No Bacon for Spot! – 2021

Each month my articles address topics important to you and your family's health. Since pets are part of our family, here is a reminder about common
foods we share with them that could endanger them.

Pets should avoid: Food containing Xylitol - is commonly found in many foods that humans eat, like gum, peanut butter, candy, pudding, ketchup,
BBQ sauces, and pancake syrups.

Also avoid: avocados / alcohol / onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic / caffeine / chocolate / grapes / raisins/ ice cream / cinnamon / citrus / spinach / coconut / coconut oil / nuts

Bacon - Yes, bacon. Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis, which can be fatal.

Say yes to sharing small quantities of popcorn, boneless fish & salmon, cheese, corn, eggs, pork, shrimp, tuna.

Let's love and protect our pets so we can enjoy them for many years to come.

Source: activebeat.com / medvetforpets.com/ heartdogs.com / ASPCA / American Kennel Club.

Things to know about the “Delta Variant” – 2021

We are starting to get back to our more normal lives, but we still hear about ‘new’ COVID variants? Some things are much better than they were – largely due to vaccinations. But not all of us are vaccinated, and some areas of the country are lagging. As more of us begin traveling again, the concern is that new, more contagious variants will spread in the United States. The Delta variant is currently on our radar.

Why are the variants appearing now? All viruses change and morph into new strains. This is what all viruses do.

So, what do we know about the “Delta” Variant? Is it more deadly? No one is sure at this time, but some reports show there may be more hospitalizations, and the CDC says it seems to be more transmissible and contagious.

Researchers compared vaccinated patients to unvaccinated people. Their research seemed to indicate that the vaccines effectively reduced the risk of going to the hospital among people who were vaccinated. In addition, reports indicate that loss of smell is less common with the Delta Variant. But symptoms of persistent cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are more prevalent based on the surveys in the U.K., where more than 90% of the cases there are due to the Delta strain.

Should I be worried about the Delta Variant? Probably not if you’ve been vaccinated. The CDC says that vaccines seem to protect against all the variants as of this date.

Vaccine manufacturers are already starting to develop ‘booster’ shots to target the new variants. But requiring or needing a booster shot has not yet been determined. So common sense still is your best guide.

Getting vaccinated or not getting vaccinated is your personal choice. So always, always talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have. In the meantime, please stay safe and take care.

Source: CDC / Lancet Journal / Yale Medicine

Heart Attacks and Stroke Awareness – 2021

Herd Immunity? – 2021

We’ve all heard this phrase over and over again the past year. But what is it, and can it actually be achieved?

Herd immunity occurs when a high percentage or majority of the population achieves immunity to a disease, limiting the spread. It usually occurs in 2 ways: through virus exposure or vaccination. Many of us are hoping that if we reach this stage, life can get back to normal. Scientists ‘guestimate’ that 70 – 90 percent of the population needs to reach immunity to manage the spread effectively. But that ‘guess’ could change. Measles required an immunity threshold of 90 percent; Polio Required 80 percent. (Per World Health Organization). Many of us received the Polio vaccine as children…I wonder how many of us can still find that vaccination scar? Mine was on my upper arm, but my daughter’s is on the back of her knee. Go figure!

News sources recently reported that about 32 percent of Americans had received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. With younger Americans able to receive the vaccine by summer, those immunization numbers should rise. That is good news since the news also reported that new “strains” make those
under age 16 particularly vulnerable. I also heard that Arizona is the most efficient and effective in the country for handling and distributing the vaccine.

So which vaccine should you get? The CDC advises we should get the vaccine that is the soonest available to us. Since we’ve waited this long for the vaccine, don’t gamble by “shopping around.”

I am very sensitive to many commonplace drugs. When I received my vaccine, I was concerned about having a reaction because I’m allergic to  Epinephrine- the antidote to resolve life-threatening anaphylaxis. I took my grandson with me, an ER trauma nurse, and luckily only had the usual 24-hours-later minor side effects. I was quickly back to being “bright-eyed & bushy-tailed.

Whether or not you receive the vaccine is a personal choice. Your decision to vaccinate could contribute to reaching herd immunity sooner based on science’s current projection. Many of us are vaccinated and are eager to greet you all again in person, soon!

Got my COVID shot now what? – 2021

You may feel you’ve won the lottery if you’ve received your 1st or 2nd shot. As of mid-March, nearly 40 million Americans have received at least one dose. However, there are things to know about life after the vaccine. It may look a lot like it did before the vaccine.

