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Summer bodies are due in the next few days and many of us havent made the efforts we thought wed make. In our searches for the quickest, easiest route to getting a summer body, the word detox often comes up

Should you do it?

Weve searched for answers for our detox questions to help you decide if its the way to go this summer.

Read more:5 Things you should know about intermittent fasting & detox diets before you try them

A detox diet can come in many forms; whether its a series of enemas, eating certain cleansing foods or taking medications. Detox aims at cleansing your body of toxins that either influence your health or block you from reaching your health and weight loss goals.

According tohealthline.com, detoxing can sometimes involve periods of fasting aimed at re-booting your system and your metabolism. In the case of weight loss detoxes, the detox is a short-term intervention meant to kick-start a healthier way of eating, living and weight loss

While many dieters and cleansing products make claims to improving wellbeing and accelerating weight loss, others have claimed that the effects are only temporary and do not contribute to long term weight loss or health.

One study published inHavard Health Publicationsclaimed that because detoxes do not provide ongoing benefits or usually contribute to healthy nutrition they are only stop-gap measures that instead of correcting dietary problems provide temporary relief. With no lasting benefits.

The study suggests that long-term changes to your diet and lifestyle allowing your body to gradually and repeatedly rid its self of toxins and unwanted substances are healthier and more sustainable.

Read more: Victoria Beckham drinks moon water during health detox

Most detox diets involve some sort of purges and fasting restricting what comes in and increasing what comes out which at least lead to some weight loss.

A popular detox diet, the master cleanse or lemonade diet has been used by dieters since 1940 and has since been used by stars like Beyonc so shed the kilos quickly. It isnt easy though since when on the master cleanse diet you eat absolutely nothing and sustain yourself on a spicy lemonade mixture which is said to be a diuretic and laxative to some extent.

Multiple diet sites have specified that although weight loss is one result of a detox diet, it isnt the actual aim, even when the detox is t kick start an actual weight loss diet. The aim of the detox is to get your body working optimally.

As with and temporary measure the results only last as long as the diet does and with extreme diets like the master cleanse, its impossible to stay healthy while continuing long term.

While All4Women endeavours to ensure health articles are based on scientific research, health articles should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical advice. Should you have concerns related to this content, it is advised that you discuss them with your personal healthcare provider.

Link:
Detoxing: is it healthy? should you do it? - All4Women

This weeks Journal of the American Medical Association has a study done by investigators at our Cincinnati Childrens Hospital that showed that closing K through 12 schools in March for corona virus resulted in 62% fewer cases and 58% fewer deaths. This shows that though children dont get and die of and transmit the virus as much as adults, there are many other issues involved. Nobody has any idea what this tells us about what will happen when we re-open schools now but because there are many ways that this will happen determined by so many local school districts we have another big natural experiment underway.

Be that as it may there were also three other pieces in this weeks JAMA that review the state of the art of bariatric surgery as of right now. Weve written a lot about bariatric surgery but I always learn new stuff.

Although bariatric surgery is currently recommended more than ever before very few candidates choose to make this choice. There is strong evidence that bariatric surgery is effective and safe and results in abundantly more weight loss that is way more durable than not getting the surgery for obesity. Also it cures or prevents the complications of obesity type 2 diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease and cancer and it cuts death rates in half. The lack of uptake of bariatric surgery must be because it seems too drastic and dangerous and expensive and insurance companies impose often unreasonable requirements and restrictions.

This is not to say that the risks of bariatric surgeries are zero. The biggest risk perhaps is the fact that up to a third of bariatric surgery subjects will eventually need another surgery though for many reasons not always related to the first surgery. But this kind of weight loss surgery still results in better outcomes and life extensions and is cheaper in the long run than avoiding it.

The relatively newer procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy, is now more common than the classic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) because it is simpler and gets almost as good results and maybe has fewer complications and need for later re-surgeries. The adjustable gastric band procedure and other kinds of bariatric surgeries have largely been abandoned because of their inferiority to sleeve gastrectomy and RYGB. The weight loss average is 19% for the sleeve gastrectomy and 26% for RYGB. The long term failure rate, defined as getting back to within 5% of whatever you weighed before you got the surgery, is 14% for sleeve gastrectomy and 4% for RYGB. An almost fourfold difference in failure rate sounds bad but a 86% long term success sounds plenty good enough.

All patients who get this kind of surgery should take vitamins and be followed closely for nutritional deficiencies and complications. Ideally they should all be part of ongoing study by the surgeons who are doing them. I still have so many questions. I always say that the best way to learn to be a good cook is to eat what you make.

1. Arterburn DE et al. Benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in adults. A Review. JAMA. 2020;324(9):879-87.

2. Yijun C, Zhaoping L, Dutson E. Primary care treatment of patients following bariatric surgery in 2020. JAMA. 2020;324(9):888-9.

3.Brajcich BC, Hungness ES. Patient page. Sleeve gastrectomy JAMA. 2020;324(9):908.

This writers opinion is their own and not the opinion of this newspaper

John DiTraglia M.D. is a Pediatrician in Portsmouth. He can be reached by e-mail- jditrag@zoomnet.net or phone-354-6605.

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Review of benefits and risks of bariatric surgery - Portsmouth Daily Times

Insulin resistance is a condition that occurs when muscle, liver and fat cells dont respond well to insulin. Most know that insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar, but it also has a role in fat storage and regulation of enzymatic activity in the body. So, if insulin is not able to do its job, it can cause us to have problems, one of which can be especially tough if were trying to address obesity.

The pancreas responds to insulin resistance by making more insulin, but guess what? Our cells still ignore it. This elevation can cause many issues with our bodies. We know that higher insulin levels are seen in type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Other clinical presentations include infertility, skin tags, acanthosis nigricans, high triglycerides and possibly more. This elevation in insulin also activates fat synthesis and weight gain. Weight gain makes cells even more resistant to insulin.

Blount Memorial registered dietitian Heather Pierce says this may sound like a downward spiral, but lifestyle choices can improve and often reverse insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is very prevalent in our country, she said. Genetics and environmental factors contribute to this, too, but lets focus on lifestyle strategies. The core problem is high insulin levels. A fasting level can be obtained, but they are not commonly performed. Waist-to-height ratio is something you can do yourself to assess if you have insulin resistance. Divide your waist measurement by your height. Anything less than 0.5 indicates good insulin sensitivity. Basically, you want your waist to be no more than half of your height, she explained. If anything, this can give you the knowledge to begin making changes to your lifestyle, whether or not you are overweight.

