Health Officials Still Focused on COVID, Despite Rise in Opiod Epidemic

Health Officials Still Focused on COVID, Despite Rise in Opiod Epidemic

By Brad Bauer, Senior Vice President, Bamboo Health(MWW) – While COVID rightly remains a high priority for healthcare professionals, public officials, and the media, the pandemic has drawn attention away from the opioid epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses from April 2020 to April 2021, up almost 30% from the 78,000 deaths in the prior year.Of those deaths, more than two-thirds involved opioids. This astounding number exceeds the overdose death toll in any year since the opioid epidemic began in the 1990s and is the largest annual percentage increase since 1999, according to The Commonwealth Fund.It’s clear that healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and federal and state governments collectively must renew their focus on opioids. Not only does opioid addiction devastate communities and families, but it also exacts a huge toll on our economy.First, treatment services for substance use disorders such as opioid addiction need to be made more accessible and affordable to those who need it. Accessibility starts with helping to fund financially imperiled and resource-strapped treatment organizations to keep their doors open and services available. To that end, the Biden Administration in August announced $10.7 million in federal grants to enable state and regional networks of pediatric mental healthcare providers to integrate telehealth services into behavioral healthcare programs and substance abuse treatment. While that’s a start, more government investment in opioid treatment is critical.Second, we need to upgrade and expand crisis services to make these easily accessible to all in need. In July, the 988 initiative launches, establishing a new nationwide 3-digit number for people in crisis to connect with a mental health professionals and suicide prevention counselors. Beyond infrastructure needed to support this, such as mobile crisis teams, states must also invest in digital infrastructure necessary to ensure people can access care once they’ve contacted a crisis line.Third, we must integrate new treatment models such as telemedicine into care plans. This may require relaxing regulations governing the delivery of remote care. We know from our experience during the pandemic that telemedicine is effective, so it makes sense to permanently waive remote care restrictions so more people can get help to overcome mental health challenges and addiction.Finally, we must continue to use the powerful technologies already at our disposal to monitor the dispensing of prescribed opioids. State prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) allow physicians and pharmacists to see a patient’s recent prescription history and make more informed decisions to keep patients safe. Providers are more aware of prescriptions and changes in prescription history to help reduce negative drug interactions, prevent opioid misuse, and reduce the risk of opioid-related harm.Bamboo Health’s NarxCare is a clinical decision support tool and care management technology application currently used in more than 30 states and jurisdictions. The platform helps prescribers and dispensers analyze controlled substance data from PDMPs to make more informed prescription-care decisions. NarxCare automatically analyzes PDMP data and then it provides an interactive visualization of prescription drug usage patterns along with use scores and an overdose risk score.NarxCare is designed to provide physicians and pharmacists with a tool to ensure highly addictive pain medication is prescribed accurately to those who need it, while also helping to identify patients who may need intervening steps.The opioid epidemic isn’t going away by itself. We must all focus on reducing the death and destruction caused by insidious and persistent addiction. It will take caring, commitment, cooperation, and the right tools and resources. It will be a tough fight, but it’s one we can win. 

Dietary Supplements Can Support Your Immune System

(NewsUSA) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues after nearly two years, people continue searching for new ways to take control of their health and support overall wellness. This interest in self-care has led to increased interest in immune-strengthening strategies, including the use of dietary supplements.No supplements can prevent or treat COVID-19 or other illnesses, but a combination of healthy lifestyle practices and the responsible use of science-backed supplements can keep the immune system functioning at its best. A strong immune system is your best defense against any germs you may encounter. In addition to getting vaccinated, the preventive steps of hand-washing, mask wearing, and social distancing, plus other lifestyle factors including healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep, can keep your immune system functioning at its peak.Evidence suggests that despite our best intentions to eat right and exercise, life’s daily stressors often get in our way. Many Americans face nutrition gaps in areas that directly support immune function. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans estimates that more than 90 percent are deficient in vitamin D, which is often linked to a stronger immune system. Although vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight, not everyone is able to be outdoors long enough to benefit. Few foods are a natural source of vitamin D, but dietary supplements are a prudent choice to meet the daily recommended intake. This is especially important throughout the pandemic, as several recent studies associated sufficient vitamin D levels to less severe cases of COVID-19.Other science-backed ingredients that are important for the immune system include:

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Get Fit from Home with Resistance Bands, Videos and App

