Navigating the Current Landscape of Respiratory Illnesses: CDC Report Highlights Trends

, , , COVID

In the ever-evolving landscape of public health, staying abreast of the latest updates from authoritative sources is crucial. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided an insightful update on the status of respiratory illnesses in the United States. The report, released last Friday, sheds light on the prevalence of fever-inducing coughs and sore throats, prompting individuals to seek medical care. As we delve into the details, it becomes evident that while there have been some decreases, respiratory illnesses remain elevated across the nation.

Current Scenario:

The CDC’s update revealed that over the past two weeks, a significant number of jurisdictions – 22 to be exact – experienced high or very high activity in terms of respiratory illnesses. This is a notable decrease from 37 jurisdictions reported two weeks prior. The decline indicates a positive trend, albeit with certain regions still grappling with heightened levels of respiratory ailments.

Key Findings:

  1. COVID-19, RSV, and Flu Positivity Rates: Despite the overall elevated status of respiratory illnesses, the report brings attention to a nuanced picture. While COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and flu positivity rates remained elevated nationally, there was a glimmer of improvement. Both COVID and RSV rates saw a decrease compared to the previous week, while flu rates remained relatively stable.
  2. Emergency Room Visits: The post-holiday season witnessed a decline in emergency room visits related to respiratory illnesses. This dip is attributed to the country gradually returning to work after festive gatherings, which contributed to the spread of viruses during the peak of the flu season. It is encouraging to see a reduction in emergency room visits, signaling a potential easing of the burden on healthcare facilities.
  3. Wastewater Analysis: An intriguing aspect of the CDC update is the analysis of wastewater, providing a unique perspective on the prevalence of COVID-19. Although levels remained elevated, there was a shift from “very high” to “high,” with concentrations primarily observed in the Southern regions of the country. This insight into wastewater can aid in monitoring and predicting the trajectory of respiratory illnesses.
  4. Regional Disparities: States with a “very high” level of respiratory illness include New York, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Understanding these regional disparities is crucial for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.

In conclusion, the CDC’s latest update paints a dynamic picture of respiratory illnesses in the United States. While there are positive signs such as decreased emergency room visits and some lowering of COVID and RSV rates, challenges persist, especially in certain regions. Staying vigilant, following public health guidelines, and adapting strategies based on regional trends will be key in navigating through these challenging times. As we move forward, continued collaboration between health authorities, communities, and individuals remains paramount in mitigating the impact of respiratory illnesses nationwide.

Important Flu Season Update from Your Concierge Doctors in Jupiter

, , , , , , , Disease, Health Basics, Preventative Health, Vaccinations

As your trusted Concierge Doctors in Jupiter, we are committed to keeping you informed about health concerns that might affect our community. This year, we face a challenging flu season that has seen a significant rise in influenza cases and other respiratory illnesses across 38 states, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This update is particularly relevant as we navigate the period between Christmas and New Year’s, which has shown a dramatic increase in flu activity.

The CDC’s latest report is alarming yet crucial for our awareness: since October, there have been at least 10 million flu-related illnesses, leading to 110,000 hospitalizations and 6,500 deaths. These figures emphasize the severity of the current flu season, which generally peaks between December and February.

On a more reassuring note, the CDC director has confirmed that this year’s flu shots are well-matched to combat the prevalent strain. This is a significant factor in controlling the spread and severity of the flu, and we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.

In our local area, including our practice in Jupiter, pediatricians have noted an increase in respiratory illnesses among children and young adults up to age 21. Reflecting on the situation at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Dr. Megan Martin mentions, “We’re still seeing RSV and COVID as well. It’s keeping our emergency department pretty busy with all of these respiratory illnesses.”

In December, the hospital reported a rise in flu A and B cases, with 431 instances, and more than 185 cases of RSV. Additionally, 61 patients tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Martin compares this to pre-pandemic years, noting that while it’s not the worst flu season, it is notably rigorous compared to the pandemic years when mask-wearing reduced transmission significantly.

