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Most people who develop coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) recover within 26 weeks, but some experience lasting symptoms. Others with severe COVID-19 may develop complications, require rehabilitation after a hospital stay, or both.

In addition to the physical impact of COVID-19, people may also experience changes in their mental health.

Below, we describe the long-term effects of COVID-19 on physical and mental health and explore the resources available for help.

All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub and follow our live updates page for the most recent information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because COVID-19 is a new disease, scientists are unsure about the effects months or years after the initial illness.

Researchers have theorized that the virus responsible for COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), may cause similar effects to other coronaviruses, such as those that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

According to a 2020 study, around 30% of people who recovered from severe SARS or MERS had long-term lung abnormalities. A 2009 study found that 40% of people who survived SARS still experienced chronic fatigue about 3.5 years later, on average.

But while SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 are caused by viruses from the same family, there are key differences among them, as the 2020 study highlights. For this reason, looking to the other two diseases does not provide a reliable way to predict COVID-19s long-term effects.

Research into the impact of COVID-19 is ongoing. Initiatives such as the COVID Symptom Study are tracking peoples symptoms and the long-term consequences of the disease via a mobile app.

Most people who develop COVID-19 experience a mild or moderate illness that improves on its own. However, some people still experience long-lasting symptoms, even after recovering from the initial infection.

People with mild or moderate COVID-19 commonly report:

The symptoms of mild or moderate COVID-19 may last for weeks or months after the body has cleared the virus.

When these symptoms are prolonged, people sometimes refer to the issue as long COVID or to the people who have it as long-haulers.

It seems that anyone, including young people and those with no preexisting health conditions, can develop long COVID. Citing a telephone survey, the World Health Organization (WHO) observe that 20% of people aged 1834 reported prolonged symptoms.

Around 1015% of people who develop COVID-19 experience severe symptoms, and approximately 5% become critically ill. People with severe symptoms can also experience long COVID.

In addition, people with a more severe form of the illness may be more likely to experience complications. As the WHO note, the complications can involve damage to:

Currently, doctors are not sure how these complications will affect people in the long term.

People who spend time in the hospital and require mechanical ventilation may also experience other difficulties. A July 2020 study lists the following complications of ventilator treatment:

People who leave the hospital after having COVID-19 need ongoing support and rehabilitation to help them recover.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health on a large scale. According to an August 2020 review, many people felt an increase in stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in response to the pandemic.

Some factors that can contribute to mental health difficulties during the pandemic include:

The impact of these experiences can be lasting, particularly if someone has experienced extreme or persistent distress. This could cause psychological trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Research also shows that people can experience severe stress while using a ventilator, due to their dependence on the machine to breathe. Some people also develop depressive disorders after ventilator treatment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have found it difficult to access treatment for their ongoing symptoms.

Below are just a few of the factors that have prevented people from accessing necessary medical care:

More resources may now be available for support. These include:

Numerous healthcare centers in the United States and elsewhere have set up post-COVID clinics to help people recover from the illness.

Many of these clinics aim to help people who have spent time in the hospital. They focus on helping people with breathing and rebuilding muscle strength and also provide psychological care for people with anxiety or depression. Examples of these clinics include:

An increasing number of providers are also establishing clinics for long COVID.

If a person cannot reach a clinic in person, they may be able to request a phone or video appointment.

Some health organizations have developed online tools to provide people with information and guidance as they recover from COVID-19. Two examples include:

A person may also be able to access therapy and other mental health support online, via an app, or over the phone.

Learn how teletherapy services work here.

Online support groups can help people understand that they are not alone and provide a platform for talking through experiences. Some support groups have been involved in efforts to research long COVID.

Some examples of these groups include:

Many people with lasting COVID-19 symptoms report episodes of extreme fatigue, and some have expressed concern that COVID-19 may cause chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

CFS, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a long-term condition that can follow a viral illness, causing symptoms such as:

While many people with long COVID experience these or similar symptoms, it is unclear whether long COVID is or could lead to CFS.

Some researchers view long COVID as a separate phenomenon, calling it post-COVID-19 syndrome or a post-viral syndrome.

In a letter to the editor of the journal Medical Hypotheses, scientists emphasize the importance of studying and finding treatments for post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Anyone experiencing new or persistent symptoms following recovery from COVID-19 should contact a doctor, by phone, if possible.

The doctor can assess the symptoms and, if needed, perform diagnostic tests to check for complications. They can also to help monitor and manage the symptoms over time.

If a person experiences severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, they should seek emergency medical help. Some of these concerning symptoms include:

For anyone struggling with anxiety, grief, or depression, a doctor, a therapist, or another mental health professional can help.

Most people who develop COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and recover without treatment. However, as SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus, researchers are still learning about the long-term effects of the disease that it can cause.

Currently, doctors know that COVID-19 can cause lasting symptoms. Some call this issue long COVID or post-COVID-19 syndrome. When it is severe, COVID-19 can also cause lasting organ damage.

These and other experiences related to the pandemic can be traumatic, affecting a persons mental health.

As scientists gather more data, they become better equipped to find effective treatments and management strategies.

To protect oneself and others, it is crucial to follow the COVID-19 prevention guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Originally posted here:
What are the long-term effects of coronavirus (COVID-19)? - Medical News Today

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Women with irregular periods often dont realise it to be a symptom and believe it to be normal, while the truth is that irregular and unpredictable periods are one of the major symptoms that help diagnose PCOS.

