Journal Watch March 2021

COVID

Johnson and Johnson Vaccine Approved:  The one shot vaccine is approved for those 18 and up.

 

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Reduces Infection Risk After One Dose: A single dose of Pfizer and BioNtech's COVID-19 vaccine cuts the number of asymptomatic infections and could significantly reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, results of a UK study found.

BMI, Age, and Gender Affect COVID-19 Vaccine Antibody Response: The capacity to mount humoral immune responses to COVID-19 vaccinations may be reduced among people who are heavier, older, and male, new findings suggest. The data pertain specifically to the mRNA vaccine, BNT162b2, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer. The study was conducted by Italian researchers and was published February 26 as a preprint.

Researchers urge greater awareness of delayed skin reactions to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: In a letter to the editor published online in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the authors note Phase 3 clinical data from the Moderna vaccine trial did show delayed skin hypersensitivity in a small number of the more than 30,000 trial participants. However, the authors say the large, red, sometimes raised, itchy or painful skin reactions were never fully characterized or explained, and they warn clinicians may not be prepared to recognize them and guide patients on treatment options and completion of the second dose of the vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Can Cause ‘False Positives’ on Breast Cancer Mammograms: One potential side effect of the Covid-19 vaccine is swollen lymph nodes. It’s normal and it’s temporary, but it can lead to unclear mammogram results. Articles published in the journals Clinical Imaging and Radiology detail several cases of unclear mammogram readings following COVID-19 vaccinations.

Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension, and Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Most COVID-19 Hospitalizations: Researchers estimated that of the more than 900,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations that occurred in the United States through mid-November 2020, 30 percent could be attributed to obesity; 26 percent to high blood pressure; 21 percent to diabetes; and 12 percent to heart failure. Combined, these four cardiometabolic conditions accounted for almost two-thirds of the COVID-19 hospitalizations during that period, estimate the researchers. Journal of the American Heart Association.

 

CDC Data Strengthens Link Between Obesity and Severe COVID: Data from nearly 150,000 US adults hospitalized with COVID-19 nationwide indicate that risk for more severe disease outcomes increases along with body mass index (BMI). The risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization and death associated with obesity was particularly high among people younger than 65. The study was published online today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Dining Restrictions, Mask Mandates Tied to Less Illness, Death, CDC Reaffirms: Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that when states lifted restrictions on dining on premises at restaurants, rates of daily COVID-19 cases jumped 41 to 100 days later. COVID-19-related deaths also increased significantly after 60 days. On the other hand, the same report demonstrates that state mask mandates slowed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within a few weeks. The study was published online March 5 in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Fever Scanners for COVID-19 May Be Inaccurate, FDA Warns: The FDA  has issued an alert to consumers, healthcare providers, and other users of thermal imaging systems that measure body temperature that improper use may produce inaccurate readings.

Four Phases Help COVID Patients Ease Back Into Exercise: Once patients who have had COVID-19 are symptom-free for at least 7 days, clinicians can assess their risk for beginning an exercise regimen and help them start slowly, new research advises. Guidance on how clinicians can lead patients safely to exercise after COVID-19 was published online in the BMJ

Eli Lilly's Combo Therapy for COVID-19 Cuts Serious Illness and Death in Large Study: Eli Lilly and Co has reported that its combination antibody therapy to fight COVID-19 reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 87% in a U.S. study of more than 750 high-risk COVID-19 patients. It is the second large, late-stage study to show that combination therapy of two antibodies, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, is effective at treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Medscape 

Delay Surgery by 7 Weeks After COVID Diagnosis, Study Shows: Seven weeks appears to be the ideal amount of time to delay surgery, when possible, after someone tests positive for COVID-19, researchers in the United Kingdom report. Risk for death was about 3.5 to 4 times higher in the first 6 weeks after surgery among more than 3000 people with a preoperative COVID-19 diagnosis compared with patients without COVID-19. After 7 weeks, the 30-day mortality rate dropped to a baseline level. The study was published online March 9, 2021, in Anaesthesia.