At our Concierge Doctors office in Jupiter, we are closely monitoring these developments and are here to support your health needs during this flu season. We advise our patients to take preventive measures such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and being mindful of symptoms. If you or your family members are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please reach out to us for guidance and treatment options.

Our priority is your health and well-being. By staying informed and proactive, we can collectively navigate through this flu season safely. Remember, we are here to assist you with any health concerns you may have.

A Teaspoon of Prevention: The Remarkable Impact of Reducing Salt on Blood Pressure

, , , , Nutrition

Understanding the Scale of Hypertension

In the United States alone, an astonishing 61.9 million adults are prescribed medication to manage their blood pressure, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hypertension, or high blood pressure, remains a leading health concern globally. But what if a simple dietary change could offer similar benefits to medication? Our primary care doctors in Jupiter want you to know about what an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests.

The Study: Salt Reduction Equals Medication?

Conducted by a team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the study observed 213 individuals aged 50 to 75. The participants’ diets were closely monitored, including a week on a low-sodium diet and another on a high-sodium regimen. Surprisingly, reducing salt intake by about one teaspoon a day (equivalent to 2,300 mg of sodium) showed a significant decrease in blood pressure, comparable to the effects of standard blood pressure medication.

Key Findings and Implications

  1. Broad Effectiveness: Dr. Deepak Gupta of VUMC noted that the blood pressure reduction was consistent across various groups – those with normal, controlled, untreated, and uncontrolled hypertension.
  2. Rapid Results: The participants experienced a notable drop in blood pressure within just a week of following the low-sodium diet.
  3. Public Health Impact: Dr. Cora Lewis emphasized the potential widespread benefits, considering the global prevalence of hypertension.
  4. No Side Effects: Dr. Bradley Serwer, reviewing the study, highlighted the advantage of dietary changes over medication, notably the lack of side effects.

The Role of Sodium in Hypertension

Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure levels. It attracts water, leading to increased fluid volume in the bloodstream and, consequently, higher blood pressure. This increased pressure adds strain to the heart, underscoring the importance of managing sodium intake.

Recommendations and Conclusion

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends adults consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. This study’s findings reinforce the significance of dietary control in managing blood pressure, even for those already on medication. As hypertension contributes to a range of severe health issues and remains a leading risk factor for death worldwide, reducing salt intake could be a key strategy in improving global health outcomes. As Dr. Gupta puts it, preventing hypertension is crucial for longer, healthier lives. This study demonstrates that sometimes, less is more – especially when it comes to salt.

Weight Loss Drugs: What You Need to Know About New Findings on Severe Stomach Problems

, , , , , Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Medications

Many patients turn to medication as a potential solution in the quest for weight loss solutions. Among the popular choices are drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. While their effectiveness in weight loss and diabetes management is well-known, a recent study from the University of British Columbia has shed light on potential severe gastrointestinal side effects.

Here’s what you should know.

1. A Brief Overview of GLP-1 Agonist Weightloss Drugs:

These drugs mimic the action of a gut hormone activated after eating, enhancing insulin release, suppressing sugar production in the liver, and reducing appetite. They have been widely prescribed for diabetes management, but their use for weight loss in non-diabetic patients has grown significantly.

2. Previous Concerns with Digestive Issues:

Past research indicated some risk of digestive problems for diabetes patients using these medications. However, this new study provides the first large-scale insight into these effects on non-diabetic patients using them solely for weight loss.

3. The New Findings:

  • 9.09 times increased risk of pancreatitis.
  • 4.22 times increased risk of bowel obstruction.
  • 3.67 times higher risk of gastroparesis.

While an increase in biliary disease was observed, it wasn’t statistically significant.

4. The Implications:

The sheer number of individuals using these drugs worldwide means that, even if these side effects are rare, hundreds of thousands might still experience these conditions. Understanding the risks becomes vital, especially for those who might be using the medications for general weight loss rather than for diabetes or obesity.

