StemCell Therapy

SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Plex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Plex"), announced that it has been awarded two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Eye Institute: a $1.3 million Phase II grant (R44EY027236) and a $300,000 Phase I grant (R43EY031609). Under the Phase II grant, Plex intends to advance its lead anti-cataract drug candidate, CAP4196 through preclinical and IND enabling studies to gain clearance from the FDA to initiate its first-in-human clinical trials for the non-surgical treatment of cataracts. Plex also intends to develop its anti-cataract drug candidate, CAP4349 as an effective topical eye drop formulation to enhance its characteristics to effectively cross the cornea and accumulate in the eye lens in concentrations that can result in beneficial clinical outcomes under the Phase I grant.

CAP4196 and CAP4349 are topical eye drop formulations that act as modulators of the eye lens protein, alpha-A-crystallin (AAC). AAC is a major component of the eye lens that helps maintain its transparency. Loss of AAC function leads to the aggregation of damaged and/or aged proteins in the eye lens, which results in the formation of cataracts.

"The successful discovery of these drug candidates, CAP4196 and CAP4349, for the non-surgical treatment of cataracts and the receipt of these grants from the NIH further validates Plex's expertise in the development of treatments targeting diseases associated with protein misfolding and aggregation using its platform technology, which is focused on the discovery of barrier-crossing (CNS and ocular) drug-like compounds," said Dr. G. Sridhar Prasad, Principal Investigator on the Phase II grant and Chief Scientific Officer at Plex.

"The receipt of the Phase I grant from the NIH to optimize CAP4349 as a promising topical anti-cataract eye drop formulation will significantly bolster Plex's pipeline of anti-cataract agents and help to advance this candidate towards in vivo proof of concept efficacy and safety studies," said Dr. Santosh C. Sinha, Principal Investigator on the Phase I grant and Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Plex.

"I am proud to be part of Plex's journey in the development of CAP4196 and CAP4349 to treat cataracts which afflicts more than 35 million patients worldwide. The current standard of care involves surgical intervention that can cause potential side effects such as infections, bleeding, and secondary cataracts in more than 15% of cataracts procedures. If successful, CAP4196 and CAP4349 will be the only topical drugs capable of reversing cataracts without surgical intervention," said Mr. Hoji Alimi, Chief Executive Officer. "Accomplishments by the Plex scientific team will be a major contribution to the world of medicine and may ultimately help alleviate the financial and medical burdens currently felt by the millions afflicted with cataracts globally."

About CAP4196, CAP4349, and cataracts:CAP4196 and CAP4349 are drugs that have shown promise for the treatment of protein aggregation diseases for systemic use. Plex has successfully reformulated these drugs as effective topical eye drop formulations and demonstrated promising in vitro and ex vivo efficacy in multiple cataract models and in vivo safety. Cataracts, which is the clouding of the eye lens, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where 30-60% of blindness in Africa and 60-80% in Southeast Asia is attributable to cataracts. The only treatment currently available is surgical extraction of the lens and replacement with an intraocular lens that is accompanied by a high public health burden.

About Plex Pharmaceuticals:Plex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Collidion Inc., is an ophthalmology company focused on improving the lives of patients diagnosed with complex degenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding and aggregation. Plex's core competencies are in the discovery of drug-like small molecules by utilizing its core technologies, including functional fragment screening and x-ray crystallography to rationally design and synthesize New Chemical Entities (NCEs). The team at Plex has amassed decades of experience in numerous drug discovery programs that have successfully produced multiple clinical candidates, including an FDA approved drug. For more information, please visit http://www.plexpharma.com or http://www.collidion.com.

Contact:William H. Watson, IIIVP Business Development & Sales408-206-0349[emailprotected]

SOURCE Plex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

http://www.plexpharma.com

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Plex Pharmaceuticals Awarded $1.6 Million in Grant Funding from NIH to Advance Eye Drop Therapy for Cataracts - PRNewswire

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBLIN In support of Graves Disease Awareness Month, Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) and Prevent Blindness, the nations oldest volunteer eye health organization, launched an initiative encouraging people who are living with Graves disease to FOCUS on their eye health by recognizing the symptoms of a separate, but related disease called Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Up to half of people with Graves disease will develop TED a serious, progressive and vision-threatening rare autoimmune disease that causes painful symptoms like eye bulging, double vision and facial disfigurement.1,2

The initiative, which was developed with input from the Graves disease and TED community, features a memory device that uses the word FOCUS to help people take steps to recognize and manage TED. Now through July 31, 2020, Horizon will donate $1 (up to $25,000) to Prevent Blindness each time the FOCUS graphic is shared on social media.

When first diagnosed with Graves disease, I thought the eye symptoms were just one facet of this rare autoimmune disease, said Christine G., who has been living with TED for 10 years. Similar to others with TED, I had light sensitivity, grittiness, pain, swelling and bulging of my eyes. After years of struggling to find answers, I learned that TED needed to be managed separately from Graves. With this knowledge, an entirely new world of hope opened before me. I am confident that this initiative will help others get an accurate diagnosis and will provide them with the vital resources and support now available to them.

The FOCUS memory device includes the following steps:

Prevent Blindness is committed to helping people who live with low vision, vision impairment and vision-related eye diseases feel empowered to speak up and get the care they deserve, said Jeff Todd, president and chief executive officer, Prevent Blindness. People living with TED dont have to struggle in silence. There are resources, like this initiative, that can help. We are proud to be a part of bringing much-needed attention to this often overlooked eye disease.

People who are living with Graves disease are encouraged to pay attention to changes in their eyes and visit an eye specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, neuro-ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon, to get an eye exam. Spotting the signs and symptoms of TED early can help decrease the chances of serious and potentially permanent eye damage.3 All FOCUS resources will be posted throughout the month of July to the Listen to Your Eyes Facebook community. Additional information about TED can be found at ThyroidEyes.com, including what symptoms to watch for, a tool for tracking symptoms and a specialist finder; and on the Prevent Blindness website.

Over the past few years, we have been fortunate to listen and learn from the TED community about their experiences with this truly life changing disease, and how we can provide education and support, said Matt Flesch, vice president, communications and patient advocacy, Horizon. We often hear from people living with TED that not only is it difficult to distinguish the eye symptoms caused by TED from all of the other symptoms caused by Graves disease, but that it is also incredibly difficult to know where to go for support. This initiative was created to clear up the confusion and direct people to useful resources that will help them along their journey.

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New Initiative Encourages the Graves' Disease Community to FOCUS on Eye Health - InvisionMag

From immunity to the role of genetics, the prestigious scientific journal Nature examines five pressing questions about COVID-19 that researchers are addressing.

UNITED STATES (Reuters) To mark six months since the world first learned of the disease responsible for the pandemic, Nature looks at some of the key questions researchers have yet to answer.

In late December 2019, reports emerged of mysterious pneumonia in Wuhan, China, a city of 11 million people in the southeastern province of Hubei. The cause, Chinese scientists, quickly determined, was a new coronavirus distantly related to the SARS virus that had emerged in China in 2003, before spreading globally and killing nearly 800 people.

Six months and more than 10 million confirmed cases later, the VID-19 pandemic has become the worst public health crisis in a century. More than 500,000 people have died worldwide. It has also catalyzed a revolution in research, as scientists, physicians, and other academics have worked at breakneck speed to understand COVID-19 and the virus that causes it: SARS-CoV-2.

They have learned how the virus enters and hijacks cells, how some people fight it, and how it eventually kills others. They have identified drugs that benefit the sickest patients, and many more potential treatments are being developed. They have developed nearly 200 potential vaccines, the first of which could be proven effective by the end of the year.

But for every idea of COVID-19, more questions arise, and others persist. This is how science works. To commemorate six months since the world first learned of the disease responsible for the pandemic, the science journal Nature looks at some of the key questions that researchers do not yet have answers to.

1. Why do people respond so differently?Some people never develop symptoms, while others, some apparently healthy, have severe or even fatal pneumonia.

One of the most striking aspects of COVID-19 is the marked differences in the experiences of the disease. Some people never develop symptoms, while others, some apparently healthy, have severe or even fatal pneumonia. The differences in clinical outcome are dramatic, says Kri Stefnsson, a geneticist and CEO of DeCODE Genetics in Reykjavik, whose team is looking for human gene variants that may explain some of these differences.

That search has been hampered by the relatively small number of cases in Iceland. But last month, an international team that analyzed the genomes of approximately 4,000 people in Italy and Spain discovered the first strong genetic links to severe COVID-19. People who developed respiratory failure were more likely to carry one of two particular genetic variants than people without the disease.

One variant lies in the region of the genome that determines the ABO blood type. The other is close to several genes, including one that encodes a protein that interacts with the receptor the virus uses to enter human cells, and two others that encode molecules linked to the immune response against pathogens. The researchers are part of the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, a global consortium of groups that are pooling data to validate the findings and discover more genetic links.

The variants identified so far appear to play a modest role in the outcome of the disease. A team led by Jean-Laurent Casanova, an immunologist at Rockefeller University in New York City, is looking for mutations that will play a larger role. His team is combining the entire genomes of otherwise healthy people under 50 who have experienced severe cases of COVID-19, he says, such as the guy who ran a marathon in October and now, five months later, is in the ICU, intubated and ventilated. Extreme susceptibility to other infections, such as tuberculosis and Epstein-Barr virus, a generally harmless pathogen that sometimes causes serious illness, has been attributed to mutations in individual genes. Casanova suspects that the same will be true for some cases of COVID-19.

2. What is the nature of immunity, and how long does it last?Researchers do not yet know what level of neutralizing antibodies is needed to fight SARS-CoV-2 reinfection or reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 in a second illness.