Biden Expands Pool of Clinicians to Provide COVID Vaccinations: President Joe Biden on 3/11/21 said he will expand the number of people providing COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States to include a wide swath of medical professionals in order to help the nation return to some sense of normalcy by July 4. In his first prime-time address, Biden said dentists, EMTs, midwives, optometrists, physician assistants, podiatrists, respiratory therapists, and veterinarians will become qualified to administer the three federally authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

Pfizer/BioNTechCOVID-19 Vaccine Neutralizes Brazil Variant in Lab Study: The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE was able to neutralize a new variant of the coronavirus spreading rapidly in Brazil, according to a laboratory study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

 

Aspirin use for cardiovascular disease may reduce likelihood of COVID-19 infection, study finds: In a recent study, aspirin use to avoid the development of cardiovascular diseases in healthy individuals was associated with a 29 percent lower likelihood of COVID-19 infection, as compared to aspirin non-users. The proportion of patients treated with aspirin was significantly lower among the COVID-19-positive individuals, as compared to the COVID-19-negative ones. And those subjects who had been treated with aspirin were less associated with the likelihood of COVID-19 infection than those who were not. The FEBS Journal

 

Pfizer/BioNTech Say Data Suggests Vaccine 94% Effective in Preventing Asymptomatic Infection: Real-world data from Israel suggests their COVID-19 vaccine is 94% effective in preventing asymptomatic infections, meaning it could significantly reduce transmission. The companies also said the latest analysis of the Israeli data shows the vaccine was 97% effective in preventing symptomatic disease, severe disease and death. That is basically in line with the 95% efficacy Pfizer and BioNTech reported from the vaccine's late-stage clinical trial in December. Medscape

 

Blood Type A Tied to SARS-CoV-2 Risks: Blood type A was associated with a greater risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 in one recent study and a higher risk of contracting the disease in another. Medscape

US GreenLight for AstraZeneca Vaccine Could Come in April, Independent MonitorsAssessing Data: esults of AstraZeneca Plc's U.S. COVID-19 vaccine trial are being reviewed by independent monitors, and emergency authorization could come in about a month, a top U.S. official said on Monday. The independent monitors are analyzing data from the 32,000-person U.S. study to determine whether the vaccine is safe and effective. Medscape 

People Over 65 More Vulnerable to Reinfection: Most people who have had an infection with the new coronavirus are protected against reinfection for at least 6 months, but that immunity can diminish significantly with age, finds a new studyTrusted Source published in The Lancet medical journal.

 

Flu cases ‘disappeared’ during pandemic, COVID-19 measures responsible: Although February is typically when flu season peaks in the United States, with doctors’ offices and hospitals packed with patients, that hasn’t happened this year, reported the Associated Press (AP).

 

No evidence AstraZeneca vaccine caused blood clots, WHO says: Worldwide distribution of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine remains unaffected by the jab’s suspension in much of Europe following reports of blood clots in some people shortly after vaccination, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, reported The Washington Post.

 

Some with ‘long COVID’ say vaccines help their symptoms: Some former patients still experiencing long-term health issues due to COVID-19 have reported that their symptoms were temporarily eased after receiving the coronavirus vaccine, according to a UK report, reported the New York Post.

 

No, Fetal Tissue Wasn’t Used to Create the J&J COVID-19 Vaccine:  There’s been some concern about the use of abortion-derived fetal cell lines in the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines. Experts say no fetal tissue is involved; the cells are grown in laboratories. Taking the first COVID-19 vaccine available to you will help us get the pandemic under control much more quickly. Healthline

 

New symptoms common four months after COVID-19: About half of survivors of COVID-19 who have been hospitalized report symptoms that did not exist before their COVID-19 illness, according to a study published online March 17 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

 

Infectious Disease Society of America Updates Guidelines for COVID-19 Treatment: Latest Evidence on Monoclonals, Antivirals, and More: IDSA Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of COVID-19

Skin Swabs Could Be Used to Rapidly Identify COVID-19 Infection: Researchers at the University of Surrey have found that non-invasive skin swab samples may be enough to detect COVID-19. In a study published by Lancet EClinicalMedicine, sebum samples were collected from 67 hospitalised patients (30 were COVID-19 positive and 37 were COVID-19 negative) by gauze swab. Lipidomics analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, identifying 998 reproducible features.

