Blog

Vaccinating Immune Diffeciency People and the Booster Shot

Person getting injection
Photo by FRANK MERIÑO from Pexels

If you have been watching the news, the conclusions that our scientists have been making are changing faster than with every passing day, not to mention the controversies that surround every conclusion. Wear masks! Don’t wear masks! Get a vaccination! Don’t get one! Children are getting sick from the vaccine. No, they aren’t. And the feuding goes on. With all this controversy and confusion, let’s stick to one subject for this article:

Should High-Risk People Get a Booster Shot?

A booster shot is a third injection (second for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) that is said to help increase your immunity from the covid virus, including the latest Delta variant. Many people have been questioning this though. Some are saying it is nonsense while others question what should be the final verdict that will help keep these individuals protected? Unfortunately, we do not know this yet, but from what we do know, we can make some educated guesses.

Before we delve further into this article, we would strongly advise all our readers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, unless you have been told by your doctor to wait. Moreover, ensure that your loved ones, friends, and family members get the vaccine. Not only does this help protect each individual, but it also protects those with cancer and other immunocompromised individuals who are vulnerable to the disease.

Do Immunocompromised Individuals  Benefit from the COVID Vaccine?

Man getting injectionThe problem is that Individuals who suffer from blood cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma may find that the COVID-19 vaccine leads to a lowered immune response. However, this is the norm for all vaccines when it comes to these individuals. However, immunocompromised individuals are strongly recommended to get the vaccine as it still provides them with some sort of protection.

Those who are getting treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation for other types of cancers, can also face some form of a compromised immune system. As of now, there is not enough evidence to conclude whether these immunocompromised individuals and COVID vaccines have any connection and whether the effectiveness of the vaccine will be lower for them. 

However, doctors have urged everyone to get vaccinated. This is mainly because exposure from unvaccinated individuals can also majorly harm immunocompromised patients. 

Is a Booster Shot Necessary for Immune Compromised Individuals?

Even though several laboratory studies have pointed to the fact that high-risk individuals may require a booster dose of the vaccine, more research is needed. As of now, case studies are being conducted on individuals who have received both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson and Johnson. These individuals were given a booster shot two weeks after their last shot.

The CDC advisory committee had a meeting on July 22, 2021, to figure out whether immunocompromised individuals and COVID vaccine boosters had any connection and if the booster could increase the protection of the individual. Even though lots of evidence points towards the fact that a third dose of the vaccination could increase protection, no government agency or medical organization has recommended patients to get this yet. 

Is it Okay for Transplant Patients to Get their Antibodies Tested?

According to the CDC, antibody testing is not recommended across the board. This is because those who have normal immune systems will show a great response, mainly because most vaccines are known to be 95 percent effective.

There is no harm if a transplant patient wants to get an antibody test. However, it must be kept in mind that a test provides data, but it does not contain all the information. 

If you have recently gotten a transplant and have already been given both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, we would recommend waiting a month before getting an antibody test. If the test comes out to be negative, it shows that you do not have great immunity. However, even if the test comes out to be positive, this does not mean that you can give up on being careful. As a transplant patient, you must be careful until there is further research on the subject.

One of the biggest confusions with positive antibody tests is that the term “positive” can entail a number of things. Medical experts will not be able to judge if a patient has an intact T-cell response, even if their test results are good. Moreover, T-cell inhibitors are common with transplant patients since this causes acute rejection in the patient’s organs.

How Immune Compromised Individuals Can Protect Themselves from COVID

Girl wearing mask for covid

The best way for immunocompromised patients to protect themselves from COVID-19 is to avoid going into huge crowds. Moreover, they should not attend any indoor public events that contains unvaccinated individuals. In case everyone is vaccinated, they should all be masked for an immunocompromised patient to attend. We would urge that all unnecessary travel is stopped, including out-of-country travel. This is mainly because new variants keep springing up, and the infection rates are climbing by the day. 

In case you have not already done so, urge those around you, your loved ones, friends, and family members to get the vaccine for your protection and theirs. There is a huge magnitude of research that shows that the vaccine is completely safe. Most people do not have any side effects, and even if they do, the side effects are minuscule, just like they would be for any other vaccine. Additionally, those who are vaccinated are less likely to get severe symptoms from the Delta variant.

Conclusion

It is our belief that everyone over the age of 15 should get the COVID-19 vaccination. The disease does not discriminate, meaning that everyone is at risk. If you have loved ones in the hospital who are immunocompromised, have cancer, or have recently gotten a transplant, you should make it your responsibility to be careful when around them! 

Mental Health Implications of Virtual Learning

covid virtutal learning
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

How do you like this covid pandemic so far? OK, maybe we’re being a little bit facetious, but we wanted to make a point. It’s no fun and for many, it’s debilitating, and others, just plain tragic. In general, we all have suffered one way or another. 

With that said, one of the more ‘hidden’ factors is how it has affected our mental health. Some people have become depressed. Others found themselves getting into arguments and fights with their own family as they would stay stuck in their homes during the lockdown periods.

How Does Covid Affect Education? 

There is an ongoing debate over whether students should wear or not wear masks, especially our younger ones and there are currently studies are showing how telelearning is affecting our students. While virtual learning is a lot more comfortable and convenient for both students and parents, many believe it is not a viable solution in the long run. 

In this post, we take a closer look at the effects virtual learning has had and does have on the mental health of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Effects of Virtual Learning on the Mental Health of Students 

Teachers and students alike are having e a hard time adjusting to this huge change. It is especially difficult to deal with the change for people who already have preexisting mental health conditions. Moreover, the change can be particularly overwhelming for students. 

Imagine a child who used to spend 5-6 hours every day along with peers of the same age and teachers who are now expected to spend a similar amount of time in front of the screen. While virtual learning allows children to connect online, it is not the same as physically connecting with other human beings.

During physical learning, students learn several important traits, such as socializing. They form friendships and share fun memories with other children of the same age. Unfortunately, telelearning does not meet this basic human need.  