Immunologists are working feverishly to determine what immunity to SARS-CoV-2 might look like and how long it might last. Much of the effort has focused on neutralizing antibodies, which bind to viral proteins and directly prevent infection. Studies have found that levels of neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain high for a few weeks after infection and begin to decline.

However, these antibodies may remain at high levels longer in people who had particularly severe infections. The more virus, the more antibodies and the longer they last, says immunologist George Kassiotis of the Francis Crick Institute in London. Similar patterns have been seen with other viral infections, including SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Most people with SARS lost their neutralizing antibodies after the first few years. But those who had it severely still had antibodies when they were re-tested 12 years later.

Researchers do not yet know what level of neutralizing antibodies is needed to fight SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, or at least to reduce the symptoms of SARS-CoV-19 in a second illness. And other antibodies may be essential for immunity. Virologist Andres Finzi, of the University of Montreal in Canada, plans to study the role of antibodies that bind to infected cells and mark them for execution by immune cells, a process called antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, in response to SARS-CoV-2.

Ultimately, a complete picture of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is likely to extend beyond the antibodies. Other immune cells called T cells are essential for long-term resistance, and studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is also urging them to arms. People equate antibodies with immunity, but the immune system is such a wonderful machine, Finzi explains. Its much more complex than just antibodies.

Because there is not yet a clear, measurable marker in the body that correlates with long-term immunity, researchers must reconstruct the mosaic of immune responses and compare it to responses to infections with other viruses to estimate how long the protection might last. Studies of other coronaviruses suggest that sterilizing immunity, which prevents disease, may last only a few months. But protective immunity, which can prevent or alleviate symptoms, may last longer than that, warns Shane Crotty, a virologist at the La Jolla Institute of Immunology in California.

3. Has the virus developed any mutations of concern?The versions of the coronavirus identified at the beginning of outbreaks in hot spots such as Lombardy in Italy or Madrid, for example, may appear more lethal than those found in later stages or elsewhere (AFP)

All viruses mutate as they infect people, and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception. Molecular epidemiologists have used these mutations to track the global spread of the virus. But scientists are also looking for changes that affect their properties, such as making some lineages more or less virulent or transmissible. Its a new virus; if it became more severe, thats something Id like to know, says David Robertson, a virologist at the University of Glasgow, UK is cataloging mutations in SARS-CoV-2. Such mutations also have the potential to diminish vaccines effectiveness by altering the ability of antibodies and T cells to recognize the pathogen.

But most of the mutations will have no impact, and choosing the ones of concern is a challenge. Versions of the coronavirus identified at the beginning of outbreaks in hot spots such as Lombardy in Italy or Madrid, for example, may appear more lethal than those found at later stages or elsewhere. But such associations are probably spurious, says William Hanage, an epidemiologist at Harvard Universitys TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts: health officials are more likely to identify severe cases in the early, uncontrolled stages of an outbreak. The widespread of specific mutations could also be due to founder effects, in which lineages that emerge early in transmission centers such as Wuhan or northern Italy have a mutation that is transmitted when outbreaks spread elsewhere.

Researchers are debating whether the widespread prevalence of a mutation in the spike protein of the virus is a product of a founder effect or an example of a consequent change in the biology of the virus.

The mutation appears to have emerged around February in Europe, where most circulating viruses now carry it and are now found in all regions of the world. Several pre-print studies have suggested that this mutation makes the SARS-CoV-2 virus more infectious to cultured cells, but it is not clear how this property translates into humans.

4. How well will a vaccine work?With governments and industry injecting billions into the development, testing, and manufacturing of vaccines, scientists say vaccines could be available in record time. It may not be fully capable.

An effective vaccine may be the only way out of the pandemic. There are currently approximately 200 in development worldwide, with about 20 in clinical trials. The first large-scale efficacy trials to determine whether any vaccine works will begin in the coming months. These studies will compare rates of infection with COVID-19 among people receiving a vaccine and those receiving a placebo.

But there are already clues in the data from animal studies and early human trials, mainly safety tests. Several teams have conducted challenge tests in which animals receiving a candidate vaccine are intentionally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 to see if it can prevent infection. Studies in macaque monkeys suggest that vaccines may do a good job of preventing lung infection and resulting pneumonia, but not blocking infection in other parts of the body, such as the nose. Monkeys that received a vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, UK, and were then exposed to the virus had viral genetic material in their noses comparable to levels in unvaccinated animals. Results like this increase the chance of a COVID-19 vaccine preventing severe disease, but not the spread of the virus.

Data in humans, although scarce, suggest that COVID-19 vaccines cause our bodies to produce potent neutralizing antibodies that can block infection of the virus by cells. It is still unclear whether the levels of these antibodies are high enough to stop new infections or how long these molecules persist in the body.

With governments and industry injecting billions into the development, testing, and manufacturing of vaccines, scientists say, a vaccine may be available in record time, but it simply may not be fully effective. We could have vaccines in the clinic that are useful in people within 12 or 18 months, Dave OConnor, a virologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told Nature in May. But were going to need to improve them.

5. What is the origin of the virus?Most researchers agree that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus probably originated in bats, specifically horseshoe bats. This group is home to two coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2. One, called RATG13, was found in intermediate Horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus affinis) in southwestern Chinas Yunnan Province in 2013. Its genome is 96% identical to SARS-CoV-2. The next closest match is RmYN02, a coronavirus found in Malayan horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus malayanus), which shares 93% of its genetic sequence SARS-CoV-2.

A comprehensive analysis of more than 1,200 coronaviruses sampled from bats in China also points to the Horseshoe bats in Yunnan as the likely origin of the new coronavirus. But the study does not exclude the possibility that the virus originated from horseshoe bats in neighboring countries, including Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

The 4% difference between the genomes of RATG13 and SARS-CoV-2 represents decades of evolution. Researchers say this suggests that the virus may have passed through an intermediate host before spreading to people, just as it is believed that the virus causes SARS to pass from horseshoe bats to civets before reaching people. Some candidates for this animal host appeared at the beginning of the outbreak, and several groups focused on pangolins.

Researchers isolated coronaviruses from Malaysian pangolins (Manis javanica) confiscated during anti-smuggling operations in southern China. These viruses share up to 92% of their genomes with the new coronavirus. Studies confirm that pangolins may harbor coronaviruses that share a common ancestor with SARS-CoV-2, but do not prove that the virus jumped from pangolins to people.

To uniquely track the virus journey to people, scientists would need to find an animal that harbors a more than 99% similar version of SARS-CoV-2, a perspective complicated by the fact that the virus has spread so widely among people that they, in turn, passed it on to other animals, such as cats, dogs, and farm minks.

Zhang Zhigang, an evolutionary microbiologist at Yunnan University in Kunming, says efforts by research groups in China to isolate the virus from livestock and wildlife, including civets, have been uncovered. Groups in Southeast Asia are also looking for the coronavirus in tissue samples from bats, pangolins, and civets.

The Yucatan TimesNewsroom

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Six months of coronavirus: the mysteries scientists are still struggling to solve. - The Yucatan Times

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- It's a question some are grappling with as COVID-19 cases surge across the country.

In June, a woman posted a picture of a San Diego barista on Facebook with the caption "Meet Lenen from Starbucks who refused to serve me cause I'm not wearing a mask. Next time I will wait for cops and bring a medical exemption."

Someone started a GoFundMe for the Starbucks barista who went viral and has raised $100,000 in donations.

Also last month, a woman went on a tirade after being asked to wear a face covering in a Trader Joe's store in North Hollywood.

There's no shortage of stories about public debates over face masks.

RELATED: New UCSD finding: Wearing masks significantly curbs spread of COVID-19

In California, people are required to wear face coverings in most indoor settings and outdoors when physical distancing isn't possible.

According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in early June, "Overall, 65% of U.S. adults say that they have personally worn a mask in stores or other businesses all or most of the time in the past month, while 15% say they did this some of the time. Relatively small shares of adults say they hardly ever (9%) or never (7%) wore a mask in the past month, and 4% say they have not gone to these types of places."

Reporter Adam Racusin spoke with two doctors in different parts of California to get their take on masks.

"The primary purpose of wearing a face covering is to protect other people in case you're one of the probably significant number of people who are shedding the virus and not have symptoms," said Dr. Dean Winslow, a professor of medicine at the Stanford University Medical Center.

Winslow said the risk of coming into contact with the virus is higher when in indoor settings.

RELATED: Some San Diegans push for end of San Diego County face mask requirement

"Historically, the major outbreaks we've seen we know where the point source is, and have almost always been indoors," he said.

"Eventually, the people around us, how healthy they are, is going to come back to haunt us," said Dr. Jyotu Sandhu, Family Medicine, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group. "So we need to look at mitigating the risk for everybody, and masks regardless of the type can reduce the risk of spread.

Sandhu said the goal is to lessen or reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"They (people) want to hear a black or white answer, are masks good, or are they not good, are they protecting me? Are they not protecting me? And it's really a gray area," he said. "They are protecting you, but they are not 100 percent preventative."

So, what's behind the decision not to wear a mask, and what are people thinking?

RELATED: 8 mask hacks to follow rules while staying comfortable

"What we're talking about is the curtailing of folks freedom," said Dr. Saurabh Gupta with Southern Californian Psychology Centers.

Gupta said some of the factors influencing decisions are world experience, how people see their political leaders, and social responsibility.