Child Vaccinations Likely Needed to Reach Herd Immunity: The United States probably won't reach herd immunity until children are vaccinated, Anthony Fauci, MD, said. "We don't really know what that magical point of herd immunity is, but we do know that if we get the overwhelming population vaccinated, we're going to be in good shape," Fauci said Thursday during a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. "We ultimately would like to get and have to get children into that mix."

PAIN

New study gives the most detailed look yet at the neuroscience of placebo effects: A large proportion of the benefit that a person gets from taking a real drug or receiving a treatment to alleviate pain is due to an individual's mindset, not to the drug itself. Understanding the neural mechanisms driving this placebo effect has been a longstanding question. A meta-analysis finds that placebo treatments to reduce pain, known as placebo analgesia, reduce pain-related activity in multiple areas of the brain. Nature Communications

 

Study finds digital treatment for osteoarthritis is superior to traditional routine care: A new randomized controlled trial (RCT) using Joint Academy’s clinical based digital treatment for chronic joint pain is the first to find clinically important improvements of treating knee osteoarthritis digitally compared to traditional treatment. Patients receiving digital treatment reduced their pain by 41 percent, while patients receiving traditional care only experienced a 6 percent decrease. JAMA Network Open 

 

Virtual reality could help to reduce pain for people with nerve injuries: people with nerve injuries often have a dysfunctional pain suppression system, making them particularly prone to discomfort. Now researchers have uncovered that virtual reality (VR) can reduce types of pain typically seen in patients with nerve injuries - and that VR can boost the dysfunctional pain suppression system, giving people with chronic pain a possible game-changing hope. The Journal of Pain 

 

Non-surgical treatment quickly reduces arthritis knee pain and improves function: A non-surgical treatment for arthritis in the knee is safe and effective in providing immediate and long-term pain relief, according to a new study to be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) reduces inflammation in the knee to improve function and quality of life for people with moderate to severe knee pain. Interventional radiologists navigated a catheter through a pinhole incision in the hip into the arteries in the arthritic knee. They then injected tiny particles to control the blood supply to inflamed and painful areas of the knee. The outpatient procedure took approximately one to two hours, followed by a two-hour recovery period. 

 

Minimally invasive treatment provides fast pain relief for cancer patients: A minimally invasive treatment for patients whose cancer has spread to their bones provides quick and sustained pain relief and improves quality of life, according to a new study to be presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting. The palliative treatment known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective in providing relief in as little as three days, and the benefits last more than 12 months--a significant improvement over radiation treatment. 

 

Study findslower dose of ketamine equally effective in reducing pain: A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger, standard dose in reducing pain in adults. Academic Emergency Medicine 

 

Digital app can help chronic pain sufferers manage their pain: For chronic pain sufferers an app may be just the tool they need to manage their pain. In a UHN-led study that used the app "Manage My Pain" enrolled patients saw clinically significant reductions in key areas that drive increased medical needs, potential abuse of prescription opioids and of course, pain. JMIR mHealth

 

COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Placebo effect may explain reported benefits of psychedelic microdoses: Positive psychological effects associated with taking small doses of psychedelic drugs are likely the result of users' expectations. The study -- the largest placebo-controlled trial on psychedelics to date -- used an innovative 'self-blinding citizen science' approach, where members of the public who were already microdosing implemented their own placebo control following online instructions. The results from the trial may influence future studies in real-world settings.

 eLife.