As a result, they miss out on the connection that’s critical for the cognitive development of young children. But missing this physical connection is not the only drawback of virtual learning. There is a lot more. Here are some of the reasons why telelearning is causing mental health effects among students of all grades. 

Virtual Learning Can Lead to Fatigue 

In the uncertain times amidst the pandemic, educational institutions expect students to take up learning sessions virtually. Moreover, they are expected to spend a similar amount of time that they used to spend at the physical facility. However, spending long hours on Zoom classes or video conferencing calls can lead to fatigue. In fact, there is a newly coined term for this type of fatigue that’s known as “Zoom Fatigue.”

Since virtual classes can significantly reduce mobility as well and require you to constantly view yourself during video chats, it can lead to an increase in cognitive load. Zoom fatigue can affect people of all ages, however, it is usually difficult for younger children to process it hence, virtual learning leads to fatigue. Constant fatigue plants the seeds for stress and anxiety, especially among school-aged children. 

Virtual Learning is One of the Major Causes of Stress and Anxiety 

In a traditional physical school setup, students are expected to follow a specific schedule. They know at what time they are expected to wake up and go to bed. They also have specific school schedules that revolve around class time, homework time, and extracurricular activities. 

In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is heightened uncertainty and sticking to a schedule is a challenge. Since parents are also expected to work from home, there is a lack of structure in most households. Moreover, having a strict schedule is never the same as virtual learning. Lack of schedules and structure in life in general, along with the stress of virtual learning, is taking a toll on the mental health of students and their parents, which is leading to a rise in anxiety and stress for both students and their parents. 

As a result, the entire household is getting affected. Furthermore, it is particularly challenging for parents as they have to get more involved in school work and are expected to work from home at the same time. 

At the end of the day, virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic is exhausting and stressful for the entire household. 

How to Take Care of Your Child’s Mental Health? 

While virtual learning has significant mental health effects, here are a few strategies that you can try to minimize the negative implications of virtual learning on your child’s mental health. 

Have a Designated Space for Learning 

Indeed your child is learning at home, but you can make it more structured by designating a space for learning at home. You can choose a room or a spot at home with fewer distractions so your child can better concentrate on learning. Moreover, you can also use the space as part of your work from a home arrangement where you can be more focused and productive. 

Establish a Regular Schedule 

It may be difficult to establish a regular schedule when everyone is at home. But it is still important to set a regular schedule. Make sure you set up a specific bedtime and stick to it. Similarly, there needs to be a regular time to wake up and start your day. Only when you establish a regular schedule, you will be able to plan your day better and end up being more productive. 

Encourage Healthy Habits 

One of the best ways to counter fatigue and stress is by encouraging healthy habits. Make sure you and your family are eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough nighttime sleep, and are involved inadequate physical activity. Despite the pandemic, you can still go for some indoor physical activities at home, which will also be a fun time for the entire family. When you encourage healthy habits, you will notice an improvement in the energy levels and overall physical and mental well-being of the entire family. 

Seeking Support  

The COVID-19 pandemic is indeed a great challenge not just for the students but for parents and teachers as well. In such times of crisis where the physical health and well-being of your child are a priority, virtual learning seems like a viable solution. However, it comes with challenges that can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being.

If you feel that you or your child needs support, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. The uncertainty that we experience today is unheard of and it’s okay to feel the need for professional assistance. Talk to your therapist and find out more about how you can take care of your child’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Till then enjoy the virtual learning sessions, take care of your mental health and stay safe and healthy!

Hippocrates The “Father of Medicine”

Bust of HippocratesEver hear of Hippocratic Corpus? Probably not, so let us explain. Hippocratic Corpus AKA Hippocratic Collection is a collection of medical essays attributed to the great Greek physician of antiquity – Hippocrates!

Born around 460 BC on the Greek island Cos, he led medicine away into an era of observation and diagnosis and attributing people’s illnesses to be naturally occurring, and was the result of a number of external factors; such as environmental factors, diet, and lifestyle choices. 

Twelfth-century Byzantine manuscript the Hippocratic Oath written in the form of a cross
Twelfth-century Byzantine manuscript the Hippocratic Oath written in the form of a cross

His documents outline discussions within a variety of fields of medicine, including attending to numerous illnesses, as well as detailing theories of medicine via his observations. Hippocrates was also akin to helping people who are ill in an ethical manner; hence, the Hippocratic Oath was born and is the oath that physicians still take today. In a nutshell, western society’s ethical practice of medicine is greatly attributed to this Greek doctor and his writings of Hippocratic Corpus.

Before Hippocrates

Ancient medicine was prescribed to the belief that diseases were caused by superstitions and gods, and there was the Greek god of medicine – Asclepius, who was one of the sons of Apollo. The snake that is entwined along the staff remains a symbol of modern medicine. It is called The Rod of Asclepius. You may have seen an illustration of this staff in medical publications and/or hospitals.

Hippocrates, often called the “father of medicine,” took a different approach.

With that said, it is important to recognize that Hippocratic medicine and its philosophies are far removed from modern medicine and largely inaccurate. During his time, the Greek taboo forbade the dissection of humans, and as such, Greek doctors at the time knew next to nothing about human anatomy. It was difficult, if not impossible, to determine when diseases materialized and how to diagnose the symptoms of a virus. 

Asclepius - Greek God of Medicine
Asclepius – Greek God of Medicine. Wikimedia

Despite the many aspects of Hippocratic medicine that did not stand the test of time, one of his greatest contributions was his dedication to observation and documentation. Not only would he and his followers take careful, regular notes, but also extended clinical observations into family history and environment. These records were recorded in a clear, objective manner so they could be passed down and used by other physicians. 

Because few documents have survived, it can be difficult to pinpoint what is fact and what is reverential storytelling. For instance, while the Hippocratic Oath is attributed to Hippocrates, new information shows it may actually have been written after his death. 