According to the CDC, you may experience some side effects. These could include injection site pain (gently messaging that area before going to bed, helps a lot), swelling, and redness at the injection area are commonly experienced after the 1st dose. After the 2nd dose, side effects included headaches, fatigue, chills, and muscle pain. These usually only last 2-3 days afterward. This is a sign that the vaccine is working. The flu vaccine typically produces these same side effects as well.

The CDC still recommends we keep wearing a mask after we’ve received the vaccine, as well as social distancing and frequently washing our hands. This is because even after being fully vaccinated, we’re not “off the hook.” “Why not?” you ask. Moderna and Pfizer provide up to 95% effectiveness after both doses, but remember everyone’s immune system is different. Scientists believe the Pfizer vaccine reaches its full effectiveness 7 days after the 2nd dose; Moderna takes about 14 days.

The vaccines do not “shield” you from the virus. It teaches your body to fight the virus and keeps you from becoming chronically sick. CDC says we can still be asymptomatic but spread it to others. There are no reports that tells us how long the “immunity” lasts after our vaccine. We just don’t know, and it still can evolve. There is a possibility we all may need boosters from time to time. But then again, that’s what happens every year when we get our annual flu shots.

Anyone Flying? Most of us have been grounded since last March. Many are eager to resume air travel for various reasons. Doctors are still suggesting people wait a few weeks after vaccination before getting on a plane. If you fly out of the country, a recent COVID-19 test is required before returning to the U.S. You’ll have to show test results (which shouldn’t be more than three days old) before boarding. This mandate applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. And quarantining is still necessary because scientists think you may be able to spread COVID-19 even if you’ve been vaccinated. Proof of vaccination may eventually be required by some airlines, so if you are vaccinated, make sure you keep your vaccination card in a safe place.

The world seems to have more hope, now that with all these precautions and more people getting vaccinated, the virus should be less communicable and less likely to spread. So, until the next time, stay safe and be well and take care.

CDC / Dr Andrea
Klemes / Mayo

Covid Depression! – 2021

While people are focused on following local guidelines, (we all know them by now), there is an area many have overlooked and denied….Depression! Research shows extreme social distancing, similar to those taken during the SARS, Ebola, and H1N1, could cause short-term and long-term problems such as stress, insomnia, emotional exhaustion, and substance abuse. Even our children are having depression issues because they don’t have interaction with friends. Also, because we are ‘homebound,’ divorce has become a real issue.

So, some suggestions:

• If you’re retired, living alone, and required to stay at home, you may have had to give up your social circles, volunteer activities, religious services, and recreational activities. That’s social isolation and it’s associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia. Another factor is that many of us have lost someone during this Covid isolation. Spending 15 minutes each day writing to or talking with a loved one helps us feel connected.

• Find ways to help others. Maybe you call to check on a friend. Perhaps you drop off food for a neighbor. Figure out how to be there for others. It will help give you a purpose while building a connection. • Participate in live virtual events. Religious services, entertainment, and educational events over Zoom, and other live streaming platforms can keep your mind working and give you an opportunity to socialize.

• Organize a watch party. Find a movie on Netflix, cable, or TV and gather people to watch it. By the way, don’t laugh, but our circle watches “The Waltons”, “The Andy Griffin Show”, and “Little House on the Prairie.” No violence or politics. Just wishing for a return of the “good old days”.

• My daughter and I have actually started reorganizing all our family pictures. We have found ourselves laughing, crying, and remembering. This has brought us closer and we appreciate each other in a totally different way.

• Walking or cycling is so beneficial for us. Dogs love and need walks for their socialization and for mental wellbeing just like we do.

When this first started last year, I wrote about sitting in front of my house and chatting with neighbors as they walked by. When the weather gets a bit warmer, I intend to do it again. Let’s see if I can remember all the names of the children and dogs from last year.

Also, does anyone remember how our parents wrote letters or sent cards? I believe this is a lost “art.” A friend from back east mailed me a Christmas card with a heartfelt note inside and another took the time to handwrite a two-page letter to me. I was so surprised at how good it made me feel! In describing this to my granddaughter and grandson, they said why don’t you “just text” your friends? This was a teaching moment. I explained it means so much more to know that someone cares enough to write to you and it’s so much more than a cold “text”. Yet, our young people still feel “disconnected”. You don’t feel that way when you go to your mailbox and receive a card or letter, right? So now, we take the time to mail each other something that says “I sincerely care about you”.

All in all, while we can experience emotional stress or depression, maybe when this is over (and it will be over one day) the positive result is that we sincerely appreciate the hugs and human touches, and, perhaps, have even grown closer to one another. Do not be afraid to discuss these issues with your doctor, as he will be able to help.

CDC / Dr Andrea Klemes / Mayo

Health Hazards of sitting to much! – 2021

We all know that sitting too much can be bad for our health. This is especially true in these exceptional times. I wrote about this same thing 3 ½ years ago. But it is now more applicable than ever.