"It's worth looking at people on kind of a spectrum," he said. "So there's some people who really appreciate the mask and recognize that their social responsibility dictates, they really care about other people, they want to make sure that if inadvertently they are infected they don't want to pass it on to anyone, gosh they would feel terrible about that. Then you have folks on the other end who just don't want their freedom curtailed in any way. They don't want to be told what to do, and to cover their face feels very personal. And then you have folks everywhere in between in that spectrum. They will say, alright, I'll put up with this if I have to, but as soon as I don't have to or I'm not being told to it's coming off because I don't like it on my face.

In a UCSD campus-released article titled "To wear a mask or not, is not the question; Research indicates it's the answer," Chemistry Nobel Laureate and UCSD Professor Mario Molina shows the data does not lie.

A pivotal point of the study was when they looked at the numbers in Italy and New York after their respective mask mandates went into effect on April 6, 2020, and April 17, 2020. It was only then that the spread of viral air particles slowed drastically.

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Mask or no mask? Breaking down the debate on masks - 10News

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of July 10 ...

What we are watching in Canada ...

OTTAWA The Supreme Court of Canada is slated to rule this morning on the constitutionality of a federal law that forbids companies from making people undergo genetic testing before buying insurance or other services.

The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act also outlaws the practice of requiring the disclosure of existing genetic test results as a condition for obtaining such services or entering into a contract.

The act is intended to ensure Canadians can take genetic tests to help identify health risks without fear they will be penalized when seeking life or health insurance.

The law, passed three years ago, is the result of a private member's bill that was introduced in the Senate and garnered strong support from MPs despite opposition from then-justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

The Quebec government referred the new law to the provincial Court of Appeal, which ruled in 2018 that it strayed beyond the federal government's jurisdiction over criminal law.

The Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness then challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court of Canada, which heard the appeal last October.

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Also this ...

OTTAWA Canadian troops are being forced to hitch a ride with the British military to get to and from Latvia due to a shortage of working planes.

A CC-150 Polaris was to carry about 120 Canadian soldiers to Latvia on Wednesday and fly back with a similar number of returning troops.

Yet the Defence Department says those plans changed after a problem was found with the plane's landing gear, which is when the military asked the British for help.

The Air Force has three Polaris capable of ferrying personnel to different parts of the world but the Defence Department says the other two were unavailable.

One is currently ferrying troops to and from the Middle East while the third which normally serves as the prime minister's plane is out of commission until at least January after a hangar accident last October.

Defence Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande says the British plane took off with the 120 departing troops on Thursday and will return with a similar number of soldiers in the coming days.

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What we are watching in the U.S. ...

International students worried about a new immigration policy that could potentially cost them their visas say they feel stuck between being unnecessarily exposed during the coronavirus pandemic and being able to finish their studies in the United States.

The students from countries such as India, China and Brazil say they are scrambling to devise plans after federal immigration authorities notified colleges this week that international students must leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools operate entirely online this fall.

Some say they are considering the possibility of returning home or moving to Canada.

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What we are watching elsewhere in the world ...

SEOUL The sudden death of the Seoul mayor is triggering an outpouring of public sympathy but also questions about his behaviour.

Park Won-sun was found dead in the South Korean capital, hours after his daughter reported him missing.

Media reports say one of his secretaries lodged a complaint with police over his alleged sexual harassment.

Many mourn Park's death, while others worry sympathy for him could lead to a criticism of the woman who filed the complaint.

Despite gradually improvements in women's rights in recent years, South Korea remains a male-centred society.

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Today in 1912...

Montreal's George Hodgson won Canada's first Olympic swimming gold medal. He set a world record of 22 minutes flat in the 1,500-metre freestyle at the Games in Stockholm. That record lasted 11 years. Four days later, Hodgson won the 400-metre freestyle. Canada did not capture another Olympic swimming title until 1984.

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The Canadian economy ...

Statistics Canada is set this morning to give a snapshot of the job market as it was last month as pandemic-related restrictions eased and reopenings widened.

Economists expect the report will show a bump in employment as a result, further recouping some of the approximately three million jobs lost over March and April.

Financial data firm Refinitiv says the average economist estimate for June is for employment to increase by 700,000 jobs and the unemployment rate to fall to 12.0 per cent.

The unemployment rate in May was a record-high 13.7 per cent, a far turn from the record low of 5.5 per cent recorded in January.

The Bank of Canada and federal government say the worst of the economic pain from the pandemic is behind the country, but Canada will face high unemployment and low growth until 2021.

The economic outlook released by the Liberal government Wednesday forecasted the unemployment rate to be 9.8 per cent for the calendar year, dropping to 7.8 per cent next year based on forecasts by 13 private sector economists.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2020.

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Genetic testing and hitching a ride with the British; In The News for July 10 - Kamloops This Week

By Dr. Bimal Chhajer

Since the inception of COVID pandemic, the impact due to various heart ailments seems to be subsided. Though it is known that the rate of mortality and morbidity due to heart attacks are underestimated globally, yet many countries are still facing the wrath of its mortality. While the prime focus of most of the countries is to develop a vaccine for n-COVID-19, in the interim people are instructed to follow the preventive measures like social isolation, sanitization, hand washing, avoiding handshakes and so on.

The recent data suggests that around 1.2 crore people have been infected globally, with a mortality rate of 5.4 lakh. India accounts for 7.4 lakh cases with a mortality of 20,000 till now. The statistics in comparison to the impact of Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) and other heart ailments seems evidently low.

On an average around 20 crore people succumb to some form of heart ailment with a mortality rate of 10% accounting for 2 crore lives lost. India being the present-day leader in terms of number of heart disease patients across the world attribute to a massive 6 crore people being diagnosed every year. As the numbers are still on an exponential rise, an estimate of 9000 per day seems to lose their lives suffering from heart problems, which in this current scenario seems to be avoided.

COVID and Cardiac Relationship

Various studies have also claimed that people with pre-existing heart conditions have a direct 11.6 % higher risk of mortality due to the COVID infection. And co-morbidity of diabetes and hypertension further raises the risk by upto 8 folds attributing to the lowered immunity and decreased speed of body response to tackle inflammation with increased age along with viral myocarditis to some extent. There has also been a link established with increasing age, while people above the age of 60 years are four times vulnerable to death, 9 times if the age is above 70 years and 15 times if the age is above 80 years.

Evidently, the rate of mortality due to COVID is restricted to within 2% whereas heart diseases kill over 10%, and still neglected. There are 8-10 crore (80-100 million) heart patients in India and every 10 seconds one person dies of heart disease in this country.

Why heart surgeries Natural Bypass technique is useful

Hospitals in India perform more than 2 lakh open heart surgeries annually and are increasing annually by 25%. But the cases of heart attacks are not going down. The surgeries done are only palliative. This raises a big question mark on the use of unnecessary Angioplasties and Bypass surgeries in India and the 10,000 Heart Hospital Industry driven by the greedy Heart Surgeons and Interventional Cardiologists. In India more than 5 lac stents are being put every year and some 60,000 Bypass surgeries are being done in the heart Hospitals and 85% of them are done on stable heart patients which can be easily avoided. Present day Cardiologists are in the wrong track by emphasizing more use of Bypass surgery or Angioplasty, medicines, emergency treatments but they are overlooking the real cause of heart attack and heart disease.

Since the intervention procedure requires exposure of blood to various infection risks, it is not at all safe to undergo such procedure when one can naturally cure themselves.

External Counter Pulsation (ECP) also known as Natural Bypass technique is an approved mechanical process without pushing wires, stents, etc. into the body but dilates blood vessels and enable body to grow new blood vessels much like bypass and stem cell therapy. Most patients can walk longer distance and faster, have fewer episodes of pain chest and require less medication after the therapy.

The patients experience better quality of life while tests can confirm the improved cardiac status. Patients have decreased chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, tiredness as well as a significant improvement in exercise tolerance and energy. They can walk longer distance and faster more comfortably. Medication is reduced in almost all patients. Stress Thallium can picture the heart muscles blood flow while the new non-invasive Cardiovascular Cartography can map hearts blood flow and study the Oxygen demand reserve ratio, blood vessel elasticity, myocardial burden, etc.

Lifestyle management is the key

Yoga and Diet based Lifestyle management along with Optimum Medical Management is the key to the solution of heart diseases. Not only that they are highly effective for healthy heart, but also prevent Bypass surgery or Angioplasty. SAAOL (Science and Art of Living) has been treating heart patients for the last 25 years successfully and its theory is now being proven correct by the most modern medical research. To avoid heart attack all the patients need is a through training on lifestyle and cover of Allopathic medicines.

Cardiac ailments being a lifestyle related ailment and hence the treatment should also be focused in the same direction. While cardiac ailments remain to be a growing burden in the Indian society, affecting millions of people and the economy of the country, it is time to eradicate them from the root.

Zero Oil Cooking Triglycerides is a form of oil (commonly known) which forms blockages in the coronary arteries causing various types of cardiac ailments. This indicates that by adding any amount of oil in our daily lives we are killing ourselves indirectly in the long run. Though most of us add oil in our foods to add flavor and taste to it but fortunately oils do not have any taste, and one can try tasting one spoon of oil for confirmation. Addition of oil in the food is done only to cook or season the spices which are responsible for providing the taste. But does anybody know that the taste can be easily achieved in the food without adding a drop of oil?

We have developed more than 1000 kinds of recipes without oil and they are equally tasty. For our basic requirement of fats the nature has packed some fats/triglycerides with every food like rice, wheat, pulses, fruits and vegetables.

