
Why we champion the role of the dental hygienist in south-west London?. https://www.dentistsw4.com/latest-news/why-we-champion-the-role-of-the-dental-hygienist-at-our-south-west-london-practice/
JCI Insight – Exploring the cardiac response to injury in heart transplant biopsies. https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/123674
Alarming news has emerged from the New Mexico Department of Health, revealing a new case of HIV linked to a “vampire facial” procedure performed at an Albuquerque spa that closed its doors in 2018. The department had previously associated two cases of HIV with injection-related procedures at the same spa in 2019. Consequently, the Department of Health has reopened its investigation into the spa and urges former clients who received injection-related services, including vampire facials and Botox, to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This latest incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and regulation of cosmetic procedures to protect the health and well-being of individuals.
Understanding the “Vampire Facial”
The term “vampire facial” refers to a cosmetic procedure involving extracting a patient’s blood and processing it to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and then re-injecting the PRP into the face. It gained popularity due to claims that it rejuvenates the skin, stimulates collagen production, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While licensed professionals in safe environments have performed this procedure, it is crucial to acknowledge that improper handling of blood products or unhygienic practices can pose serious health risks.
The Repercussions of Improper Practices
The recent HIV case linked to the Albuquerque spa is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with inadequate infection control and improper handling of medical procedures. It is essential for individuals seeking cosmetic treatments to choose reputable and certified professionals who prioritize patient safety and follow strict hygiene protocols. Such incidents emphasize the need for comprehensive regulations and oversight within the beauty and wellness industries to protect consumers from harm.
Reopening the Investigation
The New Mexico Department of Health’s decision to reopen the investigation into the spa underscores its commitment to public health and safety. By urging former clients who received injection-related services, including vampire facials and Botox, to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the department aims to identify and mitigate potential risks. This proactive approach demonstrates the importance of timely and thorough investigations to protect the well-being of affected individuals and prevent further transmission of infectious diseases.
The Importance of Vigilance and Regulation
The emergence of this HIV case highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and regulation in the cosmetic and beauty industries. It serves as a reminder for consumers and practitioners to prioritize safety and hygiene during all procedures. Additionally, policymakers and regulatory bodies must continue to strengthen and enforce regulations to ensure that all establishments offering cosmetic treatments follow proper infection control measures.
Conclusion
The recent HIV case linked to a “vampire facial” at the Albuquerque spa underscores the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures and the importance of maintaining strict safety and hygiene standards. This incident serves as a reminder for individuals seeking such treatments to carefully select reputable professionals and for regulatory bodies to ensure proper industry oversight. The health and well-being of consumers should always be prioritized, and efforts must be made to strengthen regulations, enforce compliance, and educate both practitioners and clients on best practices. By working together, we can help create a safer environment for cosmetic procedures and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Cited Works
NHS England » Emergency department opt out testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C: The first 100 days. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/emergency-department-opt-out-testing-for-hiv-hepatitis-b-and-hepatitis-c-the-first-100-days/
Coronavirus Mega-Thread. – Page 4149 – Covid-19 & NWO – David Icke Social Forum. https://forum.davidicke.com/index.php?/topic/5503-coronavirus-mega-thread/page/4149/
Eating a healthy diet is crucial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease to maintain their well-being. This article provides helpful tips for healthy eating in the context of Alzheimer’s. When a person with Alzheimer’s lives with you, buying and preparing nutritious foods that they enjoy and can easily consume is essential. Offering choices and opting for easy-to-prepare meals can simplify the process. For those living alone, non-cooking food options can be purchased, and regular reminders about meals should be given. Maintaining familiar routines and serving favorite foods can make mealtimes more accessible, providing a sense of predictability and comfort for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Patience, respecting personal preferences, and considering cultural or religious food choices are critical. As the disease progresses, adaptations may be necessary, and monitoring weight and eating habits becomes crucial. Caregivers should be attentive to changes in appetite, physical activity levels, and any difficulties with chewing or swallowing, seeking guidance from the person’s doctor when needed.
Some specific examples of easy-to-prepare meals for individuals with Alzheimer’s include:
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when preparing these meals. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized recommendations based on individual needs.
Resources
Woodland Valley Softball Little League > Home. https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2520883&mid=2561201&newskeyid=HN1&newsid=267815&ctl=newsdetail
New Discovery: How Much Magnesium Should A Diabetic Take Daily – BeatingDiabetes. https://beatingdiabetes.org/how-much-magnesium-should-a-diabetic-take-daily/
The discovery that muscle contractions release chemical signals that promote brain network development provides valuable insights into the intricate link between physical activity and cognitive function. It sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed cognitive benefits of regular physical exercise, especially in the context of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The brain is a highly dynamic organ, and these findings suggest that physical activity may support its plasticity and resilience through these muscle-derived signals, thus playing a key role in preserving cognitive function as we age.
This newfound understanding of the role of muscle contractions in brain development has substantial implications for therapeutic strategies and exercise recommendations. Conditions where brain network development is compromised or slowed, such as in certain developmental disorders or following brain injuries, could potentially benefit from tailored physical activity programs designed to stimulate muscle contraction and hence, release of these beneficial chemical signals. This approach may contribute to neural repair and reorganization, aiding recovery and supporting cognitive function in these individuals.
This research not only expands our biological understanding but also underscores the potential value of physical exercise in clinical settings. It provides a strong rationale for the integration of regular physical activity into therapeutic regimes, not just for its well-known cardiovascular benefits, but also for its potential neuroprotective effects. Further research is needed to identify the most effective types and intensities of exercise for different patient groups, but the existing findings clearly highlight the role of physical activity in brain health and development.
Resource
Rodríguez‐Valentín, Rocío, Ignacio López‐González, Ramón Jorquera, Pedro Labarca, Mario Zurita, and Enrique Reynaud. “Oviduct contraction in Drosophila is modulated by a neural network that is both, octopaminergic and glutamatergic.” Journal of cellular physiology 209, no. 1 (2006): 183-198.
Fagerlund, M. J., and L. I. Eriksson. “Current concepts in neuromuscular transmission.” British journal of anaesthesia 103, no. 1 (2009): 108-114.
Woolf, Nancy J., and Larry L. Butcher. “Cholinergic systems mediate action from movement to higher consciousness.” Behavioural brain research 221, no. 2 (2011): 488-498.
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
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