Menstruation isnt a walk in the park itself but irregularities in the menstrual cycle can pose a much more challenging situation for many women. Research studies have shown that women who typically experienced irregular periods in the past were 28 percent more likely to develop heart disease than women who reported regular monthly periods. World Heart Day is observed on 29 September every year and in the lead up to it, lets take a deeper look at this association between irregular menstruation cycles and heart health.

Lack of awareness about PCOS in India

Women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which occurs due to high levels of male hormones, often complain of irregular periods and are more likely to be overweight or obese, diabetic and hypertensive -- all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Some other common features of PCOS include painful periods, excess body hair, hair loss from the head, acne and difficulty in becoming pregnant.

In India, women continue to suffer silently. Women with irregular periods often dont realise it to be a symptom and believe it to be normal, while the truth is that irregular and unpredictable periods are one of the major symptoms that help diagnose PCOS. Even the acne or excess facial hair do not throw up a red flag for most. This indicates a deep-rooted lack of awareness and stigma attached to sexual and reproductive health in the country. Women who have PCOS could experience periods twice a month, infrequently or even not at all for months at a time. Bleeding may be light or heavy enough to cause anaemia -- a condition which affects many Indian women and can be harmful to their heart health.

While as many as 80 percent of women with PCOS are obese, obesity does not cause PCOS and PCOS does not necessarily lead to obesity. PCOS is associated with a dysfunctional metabolism, which makes it easier to gain weight and more difficult to lose weight. It has been observed that women with PCOS commonly have insulin resistance, which leads to high insulin levels and increased risk of diabetes and, in turn, heart disease. The chances of having high blood pressure, liver disease and sleep apnea may also increase.

Heart health and PCOS

A possible reason for the increased risk of heart disease in women who have PCOS may be that they are more likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure or diabetes compared to their peers.

Associated weight gain, acne, excess facial hair and infertility could affect your self-esteem, leading to stress, which is a major contributor to developing heart disease early in life.

While there is no cure for PCOS, it can be managed with certain lifestyle modifications. Experts say that women need to be active in taking care of their own health. Loss of excess weight can reduce the severity of some PCOS symptoms. A 5-10% weight loss can have significant health benefits, including more regular menstrual cycles, improved mood and a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Tracking periods to note changes in your menstrual cycle can help track any indication of health problems. If you have a family history of a health condition, you should be more cautious. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet can go a long way in managing PCOS and its associated health risks. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders, eating disorders and sexual dysfunction.

This article was written by Dr Aparna Jaswal, Additional Director, Cardiac Pacing & Electrophysiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi.

For more information, read our article on Heart Disease.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, Indias first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

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World Heart Day 2020: Irregular periods, PCOS may have long term effect on womens heart health - Firstpost

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They caught the coronavirus months ago and survived it, but they are still stuck at home, gasping for breath. They are no longer contagious, but some feel so ill that they can barely walk around the block, and others grow dizzy trying to cook dinner. Month after month, they rush to the hospital with new symptoms, pleading with doctors for answers.

As the coronavirus has spread through the United States over seven months, infecting at least seven million people, some subset of them are now suffering from serious, debilitating and mysterious effects of Covid-19 that last far longer than a few days or weeks.

The patients wrestling with an array of alarming symptoms many months after first getting ill they have come to call themselves long-haulers are believed to number in the thousands. Their circumstances, still little understood by the medical community, may play a significant role in shaping the countrys ability to recover from the pandemic.

By some estimates, as many as one in three Covid-19 patients will develop symptoms that linger. The symptoms can span a wide range piercing chest pain, deep exhaustion, a racing heart. Those affected include young and otherwise healthy people. One theory is that an overzealous immune system plays a role.

Some are unable to work. Many may need long-term medical care.

Still, many say their biggest challenge is getting other people simply to believe them.

There is just a lot of misunderstanding, said Marissa Oliver, 36, who, long after she experienced classic virus symptoms, dragged herself to an urgent care clinic in New York because she was still struggling to breathe. The medical professionals advice? Go home and have a glass of wine.

I started sobbing in the lobby, Ms. Oliver said, adding that she was misdiagnosed as having anxiety. Ive never been this sick in my life.

In interviews, four people struggling with lingering conditions long after they had the coronavirus described their experiences. Their words have been edited and condensed for clarity.

199 days Since Symptoms began

Karla Monterroso, 39, of Los Angeles, leads an organization that advocates for the representation of Black and Latinx people in tech, but she has not been able to work full time since March. She could not get tested until about a month after she first fell ill, and only recently tested positive for coronavirus antibodies.

Before this, I was a weight lifter, kayaker, hiker, white-water rafter. I cant do anything right now, physically, without harming myself. Its like someone cut your battery pack in half and doubled the charging time. I have to prep myself mentally for a shower.

The first few months, I didnt believe myself. Is this in my head? When I got the antibody test a few weeks ago saying I had a positive antibody test, I sobbed for like an hour. I was like, it is written on paper that this is what happened to me. Before then, youre sitting there constantly questioning your own body, and no one in the medical community believes you.

There has been no public health campaign about this. I have relatives that believe if you have hot water and lemon, this will cure Covid. I have relatives that believe that I am sick because I work too much.

I could have just as easily been exposed to this thing and not have had symptoms and be fine today. There is no control over this. It is all Russian roulette, and you can minimize your times up at bat, but you cant zero them out. That is a very uncomfortable truth.