Safety Circle The eduVaccine revolves around the concept of Reversal of heart diseases through regular monitoring of heart health through a SAAOL Safety Circle which can guide every adult of the country to take steps to reverse and prevent heart disease. This technique has benefitted over 2 lakh heart patients in the past 24 years with non-invasive treatment modules like lifestyle change, US FDA approved EECP and a combination of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and Detoxification. With the development of the SAAOL Safety circle which is the best indicator of the heart health has benefitted many to prevent future heart complications. It has three circles and 12 factors to control, six parameters related to medical and four each related to healthy diet and lifestyle habits.

(The author is Director of SAAOL Heart Center. Views expressed are personal.)

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Preventing heart diseases naturally at the time of COVID-19 Pandemic - The Financial Express

Suns out time to go out? Maybe, maybe not, depending on the reopening plan in your state and what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend. As families, couples and friend groups start to consider summer vacations, a road trip seems like a stellar idea. After all, you have more control when you travel via four wheels, since you can pack much more of your own (properly sanitized) goods, avoid airports entirely, and not be in close proximity to anyone you dont know.

However, there are still safety precautions that all travelers should take, even if theyre heading out to a nearby mountain for a camping trip, renting a seaside Airbnb, or choosing any other getaway. For advice on everything from what to pack to how to protect yourself and others, we spoke with doctors and travel experts to figure out the ultimate safety guide to getting on the road.

Even though restrictions are starting to loosen, case counts are unfortunately rising in many parts of the country. Dr. Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, an integrative medicine physician and the medical adviser for AllTrails, reminds us that you still need to make sure to bring and use your mask whenever you could be in close proximity to anyone.

She recommends creating a coronavirus kit of sorts that includes these essentials, along with extra toilet paper in case your rental isnt stocked, and other goods. Tylenol, water and other basics could go a long way if you need them in a pinch.

Try this: Assacalynn 50pcs Disposable Face Mask ($22.98, originally $27.88; amazon.com)

Assacalynn 50pcs Disposable Face Mask

During the pandemic, you can never have too many face masks. And when youre on the road, hiking more or going into unfamiliar places, you may need a new covering more often. Many rentals may lack a washer and dryer, and camping doesnt make it easy to clean a fabric mask, so these are better for a road trip, according to our expert.

Nostalgia in the Garden Face Mask by Alja Horvat ($13.59, originally $16.99; society6.com)

Nostalgia in the Garden Face Mask by Alja Horvat

If you do have access to a washer and dryer, a fabric mask is always a good idea too. Society6 just launched more than 1,000 masks on its site, all of which are covered in art from independent artists. Best of all: A portion of all proceeds go to World Central Kitchens coronavirus relief efforts.

While part of the joy of exploring Mother Nature is seeing new and beautiful views, if your road trip includes a hike, stay on the marked path. Particularly now, when a jaunt to the emergency room with a fractured ankle could put you at risk for more severe problems, podiatrist Dr. Velimir Petkov suggests following the course.

Avoid the temptation to hike off-trail and in unfamiliar or unmarked areas, he warns. You could get lost, injured or both.

Try this: Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Lightweight Durable Backpack ($100; amazon.com)

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Lightweight Durable Backpack

If you intend to scale a mountain in search of great views of a waterfall, make sure youre packed for the trek. A sturdy, waterproof and lightweight backpack like this one allows you to take first-aid materials, water, snacks and other necessities.

In the morning, when you set out on your adventure, your temperature will likely be comfortable. As the sun reaches its highest point, youll start to sweat inside your car. And at night? Certain areas of the country experience a dramatic drop in degrees. Thats why car expert and CEO of eAutoLease.com Zoriy Birenboym recommends packing everything you need to stay comfortable, including clothing for different temperatures.

You dont want to be caught without the necessities and have to look for places in areas youve never been before, he says. Make sure this includes staying updated on what the weather will be in the areas you are traveling through. It may get cold at night even though its summer, so you may not think to pack a sweater or extra blankets, but if its 50 degrees you may wish you had.

Try these: Helly Hansen HH Lifa Active Solen Hoodie ($70; backcountry.com)

Helly Hansen HH Lifa Active Solen Hoodie

This lightweight option features moisture-wicking material thatll keep you fresh while battling triple-digit heat. It also has built-in UPF to protect yourself from UV radiation from the sun. Its ideal for daywear.

L.L.Bean Womens Classic Cashmere Sweater ($159; llbean.com)

L.L.Bean Women's Classic Cashmere Sweater

A cozy and simple cashmere-blend sweater will capture your body heat to keep you warm in colder temperatures. Its ideal for sitting around the campfire in the woods or stargazing by the lake.

While many people have reported difficulty sleeping during the pandemic, thanks to anxiety and uncertainty, adequate rest is mandatory before a long car ride, Petkov says. Do not drive while you are feeling sleepy. If you feel like you need rest, pull over and take a 30-minute power nap, he recommends.

Petkov says that even if you did reap the benefits of seven to eight hours of sleep, a little coffee can never hurt.

Try this: Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle (starting at $22.99, originally $29.99; amazon.com)

Thermos Stainless King 40 Ounce Beverage Bottle

To keep your energy levels piqued, travel with coffee you can sip when needed. Reviewers love how long this thermos keeps hot drinks hot and how durable it is for everyday use.

As with any vacation, you want to make sure to plan, says Katie Key, president of Escape Campervans. This is true whether youre going camping, checking in to a hotel, renting a vacation home or enjoying any other type of travel experience.

Many state parks are urging people to make reservations so they can predict overcapacity, and many are limiting parking capacity to reduce crowding, she says. You should check various websites, call ahead, and ensure everything is in order before you fill up your tank and go.

Try this: Amazon Echo Auto ($34.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com)

Have a question about the weather, road conditions or operation hours? Ask Alexa while you drive, with this tech editor-approved device. It connects through your Alexa app on your phone and plays through the cars speaker. Alexa can play music, check the news, dial numbers, add to your to-do list, update your calendar and much more.

If there was ever a time to pack a first-aid kit, its now. Whether you scrape your knees or have an allergy attack, Petkov says it can always come in handy, especially if you plan on camping, hiking or biking as part of your road trip.

Try these: Adventure Medical Sportsman Series Medical Kit (starting at $39.99; amazon.com)

Adventure Medical Sportsman Series Medical Kit

This kit has all the nuts and bolts and all the bells and whistles you need to treat common injuries or illnesses. Youll find trauma pads, bandages, dressings, irrigation syringes, butterfly closures and many other hospital-quality supplies.

VSSL Camp Supplies ($129; amazon.com)

Consider this tiny yet mighty first-aid kit if you dont want a bulky pack. It comes with 45 essentials including tweezers, thermometers, bandages, antibiotic cream and so on, all in a tube with a diameter less than 2 inches. Plus, its waterproof!

Though you may be tired of singing the Happy Birthday song while you wash your hands, soap and hand sanitizer are a great form of defense against spreading germs. Terika L. Haynes, the CEO and founder of Dynamite Travel, reminds us that drivers and passengers alike should be very mindful of keeping their paws clean.

Each time the travelers enter the vehicle, they should apply hand sanitizer to their hands and also heavy-touch areas such as the steering wheel, drive shift and door handles, she says. One idea is to appoint one person as the hand sanitizer drill sergeant, who will keep giving everyone a spray or a pump when needed.

Try this: Touchland Power Mist Aloe Vera ($12; touchland.com)

Touchland Power Mist Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer Mist

Particularly for travel and for kids a hand sanitizer spray is an easy way to keep up with the clean hands habit. We love the subtle scent of this version that protects and hydrates.

No matter if youre traveling with toddlers, kiddos or full-grown adults, no one is a happy camper when theyre hangry. Especially now, its tricky to predict restaurant hours and availability, so having snacks handy can avoid headaches, according to Haynes.

You may encounter restaurants that are not abiding by social distancing guidelines, and you do not feel safe, she says. Having to go back to the drawing board with travelers may take some time, so snacks will help to satisfy the appetites until you find a new dining option.

Try this: Snack in the Box ($9.99; amazon.com)

Dr. Charles Park Richardson, president of TransWorld Med, says when youre coming up with snack ideas, make sure to include nibbles that are packed with antioxidants to fight free radicals. These include berries, pecans and dark chocolate. You can store a bit of everything in these dual-compartment, 6-ounce snack boxes. You can see our roundup of nutritionist-approved healthy snacks here.

Power Up Trail Mix ($4.98; amazon.com)

This snack mix includes nuts, dried mango, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and more. Theres even an antioxidant-loaded mix.

Even if you arent camping, Haynes says its smart to bring your own linens and towels just to be on the safe side.

Several hotels are not offering housekeeping services to keep their guests safe, she says. Some hotels may readily have additional linens to offer to their guests, but others may not. The same is true with Airbnb hosts, who have to come up with their safety precautions.

Try these: White Classic Luxury Bath Towel Set (starting at $34.85; amazon.com)

White Classic Luxury Bath Towel Set

Reviewers praise this towel set which comes with two bath towels, two hand towels and four washcloths for its softness and absorbency.

AmazonBasics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheet (starting at $13.99; amazon.com)

AmazonBasics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Bed Sheet

Inexpensive yet comfortable, these soft sheets are ideal for travel. As soon as you return home, throw them into the wash and start planning your next vacay.

You may not consider sun exposure while sitting in the car, but the rays can seep through open windows and cause you to burn and UVA rays, which cause signs of premature aging, can go right throw window glass. And while theres nothing that screams summer as much as roasting marshmallows or catching fireflies, mosquitoes are also drawn when were outdoors at night.

Thats why Bahar Schmidt, the founder of Eluxit travel agency, recommends going the extra mile to protect our skin with sunscreen and bug repellent alike.

Try these: Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion (starting at $15.99; amazon.com)

Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Pack a few bottles of this trusted sunscreen so the whole car can lather up throughout the trip. As a bonus, this waterproof formula will last you through dips in the lake or sea, too.