 

Using Cannabis to Treat Migraine Can Cause Rebound Headaches: People using cannabis for migraine relief can have rebound headaches, similar to overuse headaches experienced by people who use too much migraine pain medication. American Academy of Neurology’s 73rd annual meeting,

Stress reduction as a path to eating less fast food: Overweight low-income mothers of young kids ate fewer fast-food meals and high-fat snacks after participating in a study - not because researchers told them what not to eat, but because the lifestyle intervention being evaluated helped lower the moms' stress, research suggests. The 16-week program was aimed at preventing weight gain by promoting stress management, healthy eating and physical activity. The methods to get there were simple steps tucked into lessons on time management and prioritizing, many demonstrated in a series of videos featuring mothers like those participating in the study. Nutrients

Mindfulness meditation improves quality of life in heart attack survivors: An eight-week program of mindfulness meditation improves quality of life and reduces fear of activity in heart attack patients, according to research presented today at ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2021, an online scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).1

 

 

FDA ACTION

• Warns consumers against using the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin to treat Covid-19

• Granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Cue COVID-19 Test for Home and Over The Counter Use (Cue OTC Test, Cue Health Inc). The Cue OTC Test is the first molecular diagnostic test available to consumers without a prescription.

• Authorizes First Machine Learning-Based Screening Device to Identify Certain Biomarkers That May Indicate COVID-19 Infection

• Permits Marketing of First SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Test Using Traditional Premarket Review Process

• Alerts Public about Improper Use of Thermal Imaging Devices; Warns Firms for Illegally Offering Thermal Imaging Systems for Sale

• Authorizes First Robotically-Assisted Surgical Device for Performing Transvaginal Hysterectomy

• Approves First Treatment for Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency Type A

• Authorizes Marketing of Novel Device to Help Protect Athletes’ Brains During Head Impacts

• Approves Targeted Treatment for Rare Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Mutation

• Warns 10 Companies for Illegally Selling Dietary Supplements Claiming to Treat Depression and Other Mental Health Disorders

 

PREVENTION: Exercise

Aerobic exercise may reduce cognitive decline: Researchers have found that aerobic exercise may reduce cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. New research, published as a pilot study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, supports aerobic exercise as an intervention for people with this condition and lays the ground for future, larger studies to corroborate the initial findings.

 

  

PREVENTION: Diet/Nutrition

The right '5-a-day' mix is 2 fruit and 3 vegetable servings for longer life: Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of death in men and women, according to data representing nearly 2 million adults. Five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, eaten as 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables, may be the optimal amount and combination for a longer life. These findings support current U.S. dietary recommendations to eat more fruits and vegetables and the simple public health message '5-a-day.' Circulation

 

Healthy plant-based diet associated with lower stroke risk: People who eat diets with higher amounts of healthy plant-based foods and lower amounts of less-healthy plant-based foods may reduce their risk of stroke compared to people with lower-quality diets, according to a new study. They found that healthy plant-based diets--defined as rich in foods such as leafy greens, whole grains, and beans, and including lower levels of foods like refined grains, potatoes, and added sugars--may lower overall stroke risk by up to 10%. Neurology

 

Does a vegan diet lead to poorer bone health? In a new study from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the bone health of 36 vegans as well as 36 people following a mixed-food diet was determined with an ultrasound measurement of the heel bone. The result: on average, people following a vegan diet had lower ultrasound values compared to the other group. This indicates poorer bone health.

 

Consumption of added sugar doubles fat production: Compared to previous studies, which mainly examined the consumption of very high amounts of sugar, their results show that even moderate amounts lead to a change in the metabolism of test participants. "Eighty grams of sugar daily, which is equivalent to about 0,8 liters of a normal soft drink, boosts fat production in the liver. And the overactive fat production continues for a longer period of time, even if no more sugar is consumed."

 

PREVENTION

Low-Dose Intradermal Flu Vaccine as Good as Standard-Dose Intramuscular Shot: The analysis of data from 30 previous studies with a total of 177,780 participants found few significant differences in immune responses induced by lower-dose intradermal influenza vaccination and standard-dose intramuscular delivery, including among participants over age 60. Intradermal delivery could be an alternative to standard intramuscular immunization in cases where there is a shortage of flu vaccine, the authors conclude in JAMA Network Open. 

 

94% of older adults prescribed drugs that raise risk of falling: The study found that the percentage of adults 65 and older who were prescribed a fall- risk-increasing drug climbed to 94% in 2017, a significant leap from 57% in 1999. The research also revealed that the rate of death caused by falls in older adults more than doubled during the same time period. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety

 

In women, higher body fat may protect against heart disease death, study shows: A new UCLA study shows that while men and women who have high muscle mass are less likely to die from heart disease, it also appears that women who have higher levels of body fat -- regardless of their muscle mass -- have a greater degree of protection than women with less fat. Journal of the American Heart Association.