Unfortunately, after his death, little improvements were made to the practice of medicine as many considered his teachings too great to be altered; however, his name remains in the healthcare field and is so labeled “The Hippocratic Oath”.

 

 

Medical Treatments of Antiquity  

Surgical instruments of the 16th and 17th centuries.
“Surgical instruments of the 16th and 17th centuries.” is licensed under CC BY 4.0

You should be glad you don’t live in the days of antiquity when it comes to healthcare. One can only imagine what techniques they had to use. 

Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to get a toothache or your tonsils taken out during this period. Take a look at the photo on the left and you get the idea!

So now we’ll take a look at what people utilized (and some are still used today) to help people with medical problems back in the day.

Ancient Egypt

One of the first civilizations to deviate from the ‘medicine men’ and seek actual ‘doctors’ that could help those who were ailing was the Egyptians. Although they were referred to as doctors (Egyptians who specialized in healing human illnesses), they concentrated mainly on potions to cure their illnesses. 

Information related to Egyptian physicians dates back as far as 2600 BC when King Zozer had a doctor who was very well respected and Iraj, who was the physician to the court of pharaohs around 1500 BC. 

Ebers Papyrus - Anitque Medical Document
Papyrus Ebers is an Egyptian medical scroll dating to circa 1550 BC

During this time period, these potion doctors gradually began to develop an understanding of the human body and began more detailed and thorough research.

Archeologists were able to assemble this information via hieroglyphics and papyrus writings, which are documents that were created from papyrus plants.

One of the most intriguing discoveries was the Papyrus Ebers. An Egyptian medical manuscript of herbal knowledge that was written entirely on papyrus paper and dates back to 1550 BC. It contains much information regarding the Egyptian interpretation of the anatomy of the human body.

Although Egyptians could be considered the original civilization to take knowledge of the human body, they still believed that many of the diseases were from spirits.

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is the period in Europe that followed the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century up to the period of the Renaissance, beginning around the 13th century.

Scholars have researched historical artifacts of how doctors cared for their patients during this period and the instruments they used were crude to say the least. Below are two tools that were used during this time to help the physically ill.

Bullet Extractor

This tool was used to remove bullets or other objects that were inserted into the body due to accident or intentionally from firearms. As these types of ballistic weapons were becoming more popular to fight wars, medical doctors were working feverishly to find ways to help the wounded.

The extractor was a rod with a turn screw that could be adjusted to size in order to capture and clasp the bullet and pull it out.

Arrow Remover

This was designed with a similar extraction method as the bullet extractor but used to remove arrows. There is not a lot of information from research done for this device, but no doubt it was created before the bullet extractor was.

Medical Equipment of the 18th Century

The ‘Antique Brass Nursing Breast Shield’ was a unique device used to cover the breasts of a nursing mother in order to protect her breast and nipples from inflammation and/or soreness.

When there was no other choice but to remove a limb, the ‘Amputation Knife’ was the primary tool that was used. Of course, with today’s medical technology, the whole process of amputation would probably be avoided, but not in the 1700s  where many more diseases were prominent among the population.

The practice was to remove the infected limb with this knife and then leave a part of the remaining skin to cover the wound.

For operations, a slightly more sophisticated tool called ‘The Scarificator’ was used. It had 14 blades under the tool’s surface and when brought to the patient, the blades would release to open the skin and the medical procedure would begin.

Medical Equipment of the Early 20th Century

Old forceps and medical scissors in steel tray.
Old forceps and medical scissors in a steel tray

The 20th century witnessed a revolution of advanced medical technology, not to mention it was a time that was benefiting from the industrial revolution.

Advances not only in medicine but in math, physics, engineering, and electronics began to materialize. This took society out of the ‘dark ages’, especially in the medical field, and allowed us to live more comfortably and be able to survive through more ethical and less painful medical procedures.

But in the early years of the century, old 19th century and even 18th-century techniques and equipment were still being used. Some of these procedures and equipment are mentioned below.

For those with external hemorrhoid problems, this 1900 device called hemorrhoid forceps was the medical tool of choice. It was used to damage the hemorrhoidal tissue so that it would not return. Internal hemorrhoids required a more coarse method of hooks and scissors.

Dr. Dettweiler, a physician in the 1910 time period developed a Pocket Spittoon used for patients who had coughing issues. They would spit into the jar and were used by Dr. Dettweiler to research tuberculosis with the hope of containing the spread of this contagious disease.

Large Glass Syringe
Large Glass Syringe

In the 1920s, we saw a device that was used to remove defective veins. It was called Allen and Hanburys Varicose Vein Strippers and consisted of a flexible wire that would be moved up the vein. Then the vein was removed by pulling on the other end of the wire. Not a very classy method of operation, indeed.

 

COVID-19 Delta Variant COVID-19 Mutations

coivd-19 Delta variant illustration
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the world, global public health authorities are closely monitoring the coronavirus mutations.

Even though quite a few variants are circulating worldwide, there are a few variants of concern that have shown increased transmissibility and risk of more severe infections. Perhaps, the most worrisome of all variant concerns is the delta variant. This post looks at why the delta variant is one of the most worrisome coronavirus strains. 

Coronavirus Mutations 

Viruses are constantly changing form. They mutate to adapt and survive. As a result, variants emerge which have one or more strains that are different from others. Global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the CDC closely monitor these variants to find out how they vary in terms of characteristics. 

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the coronavirus has changed several forms and has had several variants. The health authorities have classified them into three categories; 

  • Variants of interest – Variants that may differ in characteristics but are not widely prevalent in the general population. 
  • Variants of Concern – Variants that have higher transmissibility and risk of more severe infection.  
  • Variants of High Consequence – variants that are resistant to vaccines and available treatment. 

So far, there are no variants of high consequence, however, there is one that is concerning, and is responsible for the recent upsurges in the number of cases worldwide. This is the delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2. 

The Delta Variant 

Microscopic view of the COVID virus
Microscopic view of the COVID virus. Pixaby.

