Health
Measles Vaccine from ’70s, ’80s May Need Boost: Check Your Immunity
If you received a measles vaccination in the 1970s or ’80s, it’s possible that the protection it offered might have diminished by now, warn medical professionals. Amid a recent measles outbreak in Florida, Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the USF College of Public Health, raised concerns about the potential waning effectiveness of these older vaccines.
The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1968, with the MMR vaccine, which provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, following in 1971. A few decades after the MMR vaccine’s introduction, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Roberts suggests that those who received measles vaccinations in the ’70s and ’80s, primarily individuals now in their 40s and 50s, should consult with a healthcare provider about their immunity status.
“There’s absolutely no risk in getting another MMR, so if you don’t know, just go get another shot,” she advised. “They’re inexpensive and widely available.”
Roberts also cautioned that measles is a highly contagious virus for those who have not been previously infected or vaccinated, with a transmission rate of up to 90%.
Dr. Jacob Glanville, a virology expert and founder of Centivax, a pharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, also voiced concerns about recent outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates.
“If you have ever received the MMR vaccine, you likely still have immunity, although talk to your doctor about a measles titer test if you have concerns,” he suggested.
The titer test is a measure of an individual’s level of immunity to the virus.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a medical contributor for Fox News, underscored the importance of measles vaccinations. He pointed out the risk posed by the combination of circulating measles virus and underimmunized people entering the U.S. during a global measles surge.
“This is not yet an official suggestion anywhere, but I do check measles titers in many of my patients, and if they are low, I may give a booster as a precaution,” he shared. “The protection from the original vaccines may wear off over time.”
As of the end of February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 41 measles cases across 16 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
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Health
Sleep Alert: How One Habit May Increase Heart Attack and Stroke Risk by 26%
As children, many of us had set bedtimes dictated by our parents, ensuring we got the rest we needed. However, as adults, we have the freedom to choose our own sleep schedules. Despite this autonomy, maintaining a consistent sleep routine might be more beneficial than we realize. A recent study suggests that varying your sleep and wake times could significantly increase your risk of serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.
The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, investigated the sleep patterns of 72,269 individuals aged 40 to 70. These participants were part of the UK Biobank study and wore activity trackers for a week to monitor their sleep. The data collected was used to calculate each participant’s Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) score, which measures the consistency of sleep-wake patterns across consecutive days.
Participants were categorized based on their SRI scores: those scoring over 87 were considered regular sleepers, scores between 72 and 87 indicated moderately irregular sleepers, and scores below 72 were classified as irregular sleepers. Interestingly, regular sleepers were more likely to achieve the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults under 65, and seven to eight hours for those over 65.
Over the following eight years, researchers compared these sleep regularity scores with the incidence of cardiovascular events and related deaths. The findings were striking. Irregular sleepers had a 26% increased risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events compared to their regular sleeping counterparts. Even those who were moderately irregular faced an 8% higher risk.
The study authors noted, “Our results suggest that sleep regularity may be more relevant than sufficient sleep duration in modulating MACE [major adverse cardiovascular event] risk.” This implies that even if one gets the recommended amount of sleep, irregular sleep patterns can still pose a significant health risk.
In a press release, the researchers emphasized the importance of sleep consistency in public health guidelines and clinical practices, highlighting its potential impact on cardiovascular health. Lead study author Jean-Philippe Chaput, PhD, from the University of Ottawa, shared with CNN that while exact sleep and wake times aren’t necessary, staying within 30 to 60 minutes of your usual schedule is beneficial.
“Small variations are fine, but consistent sleep patterns improve sleep quality, boost mood and cognitive function, and lower the risk of health issues like heart disease and diabetes,” Chaput explained.
Despite its compelling findings, the study did have limitations. The authors pointed out that it was observational, meaning it could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Sleep was only monitored for one week, which might not provide a complete picture of long-term patterns. Additionally, the data may not fully represent the broader UK population, and the activity trackers used could not distinguish between quiet wakefulness and sleep or account for napping in the SRI scores.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of maintaining a regular sleep schedule for cardiovascular health, suggesting that consistency in sleep might be as crucial as the amount of sleep itself.