Its the abdominal fat that is more likely to cause metabolic issues and insulin resistance, Pierce continued. We mentioned that the cells are not responding to this hormone, but how do we make them listen? Movement is one of the greatest ways to make cells more sensitive to insulin. Notice, I said movement, not a marathon or exercising to the point that you are injured. All movement is good, but strength training and interval training may be the best bang for your buck if you are limited on time. Our Wellness Centers at Springbrook and Cherokee are doing an excellent job of maintaining services safely through the pandemic, she said. There are also quite a few free apps and online videos that can help if youd rather exercise in your home. Either way, look at exercise as a medicine to help reverse insulin resistance, and find something that works for you.

Next, Pierce says what we eat is essential to lowering insulin resistance.

To reduce the amount of insulin circulating in the blood, we must understand what causes elevations, Pierce said. Elevation occurs slightly with protein intake, but theres no impact from fat. Carbohydrate is the main nutrient that raises blood sugar and then activates insulin to be secreted, so think of bread, cereals, crackers, pasta, rice, potatoes, snack cakes, sugary beverages and fruit. The goal is to get the sugar into cells to be used as energy or stored. Once our cells have stored enough sugar, the energy may wind up being stored as fat long-term. I dont usually recommend taking out all carbs and creating a cycle of dieting; I prefer to decrease the obvious culprits such as sweetened beverages and snacks, then tackle finding replacements for the common carbohydrates that are overconsumed.

Finally, when we eat can also be a game changer for insulin resistance, as well, Pierce said. Remember, when we eat our insulin goes up, and as long as insulin is up, weight loss is hindered. This just might explain why smaller meals throughout the day is not working for everyone. If we start limiting our eating times, we can lower our insulin levels. Youve probably heard of intermittent fasting and there are several ways to implement this safely. I recommend researching the options and reviewing them with your doctor first.

Read the original:
BMH COLUMN; There are ways to improve or reverse insulin resistance - Maryville Daily Times

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Created for Greatist by the experts at Healthline. Read more

Its a no-brainer that walking can be great for your health, but will you need to spend hours strolling around to eke out those fitness perks? Knowing how long it takes to walk a mile can help you plan ahead.

Maybe youve decided running is a hard pass. Maybe you want to give speed walking competitions a try. Or, maybe you just want to walk a mile in someone elses shoes and youre wondering how long its going to take. (Your own shoes are fine, too.)

No matter what you have planned, heres everything you need to know to put one foot in front of the other.

It takes, on average, about 15 to 22 minutes to walk a mile according to a large, long-term study. How fast youll walk depends on a few things: age, gender, physical ability, terrain, and whether someones holding the door for you

According to a 2011 study, men walk a bit faster than women, and your speed often decreases with age. Here are the breakdowns:

How long it takes to walk a mile: Men

How long it takes to walk a mile: Women

The world record for the fastest mile ever walked is held by British Olympian Tom Bosworth at 5:31. Thats faster than most people can run that same distance so its probably too ambitious a goal for first-timers.

Interested to see how fast your body can take you? Theres plenty of tech that can help you out. From pedometers to smart watches and phone apps, its easy to see your speed in real time and track your progress.

Apps like MapMyRun, FitBit (no band required), and Endomodo do the job of measuring distance and pace more accurately and easily than ever. You can also invest in watches from brands like Garmin and Apple that do almost everything except rub your feet after a long walk.

A good old-fashioned stopwatch (or the digital stopwatch on your phone) also still serves the purpose. Keep in mind: One lap around a typical outdoor track is a quarter-mile and indoor tracks are typically one-tenth or one-twelfth of a mile.

Races arent just for runners. USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for foot racing, recognizes a wide range of official race-walking distances including everything from your basic 5K (3.1 miles) to ultramarathons of 31 and 62 miles. But, you probably wont want to walk 500 miles

Average walking time per race distance

If walking 30 minutes per day, shooting for a 20 to 30 minute pace, is a good general goal if youre looking to reap the health benefits of walking. Just keep in mind: your biggest mile marker is your own progress.

Its helpful to have goals to inspire you and to hold yourself accountable to, but just getting out there (or onto a treadmill) is a win. Aiming to do better than you did yesterday is still a big step toward a healthier you.

Research has found that even a small increase in walking can have big impacts on your overall health.

Accelerating your walking speed can accelerate your health benefits. Studies have shown that increasing how fast you walk can decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease (and who doesnt want a happy heart?). A 2019 study found that faster walking speed is also associated with boosting brain health.

Regular walkers tend to live longer, have lower blood pressure, and be less prone to chronic disease. Sound good? Just dont overdo it. While walking daily can help prevent certain joint pain, if youre just starting out, walking too far too quickly could lead to an overuse injury.

Walking, especially speed walking, can be an effective way to manage your weight, but if youre struggling to walk fast for the whole mile, dont give up! Try alternating 30-second or 1-minute intervals of faster walking with 1 or 2 minutes at an easier pace. Thatll help you build endurance and provide some weight-management benefits of walking.

Theres nothing magical about the mile. In fact, one study on sitting, standing, and walking found that it was actually spending less time sitting down that had the biggest impact on weight loss.

If you have a 9-to-5 that has you stuck behind a desk all day, try spending some of your time standing or walking in place while you work. You could invest in a standing desk or try piling up some boxes under your laptop.

Speed walking can be a great, low impact, way to stay active whether or not you want to get involved in competition. You dont have to go all Hal from Malcolm in the Middle with a morph suit and aerodynamic helmet to get into it, either.

According to the USA Track & Field, in order to qualify as race walking you need to keep contact with the ground at all times and your front leg has to be straight from the time your front foot hits the ground until its under your body.

To begin training, you could start with a weekly goal of 10 or 15 minutes per day for 5 days and gradually increase time, distance, pace, and number of workouts as you gain strength and endurance. Before long, youll be walking at super speed for 30 minutes or more, no sweat.

It takes around 15 to 22 minutes to walk a mile. If youre looking to lower your blood pressure, lose weight, and live longer, walking is a great exercise whether youre a beginner or a seasoned speed walker.

Dont worry if you cant walk a mile at record speed, just remember: A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. And so does a 1-mile walk.

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Walk on the Wild Side: Here's How Long It Takes to Walk a Mile - Greatist

One in 10 breastfed babies loses more than 10% of birthweight in the first week of life

Where an infant has an underlying illness that causes poor weight gain, clinical features will usually be present

Persisting pain during breastfeeding can indicate problems with positioning and attachment. Simple interventions are often effective in improving milk transfer

Amelia is four weeks old. At the request of her health visitor, Amelias mother comes to see you with concerns about growth. Amelia is Lucy's first baby, is breastfed, and has just regained her birth weight. The growth chart in her parent-held child health record shows Amelia is currently on the 25th centile, having been on the 75th centile at birth. Lucy is worried about whether she is able to meet Amelias nutritional needs.

This article explores how to approach concerns about infant growth in the early weeks after birth, how to manage common problems, and when to seek additional support.