This virus mutation is one of the most worrisome strains of COVID-19 because it can spread more easily.  The strain has mutations on the spike protein, which make it easier for the virus to infect human cells. So, individuals infected with this variant are more contagious.

Research suggests that this variant is around 50% more contagious than the Alpha variant, the strain that was first identified in the U.K. Note that the alpha, which was the first variant also known as B.1.1.7, was already 50% more contagious than the novel coronavirus first identified in China in December 2019.

According to statistics, a person infected with the delta variant will likely infect three to four individuals on average. The average was as low as one or two individuals with the original coronavirus strain, but the Delta variant is considered dangerous because it may be able to escape the protection of the COVID-19 vaccines. The average infection per day for this mutation is 24,000.

Recent data from the UK suggests that the Delta variant can cause headaches, sore throat, runny noses, and possibly a fever and a cough, even if you are fully vaccinated, but the possibility of having severe responses to this variant appears to be much lower than it predecessors, especially if you have been vaccinated. 

According to a recent study in Israel, the chances are 64% effective at preventing infection but 93% at preventing serious illness and hospitalization after receiving both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Delta Plus – A Sub-Variant

Another reason why the Delta variant is one of the most worrisome strains is that it also has a sub-variant known as Delta Plus, also known as B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1. This particular coronavirus strain allows it to attack the lung cells more strongly and may also escape the protection offered by the vaccine. 

The sub-variant is considered to be the variant of the coronavirus strain that was responsible for the recent wave of COVID-19 in India. While the Indian health authorities have already classified it as a variant of concern, the WHO and CDC do not consider it as a variant of concern. 

The Symptoms Caused by Delta Variant 

Some of the symptoms caused by the Delta variant are quite similar to the symptoms caused by the original coronavirus strain which include the following:

  • Persistent cough
  • Headache
  • Fever 
  • Sore throat 

However, according to studies, there are a few symptoms that are different from the original coronavirus strain. Unlike the original coronavirus strain, loss of sense of taste and smell is less common among individuals infected with the Delta variant. Moreover, headaches and runny noses seem to be more common. 

Current Delta Variant Situation in the U.S. 

The Delta variant has been identified in 50 states in the U.S. If you look at the new cases, the Delta variant accounts for more than 50% of new infections in the U.S. on average with some states reporting as many as 80% cases due to the Delta variant. Some of the potentially high-risk states include Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. 

Additionally, in some parts of the world, where the number of new cases is increasing, the authorities are resorting back to measures that were initially enforced to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh have already enforced lockdowns and curfew while several other countries are placing travel restrictions and quarantine measures. In all, authorities are directing efforts to curtail the spread of the virus and reduce the transmission as the virus only mutates when it spreads to a larger part of the population. 

As of now, no one is exactly sure how the Delta variant will affect the U.S. population since more than 50% of Americans have already received the vaccine.

Man washing his hands in a sink
Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer is one of the best protections against spreading the COVID virus

The best precautions against this variant, as well as all the others, are the same as before, although some may think this is overkill at this point in time; however, these precautions are still the best defense after the vaccines: Stay away from potentially crowded areas, wash hands frequently, wear masks, eat healthily, take vitamins that help boost your immune system, and exercise.

Depending upon the state and county/city that you are in, whether you have been vaccinated or not, these precautions may be enhanced or reduced, but in a nutshell, just be careful! 

4 Basic Nutrition Meals for Good Health

Vegetables
For those who are not deficient in vitamins, eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to go

If you’ve been reading our diet and health articles, you have seen what good nutrition can do for you, so let’s extend these benefits by discussing some healthy meals for maintaining our natural well-being.  

Here are some meals that cover some of the most nutritional items on the planet. 

Breakfast

.
1. Mixed Greens with Tomatoes, Whole Grains, and Turmeric with a Touch of Light Dressing

Granola-Tumeric Chips with Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raisins over Cottage Cheese 
Photo: SS

Many of you are concerned about gaining weight, but this dish is a dieter’s dream. Packed with essential nutrients your body will love but low on calories.

  • Granola: Loaded with fiber which helps to avoid weight gain, but read the labels! Some food items that offer granola may be high in calories, such as cereal.. With that said, this is a nutrient-packed food and contains oats, whole grains, protein, iron, vitamin D, folate, and zinc.
  • Tomatoes: They say eating green vegetables are some of the healthiest veggies you can eat, but red ones are too! Enter Tomatoes, which contain a nice supply of antioxidants through the hydrocarbon lycopene. Hydrocarbon is a chemical element that contains carbon and hydrogen.  Lycopene has been known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. So instead of just sticking with greens, get colorful!

  • Turmeric – a plant that contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory effects and a strong supply of antioxidants. Because of its abundance of curcumin, turmeric can fight off indigestion, abdominal bloating, and loss of appetite.

    The end result is that if you want to keep your immune system strong, add this healthy plant to your diet. Recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, it is suggested to take  400 to 600 milligrams of turmeric three times daily to help with inflammation relief.

2. Bowl of Whole Wheat Cereal with Strawberries, Blueberries, and Garonla Chips

Bowl of Cereal
Photo by SS

Here we keep our granola but substituted the veggies with fruits. Berries to be exact.  We discuss the benefits of berries below in our lunch menu, so we won’t repeat it here.

Just know that you are adding in some great nutrients when you have fruit, any fruit! The more colorful, the more nutritious. That goes for veggies too!

Lunch
.

3. Egg Salad, Strawberries, and Blueberries

Plate of eggs, strawberries and blueberries
Photo by SS
  • Eggs: We won’t fool you.  A portion of eggs are high in cholesterol, but in 2000, the American Heart Association made the determination that healthy adults can enjoy them once per day, but they still warn that it shouldn’t surpass the total daily cholesterol limit of 300 mg; however, but there are many healthy ingredients in these chicken delights that can override this negative.

