‘All the COVID-19 boosters we received havewaned, and those wereagainst the old strains.’
AS of the week ending August 31, 2024, 2.6 percent of all deaths in the United States were due to COVID-19, with a hospitalization of 4.6 per 100,000, 2.3 percent positive on emergency room visits, 16.3 percent positivity rate. Indeed, COVID-19 is very much still with us.
Let’s not be complacent: The new COVID-19 vaccines against the prevailing KP.2 strain (a derivative of the strain JN.1 early this year) and all other KP sub-strains are now available from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.
All the COVID-19 boosters we received have waned, and those were against the old strains. We now need the new (September 2024) vaccines against the current KP.2 strains and sub-strains. The vaccines for Influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are also recommended by the CDC. Discuss these 3 vaccines with your physician.
COVID-19 mental ills
New research in the United Kingdom reveals the devastating effect of COVID-19 on mental health. The study on “more than 18 million adults following COVID-19 infection showed an elevated rate of mental illness, including depression and serious mental disease, for up to a year after the infection, especially among those who have not been vaccinated.” The authors noted that vaccination appeared to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on mental health. Long COVID-19, which confers persistent symptoms even after three months or a year happens mostly to unvaccinated individuals. The symptoms are debilitation and chronic. These are some of the reasons why getting the new COVID-19 vaccine is seriously vital.
No-needle Epi
A fantastic game changer: The FDA recently approved the first no-needle epinephrine single-dose nasal spray (NEFFY) for emergency treatment of serious life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to food, medications, insect bites, horses, etc. This new invention solves the problem of “fear of needles” among people, especially children, making them hesitate, and increasing their risk of death. This mode comes in the form of an inhaler and could be in your pocket by October 2024. EpiPen (auto-self-injector is not needle-free, has a short shelf-life, and is costly). Neffy inhaler is currently available for adults and children 66 pounds and greater. The FDA is soon to approve a version for younger children.
Peanuts: Warning
Concerning detailed scientific data trending cite the following reasons why we should not eat peanuts and peanut butter: (1) Aflatoxins: peanuts and peanut butter are high in this toxin, which according to the FDA “is a toxic byproducts of fungal metabolism (Aspergillus family)…Aflatoxin, even in moderate amount, can cause Hepatitis B, cirrhosis and may lead to the development of cancer of the liver.” (2) Phytic Acid in peanuts “binds to minerals and prevents absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc.” (3) Lectins is nature’s own pesticide in peanuts damages our gut barrier cells and cause intestinal permeability, leading to leaky gut syndrome, initiating inflammation, the first stage in the development of auto-immune and chronic disease like rheumatoid, lupus, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, thyroiditis, etc.” (4) Protease Inhibitors prevent gut enzymes from breaking down proteins into amino acids, causing elevated levels of the enzyme trypsin, which, in turn, triggers loosening of the cell tight junctions and provokes inflammation. (5) Allergies to peanuts (highly allergenic) are the fastest growing allergy in the US and allergic reactions to peanuts often cause anaphylactic shock, especially in children. (6) Toxic herbicides and pesticides (like Glyphosate) are often used for protecting peanuts, which causes kidney disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, damage to DNA, and cancers. (7) Polyunsaturated fatty acids — are high in peanuts (PUFA, unhealthy Omega 6) increasing the risk for coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and other serious health issues. (8) Oxalates — peanuts have high levels of oxalates, a major factor in kidney stone formation, induce inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, and anemia. (9) Industrial solvents — Peanut oil is commonly expelled by dousing peanuts with hexane, a petroleum-based solvent that may cause nervous system damage, respiratory pneumonitis, dizziness, etc. (10) Sugar, sodium, trans-fat, and food additives — peanut butter is loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, and contain heart-destroying hydrogenated vegetable oils, and a lot of additives.
SGLT-2 and dementia
A new study reveals a drug for diabetes T2 may aid in preventing dementia among diabetics. “The researchers behind the project concentrated on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which were found to reduce dementia risk compared to another drug of diabetes with a different mechanism of action. The SGLT-2 inhibitors were linked with a 35 percent lower dementia risk. The longer the person had been on SGLT-2 inhibitors, the greater the protective effect.”
Comfort foods
Comfort food is any favorite edible that confers a sense of nostalgia or sentimental, or irresistible taste to an individual. It may be a dish or a dessert or even chocolate or dried fruit. For me, one of my favorites is Chinese sweet-salty-sour, preserved plum, introduced to me as a kid by my maternal grandmother who always had a variety of them in jars. Dried California Apricot is another I enjoy. Anyway, as long as we count the calories, and eat them in moderation, comfort food, or our diet in general, is medically acceptable. Not only the quality but the quantity of food we eat that truly matters. Diet is everything in a person’s health, life, and longevity.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article is general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a cardiac surgeon emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995 presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later presidential candidate Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, TV talk show host David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