 

‘Vital Exhaustion’ Increases Heart Attack Risk in Men: Vital exhaustion- excessive fatigue, feelings of demoralization, and increased irritability-

significantly increases heart attack risk in men according to a new study recently presented at the ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2021, an online scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Besides living a healthy lifestyle, greater involvement in social groups can make people less vulnerable to stress, which can help them maintain cardiovascular health.

How Staying Heart-Healthy Will Decrease Your Cancer Risk: The study, published in the March 2021 issue of JACC: CardioOncology, found that cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk — including traditional risk factors like age, sex, and smoking, along with natriuretic peptide levels — is associated with an increased risk of cancer.  The findings suggest the risk factors that cause CVD could also lead to cancer. Therefore, the healthy habits used to combat CVD could also be helpful in reducing a person’s risk of developing cancer.

TREATMENT

Weight loss drug hope for patients with type 2 diabetes: Patients with type 2 diabetes that were treated with a weekly injection of the breakthrough drug Semaglutide were able to achieve an average weight loss of nearly 10kg, according to a new study. The Lancet

Nocebo Effect’ May Be Why People Think Statins Cause Muscle Pain: The reportTrusted Source, published in The BMJ on Feb. 24, found that people who take statins had no differences in muscle symptoms — like pain, weakness, cramps, or stiffness — than people who didn’t take statins.  It’s unclear what’s causing the muscle pain, but researchers suspect it could be connected to people’s age and underlying health conditions. There may also be a strong “nocebo effect” — people expect to experience muscle pain, and then because of that, experience it.

New Brodalumab Psoriasis Outcome Data Suggests That Intermittent Treatment Is As Effective as Continuous Dosing The British Journal of Dermatology.

 

AstraZeneca's Asthma Drug Succeeds Late-Stage Nasal Polyposis Study: The treatment, Fasenra, showed a statistically significant improvement in treating patients with severe bilateral nasal polyposis that were still symptomatic despite continued treatment with standard of care. In the study, Fasenra was effective in treating the size of nasal polyps and nasal blockage in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, the company said. Fasenra is currently approved as an add-on maintenance treatment for a severe form of asthma. Medscape 

 

Effective treatment for insomnia delivered in a few short phone calls: In a study involving patients in the Kaiser Permanente Washington system -- the Osteoarthritis and Therapy for Sleep, or OATS study, published Feb. 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine -- the researchers found that effective treatment for insomnia can be delivered in a few short phone calls. The phone-delivered therapy, which consisted of guided training and education to combat insomnia, also helped reduce fatigue as well as pain associated with osteoarthritis.

 

OTHER

Study identifies potential link between Soldiers exposed to blasts, Alzheimer's: Research shows that Soldiers exposed to shockwaves from military explosives are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease -- even those that don't have traumatic brain injuries from those blasts. A new study identifies how those blasts affect the brain. Brain Pathology

 

Study links kidney stones with bone problems: In an analysis of nationwide data from the Veterans Health Administration, approximately one-quarter of individuals with kidney stones had a diagnosis of osteoporosis or bone fracture around the time of their kidney stone diagnosis. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

 

Cancer survivors face elevated heart disease risk: A new study has found that about that 35% of Americans with a cancer history had an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in the next decade, compared with about 23% of those who didn't have cancer. PLOS ONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a Break: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day-Kindred Spirits

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Take a break today by reading the story below and watching the accompanying video.

 

In a small Irish town, Mileton, County Cork, is a stainless steel sculpture of nine handmade feathers curving up from a concrete foundation, symbolizing the shape of an empty bowl. These feathers represent the Choctaw Nation from Oklahoma and their shared history with Ireland.