The aims of the consultation are to understand and explore parental concerns, look for evidence of illness in mother or baby, assess feeding, and provide advice, guiding families to additional support if required. Conversations about infant growth can be emotive and highly influential, making it essential to recognise and respond to parental concerns with sensitivity and provide evidence-informed guidance.

Anxiety about infant weight gain is common and can lead to early cessation of breastfeeding.12 In a UK-wide survey on infant feeding, the most common reasons to discontinue breastfeeding were concerns about milk supply, latch, or painful feeding.3 Slow weight gain in infants is usually related to suboptimal nutritional intake. Glandular breast tissue hypoplasia, which limits a womans ability to produce milk, is uncommon, with a reported incidence of 1 in 1000.45 Therefore, the consultation should consider maternal concerns and

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Growth concerns in the early weeks of life - The BMJ

Obesity is a common, serious, and costly chronic disease, and it is rising in the US, reveals an analysis at a time when the health condition is seen causing greater risk for severe Covid-19. Twelve states in 2019 had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. This is up from nine states in 2018, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

All states and territories had more than 20% of adults with obesity. 20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in 1 state (Colorado) and the District of Columbia. 25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 13 states. 30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 23 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. 35% or more adults had obesity in 12 states, write authors.

The Midwest (33.9%) and South (33.3%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the Northeast (29%), and the West (27.4%). The data comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an on-going state-based, telephone interview survey conducted by CDC and state health departments.

The researchers found that obesity impacts some groups more than others. Combined data from 2017-2019 show notable racial and ethnic disparities: non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest prevalence of self-reported obesity (39.8%), followed by Hispanic adults (33.8%) and non-Hispanic White adults (29.9%). While six states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among non-Hispanic White adults, 15 states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among Hispanic adults. Another 34 states and the District of Columbia had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among non-Hispanic Black adults.

Obesity decreased by level of education. Adults without a high school degree or equivalent had the highest self-reported obesity (36.2%), followed by high school graduates (34.3%), adults with some college (32.8%), and college graduates (25%). Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18-24 years had the lowest self-reported obesity (18.9%) compared to adults aged 45-54 years who had the highest prevalence (37.6%), reveals the study.

According to health experts, adults with obesity are at even higher risk during the Covid-19 pandemic. Having obesity increases the risk of severe illness from coronavirus and it may triple the risk of hospitalization due to a Covid-19 infection. Obesity is also linked to impaired immune function. Obesity decreases lung capacity and reserve and can make ventilation more difficult. As BMI increases, the risk of death from Covid-19 increases. Studies have demonstrated that obesity may be linked to lower vaccine responses for numerous diseases, cautions CDC.

Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black adults have a higher prevalence of obesity and are more likely to suffer worse outcomes from Covid-19. Racial and ethnic minority groups have historically not had fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health, and these inequities have increased the risk of getting sick and dying from Covid-19 for some groups. Many of these same factors are contributing to the higher level of obesity in some racial and ethnic minority groups, the findings state.

Obesity is a complex disease with many contributing factors. The report says that neighborhood design, access to healthy, affordable foods and beverages, and access to safe and convenient places for physical activity can all impact obesity.

According to experts, the racial and ethnic disparities in obesity underscore the need to address social determinants of health such as poverty, education, and housing to remove barriers to health. This will take action at the policy and systems-level to ensure that obesity prevention and management starts early and that everyone has access to good nutrition and safe places to be physically active, they emphasize. Policymakers and community leaders must work to ensure that their communities, environments, and systems support a healthy, active lifestyle for all, recommends the team.

The authors say that systemic change takes time, as does long-term weight loss. They suggest that in addition to the steps everyone should take to slow the spread of coronavirus, individuals can help protect themselves and their families during this pandemic by eating a healthy diet, being active, and getting enough sleep. The epidemic of obesity is impacting the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the added risks associated with coronavirus, we need to support all individuals, especially members of racial and ethnic minority groups, to live active healthy lives, they conclude.

Continued here:
Adult obesity rate on the rise, more than 20% Americans obese in all states with Blacks most impacted: CDC - MEAWW

All in all, there's a lot to love about fall: It's the time of the year when you can slow things down, cozy up, and relax. Not to mention revisit your impressive sweater collection. But don't get too comfynot yet, anyway. While apple-picking is always a doctor-approved habit, there are also some things experts say to avoid. From overdoing it on added sugar (hello, pumpkin spice lattes!) to skipping your workouts, these are the worst things you can do for your health this fall. And for what you should be doing, check out The Single Best Thing You Can Do for Your Health Right Now.

In the summer months, you may combat stress through workouts and time spent reading on the beach. Just make sure you still find ways to deal with it during the colder fall months, too. According to Jessica Peatross, MD, a hospitalist and functional medicine doctor in Monterey Park, California, severe acute stress or chronic long-term stress can have an impact on how well your immune system functions.

"When you're stressed, there's an uptick in the fight-or-flight hormone, cortisol. If cortisol remains high chronically, research shows this can increase inflammation, which can confuse the body's defenses," says Peatross. "A type of our white blood cells, lymphocytes, also have a more difficult time responding to foreign invaders when you're stressed." And for all the ways being at your wit's end impacts your well-being, check out 18 Subtle Signs Your Stress Levels Are Harming Your Health.

There are so many downsides to going crazy on added or processed sugar, and that's exactly why doctors recommend keeping your intake to a minimum.

"In the short-term, added or processed sugar has been shown to cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, leading to increased secretion of insulin and then glucose crash. These fluctuations in blood sugar levels can negatively impact your energy levels," says Emmanuel Asare, MD, a New York-based internal medicine specialist and the founder of MiraBurst. "In the long-term, research shows that added sugar is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, increased risk of heart disease, development of some types of cancers, and other health issues."

Remember the flu? Even though it's been out of many people's minds with everything else happening in the world, now's the time to start making sure you're doing whatever you can to prevent all sicknesses. "With the winter months approaching and COVID-19 still lurking, it's more important than ever before to get vaccinated," says Niket Sonpal, MD, an internist and gastroenterologist in New York City. "The country will likely have a convergence of both flu and coronavirus this fall and winter, so getting the flu shot is extremely crucial this year (and every year)." And for more on the influenza virus, check out Everything You Need to Know About Flu Season This Year.

It's tempting to cozy up to one too many bottles of wine come fall, but Sunitha D. Posina, MD, a board-certified internist and locum hospitalist in New York, says to make sure to keep those glasses to a minimum in order to keep your health in check.

"While consuming alcohol can lower the chances of heart disease and improve blood pressure, regularly drinking more than two drinks a day can have many consequences on the rest of the body," she says. "At minimum, allow yourself two alcohol-free days a week to avoid developing liver problems and gaining weight. The CDC defines one drink per day for women and two for men as moderate drinking, which is associated in alcohol studies with the lowest mortality rates."