189 days SINCE SYMPTOMS BEGAN

Candace Taylor, 38, was working in the billing and collections department of an Atlanta hospital when she tested positive for the virus in March. She described long-term coronavirus symptoms and a worsening of a previous chronic pain condition.

Ive had chest pain every day since March. Ive developed internal shaking. I get the dizzy spells. Ive developed tachycardia. Tiny blood clots. Ear popping. Ive lost my voice. There are days I go without talking. I kept asking, when is this going to stop? I couldnt lay flat. I had to sleep in a recliner for over two and a half months. At one point, I was thinking about a will. I was thinking I wasnt going to make it.

I have not been able to work. My job consists of speaking eight to 12 hours. With me being hoarse, I cant even talk 15 minutes.

I have not gotten paid from my employer since May. My disability was denied. Its like this disbelief. They dont believe me and thousands of us Covid long-haulers that have these symptoms.

76 Days SINCE SYMPTOMS BEGAN

Tony Pinero, 57, owned a ride-share business in Las Vegas before testing positive for the virus in July.

They say you dont have Covid anymore, you are Covid-free, but that is not true. Now I have post-Covid, and post-Covid seems like its worse. I still have the headaches. I still feel dizzy. The thing that worries me the most is me being winded all the time. Its hard for me to walk up the stairs.

This has been such a detriment to my business that my business is virtually closed. I cant drive.

My doctor is saying, Hey, Tony, its just in your head. No its not. Its not in my head. I dont want to sit here and not be able to breathe. I dont want to sit here and stay and do nothing. I want to go to work. I have to pay my car payments. Ive got to pay my credit cards. Ive got to pay my bills. Why would I want to sit at home?

188 DAYs SINCE SYMPTOMS BEGAN

Manuella Fehertoi, a bank worker in Middletown, N.J, tested positive for the virus in March. At 61, she had a history of asthma, and was hospitalized for seven days. Since then, she has been on oxygen at home and unable to work.

Its depressing. I am still as sick as I was back then. I still have spikes of my fever. I still have spikes of chest pain or difficulty breathing. There are days I can barely come out of bed. I had a minor stroke at the end of May. Still, today, the upper right side of my face is numb.

Dont get me started on my hair loss. I try not to look in the mirror too much because it is just devastating. I used to color my hair and get all makeup going. I look like I have aged 20 years. There is no shame, but its not me.

When people are for so long feeling this bad, constantly in pain, constantly in such anxiety of the unknown, they turn to the doctor, and the doctors dont know either. That starts to bring you down, that starts to be part of your life. Its like one big cocktail to make you anxious, frustrated, depressed. I just want to get back to being me. Lively, funny. I loved my job. I loved the people I worked with. Doing things with my children. Going to the beach, swimming, playing tennis. I cant do anything. I cant even walk around my backyard.

Read more here:
Its Not in My Head: They Survived the Coronavirus, but They Never Got Well - The New York Times

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Sep 29, 2020 11:38 AM ET

iCrowd Newswire Sep 29, 2020

The Global Fitness App Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% during the forecast period 2020-2026. As per the detailed market analysis, the global fitness app industry was valued at $3.15 billion in 2019 and anticipated to reach $15.96 billion by the end of the year 2026. The market growth witness immense opportunities due to increasing penetration of wearable devices.

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Global Fitness App Market majorly deals in fitness applications which deliver health services on mobile phones, tablets and other mobile devices. These apps generally track the sleep pattern, calories burnt and user activity. With continuous advancements and increasing competition in the app industry, companies are focusing on bringing innovation to get competitive edge in the market.

Global fitness app market is expected to witness substantial growth due to various factors like increase in awareness on health and nutrition, high disposable income and high number of diseases related to obesity. Additional factors that support the growth of the fitness app market are increase in diseases related to obesity like diabetes and hypertension along with sedimentary lifestyle and subscription to health club membership. Furthermore, numerous growth opportunities are available for companies to invest in fitness app industry due to easy access to internet, mobile phones and increased demand in developing nations.

Fitness Apps are installed on mobile devices which are equipped with sensors to track the user activity throughout the day. These sensors collect data and provide advice on weight loss, proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle and training plan for home workouts. Global fitness app market is showing high growth due to increase in number of obese population and rising focus of people towards healthy lifestyle.

Segmentation Overview of the Global Fitness App Market

The Global Fitness App Market is segmented on the basis of Platform, Deployment, Type and Gender. These segments are further categorized into various sub-segments to study the market in detail.

Platform Segment of Global Fitness App Market is Sub-Segmented into:

Deployment Segment of Global Fitness App Market is Sub-Segmented into:

Type Segment of Global Fitness App Market is Sub-Segmented into:

Gender Segment of Global Fitness App Market is Sub-Segmented into:

Geographical Overview of the Global Fitness App Market

North America (U.S., Canada); Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Netherlands, Russia, Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (India, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Rest of LATAM); Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, Rest of MEA). As per the analysis, North America fitness app market acquire majority of the market share in the global fitness app industry.

Key Players Insights

Dom and Tom Tom, Grandapps, MyFitnessPal Inc., WillowTree, Inc., Appster, Under Armour, Fitbit, Azumio, ASICS and Motorola Mobility LLC are some major key players profiled in the research study of the global fitness app market. Companies are adopting various competitive strategies to withhold key market position for the long-term. Runtastic Results, Kayla Itsines Fitness, Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker and Sweat are some few fitness apps available in the fitness app market.