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (starting at $7.15; amazon.com)

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

To protect everyone from bug bites from bloodthirsty critters, buy this spray with DEET-free repellent that smells rather pleasantly of lemon.

Note: The prices above reflect the retailers listed prices at the time of publication.

Continued here:
Everything you need to go on the safest road trip possible - CNN

Whether warm temperatures outdoors or high humidity levels in your home any ol' time are to blame, you may be inviting mold in. Chances are, you probably dont even realize that mold sneaked its way into your house, whether it's in your bathroom, basement, or near windows. You have to wonder, how bad is mold exposure, really...and do you need to worry about "detoxing" from mold from time to time?

Wellness forums and blogs might lead you to freak out about the presence of a single spore of mold inside your home, and may even convince you that youre going to develop mold toxicity if you dont remove it right away. Many also often recommend alternative treatment options for detoxing the body from mold such as activated charcoal supplements or dietary cleanses.

But many Western medicine experts arent convinced that these practices are actually effective. (FWIW, integrative medicine researchers arent even sure mold exposure is definitely causing chronic illnesses.) Some people who are sensitive to mold to begin with may develop allergy-like symptoms or even a more severe mold infection, but others might not develop any symptoms at all, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, a board-certified allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network.

Heres what you need to know about the mold that could be lurking in your homeand the degree of harm it can potentially cause.

So, no mold is really good or pleasant to have aroundbut, it may not be as dangerous as you think to have it in your home. Theres not enough scientific proof that mold is toxic for the average person, and you may not even know its in your house, says Dr. Parikh.

Household mold, which may make its home in an old house with water damage, for example, is more problematic for people who have mold allergies, asthma (both of which can be triggered or worsened by mold exposure), or are severely immune-compromised.

Theres no reason at all to live in constant fear of mold if you're an average healthy adult, Dr. Parikh says.

The most common types of fungus that will cause these allergy or asthma attacks or respiratory infections if the immune system has a severe enough reaction are Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, says Dr. Parikh. When people refer to black mold as especially dangerous, its actually a misnomer, because all of the above molds are blackish or dark in color, and one isnt necessarily worse to have in your home than another.

Its possible to develop a mold allergy over time from frequent exposure to mold in your home, Dr. Parikh says, especially if youre predisposed to environmental allergies. In the case of immune-compromised people (who are more susceptible to certain conditions in general), the body can develop an infection if the mold enters the lungs or bloodstream.

So its important to pay attention to whats potentially growing in your home, and monitor any symptoms, but theres no reason at all to live in constant fear of mold, Dr. Parikh says.

Mold toxicitythe idea that mold can produce harmful substances called mycotoxins that can contribute to autoimmune conditions and other chronic diseaseis a bit controversial. Thats because there isnt any kind of test for it or scientific evidence that any kind of disease exists solely because of mold exposure. Keep in mind that theres a lot of misinformation out there, both about the toxicity of mold and the treatment options.

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Theres clear, validated proof that breathing in enough mold in your home over a period of time can cause or exacerbate both allergies and asthma, Dr. Parikh says. It can even cause an invasive respiratory infection, she adds, but any chronic health condition resulting from mold hasnt yet been proven to exist.

If youre experiencing allergy symptoms in your home, similar to a dust or pollen allergylike itchy, watery eyes, coughing, a stuffy, runny nose, or even a rash or eczemamold might be playing a role, Dr. Parikh says. The same goes for more severe asthma symptoms than usual, like frequent asthma attacks, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Your symptoms would be different if you have a mold-related infection; youll likely have a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and you may experience low blood pressure, dizziness, and even shortness of breath. But, Mold infections are actually pretty rare unless you have a very weak immune system, says Dr. Parikh. If youre immune-compromised, youll need to take any infection more seriously anyway, she adds.

Treatment for mold-related allergies and infection varies from person to person. If you think there might be mold in your house, and you develop allergy or asthma symptoms, its best to visit an allergist or pulmonologist to have testing done. An allergist might prescribe eye drops, nasal spray, or antihistamines, depending on your case (but dont self-medicate, Dr. Parikh sayslet your doc make the call!).

Allergy shots have also proven to be effective in treating mold allergies by halting the immune systems reactions in some cases, studies show. For more severe respiratory symptoms related to asthma, a doctor might prescribe you an inhaler, or additional medications such as steroids.

If you have evidence of complications from a mold infection, specifically a high fever, severe chest pain, or dizziness, you may need to visit the emergency room. Mold infections can typically be treated with an antifungal medication, which is customized to the type of fungus thats causing the infection, says Dr. Parikh.

There are various treatment methods out there for mold exposure, like sweating it out and even gut health cleanses that claim to detox the moldbut none of them have been proven by studies to treat anything (just like so-called mold toxicity cant necessarily be proven as a medical condition).

For example, activated charcoal is often used in emergency rooms to prevent treat substance abuse overdosebut it wont necessarily do anything to treat or detox mold exposure, says Dr. Parikh (despite what health blogs say). Probioticswhich are in and of themselves beneficial for your overall gut healthhave also been thrown around as a treatment for mold-related illness. But they cant treat an active bacterial infection in any way, Dr. Parikh notes.

Many touted mold treatment options also arent FDA-approved and may not be covered by health insurance, Dr. Parikh points out, so you should approach what you read about mold with a critical eye.

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

$16.99

Theres no need to panic about small amounts of mold. Of course, if you recently had a flood or water damage, its worth contacting a mold inspector. Or, if youre in a high-risk immune category or have allergy and asthma symptoms that might be related to mold, you should definitely address it, Dr. Parikh says. Regular home inspections should be able to detect mold, though.

To prevent mold growth in your house to begin with, the ideal scenario is to use central air conditioning with a certified allergy and asthma-friendly filter, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

If you dont have access to A/C, try to use a dehumidifier, especially when its hazy and humid outside. When youre showering, turn on an exhaust fan or crack a window so mold doesnt appear over time. Cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room regularly with an anti-mildew cleaner is your best bet to zap mold in its tracks.

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Do You Need To Detox Mold From Your Body? Mold Toxicity, Explained - Women's Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way physicians are seeing healthy patients these days. New Canaan Library is pleased to present a live webinar by Dr. Larry Leibowitz, joined by Michael Turpin, Executive Vice President at USI Insurance Services, who will explore the topic and seek to answer the question of whether telehealth is here to stay. The webinar is presented on Tuesday, July 14th at 6:30pm EST.

Dr. Leibowitz will craft his presentation around attendees questions; he encourages the submission of questions prior to the event through the listing on the Librarys calendar, https://newcanaanlibrary.org/calendar/month/2020-07/. Zoom sign in information is provided upon registration.

Through the power of technology, most routine medical appointments can be carried out without setting foot in a medical office. And, when an in-person visit is required, medical offices are taking new, necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Dr. Leibowitz will discuss how he structures telehealth visits and the effectiveness of telehealth in comparison to in-person visits.

Practicing since 1999, Larry Leibowitz, MD is board-certified in family medicine and serves as the Director of Health for the town of Redding. He launched his concierge practice, Matrix

Personalized Medicine, in 2017. He has been recognized as a2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 Castle Connolly Top Doc in Fairfield County. Prior to launching Matrix, he was the Medical Site Director of Stamford Health Medical Group in New Canaan. He continues to serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College, a position he has held since 2009. In 2015, he completed an Integrative Medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona, acknowledged as theleading integrative medicaleducation program in the world.

Michael Turpin, Executive Vice President, USI Insurance Services, brings over 35 years of experience in benefits and business insurance brokerage and consulting. Mike started his career with the brokerage firm Marsh & McLennan and served in various management national roles. In 2005, he joined United Healthcare (UHC )as President of Key Accounts for the U.S. and was promoted to CEO of the Northeast region, UHCs largest retail business with over $8B in medical spend.

In 2008, Mike came to USI as a corporate EVP responsible for the U.S. benefits strategy, operating structure, people and processes. He is a published author of three novels, contributing columnist for national industry and healthcare blogs and periodicals, frequent speaker to employer and investor groups and a pundit opining on issues relating to health care market reform, employee benefits, and business insurance issues.

See more here:
New Canaan Library Webinar with Dr. Larry Leibowitz: Is Telehealth Here to Stay? - HamletHub

Replacing a gas-powered ride-hailing vehicle with an electric vehicle can deliver three times the carbon benefits of a personally owned electric vehicle, according to a University of California, Davis, study of Uber and Lyft data published in the journal Nature Energy.

That's because ride-hailing vehicles travel more miles than personal vehicles, making them more efficient. Also, they typically charge during the day, when a greater quantity of solar energy is powering the grid.

"Electric vehicles are beneficial, and that benefit is larger if you're traveling more miles and charging from renewable sources during the day," said lead author Alan Jenn, a professional researcher at the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis.

Both Uber and Lyft are converting more of their fleet to electric, and Lyft recently committed to becoming 100 percent electric by 2030.

The study drew from Uber and Lyft data on travel behavior and public charging use in California between early 2017 through late 2018, a time of rapid growth for ride-hailing services.

There have been some concerns about the ability of ride-hailing electric vehicles to provide the same level of service as gas-powered vehicles, due to more limited range and the time needed to charge. The study's analysis showed those concerns are overstated, noting it found no statistical difference between the two technologies for ride-hailing companies.

Jenn was also surprised to find that, while ride-hailing services are a tiny fraction of traffic, they used more than 30 percent of the energy provided by public charging stations about 60 times more public energy than that used by privately owned vehicles.