Just because it's sweater season doesn't mean you should stop eating healthy and working out. "With cooler weather, folks tend to spend more time indoors and be less active. Just because you're not wearing a swimsuit doesn't mean you should stop exercising," says Carmen Teague, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Atrium Health Mecklenburg Medical Group in Charlotte, North Carolina. "Commit to finding indoor opportunities to stay fit and active once it gets cold."

Once it gets cold outside, it's tempting to eat more warm and cozy comfort foods. But be sure you're still getting in at least five servings of fruit and veggies a day while doing so.

"Research has shown that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce a person's risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and some types of cancers," Asare says. "Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a wide range of health boosting antioxidants, including polyphenols. These plant-based nutrients help us lead a healthier, longer life by helping us reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases."

Yeah, yeahit's hard to sleep when you're so excited about making your pumpkin spice latte in the morning. But Sonpal says ensuring you're getting sufficient sleep every night (he recommends aiming for 7 to 8 hours) is important in maintaining good health, as well as a strong immune system.

"When the body is asleep, there's an increase in the release of T cells and cytokines in the bloodstream, which are vital parts of the immune system. Less sleep means fewer immune cells are being produced, therefore increasing the risk of infection," he says. "Not to mention, sleep deprivation can worsen or make it harder to manage stress. Stress alone weakens your immunity, leaving you vulnerable to getting sick." And to see where people are getting the least amount of shut-eye, check out This Is the Most Sleep-Deprived State in the U.S.

Having sweets in moderation is healthy. What's not good for your body, however, is eating your child's entire supply of Halloween candy. "The holidays, starting with Halloween, tend to afford many opportunities for sweets and dietary indiscretion," Teague says. "Be mindful of what you're eating, or sampling. It's okay to eat your Aunt Trilla's pumpkin pie, but you probably shouldn't devour the whole thing."

There's still so much to learn about COVID-19, and that's why it's important to stay informed on all the latest symptoms and news. "Come fall and wintertime, coronavirus infections will overlap with cases of the common cold and seasonal flu. Given that all three of these conditions can result in a cough, the symptoms may be difficult to distinguish," Posina says. "That's why it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 news in your city or neighborhood, and know what to look out for when it comes to showing symptoms."

If you're trying to shed some pounds before the holidays, this is not the way to go about it. According to Asare, there are many different side effects of weight loss pills depending on the type you take, ranging from insomnia and increased blood pressure to headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

"Besides the potential side effects of diet pills, it's also important to know that most people will regain some or all of the weight they lost when they stop using weight loss pills," he says. "In effect, the only safe, effective, and permanent way to lose weight is through lifestyle modification, which consists of increased physical activity and the adoption of healthy eating habits." And for more helpful information delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

What's the problem with sour foods, you ask? According to Asare, they're not great for your stomach when you overdo it. "Most healthy fruits tend to be a little sour, and therefore sour foods are okay to consume in moderation," he says. "However, if too many sour foods are consumed improperly, it can lead to gastric upset. That is why it's important that certain sour foodssuch as lemonsare combined with other foods and drinks that aren't sour." And for more things you need to know about your midsection, check out This Is Everything Your Stomach Is Trying to Tell You About Your Health.

You might be tempted to skip breakfast in order to cut down on your daily calories, but Asare says eating something healthy can keep you feeling your best. "If you start your day with a healthy breakfast, it will 'wake up' your digestive system and jump start your metabolism," he says. "This will regulate your bowel movements and help your blood sugar levels to stay stable throughout the day."

It's the season of baked goods, and that means sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Dr. Asare says to be aware of how much added sugar is going into what you eat and drink. While he says natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit are generally safe for the body, he's not a fan of artificial options.

"Artificial sweeteners may have long-term health issues and therefore need more research to establish long-term safety," he says. "A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2017 revealed that artificial sweeteners may be associated with long-term weight gain and increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease."

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The Worst Things You Can Do for Your Health This Fall - Best Life

Note: In response to concerns about the coronavirus, many events may be subject to cancellation, postponement or attendance limits. Please contact organizers to confirm event details.

HEALTH NEWS

Gift shop volunteers needed

Gift Shop volunteers are needed at Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospitals. This is a great way to learn about retail in health care or volunteer your time and experience in an enjoyable shop environment.

Volunteer benefits include shop discounts and a meal voucher. A variety of shift times are available including evenings and weekends. Please visit the hospitals website atbeverlyhospital.org/giving/volunteer-services for more information.

Pet therapy volunteers sought

Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, is seeking more volunteers with certified pet therapy dogs to provide pet therapy to hospice patients in a variety of settings throughout Greater Boston and on the North Shore.

Pet therapy dogs must be certified through a registered pet therapy organization. Volunteers will receive training and ongoing support while engaging in the rewarding experience of visiting hospice patients and their caregivers.

For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Sheryl Meehan, Director of Volunteer Services and Complementary Therapies at SMeehan@CareDimensions.org or 978-750-9321.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND OTHER PROGRAMS

Safe Place Support Group

Safe Place is a support group in Beverly dedicated to helping people who have lost a loved one, co-worker or friend to suicide that meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 705 Hale St..

Run by Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley, a program of Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, Safe Place provides a space to talk about your loss with others who are experiencing the same type of devastating loss. Its a place to talk, listen, cry, be silent, grieve, be understood and receive hope and understanding from other loss survivors. Safe Place is a confidential and free support group led by a trained fellow suicide loss survivor.

For additional information, contact Debbie Helms at dhelms@fsmv.org.

Alzheimers Caregiver Support Group

Spectrum Adult Day Health Programs, 600 Cummings Center, Beverly, will host an Alzheimers Caregiver Support Group from 1:30 to 3 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month.

The group will offer information and education about Alzheimers disease and related memory disorders, an increased understanding through shared experiences and mutual support from other caregivers. Free respite care available upon request. Light refreshments will be served

To RSVP for respite care or have questions, contact support leader Rachael Palmacci at 978-921-5020 or signup online at http://spectrumdayprogram.org.

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients

An eight-session educational/support program for individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer is held at the Beverly Hospital at Danvers. This program is designed to support, guide and provide knowledge.

The free program is held at Beverly Hospital at Danvers Breast Center, Beverly Hospital at Danvers, 480 Maple St., Danvers. Sessions are held on the first and thirdMonday beginning at 7 p.m. There is no fee.

For further details on upcoming dates or to register, please contact Kimberly Willis, NP-C, Certified Patient Navigator at kwillis@nhs-healthlink.org or call 978-304-8105.

Dementia Support Group

A Dementia Support Group will be held at Twin Oaks Center on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7-8 p.m.

When you are faced with a loved one exhibiting symptoms of dementia, it can be a confusing and troubling time in your life. The group will help you understand the disease and gain knowledge about the best methods of care for your loved one.