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Health
Heart Medications That May Protect Your Brain and One to Watch Out For
As we continue to explore ways to protect our cognitive health as we age, a new study highlights the potential role of common heart medications in reducing dementia risk. While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise have long been recommended, this research suggests that certain medications could provide additional benefits. However, not all heart drugs are created equal, and one in particular might even increase the risk of dementia. Let’s take a closer look at these findings.
Diuretics
Diuretics, commonly known as water pills, are often used to manage blood pressure by helping the body eliminate excess fluid. The study indicates that these medications could also play a role in reducing dementia risk. Researchers suggest that diuretics might “exert antioxidant and neuroprotective effects” by preserving potassium or uric acid levels. This protective mechanism could contribute to the lower risk of dementia observed in those who use these drugs long-term.
Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS)-Acting Agents
RAS-acting agents are another class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure. According to the study, these medications may specifically help ward off Alzheimer’s disease by safeguarding certain brain mechanisms. The researchers noted, “We can see a clear link between long-term use—five years or more—of these drugs and reduced risk of dementia in older age.” This suggests that maintaining consistent use of these medications could be beneficial for cognitive health.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, are known for their role in managing heart health. The study found that these drugs might also lower the risk of dementia by preventing plaque buildup in blood vessels, which can impede blood flow to the brain. The combination of cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood pressure medications was particularly effective, further reducing dementia risk. “Previous studies have focused on individual drugs and specific patient groups but in this study, we take a broader approach,” explained Alexandra Wennberg, PhD, co-lead study author.
Combination Therapy
The study highlights the benefits of using a combination of the aforementioned drugs. Individuals taking two to three different treatments experienced a significant reduction in dementia risk, with a decrease of 27 to 30 percent. This suggests that a multi-faceted approach to managing heart health could also support cognitive well-being.
Antiplatelet Drugs
While many heart medications show promise in reducing dementia risk, antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, may have the opposite effect. These medications are used to prevent strokes by stopping platelets from clumping together. However, the study found that they might increase the risk of microbleeds in the brain, which is linked to cognitive decline. People taking these drugs had a 13 to 25 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
This study sheds light on the complex relationship between heart medications and dementia risk. While certain drugs show promise in reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline, others may pose a risk. It’s important for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for both heart and brain health.
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Health
Expert Reveals Top 3 Gut Health Mistakes to Avoid
The intricate world of gut health is gaining increasing attention as researchers uncover its profound influence on our overall well-being. The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of over 100 trillion microbes, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses, plays a crucial role in how our body functions. This collection of microorganisms is so influential that experts often refer to it as the “second brain,” according to registered dietitian Kristian Kirkpatrick, RD.
Endocrinologist and researcher Max Nieuwdorp, PhD, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome for balanced hormone levels. In his book, *The Power of Hormones*, Nieuwdorp details how gut microbes are instrumental in the release and production of hormones, impacting critical processes like metabolism and mood. He shares three key things to avoid for optimal gut health.
One major dietary change Nieuwdorp recommends is reducing red meat consumption. During an interview with Business Insider, he explained that red meat can alter the gut microbiome’s composition by producing “dangerous” metabolites during digestion.
“I try to not eat meat every day,” Nieuwdorp said.
While protein is essential, a diet heavily reliant on red meat can increase the risk of various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colorectal cancer. Red meat is also known for its high cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium content.
Ultra-processed foods are another group Nieuwdorp steers clear of. These include sweetened breakfast cereals, processed meats, sodas, and some frozen meals. Instead, he opts for fresh foods without preservatives or additives.
Gastroenterologist Preeya Goyal, MD, highlights the dangers of ultra-processed foods, noting, “Ultra-processed foods contain large quantities of saturated fat and trans-fat, added sugar, salt, and food additives that seriously affect the gut and physical health.”
Finally, Nieuwdorp is cautious about antibiotics, using them only when absolutely necessary. He warns, “They drive dysbiosis in the gut.”
Dysbiosis, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic, is an imbalance in the diversity of gut microorganisms, making individuals more susceptible to infections and disrupting essential functions normally provided by a healthy microbiome. This imbalance can also adversely affect hormone function.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, Nieuwdorp advocates for a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn supports overall health and well-being.
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