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Keywords:Fitness App Market

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Global Fitness App Market Growth at a rate of 26.2% CAGR by 2026 | Increase in awareness on health and nutrition to Boost Growth - Reported Times

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Arthritis is a common health condition involving chronic inflammation in your joints. It causes pain and damage to joints, bones, and other body parts depending on the type (1).

Osteoarthritis, which is noninflammatory, is the most common though over 100 types exist. In fact, up to 40% of men and 47% of women may be diagnosed with osteoarthritis during their lifetime (1).

Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory conditions that are considered autoimmune diseases. Gout is another common type of inflammatory arthritis (1).

Research shows that dietary interventions, such as eliminating certain foods and beverages, may reduce symptom severity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as improve their overall quality of life.

Here are 8 foods and beverages to avoid if you have arthritis.

You should limit your sugar intake no matter what, but especially if you have arthritis. Added sugars are found in candy, soda, ice cream, and numerous other foods, including less obvious items like barbecue sauce.

A study in 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis noted that among 20 foods, sugar-sweetened soda and desserts were the most frequently reported to worsen RA symptoms (2).

Whats more, sugary beverages like soda may significantly increase your risk of arthritis.

For example, in a study in 1,209 adults ages 2030, those who drank fructose-sweetened beverages 5 times per week or more were 3 times likelier to have arthritis than those who consumed few to no fructose-sweetened drinks (3).

Furthermore, a large study in nearly 200,000 women associated a regular intake of sugar-sweetened soda with an increased risk of RA (4).

Some research links red and processed meat to inflammation, which may increase arthritis symptoms.

For example, diets heavy in processed and red meats demonstrate high levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (5, 6).

The study in 217 people with RA mentioned above also found that red meat commonly worsened RA symptoms. Additionally, a study in 25,630 people determined that high red meat intake may be a risk factor for inflammatory arthritis (2, 7).

Conversely, plant-based diets that exclude red meat have been shown to improve arthritis symptoms (5).

Gluten is a group of proteins in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). Some research links it to increased inflammation and suggests that going gluten-free may ease arthritis symptoms (8, 9).

Whats more, people with celiac disease are at a greater risk of developing RA. Likewise, those with autoimmune diseases like RA have a significantly higher prevalence of celiac disease than the general population (10, 11).

Notably, an older, 1-year study in 66 people with RA found that a gluten-free, vegan diet significantly reduced disease activity and improved inflammation (9, 12).

Although these findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm whether a gluten-free diet alone benefits people with arthritis.

Ultra-processed items like fast food, breakfast cereal, and baked goods are typically high in refined grains, added sugar, preservatives, and other potentially inflammatory ingredients, all of which may worsen arthritis symptoms.

Research suggests that Western diets rich in heavily processed foods may increase your risk of RA by contributing to inflammation and risk factors like obesity (13, 14).

Whats more, in a study in 56 people with RA, those who ate higher amounts of ultra-processed food showed increased heart disease risk factors, including higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a long-term marker of blood sugar control (15).

As such, processed foods may worsen your overall health and increase your risk of other diseases.

As alcohol may worsen arthritis symptoms, anyone with inflammatory arthritis should restrict or avoid it.

A study in 278 people with axial spondyloarthritis inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spinal cord and sacroiliac (SI) joints tied alcohol intake to increased spinal structural damage (16).

Studies have also shown that alcohol intake may increase the frequency and severity of gout attacks (17, 18, 19, 20).

Moreover, chronic alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, though not all studies have found a significant link (21, 22).

Diets high in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats may worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (23, 24).

These fats are necessary for health. However, the imbalanced ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s in most Western diets may increase inflammation (25).

Reducing your intake of foods high in omega-6 fats, such as vegetable oils, while increasing your intake of omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish may improve arthritis symptoms (24).

Cutting back on salt may be a good choice for people with arthritis. Foods high in salt include shrimp, canned soup, pizza, certain cheeses, processed meats, and numerous other processed items.

A mouse study found that arthritis was more severe in mice fed a high salt diet than in those on a diet containing normal salt levels (27).

Additionally, a 62-day mouse study revealed that a low salt diet decreased the severity of RA, compared with a high salt diet. Mice on the low salt diet had less cartilage breakdown and bone destruction, as well as lower inflammatory markers, than mice on the high salt diet (28).

Interestingly, researchers have suggested that high sodium intake may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases like inflammatory arthritis (29, 30).

A study in 18,555 people tied high sodium intake to an increased risk of RA (31).

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are molecules created through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats. They naturally exist in uncooked animal foods and are formed through certain cooking methods (32).

High protein, high fat animal foods that are fried, roasted, grilled, seared, or broiled are among the richest dietary sources of AGEs. These include bacon, pan-fried or grilled steak, roasted or fried chicken, and broiled hot dogs (33).

French fries, American cheese, margarine, and mayonnaise are also rich in AGEs (33).

When AGEs accumulate in high amounts in your body, oxidative stress and inflammation may occur. Oxidative stress and AGE formation are tied to disease progression in people with arthritis (33, 34).

In fact, people with inflammatory arthritis have been shown to have higher levels of AGEs in their bodies than people without arthritis. AGE accumulation in bones and joints may also play a role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (35, 36).