People afflicted with cognitive impairments require additional care to keep their emotional and physical functioning strong and healthy. The centers specialized professionals connect to deliver consistent, stable care while creating an environment of warmth and understanding.

Twin Oaks Center is located at 63 Locust St., Danvers. The support group is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jennifer Tineo at 978-777-0011.

One Life recovery program

One Life, a faith-based recovery program for those struggling with life-controlling issues (hurts, hang-ups, and habits), meets every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Danvers. This program will help you find freedom from addictive and compulsive thoughts, behavior patterns such as co-dependency, pornography, chemical dependency, eating disorders, depression, emotional/physical abuse, anger, and other personal struggles. This tried and proven recovery program uses traditional methods to build recovery for those struggling with life experiences that affect our peace. The First Baptist Church of Danvers is located at 1 Water St., Danvers. Contact by phone at 978-774-8277, by email at Baptist1@verizon.net, or visit them at http://www.fbcdanvers.org.

Stroke Survivor Support Group

A free monthly Stroke Survivor Support Group held on the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The group meets at Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., Gloucester in the Longan Room. The free program is facilitated by a variety of professionals affiliated with the stroke program at Beverly Hospital.

Light refreshments will be available. There is no fee and preregistration is not required. For further information or questions, please call Eileen Consentino at 978-922-3000, ext. 2295.

Young Moms Pregnancy Workshop

The Healthy Pregnancy Workshop isa class specifically for teens and young women. It is a two-hour class to be attended in the first or second trimester, focusing on healthy pregnancy. There is no fee. To register or for further information, please call 978-922-3000, ext. 2720.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

The Beverly Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, located on the campus of Beverly Hospital. This free meeting meets in the Garden Room, located on the first floor.

Preregistration is not required, those wishing further information may call the Community Relations Department at Beverly Hospital at 978-236-1650.

Melanoma Support Group

IMPACT Melanomasponsors a support group open to all those who have been diagnosed with Melanoma. The group is facilitated by Kelli Braga, LICSW, in the Garden Conference Room, located on the first floor of the Beverly Hospital.

The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6-7:30 p.m. There is no fee. Preregistration is requested. To register, or for further information, please contact Kelli Braga at Beverly Hospital 978-922-3000, extension 2710, or by calling theIMPACT Melanoma at 800-557-6352.

General Cancer Support Group

The General Cancer Support Group meets at Beverly Hospital on the first Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Womens Health Building in the small conference room.

Preregistration is required by calling the Social Work Department at Beverly Hospital at 978-922-3000, ext. 2710.

Healthy Streets Outreach Program

Healthy Streets Outreach Program, a program of Health Innovation, Inc., provides HIV, Hepatitis C testing, STI testing, Narcan and overdose prevention training, referrals to substance use treatment and mental health services.

Healthy Streets Outreach Program, is located at 100 Willow St., Second Floor, Lynn. For further information, please call: 781-592-0243.

Medication review

A free 15-minute review of medications may be scheduled with a registered pharmacist at Beverly Hospital. Appointments are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month. Participants are asked to bring a list of all medications, prescription and over-the-cou1nter medications, including vitamins, etc. To schedule a free and confidential appointment, please call Lahey Health Senior Care at 978-922-7018, ext. 1305.

Healthy Streets Outreach

Northeast Behavioral Health Healthy Streets Outreach Program provides rapid HIV testing, hepatitis C information, access to drug treatment, overdose prevention and Narcan training. All services, provided by NBH Healthy Streets Program, are available at various locations on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 978-767-3913 or 781-592-0243 to reach the outreach team.

Help with hoarding issues

The North Shore Center for Hoarding & Cluttering at North Shore Elder Services is the leader in providing a support system for those who are feeling overwhelmed by the stuff in their life. Many of us periodically reach a point where we need to simplify, organize and declutter. Sometimes we cannot do it alone and need some help in meeting this challenge; thats when the North Shore Center for Hoarding & Cluttering can offer assistance.

If you or someone you know might benefit from any of the professional services NSCHC can offer, call 978-750-4540 and ask for Information Services to make a referral. There are no geographic or age restrictions for participating in any of the services.

NSCHC is located at North Shore Elder Services, 300 Rosewood Ave., Suite 200, in Danvers. For more information, please contact Marnie McDonald, LCSW at (978) 624-2207 or mmcdonald@nselder.org

Community CPR programs

Beverly Hospital is offering several American Heart Association CPR courses designed for non-medical personnel and teach the skills and techniques used in adult, infant and child CPR. This course also covers choking in adult and children, and the use of protection devices for mouth-to-mouth breathing. This course is appropriate for anyone wishing to learn lifesaving CPR skills.

The cost of the course is $50 and includes the American Heart Association Heart Saver Student Workbooks. At the completion of the course you will receive an American Heart Association Heart Saver course completion card; this card signifies that you have successfully completed the CPR program.

The classes will run from 6-9 p.m. and are subject to cancellation due to low registration. The cost of the course is $50 and includes the textbook. To register or for further information , please contact Kim Regan at 978-922-3000, ext. 3436.

Suicide Survivor Support Group

SAFE PLACE, a peer-run suicide survivor support group is held for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The support group is sponsored by the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley of Lawrence.

Friends are welcome to attend the free support group that meets at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 705 Hale St., Beverly Farms on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 7-8:30 p.m. There is no fee. Preregistration is not required.

For further information, please call Debbie Helms at 978-327-6671.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

The Beverly Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, located on the campus of Beverly Hospital. This free group meets in the Garden Room, located on the first floor.

Preregistration is not required, those wishing further information may call the Community Relations Department at Beverly Hospital 978-283-4000, ext. 585.

Grief recovery

G.R.A.S.P. Grief Recovery after a Substance Passing a support group for families or individuals who have lost a loved as a result of substance use or addiction, meets on the first Thursday of every month, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Highland Hall inside the auditorium at Salem Hospital. For more information, call 781-593-5224 or 978-354-2660 or online at http://www.grasphelp.org.

Young Moms Childbirth Preparation Series

The CYM Childbirth Preparation Series is specifically for teens and young women. This seven-week series follows the Healthy Pregnancy workshop. This series prepares young women and their support people for labor and delivery. The class meets one evening a week for seven weeks. There is no fee; preregistration is required by calling 978-922-3000, extension 2720.

Helping seniors stay healthy

This winter as the rate of senior hospitalization typically reaches its highest point of the year the Home Instead Senior Care, serving Danvers and surrounding areas, has committed to reducing area hospitalizations through the launch of a new informational campaign aimed at educating families how to help aging loved ones remain healthy at home year-round.

There are many things families can do to help keep their senior loved ones out of the hospital. In fact, in a new study of nurses who work primarily with seniors, 99 percent say that the role families play in keeping seniors out of the hospital is just as important as the role of the medical community.

From monitoring their taking of prescribed medications for chronic conditions to attending doctors visits and checking in to ensure doctors instructions are followed, their role as a medical advocate is critical.

