Time to Play Catch Up
COVID
The threat of COVID still dominates the healthcare news. Here is the latest from the CDC. Hospital admissions were up 21.6% or 12,613 during the second week of August. Yes, we need to be aware, but no need to panic or reach for our masks. Best protection is still to be aware of surroundings and wash your hands carefully. A COVID vaccine against the expected Omicron variant will be available by the end of September. This dosage offers protection against this new variant and will help reduce the effects of other COVID variants.
Flu Shots
Fall is quickly approaching and that means flu season. Flu vaccines are available and recommended. Many doctors are suggesting you take them in late September or early October, so the maximum effectiveness is in place when the flu season is at its height. Seniors should opt for the Quadrivalent dose for extra protection.
Past Due Exams
The ashes of the COVID pandemic are still apparent. We see it when viewing student progress, or lack thereof, in school. We also see it in our health care system. During COVID, only emergency treatment was conducted, and many routine tests and examinations were simply not done. We are now seeing the results of this delay, and they aren’t pretty. What should we do? Here are suggestions on what should have been done. Now is your opportunity to “Catch Up” as outlined by the Wall Street Journal.
Here are some suggestions for testings that were often postponed.
In your 20s
The average adult should get tested at least once in his or her 20s for sexually transmitted diseases.
In your 30s
For women 30-65 years old, continue to get a Pap smear every three years. Everyone should start thinking about getting screened for diabetes and cholesterol.
In your 40s
Have cholesterol levels checked and women should get mammograms for breast cancer.
In your 50s
Check for osteoporosis which determines if you are at risk for bone fractures. And, lung cancer screenings, even if you quit smoking years before.
In your 60s
Bone density testing to help prevent fractures and testing for an abdominal aortic aneurysm if you’re between ages of 65 and 75.
Seniors Corner
We have previously written about sleep habits, but the subject is worthy of being addressed again. Mayo Clinic writes “lack of sleep leads to drowsiness and irritability during the day. It impairs concentration and the ability to perform complex tasks, hinders memory, and increased physical performance and reaction time.” Lack of sleep can have very serious consequences. Mayo Clinic
How much sleep do you need? Eight hours is the standard, more for infants, toddlers, school age children and teens, while most adults require 7 to 8 hours.
How can you improve your sleep habits? Multiple ways…exercise, avoid exertion and distractions before bedtime, and moderate caffeine and alcohol. Create rituals around bedtime.
Try to go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. If you have a lot on your mind, jot down a list for tomorrow and relieve your mind of the thoughts.
When all else fails, you may need to be tested for sleep Apnea which we have previously addressed and will again in a future newsletter.
Under the Microscope
We often hear of drug trials that are showing promises of cures for a specific health issue. Rarely have we heard of one drug that will reduce cardiovascular risk, stroke, diabetes and oh yes, treat/cure obesity. This drug goes by many names including Mounjaro, Wegovy, Semaglutide…you may know it by the original name, Ozempic, and the frequent TV ads for treating type 2 diabetes.
We don’t know if the claims are true. There are many studies underway to determine the validity of the early claims. Clearly the weight loss feature has caught on. There are many offers to inject Semaglutide to lose weight. In fact, some cardiologists are recommending it for weight loss, and consider the effects of the weight loss alone will improve a person’s cardiology issues.
The problem! Diabetics, the first users and original purpose are having difficulty obtaining the drug. The monthly cost is more than $1,000 per month, and some insurers are resisting, while supplies are limited. Wall Street Journal
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