(NewsUSA) -In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, more people are interested not only in working from home, but working out from home.Professional trainers have stepped up to meet this demand with videos and apps to build relationships with their clients while staying in place and providing personalized fitness programs.Trainer Solomon Pratt has the enthusiasm and expertise to engage fitness seekers in person and online with a series of videos demonstrating exercises to target all major muscle groups using a specialized resistance band.Exercise bands have become a go-to product for home workout enthusiasts because they take up no space, but are versatile enough to target upper body, lower body, and core muscle groups.Pratt’s trademark power-resistance bands are available in four different levels to provide a complete workout for any fitness level. The bundle is called the Champion 4 pack, retails for $95 and is excellent for both men and women, Pratt says.Specialized ankle-resistance bands come in three different levels and are available for those seeking additional challenges. The "Incredible Bundle" retails for $60 and works for both men and women The Diva Bundle, which costs $79 and equates to 75% of Pratt’s sales, includs one ankle band, three levels of the glute-resistance bands, and one power resistance band.This, Pratt says, should be in every woman’s purse to enhance their curves and tone their body anywhere."If it don’t challenge you, it won’t change you," Pratt emphasizes.Pratt’s videos and app include exercises using the bands for toning, sculpting, and strengthening to help burn fat and build muscle, at levels that can benefit anyone from beginners to seasoned athletes.With these tools, Pratt says you can get healthy without indulging in dangerous and expensive surgeries."Your success depends on your cooperation," says Pratt. Cooperation is easy with his YouTube videos, which provide detailed demonstrations of exercises using the band.Fitness seekers of any level can sign up for Pratt’s customized programs delivered through his app. The programs allow users to track their progress, receive new workouts, and choose videos aimed at different muscle groups.In addition, Pratt’s book, "The Health and Fitness Bible," is an inspirational accompaniment to his training programs. The book offers readers "a simple and effective way to develop the mindset and discipline to achieve their health and fitness goals," says Pratt. The dedication to physical fitness translates to toughness to handle the challenges in the rest of your life, he emphasizes.For more information and links to videos and products, visit SolomonsFitnessWorld.com.To connect on Instagram, go to TrainerDoctorFlex04, and on Facebook at Solomon Pratt and King Solomons Gem. "The Health and Fitness Bible" is also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FZYP2MM.

Lifesaving Wearable Saves Single Father from Cardiac Arrest

(NewsUSA) -Most people know the common signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, left arm tingling, or shortness of breath, but they may be less aware of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which strikes without warning when an electrical malfunction in the heart disrupts its ability to pump blood to the body and brain. Victims may suddenly pass out before they can call for help, and fewer than ten percent survive.Alan Williams, a single father, is an SCA survivor who shares his story to help raise awareness and save more lives.Many people who experience SCA have not had any prior heart issues. However, for others, a prior cardiac event or diagnosis puts them at greater risk for SCA, and for those known to be at higher risk, there are lifesaving treatment options available. The most effective treatment for SCA is defibrillation, which is the use of an electrical shock to restore the heart to normal rhythm.These at-risk heart patients, such as Williams, may be able to enjoy peace of mind with ZOLL LifeVest, a unique wearable defibrillator, which is designed to monitor heart rhythms around the clock, even during sleep, and deliver a lifesaving shock if it detects certain abnormal heart rhythms.Williams, of Kansas City, was prescribed LifeVest because a heart condition put him at risk for SCA. With LifeVest, Williams was able to continue his daily activities. "I was back to work," he says. "Because I had LifeVest, I knew that if something happened, it would take care of me."Williams wore LifeVest for one month before experiencing SCA while in the laundromat with his son. He suddenly lost consciousness, and within about one minute, LifeVest delivered a treatment shock that restored Williams’s normal heart rhythm and saved his life. After the treatment, Williams regained consciousness, and paramedics took him to a local hospital."If it had not been for the LifeVest, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now," says Williams.The LifeVest wearable defibrillator consists of a garment, electrode belt, and monitor. The garment is worn under the clothing, directly against the skin, as it contains the electrode belt designed to deliver lifesaving shocks when needed. The monitor can be worn around the waist or on a shoulder strap. No bystander assistance is needed; LifeVest can respond automatically to provide appropriate treatment.Most individuals wear LifeVest as short-term protection against SCA, until their heart becomes stronger or until their doctor determines a long-term treatment. If you or your family member suffers from certain heart diseases, your doctor may recommend LifeVest."LifeVest saved my life," Williams says. "It gave me a future."He adds, "You don’t want to ever take your health for granted." 