Replacing high AGE foods with nutritious, whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish may reduce the total AGE load in your body (33).

If you have arthritis, a healthy diet and lifestyle may help improve your symptoms.

Research shows that you should avoid certain foods and beverages, including highly processed foods, red meat, fried foods, and those rich in added sugars.

Keep in mind that lifestyle factors like your activity level, body weight, and smoking status are also vital to managing arthritis.

Original post:
8 Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Arthritis - Healthline

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KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick speaks with Patrica Hunter, Washington's long-term care ombuds.

For months, long-term care facilities in Washington were closed not only to visitors but also to state regulatory authorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities were early hotspots, driving the nation's coronavirus death toll this spring.

That posed a big problem for the staff and volunteers of Washington's long-term care ombuds office.

"For our role, visitation is key," ombuds Patricia Hunter told KNKX.

Hunter runs the federally-mandated program that receives complaints from long-term care residents and their loved ones.

Long-term care refers to a variety of facilities, from nursing homes to rehabilitative centers. These facilities generally serve the aging and elderly as well as adults with physical, developmental or behavioral needs.

More than six months into the pandemic, KNKX checked in with Hunter to see where things stand now. She spoke with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick. Listen to their conversation above or read a transcript of the interview below. Both have been edited for length and clarity.

Kirsten Kendrick, KNKX: If you can think back to March and April, can you describe what it was like as (the pandemic) was unfolding?

Patricia Hunter, Washington Long-Term Care Ombuds: Oh boy, it was...You know, I'll be honest, it was frightening. It was chaotic in many ways. We had rules and guidelines and directives coming from many different directions: from state government, governor's office, as well as the CDC. You know, we didn't know as much, particularly in March, as we do now. It was definitely unnerving, and we had a good idea of what needed to be done. And there was definitely frustration in not being able to necessarily get the resources or tools that were needed early on in order to stop the spread.

Hunter says those tools included testing and personal protective gear, both of which were in short supply early on.

But worries about sanitation and safety pre-date the coronavirus. KNKX recently reported on the situation at Gibraltar Senior Living near Parkland in Pierce County. That facility suffered a COVID-19 outbreak this spring, but it also had a pattern of complaints going back years.

KNKX: To what degree were you hearing about those issues from families and residents before the pandemic?

Hunter: The specific facility that your station reported on, I was not hearing specific concerns or complaints about that facility in terms of sanitation. However, I want to say that infection control and sanitation is something that's frequently cited by state licensors. It's a very common deficiency. So, you know, it's something that existed before COVID.

I'll also add that this particular facility serves a group of folks who have serious mental illness. And I do wonder if that maybe the interpretation of the standards are a little lower. And they shouldn't be, right? We shouldn't tolerate dirty window sills or mold or bed bugs just because the population may be, you know, more difficult to manage because they have challenging behaviors related to mental illness. We all deserve to live in a clean, sanitary, home-like environment, regardless of our disability or our mental health condition.

KNKX:Part of the problem at Gibraltar was that issues continued, despite citations from the state. Do you think Washington could do more to hold these facilities accountable?

Hunter:I think there's always more room for improvement. And the state, I believe, they're trying over the last year. They're trying different ways to hold the facilities more accountable. I've worked on legislation in terms of fining and penalties. In this example of Gibraltar, I believe they received a $2,000 fine. Had this been three years ago, before legislation was passed, that fine would have been $100 instead of $2,000. So that was an effort that was put forth by the ombudsman program, by advocates, and in the end, in partnership with the provider associations. We need fines that make a difference. Otherwise, it's just cost of business.

KNKX: So you've noted that some changes have happened, that there's a need for more. Someone hearing this conversation in our listening audience may be having to put a loved one into one of these long-term care facilities in Washington. What would you tell them about how you can ensure that these facilities are safe?

Hunter: That's an important question. I would say that there is more public information available for consumer needs, such as shopping for a refrigerator or car, versus shopping for a home where your loved one who's vulnerable needs care and is dependent on others.

But there are some resources out there. I would encourage anyone who's looking to call their local ombudsman office because we can have a conversation about what kinds of complaints we've seen over the last year. And then nothing does the job more than making visits. Visit the facility if you have that time. Talk to residents who are living there. Use your nose, your eyes.

And then the last place to look is I would tap into any kind of support groups that are in the community. So whether they befamily caregiver support groups or mental health peer-led groups, ask them about their experiences and what they know about the care facility.

Hunter's office has recently resumed in-person visits. She says that's brought a mix of relief and caution among ombuds staff and volunteers.

Hunter: We've been training throughout August on how to wear PPE, how to observe infectious control processes and policies, and also just to prepare emotionally for the potential trauma that we might be witnessing in residents. You know, they've lost their peers. They've lost their roommates and friends. We were prepared to see weight loss, significant weight loss in residents. We were prepared for residents to not recognize us and maybe appear more confused because of the lack of stimulation due to isolation.

KNKX: To what degree do you think not being able to make in-person visits had (a role) in some of the expectations of decline that you expect to see in some of these facilities?

Hunter: You know, it's hard to say. By us not being present, did care or quality of life decline? I would say that we received less complaints because we weren't there to receive them. And it's not not just the ombudsman program, but Adult Protective Services, their call volume was down; licensing enforcement, their call volume was down. So there was a sort of eerie, eerie silence at the beginning. And then as time went on, we started to see an uptick.