To help family members identify and act on potential warning signs, Home Instead is offering Five Ways to Prevent Senior Hospitalizations guide, developed in partnership with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, incoming president of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.

This free resource includes information about common risk factors and the steps that families can take to help ensure a healthy lifestyle. Additional free family resources can be found at http://www.preventseniorhospitalizations.com. To obtain a copy of the guide or to learn more about how you can help keep your senior loved one out of the hospital this winter, please call 978-725-5995.

Surgical Weight Loss info sessions

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is pleased to bring Surgical Weight Loss services to Lahey Outpatient Center, Danvers. While the actual surgery will be performed in Burlington, patients will now have the convenience of receiving preoperative and postoperative care close to home.

Surgical Weight Loss offers a multi-disciplinary team approach for treating obesity through a combination of surgery, behavioral health, and nutrition. This multi-disciplinary approach is the key to successful long-term weight loss and well-being.

As part of the offerings, free monthly bariatric information sessions are held at Lahey Outpatient Center, Danvers. These sessions are open to patients and the community, and are facilitated by surgeons and nurse practitioners of the program.

Patients who typically qualify for surgical weight-loss include those with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40, and/or a body mass index between 35 and 39 with at least one major medical co-morbidity, such as obstructive sleep apnea or hypoventilation syndrome, diabetes or hypertension.

Free upcoming Surgical Weight Loss info sessions are held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please call 978-304-8020 for further information regarding upcoming programs.

Newly Bereaved Workshop

Held 5-7 p.m. first Thursday of every month at the Bertolon Center forGrief & Healing, 78 Liberty St., Danvers.The group is for those who have lost someone within the last three months.To sign up or forinformation: 855-774-5100; grief@caredimensions.org.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

Held 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.second Thursday each month at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St. Group meets once a month at the Senior Center. Come meet other grandparents like you, get support, learn helpful informationand have some fun. Walk-ins are welcome. Held in the Meeting Room.For information: 978-921-6017.

Nar-Anon Support group

Held 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Salvation Army building, 93 North St., Salem. Affected by someone elses addiction? Nar-anon offers Hope. Nar-Anon is a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone elses Addiction. As a twelve-step program, Nar-Anon offers help by sharing experience, strength and hope. Meetings are open to family and friends of addicts in the North Shore area. Meetings will continue as long as they are needed by the community. There is parking in the rear of the building via Mason Street. All meetings are free, non denominational, all are invited.

Caregiver Support Group

Held 10-11:30 a.m. thesecond Tuesday of each month at the Beverly Senior Center, 90 Colon St.Come participate with other caregivers in confidential discussions about the difficulties and joys of caregiving for a loved one. The support of others who understand and have similar experiences can be exactly what you need. Held in the Conference Room. Sign upin advance. For information:978-921-6017.

Gloucester Stroke Club

Held 10:30-11:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month atAddison Gilbert Hospital, Longan Room,298 Washington St.,Gloucester.Support groups are a great way to meet each other, stroke survivors or caregivers who understand what you are going through. The club will offer members various activities such as arts and crafts, gentle exercise, and health demonstrations - such as massage, blood pressure checks and other social activities.

Peer and Recovery Support Group

Held 7-8:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month in the doctors conference room at Beverly Hospital, 85 Herrick St., Beverly. These support groups are for family and friends of those dealing with mental health challenges and also for peers in recovery and meet the last Wednesday of each month. For information: 617-984-0504; csadkowski@yahoo.com; namigreaternorthshore.org.

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Greater Beverly health news and support groups - News - Wicked Local Brookline

A statewide effort to shine a light on the dangers of isolation for residents in long-term care facilities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues has come to East Texas.

Chasity Dillard and Judy Case last weekend placed more than 300 signs in Dillards yard on FM 2087 between Longview and Kilgore on behalf of Texas Caregivers for Compromise, a group working to get the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Gov. Greg Abbott to approve a plan to open long-term care facilities, because they say isolation can also be deadly.

The signs read, Isolation kills, too, and each one has a name on it names of people the groups members said have died in isolation or remain in quarantine in a long-term care facility.

Dillard, a licensed vocational nurse with an East Texas hospice company and a member of the group, said she has seen firsthand the pain that pandemic-related isolation can cause.

For some of the elderly people, their nightmare has become a reality, My family is going to put me in a home and forget about me, Dillard said. They dont all understand that theres a sickness (pandemic).

Texas Caregivers for Compromise organizers said they are not asking the states government to open wide the doors to care facilities. Instead, they want one caregiver per resident to be allowed to visit with and care for their loved one.

In March, Gov. Greg Abbott shut down visitation at the states nursing homes in a move meant to protect the states most vulnerable populations safe from a pandemic that has proved especially deadly for older people.

This past month, the state put in place new guidelines to allow masked, outdoor, socially distanced supervised visits in what are called qualifying Phase 1 facilities. The facilities must not have a current resident or an employee with COVID-19 for 14 consecutive days. One of the groups organizers said few nursing homes in Texas have the designation.

Case, of Kilgore, helped Dillard place the signs over the weekend.

Her father, 90-year-old Emmett Stephens, is in the memory care unit at Arabella in Kilgore, a coronavirus-free Phase 1-approved facility. She can visit her dad, but she must make an appointment to see him and it must be outside so they can remain at least six feet apart.

Judy Case visits with her father, 90-year-old Emmett Stephens, while remaining socially distanced and outside at Arabella of Kilgore. She said it is suggested he wear a mask but that he will not keep one on.

Im really grateful to be able to see him, Case said. My dad is in good hands; were just locked out.

While being able to see him is good, Case said physical touch is also important for socialization, and she said that is breaks her heart to have to stay away from her dad.

He hasnt been able to hug me, Case said as her voice was breaking. He hasnt been able to see me as often he calls 911 because he thinks somethings happened to me.

She last saw her father, close and face to face on March 6.

Stephens, a war veteran, has suffered from depression and weight loss since isolation began in March, Case said.

He said he doesnt have a reason to live anymore, Case said. Ive feared my dad will die before that happens. He has to be reminded that theres a virus.

In May, after about two months of not being able to see her father, Case said she began writing letters to the governor. She was eventually connected with Mary Nichols on Twitter, creator of the Texas Caregivers for Compromise group.

Theres other people who feel this way too, Case said. This is not political. This is strictly for our families and to save our loved ones.

A Caregivers for Compromise group was first started on July 9 in Florida. Nichols, of Forney, started the Texas group on July 12. Since then, the Texas group has gained more than 2,600 members.

Nichols said the sign campaign is like sending their loved ones on a statewide road trip by proxy.

Its really to show how human this is, Nichols said. These are people, not statistics.