 

From 1845 to 1852, the Irish were in the midst of the “Potato Famine.” Due to potato blight, which caused the predominate crop of Ireland to rot, combined with a repressive British government that ruled Ireland at the time, people were starving. Note, potato blight is caused by Phytophthora Infestan, a fungus that is extremely hard to treat in potato and tomato crops once a field has been infected. The spores become airborne, the infection quickly spreads to adjacent fields and can easily decimate farming communities for miles. 

 

In 1841, Ireland had a population of just over eight million, of which two-thirds were dependent on agriculture for their survival, yet rarely received a working wage. They had to work for their landlords in return for the patch of land they needed to grow enough food for their own families, with the potato being the only crop they could grow that met their nutritional needs.

 

During the “Great Hunger,” about 1 million people died and more than a million fled the country, resulting in a major decline in the population. The famine "became part of the long story of betrayal and exploitation which led to the growing movement in Ireland for independence."

 

Ireland’s population never recovered and today has a population of about 5 million (includes the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland).

 

At this time, in Indian Territory, Choctaw people were continuing to rebuild their lives after the forced removal from our homeland sixteen years earlier. [The Choctaw Indians,  were driven out of their ancestorial lands in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana to lands west of the Mississippi River to “Indian Territory” (today Oklahoma) by the enforcement of the Indian Removal Act. Starting in 1831, the “trail of tears” caused the deaths of approximately 2,500 Choctaw.] Remembering our hardships along the Trail of Tears, Choctaw families identified with the anguish of the spread of disease and the starvation of the Irish people; it was a familiar heartache. In 1847, after the first potato blight, Choctaw people collected money and donated it to families in Ireland through a philanthropist by the name of Myndert van Schaick (Kinealy 2015, Donnelly 2002). Schaick led the General Irish Relief Committee located in New York City who gave the money to the Society of Friends in Dublin, Ireland, which had been established in 1846 after the first potato blight. The Society of Friends worked with the Quakers to provide direct support to Irish families in the form of cash, fuel, seeds, blankets, and soup kitchens (Kinealy 2015). Several historical accounts attest to funds donated by Choctaw People, some at various locations, others at only one location, some even credit a much larger donation, but it is clear that at least $170 [equivalent to $5,423 today] did make it to Ireland in this manner.  

 

What is particularly interesting about this story is the very nature of how the Quakers helped the Irish people. Other religious organizations providing relief wanted something in return for their donation to Irish families. Whether it was a day’s labor, school attendance by Irish children, a verbal conversion, a baptism, or other request, aid was conditional. The Quakers, however, provided their services to Irish families unconditionally. This unconditional charity likely appealed to Choctaw people having suffered so greatly the years leading to removal, during the Trail of Tears, and after. This single act of compassion to seeming strangers some 4300 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, united two nations, forging a bond to last for generations. Iti Fabvssa Kindred Spirits

 

Told through generations, the story of generosity resulted in trips by both nations. In 1990, Choctaw Nation leaders traveled to Ireland, and in 1995 Irish President Mary Robinson visited the Choctaw.

 

Kindred Spirits-The Choctaw-Irish Bond Lives On

 

In this time of Covid a Go Fund Me campaign, Navajo & Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund has gone viral.  among the Irish and they are is helping to raise millions of dollars of much needed funds through small contributions.

 

Below are some of the comments that have accompanied the donations:

 

In acknowledgment of the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations' generosity to the people of Ireland in the Gorta Mór of 1845 to 1852. Thank you! Fiona Flanagan

 

When we stand together we are stronger. I also thank you for your help in our time of need ( the famine). Laurence O’Neill

 

For your support given to the people of Ireland during the famine, I now share my support with you . Thank you. Christophe Cosgrove

 

$170 donated in memory of the donation by the Chocktaw first nation r to help my ancestors at a terrible time in our history. Their kindness and compassion to a faraway country at a time they had their own needs will never be forgotten here in Ireland. Noreen McCarthy

 

I donated because the Navajo and Hopi tribes have a culture and dignity which is beautiful to behold. And like us, the Irish, they see the importance of keeping their culture strong, through their own language. Ar aghaidh libh! Liam Reamonn

Adversity often brings out the best in people, the Choctaw tribe said in a statement. “We are gratified – and perhaps not at all surprised – to learn of the assistance our special friends, the Irish, are giving to the Navajo and Hopi nations. Our word for their selfless act is ‘iyyikowa’ – it means serving those in need.”

