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We address health news and tips for staying healthy for subscribers of all ages. This includes the latest topics of interest, a section dedicated to common concerns of seniors, and the latest developments in the medical and health field. The newsletter is free, and we hope you’ll subscribe and enjoy reading.
Covid is in our rearview mirror (almost). The last seven-day average of reported cases in the US was 14,491, down 17.3% from the previous seven days. This does not include many who were infected, self-diagnosed and did not seek medical care. We know vaccines work to at least mitigate the symptoms when infection occurs. There are several therapies available now. However, when covid infects the very vulnerable such as the immunosuppressed or elderly, it can be devastating. Best advice hasn’t changed in the last three years…be aware of risks and wash hands regularly.
Eye Drop Recall
It is estimated 117 million Americans use eye drops. These range from prescriptions that are necessary to control glaucoma and other issues or to simply relieve dry, itchy, or burning eyes. This week there were serious warnings about an antibiotic-resistant microbe being found in certain bottles of lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. The CDC has “initiated a recall on artificial tears and eye ointment sold by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, based in New Jersey and New York, respectively, though the products were manufactured in India. There is some evidence these were tainted in manufacture.” Scientific American There have been 68 infections and several deaths.
Minding Weight Gain
How’s that New Years diet going? Unless you are a rare exception, not well. Research has shown that 90% of people give up on their New Year’s diet just 12 days into January, with 83% go on to gain back more weight than they lost. What is the answer?
Many have read about the pharmaceutical drug Ozempic (Semaglutide). Although developed to control diabetes and lower blood sugar levels, it has been found to aid weight loss. Is Ozempic good for weight loss? We don’t know. Reported usage issues include new or worsening kidney disease, and kidney failure. Users have also reported side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ozempic is now being marketed for weight loss. Another reason to avoid Ozempic (Semaglutide) for weight loss only purposes is the cost. Most insurance will not approve it for weight loss. This will result in a patient cost of an estimated $1,000 per month, not to mention the potentially dangerous side effects.
What is the weight loss magic answer…it doesn’t exist. The one true answer is a healthy diet and exercise. Our sister company Little Red Books has published the “Little Red Book of Healthy Eating”. It is available on Amazon.
Many seniors face irrevocable loss of eyesight because of macular degeneration. In America, 15 million people and 12.6% of those over age 40 suffer this age-related condition. We lack a specific etiology, but we do know women are at greater risk than men. Socioeconomic factors of education, income, employment status or marital status have no association. There is a moderate association with elevated blood pressure and atherosclerosis but no consistent relationship between cholesterol. A good site that provides more detail is here.
The Amsler grid is a commonly used tool that eye doctors use to detect vision problems resulting from macular degeneration. You can print it out and use daily. Download it here.
Still in Phase III clinical trials.
“In the United States, 1 in 10 individuals has diabetes, which affects how the body processes food into energy. One potential therapy is a once-weekly injectable dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1) that aims to control blood sugar. Injected under the skin, GLP-1 and GIP receptors cause the pancreas to release insulin and block the hormone glucagon, limiting blood sugar spikes after a meal. Additionally, it slows digestion, resulting in individuals remaining full longer and eating less. Thus far, late phase III clinical trials reveal that the treatment significantly reduces hemoglobin A1C in Type 2 diabetes and supports weight loss, making it potentially the most effective therapy for diabetes and obesity yet developed.” Cleveland Clinic
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