JOURNAL
Beat the Heat: Tips to Prevent Heat Exhaustion and Stay Cool in Hot Weather
Plan Your Outdoor Activities Wisely
Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton can help keep your body cool by allowing air to circulate and sweat to evaporate more easily.
Staying hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty, to help regulate your body temperature and replace fluids lost through sweating.
Using a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella can provide shade and protect your head and face from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion.
Applying sunscreen with a high SPF can prevent sunburn, which can impair your body's ability to cool itself and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas can help your body recover from the heat. If possible, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Using cooling towels or bandanas soaked in cold water can provide immediate relief by lowering your skin temperature. Placing them around your neck or on your wrists can be particularly effective.
Why are American experts hesitant to acknowledge that moderate sun exposure can benefit you?
Why are American experts hesitant to acknowledge that moderate sun exposure can benefit you?
American health experts often emphasize the risks of sun exposure due to the vital link between UV radiation and skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous type. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the US than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Downing, 2022). This concern about skin cancer often overshadows the potential benefits of moderate sun exposure.
Exploring the Breakthroughs in Men's Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: The Testosterone Therapy Approach
Testosterone Therapy: An Unexpected Solution for Men with Type 2 Diabetes
The unexpected solution for men with type 2 diabetes and testosterone therapy lies in the potential of this hormone treatment to induce remission of the disease. Testosterone therapy, typically used to treat conditions like hypogonadism, has shown promise in managing type 2 diabetes in men, particularly those with low testosterone levels.
Research has indicated that testosterone therapy can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, two key factors in managing type 2 diabetes. This is significant as it suggests that testosterone therapy could potentially alter the course of the disease, rather than just manage the symptoms.
Furthermore, testosterone therapy has been associated with weight loss and reduced waist circumference in men, which are beneficial in managing and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes. This is because obesity is a major risk factor for the disease, and weight loss can significantly improve glycemic control.
However, it's important to note that while these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the role of testosterone therapy in treating type 2 diabetes. It's also crucial to consider potential side effects and risks associated with hormone therapy.
Understanding the Connection: Nutritional Deficiencies and The Risk of Chronic Diseases
As we celebrate the new year and the development of resolutions such as healthier diets, weight loss, and increased exercise, it is essential to ensure we consume nutrient-based foods to avoid chronic diseases. While a segment of the population is consuming a healthy diet, there are many experiencing nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to morbidity and mortality.
Examining the Impact of Nutritional Deficiencies on Chronic Disease Risk
Nutritional deficiencies can significantly impact the risk of chronic diseases. The body's lack of essential nutrients can weaken its immune system, making it more susceptible to diseases. For instance, deficiencies in vitamins A, C, D, and E and zinc and selenium minerals can compromise immune function and increase the risk of infections and diseases.
Artificial Intelligence in Public Health: A Game Changer?
As a public health researcher, I am interested in learning how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize public health by offering new methods for disease detection, patient care, and epidemiological studies. One of the most significant benefits of AI in public health is its ability to process and analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately. This can help identify disease patterns and trends, enabling early detection and prevention of diseases. AI can also enhance patient care by providing personalized treatment plans based on individual health data. It can analyze a patient's medical history, lifestyle, and genetic information to predict potential health risks and suggest preventative measures. This personalized approach can improve the effectiveness of treatments and reduce healthcare costs.
AI-powered predictive models can also be crucial in managing public health crises like pandemics. These models can predict the spread of diseases, helping authorities make informed decisions about resource allocation and preventive measures. AI can also aid in developing strategies for vaccination distribution, ensuring that vaccines reach the most vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, AI can improve health equity by identifying and addressing health disparities. By analyzing social, economic, and environmental factors, AI can help public health officials understand the root causes of health disparities and develop strategies to address them. This can lead to more equitable health outcomes.
The Benefits to Napping via Kaiser Permanente
Sleep is essential for our overall health. It gives our mind and body time to relax and recharge. Studies show that sleeping 7 to 8 hours of regular nighttime is best for maintaining good health.1 But what happens when you don’t get a good night’s sleep and find yourself tired during the day?
Enter the nap. Naps may have health benefits, like reducing stress and improving memory. One study showed that daytime napping following the COVID-19 pandemic helped relieve stress and stabilize sleep patterns.2 Why not see if some afternoon shut-eye would be right for you?
Dennis Hwang, MD, medical director at Kaiser Permanente’s Sleep Center in San Bernardino County, California, shares tips on when to try napping or other relaxation techniques.
Long Term Covid-19 - What are the symptoms and when to get help by Kaiser Permanente
If you’ve had new or lasting symptoms since recovering from COVID-19, you may have long-term COVID-19, or "long COVID." It can include a range of symptoms that continue after your COVID-19 illness ends.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey found that more than 15% of people in the U.S. have had long-term COVID-19. And those with a disability — such as asthma, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes1 — were twice as likely to report having had long COVID than those without.2
The Connective Tissue Beneath Our Skin: An Overlooked Key to Health and Wellness
As a Doctor of Public Health, I'm always interested in learning about new evidence on how our lifestyle choices impact our health and wellbeing. A fascinating recent New York Times article highlighted emerging research on the role of fascia - the connective tissue that wraps around our muscles, organs, and bones - and how caring for this often-overlooked part of the body may offer surprising benefits. What exactly is fascia? It's the thin, tough, flexible collagen-rich tissue that forms a 3D matrix under our skin, enveloping muscles and internal structures while also attaching to bones. We have two main types: denser fascia that gives the body structural shape, and looser fascia that allows tissues to glide smoothly. Doctors long thought fascia was relatively unimportant - just packaging. But we now understand it plays a vital role in flexibility, mobility, and more.
The Maternal Care Crisis in America - Stories of Mistreatment during Pregnancy and Childbirth
As a Doctor of Public Health, I am troubled by the findings of a recent CDC survey on mistreatment during maternity care in the United States. The survey of 2,400 women exposes shortcomings in our country's maternal healthcare system.
The results show that 1 in 5 mothers reported being mistreated by healthcare providers during pregnancy and childbirth. This mistreatment included having health concerns dismissed or ignored, being shouted at or scolded, and having physical privacy violated. Disturbingly, women of color reported even higher rates of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, income level, and insurance status (Ars Technica, 2023).
A Public Health Perspective on the New Seasonal Vaccines
According to the Washington Post, the 2023 flu season is shaping up to be a complicated one from a public health perspective. Several new vaccines are coming onto the market that could help curb influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, effective deployment of these vaccines will require clear public health messaging and coordination between providers, insurance companies, and governmental agencies.