Newsletter

Flash!

There is a recent study that tattoos may be a risk factor for lymphoma, which is basically cancer of the lymph nodes, ie Hodgkins.  

Having a tattoo was associated with a 21% increased risk for lymphoma, but more research is needed to understand the possible connection.  Lymphoma is the result of mutations in the DNA that instruct the cells how to grow, and the cells often live longer than they should.  The diseased cells then continue to multiply at a rapid rate, producing more diseased cells which are stored in the lymph nodes. 

This information is the result of a study from Lund University in Sweden.

It is known that tattoo ink often contains chemicals that are established carcinogens. We know that ink is transported away from the skin by the immune system because the body is working hard to remove the ink.

They found that recent tattoos, received within 2 years, and older tattoos, 11 years of more, were associated with the largest risk increase.  More studies are needed to determine exactly "why".

Reference:  Nielsen C, et al, EClinical Medicine. 2024:doi:1016/jeclinm.2024.102649

Chronic Loneliness Is Linked To Stroke Risk In Middle Aged People

Participants who were considered lonely at baseline in this study had a 25% increased risk for stroke in a recent Harvard study.

The risk increased  to 56% among people who consistently had loneliness over 4 years. 

Loneliness has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for stroke, a leading cause of death and disability.  

Loneliness has now been classified as a public health issue.

https://www.hsphharvard.edu/news/pressrelease

I would like to comment on this brief posting.  I think most of us are of the age that we can remember a time when when we knew our neighbors, checked on them, brought them cookies, mowed lawns for seniors, etc. Something happened.  I would really like to spark a revolution.  Why don't we take time to care?  I beg you to check on people you know need help. I can give two examples of families that do this, they take cookies to neighbors in Idaho and St Helena.  I do it also.  I was trained by a mom and dad who taught me the importance of thinking outside of yourself.  Maybe when you go to a store, buy a little dessert for a neighbor. I promise the gratitude you will receive far outweighs any inconvenience on your part. Please teach your children this small gift to a world gone awry.

Again, let's start a revolution!

New RSV Immunization Info

New studies from Lancet show that there is a 78 % efficacy of immunity from RSV after only one injection  lasting three seasons in older adults.  Good news.  Talk to your Health Care Provider.

What Is a SAGE Test?

A Sage test is an at home screening test for early signs of cognitive changes.  

When we go to our providers annually they ask us 3 questions.  It can sometimes depend on how stressed you are, how much sleep you had, but it is fast and easy and can alert them to early changes.  As much as we don't like to think about it, we are all faced with the possibility.  There is now a blood test, the Precivity test, intended for use in patients 55 and older with signs or symptoms of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. 

But the Sage test takes about 5 minutes and you can do in your home when you are rested, have eaten, and feel refreshed.  There are many sites which offer the test, here is one out of Ohio State university.

https://wexnermedical.osu.edu

Take a minute and check it out.  It doesn't link so just put the address in or look Sage test.

It is always better to be aware of your health and if you have concerns, talk to your doctor.  It at least opens up the conversation.

This is our first Newsletter.  We are bombarded with so much information.  My goal is not to overwhelm you  but short facts of interest that are current.  Let me know if there is something specific.  

Here we go!

CDC reports Measles cases are up 29% between January 2024 and this past March.  The CDC is urging vaccination for children and adults.  If you had a vaccine as a child, boosters may be recommended as an adult. Children receive two vaccines by age 2.

Talk to your health care provider.

Foods to fight inflammation: fruits, brightly colored as they are high in antioxidants and phenols.  Examples-onions, red grapes, cherries, plums, dark vegetables.  

Nuts and seeds decrease inflammatory responses. Not in excess!

Some oils, fatty fish, olive oil, flax seed oil, salmon, sardines, mackerel offer Omega3 fatty acids.

Coffee, cocoa, green tea contain polyphenols and flavanols which are antioxidants.

*I know most of you know this information, this is just a reminder.

BMI versus Body Fat: In a recent Italian study BMI does not distinguish between body composition compartments, meaning body fat and lean body muscle.  It does not detect changes across the lifespan of an individual, ie the shift to more fat and less muscle.  The standard in the US is BMI, it is quick, easy and gives you a ballpark idea.  Body fat calipers are available on line through Amazon. Digital Fat Analyzer for Personal Health $23.35 all the way up to $349.99 for Omron HBT-306C Handheld Body Fat Loss Monitor and are more accurate. It all depends on how deep your interest is on this subject. A fat analyzer is telling you your own results, you against a machine.  BMI is only height versus weight.

Colorectal Screening is now recommended at age 45, even sooner if there is a strong family history of colon cancer or certain polyps, ie familial adenomatous polyposis, which begin during your teenage years. It was recommended at  age 50 but we are missing too many cancers.  Why so many in young people? The facts are pointing to a changes in  mainstream diets,  low in veges, fruits, too many fried foods, fast foods, etc.

I can guarantee you that that fast food hamburger and fries are not worth it

E Cig News  Study out of Germany shows same damage to lining of arteries and the same toxicity as regular cigarettes.  Put those things down. I spent many years of my career in a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit-not pretty! Being intubated to help you breathe is not fun.

RSV-The CDC reports most people who get RSV will have a mild illness and recover in a week or two.  Others may not and they will develop a severe infection including bronchiolitis in the lung and/or pneumonia.  RSV can make a chronic health problem worsen, ie asthma and can worsen congestive heart failure.  It is spread by airborne transmission, meaning coughing, sneezing or even kissing.  It can even spread by touching a door knob after someone who has coughed or sneezed and then touched a door knob.  Common symptoms include runny nose, decreased appetite, cough, sneezing, fever and wheezing.  Almost all children have had it by age 2.   

How do you treat it?  Check with your Primary Care Provider as he or she knows your medical heath history  if you are not getting any better after 7 days, have other comorbid diseases, or rapid increase of symptoms. 

Two pharmaceutical companies have engineered the vaccine.  Adults age 60 and older should consider the vaccine especially if they have chronic health problems.  Pregnant women should call their OBs to ask about the vaccine.  Infants, speak with your pediatrician.  

The best time to get the vaccine is late summer or early fall.   One vaccine increases immunity for two flu seasons.

Above all, talk to your Health Care Provider for further clarification re your specific needs.