That finding points to the challenge of planning and developing the public infrastructure and charging capacity needed to accommodate both private and ride-hailing fleets. That issue is an active area of research.

"With COVID-19, it's hard to make predictions about how services like Uber and Lyft continue," Jenn said. "That said, California passed legislation in 2018 that compels transportation networking companies to become cleaner, and part of that involves electrification. So there is currently regulatory pressure for these companies to use cleaner vehicles regardless of the pandemic situation."

While the data was collected in pre-pandemic times, the results also can hold implications for delivery drivers and the gig economy, where drivers make multiple trips throughout the day. Such vehicles, if electrified, offer great emissions savings over vehicles driven less often and charged mostly at night.

The study was funded by the National Center for Sustainable Transportation, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the University Transportation Centers program.

This press release was produced by the University of California, Davis. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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UC Davis: Ride-Hailing Electric Vehicles Offer Triple The Emissions Benefits - Patch.com

DAVIS, CA The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is a beautiful place, as shown in these lovely photos shared by Ph.D. candidate Jessica Ortiz-Rodriguez.

"Taken during morning walk 7am UC Davis arboretum," Jessica wrote in an email to Patch.

Thank you so much, Jessica, for taking the time to share these with other Patch readers!

Have you got the next incredible photo? If you have an awesome photo of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch, we'd love to feature it on Patch. We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty that is Northern California, and that show off your unique talents.

So, bring 'em on. No selfies. Not here.

Send your photos to autumn.johnson@patch.com and we'll post the feature on an occasional basis. Or post it to the Neighbor Posts section of your local Patch and we'll feature it up top. Be sure to also include when and where the shot was taken and any other details about what was going on.

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Morning Walk Through UC Davis Arboretum: Photos Of The Day - Davis, CA Patch

NEW YORK, July 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --A new textbook, Medical Marijuana: A Clinical Handbook (Wolters Kluwer, September 2020), provides an objective look at the history and science of the plant and strips away the cultural and political baggage that often clouds any meaningful examination of cannabis's therapeutic value.

The authors, Drs. Samoon Ahmad and Kevin P. Hill, wrote the book to provide clinicians with the most accurate information available on cannabis and empower them to give their patients the best advice on treatment. Cannabis continues to be the single most misunderstood plant on Earth. It has been cultivated and used for thousands of years yet remains not just enigmatic but deeply polarizing.

"Both sides of the argument often fail to see through the fog of the culture war, and both sides are at times guilty of being more intent on winning a political argument than approaching the issue with a clear head and an agenda couched solely in the tradition of empiricism and science," Drs. Ahmad and Hill write in Medical Marijuana. "This book hopes to change that."

Both authors have extensive clinical experience and impressive resumes. Dr. Hill is an addiction specialist and currently Director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard University, and author of Marijuana: The Unbiased Truth About the World's Most Popular Weed. Dr. Ahmad is a practicing physician in New York City, Founder of the Integrative Center for Wellness, and a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He has also written extensively about PTSD and coauthored multiple books, including recent editions of Kaplan & Sadock's Pocket Handbook of Clinical Psychiatry and Kaplan & Sadock's Pocket Handbook of Psychiatric Drug Treatment.

The authors focus on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the intoxicating substance in cannabis and typically the focal point of medical marijuana programs. They also examine the relevant science on many other cannabinoids found in the plant, especially cannabidiol (CBD). Included in the book is detailed analysis of local and federal laws governing the use of cannabis and a state-by-state guide for clinicians and patients. They have also created a companion website, cannabistextbook.com, that will monitor changes to local, state, and federal regulations as they occur, and share recently published cannabis-related research.

"This timely medical marijuana clinical handbook is the most comprehensive and best book on the topic in my opinion," said Stephen Ross, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Addictive Disorders and Experimental Therapeutics Research Laboratory at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "Excellently written, the book provides an enormous amount of concise and clinically relevant information on everything related to medical cannabis including historical and regulatory aspects, the dizzying diversity of the many cannabis constituent components, review of the endocannabinoid system, relevant pharmacology, therapeutic preparations and the existing and potential clinical applications of medical cannabis throughout medicine, psychiatry and neurology."

The book enables clinicians to easily find information that is pertinent to specific body systems and disciplines. It also provides a wealth of information about the plant itself. The book begins by examining its classification, morphology, history and constituents. It then moves on to a cultural history of cannabis in the United States to provide a context for the regulations and laws currently governing its use. The book then describes the body's endocannabinoid system and the pharmacological profile of CBD and THC before moving on to specific applications for cannabis in specialty practices such as:

Finally, the authors describe the dangers of excessive cannabis use and potential adverse effects.

"It is our hope that we can eliminate unwarranted stigmas that continue to hound this quirky plant and to dispel any notions that cannabis is either a miracle drug or the devil's weed," the authors write. "If nothing else, we hope to provide our peers in the medical community with some degree of clarity so that they can make decisions based on the best available evidence and pass on accurate information to [their] patients."

About the Authors

Samoon Ahmad, M.D.is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and serves as Unit Chief of Bellevue Medical Center's Inpatient Unit. A practicing physician for over twenty-five years, Dr. Ahmadhas dedicated his professional life to helping individuals find balance in their mental and physical well-being.He founded the Integrative Center for Wellness to execute his innovative vision of incorporating psychiatric treatments with holistic therapiesincluding nutritional therapy, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and plant-based medicinesto emphasize wellness of both the body and the mind.He specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, stuttering, and weight management issues.

Kevin P. Hill, M.D., M.H.S.is an addiction psychiatrist and Director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hill has conducted clinical research and written on a wide variety of topics including medical cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), and addiction to alcohol, cannabis, and opioids. As a leading cannabis expert, he has spoken nationally and appeared often on radio and television on the topics of cannabis policy and treatment, offering a balanced, evidence-based stance on these issues.

Reviews

"Drs. Ahmad and Hill are to be congratulated on producing a book that is a complete and thorough guide to cannabis, is most timely and highly informative, and will appeal to a large audience."

-Benjamin Sadock, MD, Menas S.Gregory Professor of Psychiatryat the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health

"This timely medical marijuana clinical handbook is the most comprehensive and best book on the topic."

-Stephen Ross, MD, Director of the Addictive Disorders andExperimental Therapeutics Research Laboratory and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine

"The authors have written an extremely comprehensive book that will give readers a more nuanced appreciation of cannabis. This includes its potential therapeutic value, its effects on the endocannabinoid system, and the parts it has played in cultures throughout the world."

-Joyce Cenali, Founding Partner & COO of Big Rock Partners, a strategic advisory firm

"Though written primarily for healthcare practitioners and clinicians, anyone hoping to gain a greater understanding about cannabis and its therapeutic applications will find this work extremely informative and helpful."

-Marion Mariathasan, CEO of Simplifya, the leading regulatory and compliance software platform serving the cannabis industry

Medical Marijuana: A Clinical Handbook By Samoon Ahmad, M.D., and Kevin P. Hill, M.D., M.H.S.

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Publication Date: September 2020 Price: $69.99 ISBN: 9781975141899

Contacts: Kimberly Macleod [emailprotected] 917-587-0069

Joe Flattery [emailprotected] 917-474-2689

SOURCE Integrative Center for Wellness

Read more from the original source:
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: A CLINICAL HANDBOOK Provides Readers the Most Up-to-Date Insights on the Science of Cannabis and Its Medicinal Use - PRNewswire

What we eat, and how we grow it, is critical to maintaining our health as we seek to recover from a global pandemic.

The world is slowly reopeningbut the COVID-19 crisis isnt over, and everyone still has concerns. While in many areas, the number of cases is decreasing, our health will remain in danger until we make a major change and paradigm shift.

That change is closer than you might think. Its in your kitchen, your backyard garden, and at the farmers market you visit every weekend.

The solution is our soil and in our food. What we eat is critical to protecting our health, and our broken food system needs an overhaul.

The coronavirus pandemic has focused the spotlight on the importance of health, immunity, and disease prevention. We watched as our medical systems became inundated with patients, while feeling helpless to support our own health in the face of an invisible threat.

As we return to a new normal, it is imperative that we stay vigilant about maintaining our health. Sales of organic food rose 22 percent in March, 18 percent in April, and 16 percent in May as consumers looked for ways to boost their immune systems. We cannot return to our industrial, chemical food system as the crisis recedesa food system that is harming both people and the planetand expect positive impacts on our personal health. We need resilient agriculture for the future.

What we eat is directly related to how we feel and how we protect our health. So why have we allowed an agricultural system that sprays our food with chemicals, disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, and poisons our environment be the main source of food for our families? Why is our medical system so out of touch with the role that food plays in our physical health, prescribing pharmaceuticals for lifestyle diseases that create even more side effects and problems?

For too long, farmers and doctors have been siloed while pursuing the same goal: keeping people healthy. Remember the grade school adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Its far past time that we bring these individuals, and professions, back together.

The path towards change can be found in Regenerative Healthcare. Regenerative organic food is free of the threat of chemicals like glyphosate, a probable carcinogen. At Rodale Institute, our research has shown not only that organic can feed the world, but that it can feed the worlds families more nutrient dense food, full of natural antioxidants and phytonutrients that can prevent, suspend, and even reverse the most wide-spread of lifestyle diseases.

And yet, the Standard American Diet comprises only 11 percent of its calories from whole plant foods, and more than 50 percent from highly processed products. Today, over 70 percent of global deaths are due to lifestyle-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic immune disorders.

When facing a threat as strong as COVID-19, we need to avail ourselves of every support system we have. Our diet is one of the simplest ways to improve our health and take control over our lives. And yet, nutrition is roundly downplayed in the medical community. In fact, many medical students receive less than 25 hours of training in nutrition during their entire education.