The signs started out in Forney then moved on to Fort Worth, Celina and Kilgore. The bright yellow and black signs will then travel to Henderson, Palestine, Bryan/College Station, Conroe, Marion, Marble Falls, San Angelo, Lubbock and Amarillo.

Case recently moved the signs to a field near the intersection of U.S. 79 and U.S. 259 South in Henderson. She received permission from the property owner to do so.

Nichols laments that many facilities are not applying to because Phase 1 approved and that the guidelines only allow caregiver access to the same residents who were previously able to visit at windows, have phone conversations or virtual visits.

Case said that if her father was bedridden, she might not be able to see him.

She said the guidelines do not allow residents who are bedridden, blind or have cognitive disabilities to participate.

Dillard said she has seen the mental health toll isolation takes while working in the health care industry.

Its terrible and really sad to see. I mean, were all human and we need social interaction, she said. Their dignity has been taken away from them, their family has been taken away from them.

She added that its hard to watch because death in isolation is preventable.

These residents feel like theyve been left to die alone, Dillard said. Were at a loss as to what we can do.

The best thing workers in these facilities can do is to keep residents engaged as best they can, Dillard said.

It breaks my heart, she said. They feel like theyre being held hostage.

Of the more than 1,200 nursing homes in Texas, only about 30 are Phase 1 approved, Nichols said. The guidelines do allow family access when a resident is actively dying.

Texas Caregivers for Compromise sent an essential caregiver plan to the governors office, to allow one family member access to loved ones in long term care, she said. Nichols also started a Change.org petition which has gained more than 20,000 signatures.

We are willing to do whatever it takes, Nichols said, adding that caregivers are willing to be tested frequently and wear PPE among other requirements. We dont want anyone else to die alone.

Caregivers often do more than just visit with loved ones, Nichols said. They clean dentures, brush teeth, clean and trim nails. This is all an added burden to healthcare workers, Nichols added.

The caregivers group members sometimes feel like their concerns are getting lost in the noise surrounding COVID-19 and other issues.

Theres so much else going on, Dillard said.

There are so many people who have no idea whats going on, Case said. Its disheartening to see people argue about masks when so many cant see their families. What people dont realize is that those case numbers going up or down affect us.

Courtney Stern is a reporter for the Longview News-Journal, a part of M. Roberts Media, which also includes the Kilgore News Herald, as well as other media outlets, such as the Tyler Morning Telegraph and the Panola Watchman.

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SIGNS OF THE TIMES | Efforts made locally to recognize danger of COVID isolation - Kilgore News Herald

Recurrent fevers, persistent constipation or diarrhea, intense bouts of fatigue, debilitating brain fog and vivid hallucinations some people who catch COVID-19 experience symptoms like these for months on end, and we're still learning why that is.

Data gathered early in the pandemic suggested that most people with COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, if they survive the illness. But around April, stories began surfacing from those who remained sick for months after their initial symptoms emerged. Many of these individuals came together online to form support groups, with some referring to themselves "COVID long-haulers."

Now, six months since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, formal studies of long-haulers are only just getting off the ground. But patients aren't waiting for science to catch up; they are organizing to collect data on their symptoms, tie those symptoms to biological explanations, and even to share potential and unapproved treatments. Knowing whether any of those treatments can alleviate the long-lasting symptoms of COVID-19, however, will take a more systematic approach and clinical trials, experts told Live Science.

Related: 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history

One of the biggest ways long-haulers have expanded knowledge of the condition is by thoroughly cataloguing their symptoms. A patient-led research group, born out of the Body Politic COVID-19 Support Group, published the results of a survey of long-haulers in May that detailed some of their most common symptoms.

"At the time, we just had no answers," said Hannah Davis, a composer, independent researcher and core member of the Patient-Led Research for COVID-19 team. Davis began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on March 25, and to this day, many of her primary symptoms are neurological, she said.

"My first symptom was that I couldn't read a text message," Davis told Live Science, and she said her most persistent symptom has been "brain fog," or general cognitive dysfunction and trouble concentrating. In the May survey, nearly 70% of the 640 respondents reported experiencing either brain fog, insomnia or concentration issues, making these symptoms as common as a cough among long-haulers. A smaller percentage reported memory loss, dizziness, involuntary tremors, numbness in their extremities or hallucinations.

It's unknown whether neurological symptoms like these mostly arise from increased inflammation in the body or from the coronavirus directly infecting brain cells, though there's evidence for both, Live Science previously reported.

Related: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

In addition to brain fog, many of the survey participants reported shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, fatigue, chills, body aches and a slightly elevated temperature, between 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit (37.1 degrees Celsius) and 100 F (37.7 C). Some less common symptoms included high fevers and severe gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation lasting for weeks, bowel obstructions and diarrhea leading to rapid weight loss. Long-haulers also reported seizures, migraines, vision changes, sensitivity to light and phantom smells, or smelling things that aren't there.

"For me, I've definitely experienced at least 100 symptoms over the last five months," Davis said. "People call it a 'grab bag,'" because some symptoms persist for many months while others seem to randomly crop up then disappear, she said. For instance, while brain fog remains her main symptom, Davis said she had transient rib pain, phantom smells and even vivid hallucinations that lasted a day or two, then went away.

"Long COVID is a whole spectrum of different conditions," said Paul Garner, a professor at the School of Tropical Medicine in Liverpool, England, who also developed his initial COVID-19 symptoms in March. But one common refrain is a sense of overwhelming fatigue.

Garner is among long-haulers who experience such fatigue as one of their main symptoms; some have compared the condition to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the exact cause of which is unknown.

When dealing with a new chronic illness, it's difficult to know what activities will trigger symptoms, Garner said. "You dont know the speed limit and you dont know when the penalties will arrive. You find out that when they do they are harsh, stopping you in your tracks for days," he wrote in a blog post published in June in The British Medical Journal Opinion.

He said he's learned that ample rest and keeping a decent diet helps keep his symptoms at bay, while physical activity and consuming alcohol can set them off. Similarly, 89% of respondents to the patient-led survey reported experiencing relapses in their symptoms, sometimes set off by exercise, stress, caffeine, alcohol or heat.

Related: 25 medical myths that just won't go away

In the case of the fatigue she's experienced after contracting COVID-19, the sensation doesn't set in like typical tiredness, which comes on gradually, Dr. Mady Hornig, a physician-scientist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, told Live Science. "From my own experience, it's more like you're an electrical device and every once in a while someone pulls out the plug," she said. Hornig developed symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever and cough, back in April. Now, "I've had to be on a toddler's time table with self-enforced rest," she said.

But could a COVID-19 infection really trigger the onset of ME/CFS? Hornig said it's possible, given that other viral infections have been linked to the syndrome. For instance, an estimated 10% to 12% of people with infectious mono, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, later develop a chronic course of ME/CFS, she said. (This increased risk is associated with symptomatic mono, according to a commentary in The Journal of Infectious Disease; most people carry the Epstein-Barr virus without developing any symptoms of illness.) Hornig said that she expects that, similarly, a percentage of patients who catch COVID-19 may go on to develop ME/CFS.