    Packed with protein, lutein, choline, and B vitamins, they are good for your body overall. If eating eggs concerns you or if you have cholesterol or heart issues, talk to your doctor about eggs and if you get the go-ahead, dig in!     
  • Blueberries
Fresh Berries in a bowl
Photo by Brandon Wilson on Unsplash

What can we say about this tasty fruit? Known as a superfood, blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, which fight off those nasty and unhealthy free radicals. 

As a matter of fact, blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of just about every other fruit and vegetable out there. Studies have shown they may help prevent heart disease, diminish brain diseases and help with anxiety. 

  • Strawberries: These red delights contain two grams of fiber which improves your digestive health and as with blueberries, they fight oxidative stress which reduces our risk of acquiring illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Dinner

4. Turmeric Salmon with Beats, Sweet Potatoes, Guacamole, and Kale

Salmon on a plate
Salmon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat! Photo: Graphic Stock
  • Salmon: This superfood is known to be one of the healthiest foods around because of its rich set of Omega-3 fatty acids. This nutritious fish also assists in maintaining eye and brain health. It defends against such illnesses as Alzheimer’s disease and helps drive back depression. Eating salmon three times a week can help you maintain your health, especially if you are in your senior years.
    • Beats come from the beetroot plant and contain essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C.
    • Sweet potatoes are great for depression and anxiety. This vegetable also helps to regulate blood pressure and contains potassium, a needed macromineral for our body, as well as magnesium, which supports the immune system, among many other health benefits.
    • Guacamole: You can’t go wrong with this fruit! Yes, it’s a fruit and comes from the avocado tree. It is loaded with some essential health ingredients. Here’s the rundown of guac’s benefits: Vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E. It also contains potassium and folate.
    • Kale: This hearty appetizer contains all the vitamins in guacamole as well as manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, and magnesium. All great nutritional benefits! 

Add some more turmeric and you’ve got one free-radical killing machine!

Summary

The mix and match of healthy food variants are endless. It is up to your imagination how you’d like to use them. One tip is to have an assortment of different fruits and vegetables each day. The more colorful your assortments, the more the variety of nutrients that will be available, so choose our selection or change them around, but whatever food you chose, you know your body will thank you, so jump right in and enjoy!

Medicines of Antiquity

Similar to our discussion in Medical treatments of Antiquity, proving medicine during these periods was just as crude. Let’s take a look back as to what drugs were used to “cure” people with health ailments.

Salicylic Acid

 

Chemical breakdown of Salicylic acid
Biochemist writes Synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid concept.

Salicylic acid belongs to a class that falls into the category of drugs known as salicylates, which are natural chemicals found in plants, as well as fruits and vegetables. It is mother nature’s way of protecting plants from disease and insects.

Popular among the Native Americans, specifically the Cherokees, Salicylic acid was used to help people who had a fever, pain relievers, and related illnesses. It was not the plant itself, but the bark of the plant that was used.

Salicylic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid and is also found in plants in Europe. In the middle of the 19th century, Europeans mass-produced salicylic acid for use as a painkiller. It was considered the predecessor to modern-day aspirin and it is most popular today to decrease redness and swelling on the skin, which subsequently helps remove pimples.

Arsenic

Despite it being a powder of death, arsenic was used in the Victorian era as a beauty cream. It has also been known to be used by the Chinese for medical purposes, but arsenic is a clear white odorless powder. Not the most effective treatments for facial creams or anything else for that matter.

Quinine

Quinine has been used by the Chinese for centuries for malaria but has some side effects, such as headache, ringing in the ears, eyesight issues, and sweating. It can also cause you to get sunburnt more easily. Additional side effects may include deafness, low blood platelets, and a possible irregular heartbeat.  Studies on pregnancies are so far been inconclusive.

Quinine is derived from the plant Artemisia annua, where the drug Artemisinin was extracted. This antimalarial drug has been used ever since the 1940s. It was even tested during the early stages of covid to see if this drug can help with preventing the virus from infecting us.

Snake Oil

Snake Oil in a Bottle
Photo by R+R Medicinals on Unsplash

Snake Oil became a popular remedy for sore aches and pains. Originally used by the Chinese when they immigrated to America to work on the railroad and then used by the citizens as well.

During this time, the Choctaw Native Americans were also using snake oil for medical reasons. This ‘remedy’ stayed popular all the way up to the early 20th century. 

Antiseptics

The Listerine name came from Joseph Lister, a 19th-century English physician who used antiseptics during surgery.

Lister’s son marketed the product and then Jordan Lambert, the co-founder of the Warner-Lambert drug firm started selling it in the late 1800s.

Targeted as a mouthwash for sale in 1915, thousands purchased it mainly to rid themselves of bad breath.

Syringes

One of the first syringes to be used were all glass syringes and a pioneer in researching the manufacture of this device was Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), founded in 1897 by Maxwell W. Becton and Fairleigh S. Dickinson and the company is around with nearly 30,000 employees in over 50 countries. They were also a pioneer in the manufacture of hypodermic needles.

In 1924, Becton, Dickinson produced a syringe designed specifically for insulin injection. In 1924, they introduced the BD Yale Luer-Lok Syringe, (see below), designed by Fairleigh Dickinson, Sr. The Luer-Lok provided a simple method of attaching and removing the needle to and from the syringe. Now called ‘Luer Lock’ connectors, they remain the standard for syringes in the U.S.

Vapo-Cresolene Vaporizer

Vapo-Cresolene Vaporizor consisting of lamp and stand, for the treatment of respiratory complaints, in original carton, by Vapo-Cresolene Company, U.S.A. Object alongside box, full view on black background.
“Vaporizer, New York, United States, 1880-1893 (vaporizer)” is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Coal tar is a mixture used to make coal into gas. This ingredient was used extensively in the late 19th century for all kinds of products, including ointments, shampoos, and medicines. One popular product that entered the market in 1879 was “Vapo-Cresolene”, which was used as a vaporizer to cure respiratory diseases; such as pneumonia, whooping cough, and diphtheria, as well as a host of other ailments. It came with a lamp that was used to heat the liquid cresol with an open flame.