Whether we are staying home due to the pandemic, because of our retirement, or even if we are still working, we tend to sit in front of the TV or at our workspaces more than 8 hours every day.

What happens to us when we sit too much? Is it really so bad since we’ve basically worked all our lives?

When we are sedentary for a long time, everything slows down, including our bodily functions and even our brains. Our muscles weaken and deteriorate, our posture worsens, and our spine compresses. When our muscles are moving or engaged (remember our heart is a muscle) fresh blood and oxygen is pumped throughout our entire bodies. This keeps our minds stimulated, focused, and promotes healthy bodily functions. Even amidst the pandemic, CDC and doctors advise us to exercise daily.

Prolonged sitting has been linked to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, as well as an increased risk for colon, breast, and endometrial cancers. One theory is excess insulin encourages damaging cell growth. Regular movement boosts antioxidants that kill cell-damaging and cancer-causing free radicals. But when muscles aren’t moving, they don’t respond to insulin and then the pancreas ends up producing more insulin. This can possibly lead to diabetes. Sitting for more than 8 hours a day has also been associated with a 90% increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Muscle degeneration and back problems are another by-product of excessive sitting. When we move, soft discs between our vertebrae expand and contract like sponges, soaking up fresh blood and nutrients. When we sit too long, discs are squashed unevenly and collagen hardens around tendons and ligaments.

So, what can we do? Sit less and move more! Examples are maybe standing while talking on the phone or even when you eat lunch. Go for a walk during work breaks, even if it’s just up and down the hallway. If you work at a desk, try a standing desk, or simply improvise with a high table or countertop. Every 10 to 15
minutes, get up and move, or walk around. Stretching exercises help greatly. Bend over, touch your toes, or do arm circles and rotate your shoulders backward. Set regular alarms on your phone as a reminder to stand up, stretch, and decrease your sitting time. According to “Peak Fitness,” getting up and walking around for 2 minutes every hour increased their lifespan by 33% compared to those who did not.

The advice is two-fold: stand up a minimum of once an hour plus get at least 30 minutes of activity in a day. Lifting that coffee cup or glass of wine for a sip does not constitute exercise. LOL! Please remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Possible COVID Fighters – 2021

If you’re feeling like the virus will never end, you’re not alone. We’re now entering our ninth month since the pandemic officially began —nine months without normalcy. This consistent black cloud we’re under has consequences: a boom in mental health issues, social isolation, and constant stress. Now, there’s even a backlash against the measures that have kept many of us from catching the virus. It’s called COVID fatigue. Frustration, boredom, disappointment, depression — many of us are experiencing some of this — me included. Unfortunately, now is not the time to let down your guard. If you’ve been social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands, keep doing so.

Cases are surging with new positive test rates higher in November than at any other time during the pandemic. While we are closer to vaccines and are doing a better job treating the symptoms of severe COVID-19, catching the coronavirus can still be a very real threat to your health.

Please keep your ‘wellness’ appointments. Why? Because your doctor may see possible health problems brewing that you may not notice. These may be things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Doctors can also measure issues like stress, anxiety, and depressions. These 3 issues can wreak havoc on your health. Of course, telemedicine is an option in lieu of in-person appointments.

We hope your holidays were good. Some of us have traveled, most have stayed home. Then again, we may have had friends and loved ones who visited with us over the holidays. If so, please be careful when you return.

Does it seem like most of my health articles have to do with COVID? Well, I promise next month it won’t. Please follow the CDC mandates to stay safe and well.

Possible COVID Fighters – 2020

Flu Shots during COVID? – 2020

Many people are asking, “should I get the flu shot during the COVID pandemic”? There is no “one” answer for everyone. We strongly suggest you speak to your physician about the circumstances that are specific to you.

Since COVID and the flu both affect our respiratory systems, they can spread easily. COVID has many unknowns and therefore the doctors do not know how or if they may interact with each other. As of this date, there are no vaccines for either. Numerous physicians say that this year is particularly important to get our flu shot so as to minimize the effects. Getting a flu shot will NOT protect someone from contracting COVID. Doctors are also asking everyone who may share living space to get the flu shot to protect everyone in their household.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that COVID is more contagious among certain age groups than the flu. So, they advised it is best to get the flu shot. As we have all heard, again and again, mask up, observe social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. The CDC also says that September and October are generally the best months to get the flu shot.

To sum it up, please talk to your doctor about your circumstances for their recommendation. We here at American Retirement Advisors hope you all will stay safe and be well.

Resources: CDC/FDA/USA Today