Three Tips to Help You Prepare for Retirement

(NewsUSA) – After spending years working hard and saving up, retirement is that welcome reward of relaxation, travel, and new hobbies, or even a transition to something new such as consulting or a new business endeavor. While most people can say definitively that they would like to and plan to retire, the issue of when is often less clear.The ideal age for retiring depends on several things — occupation, health status, financial circumstance, and the state where you reside. While some pension plans allow you to start collecting early- retirement benefits as soon as age 55, generally, most people today are opting to retire later.Nationally, the average retirement age is 64, though in some states, the average retirement age is 66. The decision to retire later can impact several important life decisions. For example, healthcare considerations for someone who retires at 65 versus 55 are quite different.We’ll highlight some points to consider as you gear up to slow down.Coverage ShiftsMedicare eligibility begins for most individuals around age 65, so if your retirement coincides with that milestone birthday, it’s a good idea to learn more about Medicare as well as Medicare-Related Options for those enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You can find details about enrolling in Medicare for the first time by visiting this informational site for AARP members.For those not yet eligible for Medicare, and for other considerations not covered by Medicare such as vision, prescription drugs, and dental care, retirement might mean a shift from employer-sponsored insurance to individual insurance. If you had employer-sponsored insurance, your employer did the insurance research and provided you with coverage options. Now, as a retiree, you can select the coverage options that align with your health and financial needs.Financial ConsiderationsBy leading a healthy and active life, many people are living longer, which means that even if you retire later, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy. However, costs are also rising on everything from groceries to gas, making the prospect of living on a fixed income stressful. With a little advance planning, though, it doesn’t have to be.Prescription medication is common as you age and can be a regular expense. Nearly 90 percent of adults aged 65 and older use at least one prescription drug. The good news is that AARP members have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx® that can be used to save on FDA-approved medications. While anyone can enroll, AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents, and more.Maintaining a focus on your health now also means you may be able to avoid chronic health issues down the road, and you can consider coverage options that cover regular doctor’s visits and exams.Annual wellness visits, eye exams, and dental visits help you monitor and even potentially prevent more serious, and costly, health issues. Most eye conditions can be treated if found early, for example, so you may want to look for health coverage that includes vision benefits. Not only do these benefits include eye exams, but AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed also provide savings on prescription glasses.Oral health can also deteriorate with age, and over time, teeth can become more brittle and susceptible to decay, infection, and gum disease. Dental insurance provides coverage for regular visits and any special procedures or treatments that may arise. And AARP members have access to affordable plan options specifically designed to meet their needs.ResourcesWhen it comes to healthcare, it’s important to plan and research to make your retirement years enjoyable ones. Fortunately, there are many tools available to guide you in making decisions that work best for you. AARP members have access to resources that provide detailed information, discounts, and more to ease your healthcare search.You’ve worked hard to achieve retirement, so why not enjoy it by taking the necessary steps to ensure continued good health and proper coverage? Start putting your plan in place by visiting this informational site today. 

Don’t Ignore Irregular Heartbeat

(NewsUSA) -Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.In fact, having AFib makes you up to five times more likely to have a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.Most strokes caused by AFib could be prevented with effective treatment, but only about half of AFib patients receive proper therapy.Approximately 5.2 million people in the United States experience AFib, and that number is expected to more than double in the next ten years, according to the American Heart Association.Although anyone can develop AFib at any age, the risk is greatest for individuals older than 50 years, those with a family history of AFib, smokers and those with high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.Although AFib is less prevalent in Black and Latino individuals compared with white individuals, Black and Latino people living with AFib have a higher risk of AFib-related death when they also have conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure, according to the American Stroke Association.The best-known symptom of AFib is a fluttering heartbeat, but not all individuals with AFib experience this, and many people with AFib report no symptoms prior to diagnosis."Because of this, it’s important that people at risk for AFib continuously speak to their doctors about any unusual sensations involving their heartbeat," says Mark Estes, M.D., FACC, FHRS, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and professor of Medicine and Program Director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.Other symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, faintness, sweating and chest pressure.Up to 84% of strokes caused by AFib are preventable if patients receive early, effective treatment. That means it is important to talk to your doctor if you are at increased risk for AFib. The American Stroke Association offers a downloadable symptom tracker that can serve as an important tool for conversations with your doctor about how to stay healthy.To learn ways to manage AFib, the American Stroke Association has created an online portal, MyAFibExperience.org, where individuals with AFib can share their stories and learn from the experiences of others.