We need to deploy a health care system in which farmers and physicians work together to inform a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health. Regenerative Healthcare is the only path forward.

We must combine what we know about the power of food with our knowledge of nutrition and our bodies, working to prevent disease through an organic, whole-foods, plant-forward diet that begins on farms that work in harmony with nature.

For over 70 years, Rodale Institute has been researching the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture. From the beginning, our mission has been to support healthy soil that grows healthy food, feeding healthy people.

Results from Rodale Institutes Farming Systems Trial, a 40-year side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems, has shown conclusively that organic systems are not only comparable to conventional systems in terms of yields, but can yield up to 40 percent higher in years of inclement weather like drought. Organic systems also use 45 percent less energy, reducing carbon emissions.

We started this research in 1981, long before a world-wide pandemic upended our society. The wholesale benefits of a regenerative organic food system were true then and are even truer now. Consumers clearly understand that organic food is healthier, as organic grocery sales and CSA memberships have skyrocketed since the pandemic took hold.

Adapting the holistic, regenerative model to our nations healthcare systems is a crucial step in improving human health. A shift in our medical system away from pharmaceutical-based disease management towards an integrative system founded on lifestyle medicinesupported by organic, nutrient-dense whole foodscould dramatically alter the trajectory of chronic disease and create a healthier future.

Let us agreewe cannot forget the critical role our food plays in protecting our health. Though the everyday threat of COVID-19 will eventually be a memory, the decisions we make about our food will always affect us. Take the first steps to protect your health now. You wont regret it.

Interested in more solutions? Rodale Institute, with our partners at The Plantrician Project, have released a new scientifically documented white paper that brings together, for the first time, doctors, scientists, and farmers to analyze the ways our food system has failed us, and, more importantly, solutions for a new path. The Power of the Plate: The Case for Regenerative Organic Agriculture in Improving Human Health is available for download at RodaleInstitute.org/poweroftheplate.

Jeff Moyer is the Chief Executive Officer of Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He has worked in regenerative organic farming for over 40 years and is the author of Organic No-Till Farming: Advancing No-Till Agriculture.

https://RodaleInstitute.org

Originally posted here:
As the world reopens, a threat to our health still looms - bctv.org

NCIS' latest season came to an early end this year as the CBS drama was unable to film its final few episodes. The series will return for an 18th series and these storylines will be picked up at the beginning of the new season. Fellow NCIS series NCIS LA and NCIS New Orleans were also given the green light for another series each.

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from NCIS.

Fans of NCIS were always longing for Agent Tony Dinozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) to get together.

Their chemistry on-screen was undeniable so when Ziva head off to Paris to be reunited with Tony and their daughter Tali in season 17, viewers were thrilled they got their happy ending, despite it not being featured on the show.

In real life though, actors Weatherly and de Pablo are just friends and have not been romantically linked.

However, Weatherly has had relationships with other famous actresses.

READ MORE:NCIS New Orleans plot hole: LaSalle huge CPO blunder

Weatherly was first married to The Young and the Restless actress Amelia Heinle.

They were married for two years from 1995 until 1997 but then split up.

In 2000, Weatherly starred in Fox's Dark Angel alongside actress Jessica Alba.

The pair started dating after they met on the show and while he did propose, unfortunately, their relationship didn't work out and they ended things in 2003.

But Weatherly is now happily married with another woman some may recognise.

The former NCIS actor is now married to 37-year-old Serbian Bojana Jankovic.

Jankovic is a writer and assistant director known for TVWWW and Do Not Leave Me with Strangers.

Her family moved to Canada when she was 13 and after graduating from medical school, she moved to the US.

As well as a writer, she is an award-winning physician who is double board-certified in internal and integrative medicine.

Jankovic also founded the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York.

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Weatherly and Jankovic met in 2007 at a bar in Vancouver when he was happily living the single life.

Talking to People magazine about when they met, Weatherly said: My friend Colleen was saying, Michael, arent you lonely?

"I said: 'Not really. Im pretty happy. Works for Clooney!"

Weatherly continued: I kept looking out of the corner of my eye and seeing this ravishing, gorgeous beauty.

Jankovic then added: "We made eye contact and that was it.

The pair got married in 2009 and now have two children together called Olivia and Liam.

Weatherly also has a third child August from his first marriage with Heinle.

Talking about life as a married man and father with People, Weatherly said: Im a single-track-mind person, so at work I do my work, but at home Im devoted to my kids. Im lucky.

"I have a wonderful wife and am well on my way to a very happy retirement.

"I just gotta educate these kids first!

NCIS is available to watch on CBS.

Original post:
NCIS real-life romance: Who is NCIS actor Michael Weatherly married to? - Express

From smartphones to the idiot box, we are using our eyes to stare at small fonts and images more than ever before. So ask yourself this, are you eating foods that are best for your eyes? Are you performing relaxation exercises? While we stay busy carrying out our daily routines, and spend hours in front of the computer screen or glued to a good book, we rarely take time out to visit the eye doctor. However, there are a few simple exercises that you can carry out that hardly require much time or effort. Ophthalmologist Arun Sethi advises, "When you're at work, exercise your neck by nodding your head up and down, thereby increasing blood circulation to your neck and eyes. Also, don't stare at the sun as it can be detrimental to your vision. Too much UV exposure makes you more prone to cataract and macular degeneration. Also, you should choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays."

(This is How Alcohol Affects Your Vision)

Feed Your Eyes

How to increase eyesight:you should choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays

DO: eat foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lutein and beta carotene as they help repair the eyes, such as cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, butter, papaya, blueberries, apricot and grapes.DON'T: say no to greens, kids! Snack on kale, spinach, collard greens, zucchini and Brussels sprouts.

Get Some Rest

DO: get enough rest, since sleep allows overworked eye muscles to relax completely.DON'T: stay engaged in one activity for long. Take regular breaks just for 5-10 minutes to rest your eyes.

Stay Hydrated

How to increase eyesight:get enough rest, since sleep allows overworked eye muscles to relax completely

DO: up your water intake, if your eyes are often dry, blurry or tired.DON'T: just wash your face. Whenever you have a few extra minutes, fill your mouth with water and then splash water with eyes wide open. This will leave you feeling refreshed, too.

Exercise Your Eyes

DO: relaxation exercises. Place your hands together palm to palm and rub them together briskly creating heat. Place them over your eyes and imagine a relaxing place.DON'T: let light in whenever you're exercising your eyes. And perform these exercises especially when you've been sitting in front of the computer for hours.

Orange You Glad?

DO: eat carrots and other foods rich in beta-carotene which provides food with their orange hue, promotes eye health and corrects vision.DON'T: forget Omega 3 found in nuts and cold-fish. These fatty acids help keep your retinas healthy and stop age-related eyesight deterioration.

(Including white vegetables in your diet is beneficial)

Say No

DO: avoid sugary foods as they are bad news for your eyes. The more sugar you eat, the worse your eyesight will become.DON'T: smoke. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage.

Trick Your Eyes

How to increase eyesight: avoid sugary foods as they are bad news for your eyes.

DO: focus on an object that's at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. You'll be surprised at how better your eyes feel.DON'T: stare at gadgets for too long. Lower the brightness level of your computer screen and phone as it reduces strain.

Berry-Special Tip

How to increase eyesight:eat bilberry fruit as it is full of antioxidants

Dr. Reena Sethi (Sethi's Eye Care Centre, New Delhi) says, "Roll your eyes. Start by looking up and then slowly circle 10 times clockwise and 10 times counter-clockwise. Also, after a long day, place cooling cucumber slices on your eyelids as it helps reduce pressure on the eyes."She adds, "Eating healthy is good for your whole body - especially your eyes! Eat eggs and citrus fruits, but avoid junk food. And know that there's more to eye nutrition than just carrots!"

Here is the original post:
How To Improve Eyesight: 8 Dos and Donts to Improve Your ...

Have you noticed flashes or threads of light in the corners of your eye and wondered whats going on? Flashes in your eye are a type of photopsia, or vision disturbance.

Flashes of light can happen in one or both of your eyes and have different shapes, colors, frequency, and duration. There are many causes for this.

Lets take a closer look at the causes of light flashes in your eye and what you can do about them.

Lets consider the function of the retina and vitreous humor to better understand these flashes.

While there are many reasons you may see flashes of light in your eye, pressure or force on the retina are most often the causes. These flickers of light happen in the back part of your eye where the retinas located.

Tiny fibers float in the vitreous fluid and are attached to the retina. When these fibers get pulled or rubbed, it can cause flashes or light sparks from the friction.

Flashes of light in the eye are typically not a condition on their own. Instead, they tend to be a symptom of another condition.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, seeing flashes of light in the corner of your eye can be caused by a variety of factors or conditions. Some causes may be related to your eye health, while others may be related to other types of health conditions.

Several types of eye-related issues may cause flashes of light to appear in the corner of your eye or field of vision.

Flashes of light in your eye may not necessarily be caused by an eye-related issue. It may be a symptom of a different health condition.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss. If you have the following symptoms, get medical help right away:

A TIA can often be a warning sign of a stroke. Thats why its important not to ignore the signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, get medical attention as soon as possible:

Make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or your primary doctor if you:

Your doctor can determine the cause of the light flashes based on the type, duration, and location of these visual disturbances.

Any serious injury to your eye also needs immediate medical attention.

Flashes of light in your eye are typically a symptom of an issue related to your eyes or some other health condition. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

When you see your doctor, be sure to go over all the medications youre currently taking. Some medications can cause vision-related side effects.