In 1908, studies from the American Medical Association disputed these claims, but nevertheless, the product continued to be sold anyway up to the 1950s.

Interesting are the instructions shown in the image above and rewritten below:

“Fill the lamp with the best Kerosene (Petroleum) Oil obtainable. Alcohol will explode the lamp if used in it. Light the lamp allowing as large a flame as possible; but care be taken for the first fifteen minutes to see that it does not smoke. Place the lamp under the Vaporizor. Place the Vaporizor in a tin or crockery dish to guard against overturning, and set the same on a table near the bed, but out of reach of small children. Lastly, fill the movable cup with Cresolene. Tarry sediment remaining in the cup may be removed with alcohol. “Cresolene should be vaporized in a bedroom of ordinary size and the doors and windows should be kept closed while the Vaporizor is in use. In oppressive weather a window may be open for ventilation. The most convenient time to use the Vaporizor is at night. The cup full of Cresolene is generally sufficient for a night’s treatment. The most delicate child or person in good health experiences no injury. Large doses of whisky, vinegar, Epsom or Glauber Salts should be given once if Cresolene is swallowed or if it falls one the skin, apply cinegar [SIC]or alcohol. The odor of Cresolene will soon pass away if the room is thoroughly aired during the day. Cresolene imparts a burning sensation to the skin and is poisonous if taken internally, it should therefore, be kept out of reach of children.”.

 

 

4 Antioxidant Myths Busted

Bowls of Fruit
Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

Free radicals are bad for the human body, right? They lead to chronic health conditions, including arthritis, cognitive decline, coronary heart diseases, cancer and can even cause death.  To balance out the negative impact of free radicals on your body, you need antioxidants that you can find in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

And you may already be aware of the benefits you can get if you go for all the cranberry capsules and the effervescent vitamin C you can find on the shelves.  If you are a health-conscious individual, chances are you must have heard a lot about antioxidants and might be working on adding them to your diet.  But hold on! Not everything you know about antioxidants is factually correct. In this post, you will find four antioxidant myths busted. 

#1. The More, The Better 

Antioxidants are essential micronutrients that the human body needs to survive and function effectively. Your body needs antioxidants to counter the effects of free radicals that have a tendency to damage healthy cells in the body. Antioxidants work as donors that provide electrons to the highly reactive and unstable free radicals. These free radicals travel through the body and damage healthy cells, leading to the development of chronic diseases and premature aging.

Moreover, they also help reverse the damage caused by free radicals. While the human body generates antioxidants at the cellular level, they are often not enough, given the number of free radicals produced in the body due to environmental factors. That’s why you need to rely on external sources of antioxidants that come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  But does that mean the more antioxidants you consume, the healthier you will be? Of course not. That’s a myth! Higher consumption of antioxidants is not always better.

Fresh Berries in a bowl
Photo by Brandon Wilson on Unsplash

Antioxidants work best when consumed with other important nutrients. But what is more important is the source of antioxidants. If you are inspired by the marketing gimmicks of the food and supplement industry, you are likely to buy processed foods and packaged cereals and supplements that claim to be a great source of antioxidants. 

Do you know that antioxidant supplements may be doing a great job at fighting free radicals in a test tube but when they get inside the body, things change. The human body is complex and these supplements do not cause any good to it. Instead, there are studies that support the evidence that antioxidant supplements can harm the body. 

So instead of relying on more processed foods that claim to be rich in antioxidants and consuming supplements, it’s best to stick to the basics and enjoy consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables and three servings of whole grains that are the prerequisite of a balanced diet. These servings from natural sources will provide you with the right amount of antioxidants that you need to stay healthy so you don’t fall into the trap of consuming more antioxidants from processed sources.  Best is to find foods and supplements that are organic!

#2. Antioxidants are Difficult to Absorb

Avacodes and Salmon on a plateAnother common myth is that they are difficult to absorb. Again that information is incorrect. In fact, essential micronutrients that possess antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium are readily absorbed and utilized by the body.  However, that might not always be the case with supplements that you find on the shelves. Most of the supplements on the market may be doing great in the labs but things are complicated in the human body.

There is inconclusive evidence on how certain antioxidants may behave inside the human body. Moreover, there are studies that confirm that certain antioxidants, when consumed in the form of supplements, contribute to an increased risk of various diseases, including lung cancer. 

That being said, if you are inclined towards consuming antioxidants that come from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, it’s important that you focus on “eating the rainbow.” Make sure you add a lot of color to your food plate and not just focus on leafy greens. Let reds, yellows, and purples be a part of your diet. And to get the most benefits, don’t forget to add teas and dark chocolate. 

#3. Cooking Foods Rich in Antioxidants Can Destroy Their Beneficial Properties

This is a myth to an extent but it is also partly true. There is no black and white when it comes to cooking foods rich in antioxidant properties. Certain cooking methods, such as boiling and steaming are suitable for retaining the benefits of a few fruits and vegetables. However, other methods of cooking such as stir-fry and roasting may affect the nutritional content of antioxidant-rich foods. Since there is no single rule regarding cooking foods that applies to all antioxidant-rich foods, it is best to consume fruits and vegetables in their raw form so you can get the maximum benefits out of what you eat. 

#4. All Antioxidants are Vitamins 

You must have heard a lot about vitamins C and E and you know they are powerful antioxidants. But do you know that not all antioxidants are vitamins? It’s a myth that most people believe to be true but only a few are vitamins. Others are minerals, enzymes, and trace elements that facilitate the chemical reactions taking place inside the human body. Minerals such as zinc and selenium are powerful free-radical killers. Similarly, enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase that are produced by the human body are also antioxidants. 

Final Words 

Vegetables

While researchers are trying to find out more about antioxidants, one piece of advice that will definitely help you stay healthy is consuming a balanced diet.

By keeping refined carbs and sugar at bay and adding a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your plate, you can continue to counter the free radicals produced by your body and enjoy better health!