So, you know, I'm sure not having ombudsmen in the building, but also not having licensors in the building, APS in the building, and most importantly, families and friends were not allowed and still not completely allowedin the buildings. I think that is pretty detrimental. I think it's more important for residents to have an essential support person, a family member or friend, as their touchstone coming into that building than it is to have us or adult protective services or other protective authorities.

The long-term impacts of isolation are very concerning on the mental health and physical health of these residents. I just don't see how we can continue to isolate residents and expect them to come out of this better or strong or even at baseline.

KNKX: How do you think that will influence your work, especially around the pandemic response moving forward?

Hunter: Well, a couple things: We've done more virtual work in terms of using tablets and phones.

I'll tell you a good story. We've mailed out probably 40,000 postcards to residents and to their families to let them know that we're still here and how to reach us when we weren't making visitations. And while one of the ombudsman, Heidi up in Snohomish, she was visiting an assisted living facility. There were several residents who came up to her and said, 'I know who you are. You sent me a card. Are you so and so?'

That was a really hopeful message and a boost to our ombudsmen that what we've been doing has made a difference.

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LISTEN: State ombuds talks about protecting loved ones in long-term care - knkx.org

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Systemic lupus erythematosus, ( SLE, Lupus) is a chronic (long-term) disease that causes systemic inflammation which affects multiple organs. In addition to affecting the skin and joints, it can affect other organs in the body such as the kidneys, the tissue lining the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium), and brain. Many patients experience fatigue, weight loss, and fever. Lupus flares vary from mild to severe. SLE is most commonly seen in women in the reproductive age group (frequently starting at childbearing age), although lupus is increasingly recognized after the age of 40 years, particularly in the Europeans.

The cause of lupus in most cases, however, is unknown. Some potential triggers include sunlight, genetic link, infections, and medicines. Common symptoms of SLE include tiredness, joint pain or swelling, fever, skin rash, mouth sores, and hair loss. In childhood-onset SLE, there are several clinical symptoms more commonly found than in adults, including malar rash, ulcer, renal involvement, proteinuria, seizures, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anaemia, fever, and lymphadenopathy.

View report:https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-pipeline-insight

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pipeline Insight, 2020 report by DelveInsight outlays comprehensive insights of present clinical development scenario and growth prospects across the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus market.

A detailed picture of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus pipeline landscape is provided, which includes the disease overview and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus treatment guidelines. The assessment part of the report embraces in-depth Systemic Lupus Erythematosus commercial assessment and clinical assessment of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus pipeline products from the pre-clinical developmental phase to the marketed phase.

Click here to request for sample pages.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pipeline

In the report, a detailed description of the drug is proffered including mechanism of action of the drug, clinical studies, NDA approvals (if any), and product development activities comprising the technology, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus collaborations, licensing, mergers and acquisition, funding, designations, and other product-related details.

Anifrolumab (AstraZeneca), Lupuzor (ImmuPharma), Baricitinib (EliLilly), Stelara (JanssenPharmaceutical), Atacicept (MerckKGaA), ILT-101 (ILTOOPharma), BIIB059 (Biogen), CC-220 (Celgene), Dapirolizumab pegol (UCBPharma/Biogen), IFN Kinoid (Neovacs), Cenerimod (IdorsiaPharmaceuticals), KZR-616 (KezarLifeSciences), Lulizumab pegol (BristolMyersSquibb), XmAb5871 (Xencor), and others are currently under development for the treatment of SLE.

Scope of the report

Download free sample pages:https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-pipeline-insight

Table of contents

AboutDelveInsight

DelveInsight is a premier Business Consulting and Market Research firm focused exclusively on the life science segment. With a wide array of smart end-to-end solutions, the firm helps the global Pharmaceutical and Bio-Tech companies formulate prudent business decisions for better growth in the market.

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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Competitive Analysis, Key Pharma Players and Emerging Therapy Report by DelveInsight - The Daily Chronicle

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By Insider Staff - Sep 29, 2020 |

Liam Conery of Concord was the winner of the seventh annual Wicked FIT Run held Oct. 27. Courtesy of Families in Transition-New Horizons

Runners leave the starting line of the Wicked FIT 5K race at Rollins Park in Concord on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff) Elizabeth Frantz

Runners leave the starting line of the Wicked FIT 5K race at Rollins Park in Concord on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff) Elizabeth Frantz

Runners leave the starting line of the Wicked FIT 5K race at Rollins Park in Concord on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff) Elizabeth Frantz

Runners leave the starting line of the Wicked FIT 5K race at Rollins Park in Concord on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff) Elizabeth Frantz

Families in Transition's fifth annual Wicked FIT Run will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Rollins Park. Courtesy

A family favorite in Concord, the Wicked FIT 5k is a Halloween costume-themed virtual 5k run/walk that will benefit programs for families and individuals experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire.

Families in Transition-New Horizons will host their 9th annual Wicked FIT Run on Oct. 31. The Halloween-themed event is being held as a virtual 5k. People from all around the country can participate by sporting costumes and walking or running in their community and peer-to-peer fundraising leading up to the event date. Proceeds from sponsorships and event registrations benefit programs supporting families and individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in the Granite State. The event kicks off with a live boadcast on Facebook at 9:30 a.m. on the morning of Halloween, and registrants are encouraged to share their journey with pictures and videos on social media.