5. The Call to Action:

Researchers hope that pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will include the risk of gastroparesis on warning labels.

Conclusion:

Drugs can be a powerful tool in the journey towards better health and weight loss. However, as with all medical interventions, being informed is crucial. The potential side effects, while rare, can be severe. Patients must weigh the benefits against the risks and make an informed decision.

“Knowing the potential side effects is critical. It empowers patients to seek medical attention promptly and prevent further complications,” says Sodhi, emphasizing the importance of this new research. As always, consulting with your healthcare provider is recommended before starting or stopping any medication.

Flu Season Preparation: Creating a Personalized Flu Prevention Plan

, , , , , , , , , , , Disease, Health Basics, Preventative Health

Flu season can bring about a flurry of sniffles, coughs, and body aches which are often accompanied by a flurry of doctor’s appointments and sick days. It tends to peak between December and February but can last from October to as late as May. Preparing for this time of year is essential in not only protecting your own health but also the health of those around you. The key to this preparation is crafting a personalized flu prevention plan. Our primary care doctors in Jupiter have some tips on how you can create yours:

Step 1: Know Your Risk

Some individuals are at a higher risk for severe flu and complications. This includes young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic health conditions, and people aged 65 and older. Understanding your risk will help you take the necessary precautions.

Step 2: Get Vaccinated

The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent flu. It is advisable for everyone six months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to find the right flu vaccine for you.

Step 3: Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is a powerful tool in preventing the flu. Make sure to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.


Step 4: Boost Your Immune System

Maintaining a strong immune system can help ward off the flu. Ensure you are:

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Getting regular exercise.
  • Sleeping for 7-9 hours each night.
  • Managing stress through mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga.


Step 5: Avoid Close Contact

Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick, and if you are feeling unwell, stay home to prevent spreading the flu to others.

Step 6: Seek Medical Advice

If you’re at high risk for flu complications or have severe flu symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Antiviral drugs can be a treatment option.

Step 7: Create a Sick-Day Plan

Have a plan in place for managing sick days whether it’s for you or your family. Know your employer’s policies on sick leave and have a plan for childcare if necessary.

Conclusion:

Facing the flu season unprepared can be daunting. However, by understanding your risk and having a personalized flu prevention plan in place, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling ill. Remember, a little preparation now can save a lot of trouble later. Your health and the health of those around you is worth the effort.

Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Healthcare: Understanding the Differences

, , Concierge Medicine

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, there are various models of care available to patients. Two such models that have gained popularity in recent years are concierge medicine and traditional healthcare. While both aim to provide quality healthcare services to individuals, they differ significantly in their approach, level of personalization, and cost structure. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of concierge medicine and traditional healthcare, highlighting their unique features and helping you understand the differences between the two.

Traditional Healthcare: The Familiar Model

Traditional healthcare, also known as fee-for-service or insurance-based healthcare, is the conventional approach that most people are accustomed to. It involves patients seeking care from primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who accept insurance plans. In this model, patients typically pay for their medical services through insurance coverage or out-of-pocket fees for uninsured services.

Here are some key features of traditional healthcare:

  • Insurance dependency: Traditional healthcare heavily relies on insurance plans, where patients pay premiums to insurance companies, who in turn cover a portion of the medical expenses. The insurance provider negotiates rates with healthcare providers, and patients often have co-pays, deductibles, and limitations on covered services.
  • Limited time with physicians: Due to the demands of a traditional healthcare practice, physicians often have a large number of patients, leading to shorter appointment times. This can result in patients feeling rushed during their visits and limited opportunities to discuss their health concerns thoroughly.
  • Referrals for specialist care: In traditional healthcare, patients often require referrals from their primary care physicians to consult specialists or undergo certain medical procedures. This can cause delays in accessing specialized care and can add additional administrative steps to the process.
  • Insurance-driven limitations: Traditional healthcare models are subject to insurance regulations, which can dictate the coverage and reimbursement rates for specific procedures, medications, and tests. This may sometimes restrict physicians’ treatment options or create administrative burdens.