Understanding Antioxidants

Illustration of how Antioxidant Works Against Free Radicals
Bigstock

Overview 

The human body is constantly facing threats from several external influences, such as pollution, viruses, and unhealthy diets, and free radicals are the major culprit. To fight off these cell killers, antioxidants are critical. 

We discussed free radicals previously and how to fight them with antioxidants. Now, we will take a closer look at the role of radical cell fighters and how they help to maintain a healthy body. But before we get into the details, let’s review what free radicals are.

Free Radicals and the Role of Antioxidants 

Antioxidant Illustration
Chemical diagram showing antioxidants donating an electron to a free radical. Bigstock_050221_Antio-272504797

The human body constantly forms free radicals due to environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation, UV rays, tobacco smoke, and other forms of air and water pollution. However, free radicals are also a by-product of several processes that take place inside the human body. It might come as a surprise that free radicals may also be produced in the body due to exercise. 

Moreover, free radicals are required for specific processes taking place in the body. For example, when the immune system gets charged up to fight any external invaders, such as a virus, it requires free radicals to damage the external intruder, such as a bacteria or virus. In all, free radicals are not always harmful. 

What is the Problem With Free Radicals?

The concerning aspect of free radicals is that they do not have a complete set of electrons, so they look to steal their required electrons from other atoms, consequently damaging atoms and molecules in the process. To counter the effects of free radicals, the human body needs antioxidants. 

Antioxidants work by donating their electrons to the free radical cells, so they don’t have to borrow electrons from the healthy molecules in the body. Moreover, antioxidants also facilitate the repair process of the cells that have donated their electrons to the free radicals. So antioxidants are an essential part of countering the free radicals in your body.

As the free radicals travel their path of cell destruction, they are met with antioxidant defenses to keep these free radicals in check, but then when the free radicals outnumber antioxidants we have a big problem. This can lead to a condition that is known as oxidative stress. Constant oxidative stress can damage your cells, including your DNA and other healthy molecules in your body.

As a result, prolonged oxidative stress can significantly increase the risk of several health conditions, including premature aging, cognitive decline, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. 

Causes of Oxidative Stress

Bunch of used cigaretes
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Certain lifestyle and environmental factors that can increase the risk of oxidative stress include:

      • Exposure to radiation, cigarette smoke, and environmental pollution
      • Excessive intake of alcohol, sugar, and polyunsaturated fats
      • Excessive intake of micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, copper, or zinc
      • Exposure to viruses, bacteria, and fungi
      • Intense and constant workout sessions that can damage tissues
      • An unhealthy diet that lacks antioxidants.


While the human body naturally produces some antioxidants, including glutathione and lipoic acid, they are not always enough to counter the free radicals produced by environmental factors.

Exploring the Environmental Factors

Photo of smoke from East Palestine Ohio trian derailment
Photo of smoke from East Palestine Ohio train derailment. Credit: Wikimedia CC, Thunderlips36

As mentioned, unhealthy dieting, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking can increase free radicals in the body, but it doesn’t stop there.

One example is the train derailment in New Palestine, Ohio, which had thousands of gallons of vinyl chloride stored in some of the cars on this 150-car train.

To prevent this toxic chemical from being exposed to the environment, authorities agreed to burn it, but that action has caused controversy in itself as questions arose about its chemical makeup being potentially still active.

Regardless of the manner in which the vinyl chloride was released into the air, citizens of New Palestine are concerned that this chemical will cause harm to them. Technically speaking, there could be an increase in oxidative stress for the citizens who live in the area, and in the case of vinyl chloride, it can cause drowsiness and nausea. 

Similar concerns for other chemicals that were on the train are Butyl acrylate, which can cause eye irritation, and Isobutylene, which can cause dizziness and headaches.

Although the above is a unique case of potential exposure to toxic chemicals, pollution, in general, is always out there in one form or another (e.g., vehicle gas exhausts, generating electric energy), and that’s why there is an increasing emphasis on consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants. 

What Foods are High in Antioxidants?  

Vegetables
Maxpixel

Below are the nutrients with antioxidant activity and the foods that can provide you with significant antioxidants. With that, note that the darker the fruit or vegetable, the more antioxidants they will have!

Phenolic Compounds

These plant compounds are found in apples, red wine, onions, grapes, peanuts, tea, cocoa, and all types of berries. 

Vitamin C

Vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage are rich sources of vitamin C. Fruits, including grapefruit, honeydew, mango, kiwi, lemon, orange, and papaya, also contain a significant amount of vitamin C. 

Vitamin E

Seeds and nuts, including almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, contain a sufficient amount of vitamin E. Certain vegetables such as avocado, chard, leafy greens, and red peppers are also rich in vitamin E. 

Selenium

A potent antioxidant is readily found in nuts, fish, beef, poultry, and whole grains. 

CAROTENOIDS (Beta-carotene and Lycopene)

Carotenoids can be found in carrots, apricots, beet, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, kale, and cantaloupe. Fruits such as mangos, oranges, peaches, and grapefruits are also loaded with carotenoids. 

Health Benefits of Antioxidants – What the Hype is All About?

Red Peppers
Photo by 王小明 on Unsplash

Researchers started giving attention to antioxidants in the 1990s as they became more aware of the role of free radicals in coronary heart diseases. Around the same time, scientists also established a relationship between free radicals in the body and diseases, such as loss of vision, cancer, and several other chronic health conditions. 

Given the results of several other similar studies, the media, and the food and supplement industries began to create hype about the benefits of “antioxidants.” It became a marketing buzzword for green teas, berries, and several other foods available on the store shelves. Moreover, the supplement industry also promoted the disease-fighting properties of antioxidants. The general public, unaware of the reality, got attracted to the antioxidant-rich breakfast cereals, energy drinks, and supplements. 

However, that’s not how you can get the real benefits of antioxidants. So far, there is inconclusive evidence that the use of supplements and other processed food that claims to be “rich in antioxidants” provides real health benefits or not. 