The Choctaw and Irish had become kindred spirits since the potato famine, the tribe said. “We hope the Irish, Navajo and Hopi peoples develop lasting friendships, as we have. Sharing our cultures makes the world grow smaller.”

The Kindred Spirits story has special meaning for me as my family came to America from County Cork Ireland, where this sculpture stands, in 1850. It is very possible that the generous donation of the Choctaw people allowed my ancestors to live long enough to board a ship and start a new life here. 

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.

 

Life with Chronic Conditions in the Time of Covid: How to be a better patient

I continue to learn from my youngest son who not only has a chronic condition, but is currently recovering from foot surgery due to an accident. Since he doesn’t live near me, I’ve been giving him tips on being a better patient to improve the care he’s receiving.

 

My biggest issues with him as patient are true for lots of people:

• Spends too much time on-line looking up information. Yes you need to be an informed patient but you don’t need to challenge everything.

• Asks lots of questions, just not to the medical team responsible for his care. In fact, in the average patient visit, which lasts less than 15 minutes, only two or fewer questions are asked.

• Omits important pieces of information. He didn’t think it was important to tell his care team that he had Covid in March.

 

Other issues that patients have

•  Don’t know what medications they are on, dosages and why they are taking them. Since many do not keep a health notebook, they know they are allergic to certain drugs but don’t necessarily remember the names or can describe them.

• View the physician as the higher authority and doesn’t want to question as that would be disrespectful. Don't seek out a second opinion though they have lots of concerns about their primary provider.

 

I’ve written a lot about various aspects on this topic so to summarize:

 

• Keep a health notebook or use an app (Use your Smart Phone for Better Health ) that organizes your health information and take it to appointments

• Check your virtual medical record regularly to insure that information it contains is accurate and up to date. Most providers have virtual record keeping where you can look up lab results etc. You can even renew prescriptions that way.

• Either write down all your meds, including supplements, you are taking or bring the actual bottles with you to office visits. If you are bringing a written note with you, be sure to include dosage as well as how and when you take them.

• Write questions down. If your provider is okay with it, e-mail the questions before you come as well as bring a copy that you can leave with your provider. Prioritize your list, with the most concerning questions asked first. Sometimes a good response to question one is all you need. Other times the visit doesn’t allow you to ask all your question. Your provider can look at the questions and answer by e-mail later.

• Bring someone with you. Use a patient advocate.

• Virtual appointments and medical visits during the Covid Pandemic: Lots of good tips to have a good visit via a telemedicine appointment.  

• Decision Tools for the time of Covid 

• Use sites that provide accurate and up to date information.

• Use Please and Thank You (another post also inspired by my kids)

• Use your Smart Phone for Better Health

 

 

 

Take a Break: Take Five

Dave Brubeck Quintet

The  biggest-selling jazz single ever is “Take Five.” It’s been in various movie and television soundtracks. Learn about it  at The Story of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.” Now "take five" and watch the video.

 

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.

Life with Chronic Conditions in the Time of Covid: Use your Smart Phone for Better Health

Before launching into all the ways a smart phone can be a good asset in helping you manage a chronic condition(s) a few caveats:

-       Recently, some doctors have issued a warning, saying the new iPhone 12 series contains stronger magnets that could disrupt the functioning of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). They also warn that other devices such as iPods or MP3 players can be problematic if held too close to pacemakers or ICDs. The recommendation is that electronic devices not be stored in shirt pockets, over-the-shoulder bags, or other items close to a person’s heart. a letter to the editor in Heart Rhythm.

-       The American Heart Association has long since advised people with ICDs to be aware of their surroundings and that devices with strong magnetic fields can disrupt their functioning.

 

That noted, many doctors are recommending health management Apps on smartphones to help patients monitor blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm detection, weight etc. There are something like 318,000 health apps, with more being added daily,  so please talk to your medical provider about the ones most appropriate for you.