Concierge Medicine: Personalized Care and Beyond

Concierge medicine, also known as boutique or retainer-based medicine, is a healthcare model that offers enhanced personalized care and direct access to physicians in exchange for an annual or monthly fee. This model aims to provide a higher level of attention, convenience, and comprehensive care to patients.

Here are some key features of concierge medicine:

  • Membership-based care: In concierge medicine, patients pay an annual or monthly membership fee to a primary care physician or a practice. This fee grants them access to a range of personalized services and benefits beyond what traditional healthcare offers.
  • Extended and unhurried appointments: Concierge medicine allows for longer appointment times, ensuring that patients have ample opportunity to discuss their health concerns and receive comprehensive care. This model emphasizes building strong doctor-patient relationships and prioritizes individualized attention.
  • Enhanced access and convenience: Concierge practices often provide same-day or next-day appointments, 24/7 access to physicians via phone or email, and reduced waiting times. This accessibility allows patients to receive timely medical advice and attention, promoting a higher level of convenience and peace of mind.
  • Preventive care and wellness focus: Concierge medicine emphasizes proactive and preventive care, focusing on wellness and disease prevention. Physicians have the freedom to develop personalized health plans, including tailored screenings, lifestyle counseling, and wellness programs.
  • Additional services and amenities: Depending on the concierge practice, patients may have access to additional services such as telemedicine consultations, in-depth health assessments, coordination of specialist care, personalized health coaching, and more.

Understanding the Differences

The primary differences between concierge medicine and traditional healthcare can be summarized as follows:

  • Payment structure: Traditional healthcare relies on insurance payments and out-of-pocket fees, while concierge medicine operates on a membership or retainer fee structure.
  • Level of access and time with physicians: Concierge medicine offers extended appointment times, enhanced access to physicians, and a greater emphasis on building strong doctor-patient relationships, whereas traditional healthcare often involves shorter appointment times and limited access to physicians.
  • Personalization and comprehensive care: Concierge medicine focuses on personalized care plans, preventive medicine, and comprehensive wellness services beyond what is typically offered in traditional healthcare settings.
  • Additional services and amenities: Concierge medicine practices often provide additional services and amenities, such as 24/7 physician access, telemedicine consultations, and coordination of specialist care, to enhance the patient experience.

It’s important to note that while concierge medicine offers numerous advantages, it may not be accessible or affordable for everyone due to its higher cost structure. Traditional healthcare, on the other hand, remains the more common and widely available model for most individuals.

In conclusion, concierge medicine and traditional healthcare represent two distinct approaches to delivering medical care. Our concierge doctors in Jupiter emphasize personalization, extended time with patients, and comprehensive services, while traditional healthcare operates within the framework of insurance-based models. Understanding the differences between these two models can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and preferences.

Learn About this Devastating Mental Disease and How to Stay Ahead

, , , , Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Preventative Health

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain.


June is recognized as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this devastating disease and to support those who are affected by it. Our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to discuss some important facts about Alzheimer’s disease, as well as tips for maintaining brain health and reducing your risk of developing the disease.

Facts about Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to triple by 2060.
  • There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is more common in older adults, but it can also affect younger people.
  • Genetics, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors may all play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • There are several different types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is just one of them.

Tips for maintaining brain health:

  • Stay physically active: Regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new brain cells.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help support brain health.
  • Stay mentally active: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill.
  • Stay socially connected: Social interaction can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
  • Manage chronic health conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to manage these conditions through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

In conclusion, Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By raising awareness and taking steps to maintain brain health, we can work to reduce the impact of this disease and improve the quality of life for those affected by it.