This is a fantastic opportunity for families to get in the Halloween spirit with the uncertainty of trick-or-treating schedules in various communities, said Michelle Casale, events manager of FIT-NH. Weve received wonderful feedback from our 2020 virtual event attendees. This is our last virtual 5k fundraiser of the year, it supports the demands of a much-needed cause, and we invite everyone to join in the fun.

FIT-NH operates homelessness services, food programs, emergency shelters, and affordable housing around New Hampshire, including 16 apartments in Concord that serve as homes for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. They also conduct homeless outreach and evidence-based case management in Concord and Manchester. The FIT-NH Outreach team works to eliminate barriers to successfully obtain housing and sustain recovery, including connecting people to resources and access to shelter and referrals to substance use treatment and mental health services.

The support of our generous sponsors and event attendees allow us to meet the demand of our programs, said Pamela Hawkes, vice president of resource development. Without them, we would not be able to maintain essential services and continue to adapt and pivot our programs during this trying time. We encourage businesses and members of the community who are committed to providing vital resources to get involved.

The event is supported by contributions from key sponsors and partners, including Community Partner Sponsor Spectrum Marketing Companies. Individuals and teams can register online to create their own fundraising pages and participate in the fundraising efforts leading up to Oct. 31. Participants can walk or run the event anywhere anytime; in their neighborhood, on a trail, or on a treadmill and share photos and videos with FIT-NH on their Facebook or Instagram pages.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and registration, visit support.fitnh.org/2020wickedfitrun or contact events@fitnh.org to learn more.

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Exercise while fundraising - The Concord Insider

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Executive Summary

Anxiety in the workplace is a serious problem. What can you do to stay calm, rational, and productive when dealing with a stressful situation? In several recently published studies, the authors explored the effectiveness of different techniques and found that one method SKY Breath Meditation offered the best results for both immediate and long-term stress reduction. This comprehensive series of breathing and meditation exercises engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the bodys rest and digest activities, helping you to calm down and think rationally in the face of stress. These simple techniques can help you sustain greater emotional wellbeing and lower your stresslevels at work and beyond.

When U.S. Marine Corp Officer Jake D.s vehicledrove over an explosive device in Afghanistan, he looked down to see his legs almost completely severed below the knee. At that moment, he remembered a breathing exercise he had learned in a book for young officers.Thanks to that exercise, he was able to stay calm enough to check on his men, give orders to call for help, tourniquet his own legs, and remember to prop them up before falling unconscious. Later, he was told that had he not done so, he would have bled to death.

If a simple breathing exercise could help Jake under such extreme duress, similar techniques can certainly help the rest of us with our more common workplace stresses. The combination of the Covid-19 pandemic and battles for social justice have only exacerbated the anxiety that many of us feel every day, and studies show that this stress is interfering with our ability to do our best work. But with the right breathing exercises, you can learn to handle your stress and manage negative emotions.

In two recently published studies, we explored several different techniques and found that a breathing exercise was most effective for both immediate and long-term stress reduction.

In the first study run by our research team at Yale, we evaluated the impact of three wellbeing interventions:

Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three programs or to a control group (no intervention). We found that the participants who practiced SKY Breath Meditation experienced the greatest mental health, social connectedness, positive emotions, stress levels, depression, and mindfulness benefits.

In a second study, conducted at the University of Arizona, SKY Breath Meditation was compared to a workshop that taught more conventional, cognitive strategies for stress-management (in other words, how to change your thoughts about stress). Both workshops were rated similarly by participants and they both produced significant increases in social connectedness. However, SKY Breathing was more beneficial in terms of immediate impact on stress, mood, and conscientiousness, and these effects were even stronger when measured three months later.

Before and after the workshops, participants underwent a stress task that simulated a high-pressure performance situation, akin to presenting at a business meeting. In anticipation of the stressful performance, the group that had completed the cognitive workshop showed elevated breathing and heart rates, as expected. In contrast, the SKY Breathing group held steady in terms ofbreathing and heart rate, suggesting the program had instilled in them a buffer against the anxiety typically associated with anticipating a stressful situation. This meant that they were not only in a more positive emotional state, but also that they were more able to think clearly and effectively perform the task at hand.

Similarly, in a study with veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who struggled with trauma, we found that not only did SKY Breath Meditation normalize their anxiety levels after just one week, but they also continued to experience the mental health benefits a full year later.

So what makes breathing so effective?Its very difficult totalk your way out of strong emotions like stress, anxiety, or anger.Just think about how ineffective it is when a colleague tells you to calm down in a moment of extreme stress. When we are in a highly stressed state, our prefrontalcortex the part of our brain responsible for rational thinking is impaired, so logic seldom helps to regain control. This can make it hard to think straight or be emotionally intelligent with your team. But with breathing techniques, it is possible to gain some mastery over your mind.

Research shows that different emotions are associated with different forms of breathing, and so changing how we breathe can change how we feel.For example, when you feel joy, your breathing will be regular, deep and slow. If you feelanxious or angry, your breathing will be irregular, short, fast, and shallow. When you follow breathing patterns associated with different emotions, youll actually begin to feel those corresponding emotions.

How does this work?Changing the rhythm of your breath can signal relaxation, slowing your heart rate and stimulating the vagus nerve, whichruns from the brain stem to the abdomen, and is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the bodys rest and digest activities (in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates many of our fight or flight responses).Triggering your parasympathetic nervous system helpsyou start to calm down. You feel better. And your ability tothink rationally returns.