Indeed, antioxidants offer several health benefits, but you can only enjoy them if you consume antioxidants in their natural state. So instead of adding packaged and processed foods or supplements that claim to contain antioxidants, it is best to rely on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are loaded with natural plant compounds.

These naturally available antioxidants serve as great warriors to fight off free radicals and facilitate the natural repair process in the human body. Moreover, to get the maximum benefits of antioxidants, it is best to use them with other nutrients, plant compounds, and even with other antioxidants that your body requires. 

Final Words 

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants can contribute to several chronic health conditions, including arthritis, cognitive impairment, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. But then it does not always mean the use of substances with antioxidant properties can fix the problem. It is especially true if these antioxidants do not come from a natural source. The studies provide evidence that naturally occurring antioxidants found in plants and vegetables can substantially impact diseases. However, there is inconclusive research on the benefits you can enjoy using supplements and other artificial sources of antioxidants that come in the form of processed foods. 

So make sure you add a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. At the same time, you need to limit your exposure to UV rays, radiation, and environmental pollution. Together, these two factors will reduce the risk of oxidative stress, which in turn will slow down the aging process while offering protection against several chronic diseases. 

6 Things You Need to Know About the Moderna Vaccine for COVID-19

We have previously learned how these vaccines work. Now let’s delve a bit deeper into each of them starting with the Moderna vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine On December 18, 2020. That made it the second vaccine after Pfizer in the U.S. to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a few differences though, so let’s take a look at how they differ and what you need to know about the Moderna vaccine. 

#1. What is Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

Hand holding Mordera Vaccine
Photo: Bigstock

So far, the FDA has not approved any vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for general use (only for emergency use). The Moderna vaccine is authorized for use in adults aged 18 and above under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 is injected into the muscle, and two doses are administered one month apart. 

#2. What Should You Tell Your Vaccination Provider Before You Get the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

Couple talking to a medical professional
Unsplash-080620-tim-gouw-bwki71ap-y8

Your vaccination provider needs to know the details of any medical conditions and allergies that you may have. You must share the following information with your vaccination provider before you get your first shot. 

      • Any allergies that you may have, 
      • Any bleeding disorders (or any medications that you may be using such as blood thinners), 
      • If you are immuno-compromised or are taking any medications that may affect your immunity, 
      • If you have any metabolic/chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, 
      • If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, 
      • Have you received an initial dose of another vaccine for COVID-19?

Your vaccination provider may ask you for some more details depending upon your age and medical history. 

#3. Is Moderna Vaccine Safe for Children?

So far, children have rarely developed severe forms of COVID-19, and deaths among children from the virus are even rarer. Moreover, parents are still reluctant to include their children in the clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine. However, given the emergence of new and fast-spreading variants, younger children may contribute to the spread of the virus. Thus, it is integral that young children are offered immunization. 

The Moderna vaccine is considered safe for adults over the age of 18. However, the new trials among children include kids as young as 12 years old. Therefore, there is no evidence for the safety of the vaccine among children.  

#4. Is Moderna Vaccine Safe for Pregnant and Lactating Women?

Pregnant Woman
Unsplash_Pregnant Woman_anastasiia-chepinska-B7JVo5y3gL8a

Pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19. However, there is limited data on whether the Moderna vaccine is safe for pregnant women.

Pregnant women have not been actively involved in clinical trials. Moreover, breastfeeding mothers were also not part of the trials, so there is no numerical evidence on the safety of the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 for lactating mothers (and their children). 

However, since pregnancy increases the risk of severe COVID-19, the WHO recommends that it’s in your best interest to take the vaccine if you are pregnant and have other health conditions. Moreover, the WHO recommends offering the Moderna vaccine for breastfeeding women; however, the organization does not recommend quitting lactation following the vaccination. 

If you are pregnant or lactating and have not yet received the vaccine, it is best to contact your healthcare provider and find out the best choice for yourself.  

#5. What are the Risks of the Moderna Vaccine for COVID-19? 

Similar to the Pfizer vaccine, the risks are about the same. There is little chance that the Moderna vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction, a condition that occurs within the first few minutes after getting the shot.

The condition can be treated, and that’s exactly why your medical provider may ask you to stay at the vaccination center for a while so they can monitor your condition after vaccination. Some of the signs of a severe allergic reaction include:

      • Difficulty in breathing, 
      • Swelling on face and throat, 
      • Palpitation or increased heart rate, 
      • Rashes over the body, and 
      • Dizziness and weakness. 

Apart from these signs of a severe allergic reaction, and similar to the side effects of the Pfizer vaccine. It is possible but not guaranteed that individuals who get the Moderna vaccine will experience the following side effects.

      • Pain on the site of injection, 
      • Swelling or tenderness in the arm, 
      • Fatigue, 
      • Muscle ache, 
      • Joint pain, 
      • Headache, 
      • Nausea and vomiting, and 
      • Chills 

Some people complained about headaches and fatigue, which appeared to be the most common side effects, while others have said that they felt nothing after the shot. These cases ranged between males and females, people of ages 20 – 70, and from a variety of ethnic groups. Of these, there were seniors who didn’t feel any side effects, while some millennials claimed to have headaches and others were fatigued.

Although some think that one’s immune system was a help to inhibit the side effects, there is no guarantee that that is the case. Right now, there is no rhyme or reason why some humans are affected and others not. Additionally, for those that were affected, they tended to feel better after 24 hours.

#6. Who Should Not Get the Moderna Vaccine for COVID-19?

You should not get the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 if you;

      • Developed a severe allergic reaction after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, 
      • Are allergic to any of the ingredients of the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. 

Key Takeaways 

The Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 is the second vaccine that has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA. So far, there is no evidence about the safety of the drug among children under the age of 18. However, trials for children aged 12 and above have started.

While pregnant and lactating women were not actively involved in the trials, the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 does not appear to cause any serious risks for pregnant and lactating women. However, it’s best to discuss your health conditions with your primary caregiver before getting the shot.