Celebrate Earth Day With a Climate-Friendly Diet

, , Environment, Health Basics

As we prepare to celebrate the 51st Earth Day this week, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter know that many people are looking for ways to be kinder to the Earth without radically altering their entire lifestyle.

One way is to be more mindful of the carbon impact of the foods we eat. As an added bonus, eating more sustainably provides great health benefits, as well.

But you don’t have to make drastic changes to make a difference.

First, Some Facts

The World Economic Forum reports that, in a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from food production alone could use up all of the earth’s 1.5°C to 2°C carbon budget.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that food production accounts for 20-30 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and as much as 66 percent of water usage.

According to Scientific American (SA), the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that red meat such as beef and lamb is responsible for 10 to 40 times as many GHG emissions as grains and vegetables.

Livestock farming from cattle alone is estimated to generate about 20 percent of the GHG methane produced in the U.S.

In addition, a 2009 study found that cattle ranching is responsible for 80 percent of the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

Finally, SA reports that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs or “factory farms”) can produce as much sewage waste as a small city.

The Wellness Advantage

In addition to the benefits for the planet, this way of eating provides another bonus: From a health perspective, plant-based diets are unquestionably better for the body than a diet high in meat, especially red meat.

According to Harvard Health, “an accumulated body of evidence shows a clear link between high intake of red and processed meats and a higher risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature death.”

“The evidence is consistent across different studies,” says Dr. Frank Hu, chair of Harvard’s Department of Nutrition.

On the flip side, plant-forward diets have been shown to support the immune system, reduce inflammation in the body, reduce the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and improve the gut microbiome.

And, of course, incorporating more plants into your diet reduces the number of antibiotics you’re exposed to.

As SA reports, the widespread use of antibiotics to keep livestock healthy in the unnatural confines of those overcrowded CAFOs has led to the development of dangerous antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that can make some common infections impossible to treat.

Different Approaches

As we said, you don’t have to go totally vegan to help the planet or your health. There is an array of climate-friendly (or at least friendlier) diets to choose from.

Vegans, of course, don’t consume any animal products at all.

Vegetarians don’t eat meat but may eat some animal products such as eggs and dairy.

Flexitarians are, as their name suggests, more flexible in what they eat. Closest to vegetarians, they do occasionally consume meat.

Sustainarians eat a mostly plant-based diet but will eat meat if it is locally and humanely raised.

Reducetarians try to eat less meat for a variety of reasons, including their own health, the welfare of animals, and the environmental impact of their food. They’re also concerned with the concepts of biodiversity loss, and their food’s impact on water supplies and food workers.

Climatarians, also known as “climavores,” eat less meat and only a moderate amount of sustainable fish, avoid food waste and “air-flown” food, and choose high-welfare, organic meat.

Regenivores’ diets are similar to those above, especially reducetarians, but focus even more on whether it’s ethically produced. HuffPost reports they take into consideration soil health, workers’ rights, the impact of chemicals on the humans involved in food production, and the treatment of animals throughout the supply chain.

Other Ideas

Kind of confusing, isn’t it? If you don’t want to label your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint but just want to eat more sustainably, Canadian Living offers a simpler approach:

  1. Eat less meat. “A 2016 systematic review shows that following a diet low in animal products has the biggest impact on the environment of any dietary change, reducing GHG emissions and land use up to 70-80 percent, and water uses up to 50 percent,” the magazine reports. Keep in mind that beef has the largest carbon footprint of all animal products.
  2. Eat more plants. For your health and that of the planet, focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils, moderate amounts of seafood and poultry, and little red or processed meat, added sugar, or refined grains.
  3. Reduce food waste. Food waste ends up in landfills, where it generates about 25 percent of Canada’s methane gas. (The U.S. total is approximately 16 percent). Buy only what you need, and make a plan to use up leftovers as much as possible.
  4. Buy local food. This supports local farmers, reduces the need for transporting food long distances, and is more nutritious because fewer nutrients are lost during transit.
  5. Reduce kitchen garbage:
    • Buy/use reusable grocery and produce bags.
    • Carry a reusable water bottle.
    • Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
    • Replace washable silicone bags instead of plastic bags.

