Health
Florida’s Measles Outbreak: Transparency Lacking, Health Concerns Rising
The scarcity of information regarding measles cases in Florida has raised concerns among health experts, especially for those planning vacations to the state who wish to avoid exposure to the virus. This lack of transparency contrasts with the standard public health practice during measles outbreaks, where alerts are issued to warn the public of potential exposure.
For instance, health officials in two Michigan counties recently warned residents of potential exposure to measles. These alerts were issued following the discovery of two adults who had contracted the virus abroad and had been in health-related settings in the area. The counties urged unvaccinated individuals who had been in the listed locations at the listed times to contact public health or their health care provider, warning them to phone ahead if they needed to seek in-person care.
In Florida, however, the Department of Health has released limited information about the 10 residents and at least four non-residents diagnosed with measles in the past month. This lack of transparency leaves the public in the dark about potential exposure.
“Very little information is available,” Scott Rivkees, Florida’s former surgeon general, told STAT by email, adding it is “very unusual to have such sparse information for the public, especially when the onus is being put on parents to make decisions.”
This lack of information is particularly concerning as measles activity has been reported in at least three Florida counties — Broward, Polk, and Orange — in the past month. The state Department of Health’s website homepage has a single measles alert, which does not provide specific details about the cases.
Michael Mina, an infectious diseases epidemiologist, said the state’s approach defies common sense. “What’s happening in Florida is sort of breaking all the global conventions around measles,” said Mina. “One of the first things that anyone would normally do, whether it be in Europe or the United States, is be extremely — almost overly — transparent.”
The primary cost of not containing measles transmission is unnecessary illness. Measles is a very unpleasant experience and can be fatal. Knowing that measles poses a present risk can change thinking about vaccination, said Jane Zucker, who retired from the New York City Department of Health last July.
William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized the importance of public health officials promoting vaccination and alerting the public of potential exposures.
Informing the public of sites where measles exposures could have taken place is especially critical in health care settings, which can significantly increase the size of an outbreak and the work required to contain it.
One of the reasons measles spreads so well is that infected people are contagious in the four days before the telltale measles rash develops. During that period they can become quite sick, so they may seek medical care. But their symptoms could be caused by a range of conditions.
“Unless you really know something’s going on with measles, or you have some reason to suspect measles, those are just not going to be recognized very often, and that often leads to lots of exposures in health care facilities,” said Kathleen Harriman, who retired from the California Department of Public Health.
Telling the public of possible measles exposure events can get parents of unvaccinated children or adults who are unvaccinated to think “Maybe this is measles” if their children or they themselves become ill.
It also alerts medical providers that they should think about measles and to be on the lookout for the triad of symptoms known as the three C’s — cough, coryza (a stuffed up or runny nose) and conjunctivitis or pink eye — which along with fever can signal measles.
In addition to preventing unnecessary illness, this transparency can also save a great deal of money. The health department costs of containing the Disneyland outbreak were between $1.5 million and $4 million, Harriman has said.
In an account of New York City’s efforts to stop the 2018-2019 outbreak that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Zucker and colleagues estimated that the cost to their department alone of responding to that outbreak was $8.4 million.
“You need to stop transmission. You just have to stop transmission,” Zucker said. But “it’s very labor intensive.”
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Health
Breathe Easy: Simple Tips for Lung Health and Wellness
Our lungs play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, yet many of us overlook the possibility of enhancing their function. While these vital organs are naturally self-cleaning, there are several strategies you can adopt to support their efficiency, especially in environments filled with pollutants like pollen, chemicals, and secondhand smoke.
For those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis, a lung cleanse can be particularly beneficial. Likewise, individuals who smoke heavily or use inhaled medications might find relief through these practices.
One of the simplest ways to support lung health is through lifestyle changes. By reducing exposure to pollutants and ensuring clean air in your living spaces, you can help your lungs perform better.
Incorporating specific exercises can also aid in lung health. Although many people don’t consider the lungs as something that can be exercised, certain activities can help them work more effectively.
Hydration plays a role in keeping mucus thin, making it easier for the lungs to expel it. Drinking plenty of water is a straightforward way to assist your lungs in this natural cleansing process.
Practicing deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial. These exercises encourage full oxygen exchange and can help clear out the lungs, promoting better lung capacity and function.