 

Thanks to Covid, providers are offering telemedicine at a much higher rate using a smart phone or other mobile device. It’s not surprising than that the “flip phone” users are wanting to upgrade for better health. If you fall into this category, check out the following:

 

-       Wired’s The Best Cheap Phones for Almost Every Budget

-       The 9 Best Places to Buy Phones in 2021 from Lifewire

-       The Jitterbug Smart2, regardless of your age, may be an option to consider as it has a wide array of health and safety services. However, it doesn’t have apps and the add ons can be expensive. Jitterbug Smart2 Cell Phone Review

 

ICE your phone. Under “contacts” include In Case of Emergency (ICE) information. Add more than one person in case the initial person listed isn’t available. Choose contacts that know your medical history, what your allergic to, medications you might be taken etc. If you have an iPhone, in addition to adding ICE to your phone’s address book, you will want to add this information into your Health app which comes automatically downloaded onto every iPhone. If you have an Android phone, you can download an app called QuickIce. This ICE app helps Android cell phone users quickly access their ICE information even if the phone is locked.

 

Check how your phone operates it’s “Emergency Call” feature as it differs from phone to phone. This allows you to get help if you need it. Check to see if your phone uses voice activation so you can yell at your phone for help. Other phones have a built-in SOS. On certain phones, rapidly pressing the power key three times records a photo, audio clip and sends a Google Maps link of your location to any contact you’ve instructed it to.

 

The Health App: Most phones come preloaded with a health app. It will appear as a red heart. Among the features offered include the following:

• Medical ID: While a medic alert bracelet or tag will immediately alert someone if you are unable to respond, your phone can include: medical conditions, allergies, emergency contacts and blood type. In case of an emergency, physicians and emergency personnel can access your information through your phone’s emergency button, even if it’s locked.

• Fitness Tracker: Most smartphones are equipped with motion sensors that measure steps, distance traveled and even stairs climbed. It shows your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly totals etc. Your phone can link to other devices you may be using, such as a Fitbit.

 

Apps: There are incredible apps to help with all sorts of things. Check out some of the following:

-       Apple Covid 19 (Free): Developed by Apple in tandem with the CDC to track symptoms, whether to self-isolate etc.

-       ibluebutton – Blue Button is a federal initiative that aims to make it easier for consumers to access their health records online. The iBlueButton app allows you to securely access and exchange electronic health records, including X-ray images and reports, lab results and visit summaries, with health care providers—health care providers have access to the iBlueButton Professional version. There is also a veteran-specific version called iBlueButton Veterans. You may also use iBlueButton to store health information such as medications, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contact information and more. Blue Button records may be accessed and downloaded from the following portals:MyMedicare.gov, TRICARE online, Aetna and RelayHealth. You can import and export files by e-mail as well as with cloud services such as Dropbox and apps such as Adobe PDF. Cost: Free download, but additional charges may apply Devices: Android and iOS

-       My Medical – is a comprehensive medical  app that allows you to keep records for yourself, family members and others in your care. You can track lab and test results using the app’s charting feature, which allows you to use multiple graphs at once. It meets the industry standard Continuity of Care Record format, which makes it easy to transfer records from one system to another. For extra security, data is stored directly to your device and not on a remote server. Cost: Free Trial  Full version for a fee Device: iOS and Android

-       GoodRX: Excellent for Prescription Discounts 

-       Best online Medical Apps that Make Personal Health Easier in 2021 from the Online Doctor

Take a Break: Patterned God’s Eye

The Huichol, the indigenous people of Mexico living in the Sierra Madre Occidential range, believed that crafting an object was a way to get in touch with the spiritual world. The God’s Eye provides a watchful eye over a person, protecting them against future uncertainties. It also served as a symbol of the power of seeing and understanding unseen things. Traditionally, when people made a God’s Eye, they were expressing a prayer that the eye of God will watch over themselves and the person they made it for.

 

Many people make their first God’s Eye at camp or in school and don’t move beyond it. However, you can make gorgeous mandala patterns. I’ve found the best way to learn this is through videos. If you need a refresher, start with the basic video before moving to the others.

 

Basic God’s Eye 

 

 

 

 

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.