This Earth Day, you can do your health and the planet a favor just by making a few simple changes to your diet.

For a suggested Earth Day menu, Earthday.org offers a sample here.

Progestin-Only Birth Control Slightly Increases Breast Cancer Risk

, , , , , Uncategorized

Our family practice concierge doctors in Jupiter have heard from some of our patients that they’re concerned about a new study regarding the safety of certain contraceptives.

In fact, many observers think this study’s findings are reassuring, and should not unduly alarm women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among women ages 15 to 49 in the U.S., about 14 percent of those using contraception use oral contraception, and around 10 percent use long-acting devices like IUDs.

Contraceptive Risks and Benefits

Since their inception, birth control pills have been associated with various risks to the women who take them.

In 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first birth control pill, Enovid. It combined two types of hormones designed to prevent ovulation: estrogen and progestin. According to Planned Parenthood, it contained far more hormones than were needed to prevent pregnancy, which is why it was also responsible for occasional severe side effects and increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Later forms of the pill, as it came to be called, used much lower formulations, but they are still implicated in a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack, strokes, blood clots, and liver tumors.

Many see these risks as being outweighed by the benefit of preventing unwanted pregnancies. In addition, studies have found a decreased risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers in long-term users of the pill, as compared with non-users.

Birth control pills are also prescribed for women with excessive bleeding and/or painful periods, apart from their use in pregnancy prevention.

Another UK study of more than 46,000 women who were followed for up to 39 years showed that their use of the pill not only didn’t increase their risk of mortality but also appeared to have increased longevity.

The New Study

Progestin-only formulations in various forms of birth control were thought to lower the risks of complications because estrogen is known to increase the incidence of the most common side effects.

Progestin-only pills thicken the mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from reaching an egg. One form of the progestin-only pill can also stop ovulation.

“We’ve known for a while that estrogen and progestin birth control pills, oral contraceptives, have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer,” Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a board-certified OB-GYN, and ABC News chief medical correspondent said on “Good Morning America” when the new study was released.

“What we didn’t know is the newer forms of progestin-only pills, IUDs, injectable implants, what their associated risk, if any, was in comparison,” she explained.

The study that made the news last month was published in the journal PLOS One. Researchers in the U.K. analyzed data on nearly 10,000 women who had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1996 and 2017.

They then compared these subjects’ profiles with more than 18,000 women who did not have breast cancer.

“On average, 44 percent of women with breast cancer and 39 percent of matched controls had a hormonal contraceptive prescription, with about half the prescriptions being for progestagen-only [i.e., progestin-only] preparations,” the study authors wrote.

Explaining the Results

The findings “suggest that the 15-year absolute excess risk of breast cancer associated with the use of oral contraceptives ranges from eight per 100,000 users (an increase in incidence from 0.084 percent to 0.093 percent) for use from age 16 to 20 to about 265 per 100,000 users (from 2.0 percent to 2.2 percent) for use from age 35 to 39.”

In other words, those who use the progestin-only forms of contraceptives have about the same slight risk of breast cancer as women who use the combination pill.

They also found that the longer a woman is off hormonal birth control, the lower the risk.

Claire Knight, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, which provided core funding for the study, told CNN that hormonal contraception is a personal choice, as “there are lots of possible benefits to using contraception, as well as other risks not related to cancer.

“Women who are most likely to be using contraception are under the age of 50, where the risk of breast cancer is even lower,” she explained.

Reassuring Users

Gill Reeves, a co-author of the study and professor of statistical epidemiology at the University of Oxford, told The Washington Post that “it may be reassuring to know that these newer contraceptives that women are using in increasing numbers do not have any untoward effects that might be unexpected. 

“They do seem to behave pretty much like traditional contraceptives,” she added.