Another method to support lung health is through the use of steam therapy. Inhaling steam can open up airways and help the lungs drain mucus more effectively.
For smokers or those frequently exposed to smoke, quitting or reducing exposure can significantly enhance lung health. “A lung cleanse may be helpful for individuals who have a health condition that causes breathing difficulties, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis.”
Finally, consider incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet. These can help combat inflammation and support overall lung health, providing a natural boost to your respiratory system.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your lungs cleanse themselves more efficiently and breathe easier.
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Health
Boost Your Liver Health with These 11 Superfoods
Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being, given the organ’s critical role in processing toxins, producing essential proteins, and storing nutrients. Your diet can significantly impact liver health, with certain foods offering protective benefits and supporting liver function. Let’s explore 11 foods that are particularly beneficial for your liver.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its ability to activate liver enzymes that help flush out toxins. It is rich in selenium, a mineral that boosts the antioxidant action in the liver.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains antioxidants that are believed to protect the liver. However, “the effects of grapefruit or grapefruit juice itself, rather than its components, have not been studied.” Most of the research has been conducted on animals, making human studies necessary for more definitive conclusions.
Beetroot
Beetroot is packed with nutrients that can help improve liver function. It contains antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are beneficial for liver health.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are excellent for liver health. They are high in chlorophyll, which helps neutralize heavy metals and chemicals, easing the liver’s detoxification process.
Avocados
Rich in healthy fats, avocados contain compounds that may help reduce liver damage. They can also increase levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in detoxifying the liver.
Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with catechins, antioxidants that improve liver function. Regular consumption has been linked to improved liver enzyme levels and reduced fat buildup in the liver.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts can enhance liver enzyme levels. They also contain compounds that help the liver detoxify chemicals and other harmful substances.
Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and glutathione, which support liver cleansing. They help reduce inflammation and promote healthy liver function.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy fat that can improve liver enzyme levels and reduce fat accumulation. It also helps decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease liver fat levels and inflammation. They also support overall liver health by improving lipid profiles.
Berries
Berries, including blueberries and cranberries, are high in antioxidants that protect the liver. They help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting better liver function.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can offer significant benefits for your liver, supporting its vital functions and protecting it from damage. While diet alone cannot ensure liver health, these nutrient-rich foods can be a valuable part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining a healthy liver.
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Health
Doctors Reveal Easy Lifestyle Changes for a Happier Heart
Heart disease is a significant concern in America, responsible for one in every five deaths. However, adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk. According to experts, these changes are accessible and affordable, making them feasible for almost everyone. Here are seven practices that your heart will appreciate, as recommended by cardiologists.
Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eating well is one of the most effective ways to support your heart. Cardiologists often recommend the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.
“This is a diet high in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts and low in sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meats,” explains Jennifer Wong, MD. This diet is rich in essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium while being low in saturated fats and cholesterol. A key aspect of the DASH diet is limiting salt intake, which can help reduce hypertension.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
While some believe a daily glass of red wine is beneficial, recent research advises against any alcohol consumption for heart health.
“Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions,” say experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and other serious conditions. Reducing alcohol intake is a crucial step toward a healthier heart.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Understanding your blood pressure numbers is vital, especially for those at higher risk of heart issues. Regular self-monitoring at home with a blood pressure cuff is recommended.
“You should call your doctor if the blood pressure is greater than 180/120 mmHg on repeated measurements while at rest,” advises Wong. Immediate medical attention is necessary if high readings are accompanied by symptoms like headache or chest pain.
Engage in Regular Exercise
Staying active is essential for heart health. Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar suggests incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.
This translates to about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help keep your heart in top shape. Including strength training and flexibility exercises can further enhance overall health.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, quitting can have immediate benefits for your heart. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that your heart rate drops just 20 minutes after your last cigarette.
“Within four years of quitting, your risk of stroke drops to that of lifetime nonsmokers,” they report. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful changes you can make for your heart.
Ensure Adequate Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for heart health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
However, one in three Americans doesn’t meet this target, which can lead to higher risks of obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. “Adults who sleep less than seven hours each night are more likely to say they have had health problems,” says the CDC.
Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Finding effective ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises, can benefit your cardiovascular health.
Reducing stress not only improves heart health but also enhances overall well-being.
Taking these steps can significantly improve your heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy a healthier, more vibrant life while keeping your heart in mind.
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