To get an idea of how breathing can calm you down, try changing the ratio of your inhale to exhale. This approach is one of several common practices that use breathing to reduce stress. When you inhale, your heart rate speeds up. When you exhale, it slows down. Breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of eight for just a few minutes can start to calm your nervous system. Remember: when you feel agitated, lengthen your exhales.

While a short breathing exercise like this can be effective in the moment, a comprehensive daily breathing protocol such as the SKY Breath Meditation technique will train your nervous system for resilience over the long run. These simple techniques can help you sustain greater wellbeing and lower your stresslevels at work and beyond.

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Research: Why Breathing Is So Effective at Reducing Stress - Harvard Business Review

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Adidas says its doing the work to create lasting change across an organization (and world) that has recently had its share of diversity and inclusion challenges and its tapping into its star-studded celebrity roster to get a boost.

The Germany-based athletic brand today keeping in theme with its goal of greater transparency provided an update on its progress toward several diversity and inclusion targets it outlined in June.

Among the areas where the company said it has been making headway include in hiring and career development, where it said it already is outpacing some of its goals. Adidas pledged in June to fill 30% of all new positions with Black and LatinX employees, and 50% of all positions with diverse talent of all categories. It is also targeting 20% to 23% Black and LatinX employees in corporate roles by 2025, and 12% in leadership positions in the U.S. by that time.

So far, the company said it is already hitting above those targets in the U.S. for Black and LatinX people at both Adidas and owned-brand Reebok.

Adidas is also joining forces with Beyonc with whom it has worked for the past two years committing $10 million over the next three years to fund BeyGOOD partner social programs, organizations and/or initiatives that help bring equity to those disproportionately impacted by social and racial injustice. As an immediate first step, Adidas has matched Beyoncs recent $1 million contribution to NAACP for BeyGOODs Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund.

Adidas in June joined the growing roster of global corporations stepping up to recognize Juneteenth as a company holiday the company said today that it accepted that challenge from longtime collaborator, Pharrell Williams.

Regarding itsanti-discrimination and non-retaliation policy, Adidas said its since strengthened that part of its enterprise by, among other things, conducting a series oflistening sessions that included more than 700 employeesled by close to 40 leaders from the Committee to Accelerate Inclusion & Equality, executive board and senior leadership team. The athletic behemoth said its leadership team, including the executive board, has also participated in training sessions on creating accountability for inclusive, responsive leadership.

Adidas shared today that it is also chipping away at its goal to invest $120 million toward initiatives in the U.S. focused on ending racial injusticeand/or supporting Black communities through 2025.

One of its first initiatives is Close the Gap, which the company described as a program built in partnership with Impact Hub, the worlds largest network of social ventures and entrepreneurs, which will give its employees in North America and Germany, a chance to work with BIPOC-led social ventures. It said its also matching employee donations by 200% through DEED, its online donation platform, to support nonprofit organizations driving racial justice and human rights for underrepresented communities. This currently benefits the NAACP, the National Urban League, Campaign Zero, ACLU, The Innocence Project, Transgender Law Center and the Minnesota Freedom Fund).

Whats more, Adidas is dedicating some of its $120 million investment to developing young talent: It is collaborating with Reebok on a scholarship program that will provide debt relief for 50 Black and LatinX students at HBCUs, each receiving a grant of $10,000. It will also fund 50 university scholarships a year for Black and LatinX students at HBCUs over the next 5 years.

Reebok has separately pledged to invest $15 million over the next five years into Black and LatinX communities and organizations focused on ending racial injustice and plans to re-launch the Reebok Human Rights Award to support and honor activists who are working to dismantle systemic racism. The Boston-based brand further plans to Increase its focus on its non-profit school exercise program, BOKS, to Black and LatinX communities, including a new $200,000 grant program.

Stoked by national unrest over racial injustice stemming from the killing of George Floyd, years of internal dissension surrounding Adidas treatment of Black and other minority employees, had come to a head in June. Protests by Black employees and their allies as well as media reports recounting purported instances of discrimination at the brands North America HQ in Portland Ore., culminated in late June with the resignation of Karen Parkin, the companys head of Global Human Resources.

Earlier that month, a 13-member coalition representing more than 200 Adidas employees called for Parkins resignation. They cited comments she made last year at a company meeting in Boston at Reeboks HQ, where she described concerns over racial disparities as noise and further suggested the company did not need to take action as the criticisms were only present in its North America offices for Adidas.

The same coalition had also already delivered to Adidas North America management, including president Zion Armstrong, a 32-page deck, dubbed Our State of Emergency.

In addition to claims that management doesnt grasp the discrimination minorities might face and that the difference in perception is largest in Germany, the document had listed four major asks. The coalition had demanded the company invest in its Black employees; the Black community; the fight for racial justice and change for Black people and demonstrate accountability.

Adidas had respondedwith its new D&I initiatives.

This is a global effort, and we have global programs in place to support BIPOC communities, the company said today. Many of our early commitments were made in the U.S., but thats only the beginning. We are working to introduce similar programs in all of our markets, informed and developed by our employees. As we go forward, we will continue to strive for better, for those at the heart of our brand. Were making promising strides, but were only getting started.

More here:
Adidas Is Taking These New Steps to Address Its Race Issues And How Beyonc Is Playing a Role - Footwear News

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