Ashton, who was not involved in the study, stressed that it’s important to recognize how slightly the use of hormonal contraceptives raises the risk of breast cancer.

“It’s about individualizing the risk-benefit and option risk for the woman,” she told GMA.

“If you talk to any OB-GYN, they will say, we have a line: ‘Pregnancy is much higher risk than any associated risk with birth control pills or hormonal contraception.’ ”

“For anyone looking to lower their cancer risk, not smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking less alcohol, and keeping a healthy weight will have the most impact,” Knight told CNN.

All the experts suggest that women discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.

Here’s to Your Heart Health

, , , Disease, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Preventative Health

In recognition of American Heart Month in February, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter thought we’d share some facts with you about your heart, and what you can do to keep it healthy.

Surprising Heart Facts

First, from the Cleveland Clinic, here are a few interesting things you may not know about your heart.

Your heart is about the size of your two hands clasped together.
It beats 100,000 times a day.
The beating sound is the clap of valve leaflets opening and closing.
A woman’s average heartbeat is faster than a man’s by almost eight beats a minute.
Every cell in your body gets blood from your heart, except for your corneas.
The heart pumps blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels.
A normal heart pumps approximately four tablespoons of blood with each beat.
Each minute, your heart pumps 1.5 gallons of blood.
Your heart has its own electrical supply and will continue to beat when separated from your body.
Heart cancer is very rare because heart cells stop dividing early in life.

About Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. About 697,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease in 2020 (the most recent figures available). And every year about 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack; over 600,000 of those are first heart attacks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions.

The most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack. In 2020, about 20 percent of deaths from CAD occurred in adults below the age of 65, known as an “early cardiac event.”

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease Include:

Heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, pain in the jaw or throat, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, a cold sweat, and shortness of breath
Arrhythmia: fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations)
Heart failure: shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins

The Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Curtis Rimmerman, a cardiologist, emphasizes that symptoms of a heart attack can vary widely, but adds that the discomfort is usually unrelenting, typically lasting five minutes or more.

“Regardless of where the pain is, people typically can’t find a position that relieves the pain,” he says. “Nor do they find relief by taking a drink of water, popping antacids or taking deep breaths.”

That means it’s time to call 911, he adds.

Increasing Risk

Unfortunately, about one in every five heart attacks are “silent”—that is, the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.

That’s why it’s important to know your risk factors and what you can do about them.

About half of all Americans (47 percent) have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

In addition, several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, the CDC reports, including:

diabetes
overweight and obesity
unhealthy diet
physical inactivity
excessive alcohol use

In addition, a 2021 study published in the journal Heart found that those who used illicit substances, including amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabis, were far more likely to experience an early cardiac event than those who didn’t.

And another study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2020, found that the chances of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) were 19 times higher in women who consumed one or more sugary drinks a day. This included everything from fruit juices to soft drinks (not diet) to coffee with sugar.

Lowering Risk

Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as age or family history of heart disease, but you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control.

Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides checked regularly.
Ask us whether you should be tested for diabetes.
Quit smoking.
Limit the alcohol you consume to one drink a day.
Learn how to manage stress levels by finding healthy ways to cope with stressful events.

In addition, there are two other ways that have been shown to dramatically reduce your risk for heart disease.

The first is exercise. According to the Cleveland Clinic, regular moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes is the single most important—and free—key to heart health.

The second is diet, specifically a plant-based diet. This doesn’t necessarily mean going totally vegetarian, just making plant foods vs. animal foods the main component of your diet.

“I’ve seen people whose diabetes, angina, or blood pressure goes into remission [on a plant-based diet],” Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist and the co-founder of the Nutrition and Lifestyle Work Group at the American College of Cardiology, told The Washington Post.

“I’ve seen autoimmune diseases go away when you cut inflammation,” he said. “The best way to do that is with a plant-based diet, and people get better.”

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