Hornig is now leading a study of "post-COVID phenomena" at Columbia to determine whether and how many long-haulers develop ME/CFS, as well as what other conditions crop up after the initial infection subsides. She also wants to track whether any long-haulers eventually stop experiencing symptoms; blood or tissue samples from these people could hint at what helps the body "bounce back" after prolonged illness, she said.

One of the major challenges in devising such studies is deciding what "post-COVID" really means, Hornig noted. "What is post-COVID? The before and after becomes very blurry," she said. The acute, or short-term, phase of an infection is typically defined by characteristic symptoms that appear in a particular order, she said. But with COVID-19 patients, the initial symptoms vary person to person, and some people don't experience any overt symptoms, like cough or fever, but still go on to develop signs of organ damage.

"We still have much to learn about the variations in the onset, symptoms, signs and time to resolution of the acute disease, let alone what clinical symptoms or biomarkers might help predict long-term persistence of illness," Hornig said.

Hornig's research group is collaborating with the ME/CFS focused nonprofit Solve ME to develop a symptom tracking app for long-haulers, with the goal of tracking their symptoms over time and matching them up with patients' verifiable medical records. They are using data from long-hauler surveys, including ones conducted by the advocacy group Survivor Corps, to craft their survey questions. The medical records help confirm that when a patient reports experiencing brain inflammation, for example, brain scans back that up.

The Patient-Led Research group is also launching a new project in conjunction with University College London. Their second survey will cover the first seven months of symptoms and ask about antibody test results, as some long-haulers don't test positive for antibodies when assessed, Davis said. This can become a sticking point when long-haulers seek medical care for their symptoms, because many never had a diagnostic test for COVID-19 when they first fell ill, she added. Therefore, antibodies would provide the only medical proof that they caught the virus at all.

In the U.S. "in March, April, you were only able to get a test if you were hospitalized. And most long-haulers are not hospitalized," Davis said. Even when long-haulers could get a diagnostic test, some got tested too late in the course of their illness, she said.

To account for that, the first patient-led survey included all symptomatic people, regardless of whether they had a positive COVID-19 diagnostic test or not. And their results indirectly support the notion that long-haulers without a positive test likely had COVID-19.The main difference between people who tested positive and those who tested negative was when they received their test. On average, positive people got tested on day 10 after developing symptoms, while negative people got tested on day 16. The diagnostic tests work by detecting bits of viral genetic material, and are more likely to give false-negatives once the body has had time to fight off the infection and the amount of virus in their body decreases, Live Science previously reported.

Related: 14 coronavirus myths busted by science

Requiring a positive diagnostic or antibody test poses a problem for many people seeking treatment for long-COVID. "Many post-COVID clinics require positive tests to be admitted," Davis said. "Diagnostic tests need to be deprioritized Clinical diagnoses have to be enough," meaning long-haulers should be admitted based on what symptoms they show, she said.

She noted that, because long-haulers experience such a wide range of symptoms, patients should also receive a "full workup" of medical screenings, from pulmonary to cardiovascular to neurological.

Long-haulers all over the world have shared stories of doctors not believing that they had had COVID-19, and brushing off their symptoms as psychiatric in origin, Garner noted. "People were going in and being diagnosed with anxiety; it was appalling," he said. Hornig, a physician and psychiatrist herself, also encountered doubt from her health care providers when she tested negative for COVID-19 and for antibodies against the virus, she told Stat News in August. But she also tested negative for 12 other respiratory pathogens, including influenza, and based on her symptoms and the course of her disease, COVID-19 was the best explanation for why she fell ill, she said.

When seeing a doctor about persistent COVID-19 symptoms it may help to come prepared with documents describing your medical history, timeline of COVID-19 symptoms and the top questions you have for them, JD Davids, a writer, strategist and contributor to the Patient-Led Research survey, told Live Science in an email. It also helps to understand the medical practice inside and out, such as how long you might wait to see a specialist and who to call with insurance problems, he said.

As a long-time advocate for people with chronic health conditions like HIV/AIDS and ME/CFS, Davids said that the lack of support long-haulers face reflects a historic trend in how health care providers treat those with chronic conditions. That's why patient-led groups play such a vital role in gathering information about their disease and potential treatment options, he said. Davids helped organize a seminar for long-haulers called "COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Preparation for People Living with Chronic Illnesses in the U.S.," to provide guidance for those who might be experiencing chronic illness for the first time.

"These social networks are very fast at learning medical science communicates through long, rather boring papers that take months of preparation," Garner said.

The speed of information spread in social networks can also mean speculative or untested treatments become widely known very quickly. For instance, some long-haulers say they have benefited from taking the heartburn medication famotidine, better known by the brand name Pepcid, Davis said. Specifically, they say the drug seems to ease their shortness of breath and reduce brain fog.

Related: Treatments for COVID-19: Drugs being tested against the coronavirus

Famotidine is a histamine 2 (H2) blocker, meaning it works by blocking receptors for the compound histamine, one of several substances that trigger stomach acid production. Beyond the stomach, histamine also helps kick the immune system into gear when it detects a pathogen, according to a commentary published in In The Pipeline, a blog curated by the journal Science Translational Medicine. However, this short-term immune response becomes overblown in some COVID-19 patients, which could explain why famotidine appears to help some long-haulers, the commentary notes.

Other long-haulers in the Body Politic COVID-19 Support Group have said they found benefit from acupuncture, compression stockings and lymphatic massage, and some with primarily cardiovascular symptoms take salt tablets. COVID-19 may sometimes be linked to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate, according to a case report in The American Journal of the Medical Sciences; salt tablets may be used to treat the blood circulation problems and rapid heart rate that can arise from such disorders, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

But when it comes to these remedies for long-COVID symptoms, "there is no evidence that these different treatments have benefits for a large number of patients," said Dr. Michael Matthay, a professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. "However, they may have value for individual patients." In other words, if individual patients find a mild treatment like famotidine or massage helpful, then it's reasonable for them to consider that treatment as long it does not cause significant side effects, he said. Above all, people who continue to feel ill for months after their initial COVID-19 infection should be closely monitored by health care providers, in order to pinpoint the source of their prolonged symptoms and find solutions, Matthay added.

In the end, clinical trials will be needed to determine if any of these treatments actually work, and if so, how they work to alleviate specific symptoms.

As all that work gets underway, Davis said that doctors can start helping long-haulers by doing one simple thing:

"The easiest and first thing doctors can do is say 'I believe you,'" she said.

Originally published on Live Science.

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'We just had no answers': COVID-19 'long-haulers' still learning why they're sick - Live Science

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