Expert Medical Opinions by Real Doctors about Medical News, Health News & Wellness.
Productivity
What’s better for the brain?
✔ The Expert Opinion
➡ So, the standing desk is not the catchall solution for improving health. But, there’s no doubt about it — staying active & not sitting for very long periods of time are things that you should do.
Data are showing that treadmills or bike stations are actually superior for increasing blood flow to the frontal cortex.
What’s in it for you: Standing is good. Walking or moving is better!
Cardiovascular exercises improve blood flow to the brain. And, this increased blood flow to the frontal cortex of your brain improves productivity and mental functions.
Brain Health
There’s a possible new medicine for Alzheimer’s. But, it faces some major hurdles.
✔ The Expert Opinion
➡ So, the treatment of Alzheimer’s is a VERY complicated matter. And, unfortunately, right now, there isn’t one magic solution to the management or treatment of this disease.
This new medicine, aducanumab, is not the end-all for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. And many doctors and scientists also feel that “the data are iffy.”
What’s in it for you? Start early. There are many preventative steps that one can take to prevent or even slow down the progression of the disease. New medicines will surely be developed. In the meantime, continue to work with your healthcare team.
🛑 Exercising, getting good sleep, and doing things that you love, are some evidence-based strategies that one can do to live a nice long healthy life.
1:34 pm UPDATE: The drug, aducanumab, was approved by the FDA today. I'll discuss this in tomorrow's letter.
COVID Health
What’s the latest with COVID-19 Booster Shots?
✔ The Expert Opinion
We’re doing a lot of learning about booster shots for COVID. The answer to this issue is still unclear. We don’t yet know how the issue will pan out.
The medical community doesn’t currently know when or if we’d need boosters. The research to find out has begun. As new data comes out, new guidelines will come.
What’s in it for you? At the moment, it’s important to get vaccinated!
Wellness
4 Ways to calm your anxious brain!
✔ The Expert Opinion
The main take-home message in the article above: there are quite a few steps you can take to calm your anxious mind. And, I agree with the article — struggling alone is not the answer.
What’s in it for you?
🛑 One simple home exercise is the Five Finger Technique. Focus on your breathing as you trace your hand with your finger.
By feeling, and watching yourself tracing, AND, by focusing on your breathing, you’re activating your brain to calm down!
These are known as grounding techniques. Speak to a health care professional.
Skin Health
Avoid Skin Cancer.
✔ The Expert Opinion
The thing to keep in mind is: NOT all skin cancers start with noticeable skin changes. And, not all skin cancers are related to the sun.
What’s in it for you? Sunscreen & protection from the sun is very important. The most important preventative step you can take to avoid skin cancer: avoid long-lasting sun exposure.
🛑 I tell my patients: “Anybody, can develop skin cancer. Including people of color. Everybody should wear sunscreen! Make it a part of your daily skincare routine.”
Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is reversible.
✔ The Expert Opinion
Prediabetes IS a thing & it’s something you should be aware of. Pre-diabetes is a hormonal disease. In pre-diabetes, your body starts to lose the ability to bring down the level of your blood sugars.
What’s in it for you? You should care because pre-diabetes is reversible! BUT, if pre-diabetes is not managed, you can get diabetes. Talk to your doctor & understand that this is something you can control!
🛑 Diabetes can lead to death, heart attacks, kidney disease, & amputations.
More: I was quoted in this article about proper diabetes management.
Brain Health
Important signs of dementia.
✔ The Expert Opinion
The article above is mostly correct. But, keep in mind not every symptom listed in the article leads to dementia.
What’s in it for you? Women are at a higher risk of developing brain diseases including Alzheimer’s dementia.
Keep in mind: If you have any of the symptoms listed in the article, it’s always important to ensure that those symptoms aren’t happening because of some other medical condition! Talk to your healthcare team.
To Know: 3 important things that are proven to reduce the chances of dementia:
- Exercise more than 150 min per week,
- get good restorative sleep,
- and continue to do things that you love.
Also, keep in mind: thyroid disease, some vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea, & adult ADHD can also cause memory issues.
All of these are easily diagnosed and easily treated. Please talk to your healthcare team.
Health News Roundup. The above stories were some of the top medical news stories making the rounds. This is health stuff you should know.
Written by Dr. Puja Uppal, DO. June 7, 2021