In some cases, as with optic neuritis, treating the cause of the inflammation or infection can stop the light flashes.

Tears in the retina or retinal detachment may require surgery.

Theres no treatment for shrinking of the vitreous that normally occurs with age.

Flashes of light can be caused by a wide variety of issues. Some may be related to your eye and some may be a symptom of another type of condition, such as migraine, epilepsy, diabetes, or TIAs.

To stay on top of your eye health, be sure to see your eye doctor for a checkup at least once a year. Regular eye exams can help your doctor determine if there have been any changes to your vision or the health of your eyes.

See the article here:
Flashes of Light in Corner of Eye or Peripheral Vision

More than one in five Britons have noticed their vision deteriorating during lockdown.

Some 22 per cent of people reported their eyesight had noticeably got worse since the nation first went into lockdown in March, according to a study of 2,000 people conducted by the College of Optometrists.

A third of those surveyed and a higher proportion in those aged between 18 and 34 at 42 per cent believe the problems with their eyesight arise from spending more time in front of their TV and computer screens during the pandemic.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometrist and clinical adviser for the college, said anyone with fears over their vision should not hesitate in contacting a medical professional.

It is very important that if your vision has deteriorated or if you are experiencing a red or painful eye you should telephone your local optometrist, she said.

They will be able to arrange a telephone consultation to help you get to the bottom of your problems and if needed they will arrange a face to face consultation.

Read more from the original source:
More people reporting eyesight issues since start of coronavirus lockdown - Wales Online

Long meetings are a necessary evil in most careers. Now that so many people are working from home, meetings have transitioned from in-person to online video calls. Hours and hours spent staring at your screen can strain your eyes. Every device emits blue light, which the sun also emits.

Blue light is actually important. Its actually healthy for us; it wakes us up. There are a lot of beneficial properties. But these devices operate heavily on these wavelengths, said Dr. Robert Steinmetz, an optometrist at Solo Eye Care in Chicago. The blue light on our devices is much less intense than the sun, but we also arent 25 inches away from the sun for eight hours a day.

Theres not enough data on the long-term effects of staring at our screens for hours, but it does significantly reduce how often people blink per minute, which can dry out your eyes. Looking at your phone all night can also create sleeping problems, messing with your circadian rhythm, the bodys internal clock.

Here are five tips on how to protect your eyesight.

Abide by the 20-20-20 rule

Its important to take breaks. Steinmetz recommends the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes on the computer, you need to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, said Steinmetz. And this is shown to help alleviate eye strain and reduce stress on your ... system. Thats an important one, especially for kids.

Watch out for your kids

Kids could be learning from home right alongside working parents. Increased screen time means making sure theyre getting enough sleep since blue light can keep us awake.

All of us that have children are just experiencing what its like to have e-learning, said Steinmetz. The most important thing as a parent is to make sure your child gets adequate sleep. We know that these devices operate in a blue-light range that can suppress melatonin. If youre going to suppress melatonin, thats been shown to give you poorer quality sleep.

Night mode really helps

Story continues

As it gets later in the day, switching to a devices night mode can help. That gives your phone a warmer hue. So it blocks out that blue light and allows for that more comfortable experience, said Steinmetz.

Night mode can work on your phone as well as your computer. It can also be set for specific times of the day, so its a seamless transition from morning to evening. Steinmetz also recommends his patients use a free program called f.lux if its not installed on their devices already. It adapts the screen hue to the time of day.

Use eye drops

In terms of tools to reduce the strain of all those long video calls, Steinmetz points to eye drops. Eye strain can come from dry eyes, so drops are great for people who stare at screens for eight to 12 hours a day.

Get glasses for staring at screens

Blue light protective lenses are readily available. But some glasses offered online might have yellow or orange tints, which might not look right on a Zoom call.

What we need is to maximize your vision by giving you a single-vision pair of glasses to maximize the height of the letters that youre looking at, comforts of that screen, said Steinmetz. We need to get a specific prescription just for the computer that has blue light protection and an anti-reflecting coating on the front. Theyre inexpensive.

Prices range from $100 to $200, but insurance can often cover most of the cost.

mpolk@chicagotribune.com

2020 the Chicago Tribune

Visit the Chicago Tribune at http://www.chicagotribune.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Read this article:
All the Zoom calls and screen time are bad for your eyes. Here are ways to protect your eyesight. - Yahoo! Voices

Gyms and beauty salons will be allowed to reopen in England later this month as more lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced beauticians, tattooists and tanning salons can reopen from Monday while gyms, indoor pools and other sports facilities can open from 25 July.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation warned the coronavirus pandemic had still not reached its peak, with the organisations director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, saying the virus is not under control in most of the world and is in fact getting worse.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

It comes as quarantine rules for people returning to or visiting the UK from a list of 76 countries are relaxed from Friday.

Follow the latest updates

More than one in five have noticed vision get worse over lockdown

More than one in five Britons have noticed their vision get worse over lockdown, a study has found.

According to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by the College of Optometrists, 22% of people reported their eyesight had noticeably deteriorated since the nation first went into lockdown in March.

A third of those surveyed - and a higher proportion in those aged between 18 and 34 at 42% - believe the problems with their eyesight stem from spending more time in front of their TV and computer screens while shut in at home.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometrist and clinical adviser for the college, said anyone who held concerns over their vision should not hesitate in contacting a medical professional.

"It is very important that if your vision has deteriorated or if you are experiencing a red or painful eye you should telephone your local optometrist," she said.

"They will be able to arrange a telephone consultation to help you get to the bottom of your problems and if needed they will arrange a face to face consultation."

Boris Johnson has sparked accusations of putting Brexit before health by rejecting an invitation to join an EU scheme to procure a coronavirus vaccine,deputy political editorRob Merrickreports.

The UK is expected to tell Brussels that it fears signing up would risk a delay before people in this country could receive a vaccine in the quantities needed.

Ministers have concerns about a cap on the number of doses allocated to each member state and will argue pharmaceutical companies are offering the UK similar prices to EU countries anyway.

However, a committee of MPs revealed this week that participation was threatened by the UK's refusal to pay increased budget contributions to Brussels during 2020.

And the move will be seen by some as a gamble that will backfire if the EU secures access to a successful vaccine then denied to the UK.

'Balance' needed between allowing family visits and protecting care home residents

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said a "balance" needed to be struck between allowing family visits and protecting care home residents from further coronavirus outbreaks following the decision to loosen visit restrictions.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Families are a really important part of care delivery but at the same time you have to be really, really cautious because, as people know, care homes have been really badly affected during this pandemic.

"People living in care homes are probably at the highest risk, so if there is an outbreak of Covid-19, it has serious and very tragic consequences so I think we have to balance the need for people to engage with their relatives and families but also we have a responsibility for the protection and safety of the people in care homes.

"I think treating people as key workers, making sure there is regular testing available - also with some new tests that might be available shortly which are going to be much quicker to get results, that may also help.

"We also need some clear guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and in fact we've been waiting for that for over a month."

Prof Green said the sector was told that guidance from the department for visiting older people in care homes was "on its way" a month ago.

Coronavirus accelerates shopping decline

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said the businesses which announced job cuts this week had reported that coronavirus had accelerated shopping trends that were already in place.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she said: "I think if you look carefully at the statements of the businesses which have been announcing those big consultations, which I know from talking to the leaders of those companies how difficult the decisions are in any sort of job losses, is that actually what they are saying is that a lot of that is acceleration of transformation trends which were already under way.

"So what the crisis has done is really forced people to look so carefully at the structure of their businesses, particularly those who have a strong digital presence, and seeing what the balance is between the number of stores and the investment in digital and reducing potentially the number of stores.

"Where the focus for the Chancellor needs to be is standing ready, staying open to what any future support might look like."

She said business rates needed to be addressed in the long term, and that the sector hoped the loosening of lockdown restrictions on hospitality would help boost retail further.

Quarantine rules for UK visits to be relaxed

Quarantine rules for people returning to or visiting the UK from certain countries will be relaxed from Friday.

But while Labour welcomed the relaxation of the quarantine, it criticised the government for failing to set up so-called air bridges to other countries.

Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said workers and holidaymakers were paying the price of the government's failure to act.

He added: "The fact they have been unable to negotiate air bridges is an indictment of their failure to tackle the crisis at home.

"They were too slow to take lockdown, too slow to order PPE (personal protective equipment) and too slow to protect our country.

"Labour has consistently called for a sectoral deal that supports the whole aviation industry including the supply chain based on our six conditions.

"Tory ministers have failed to act and workers are paying the price and trips are being cancelled."

Pandemic has still not reached its peak, WHO warns, and is 'getting worse'

The World Health Organisation has warned the coronavirus pandemic has still not reached its peak.

The director general of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the virus is not under control "in most of the world" and is in fact "getting worse".

Dr Ghebreyesus said the total number of cases of coronavirus worldwide has doubled in the last six weeks.

Speaking at the member state briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic evaluation, he said: "The virus has upended health systems in some of the world's wealthiest nations, while some countries that have mounted a successful response have been of modest means.

"We know that when countries take a comprehensive approach based on fundamental public health measures - such as find, isolate, test and treat cases, and trace and quarantine contacts - the outbreak can be brought under control.

"But in most of the world the virus is not under control. It is getting worse.

"More than 11.8 million cases of Covid-19 have now been reported to WHO. More than 544,000 lives have been lost.

"And the pandemic is still accelerating. The total number of cases has doubled in the last six weeks."

Beauticians, tattooists, spas, tanning salons, and other close contact services can reopen from Monday 13 July in England,Harriet HallandSophie Gallagherreport.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden made the announcement at the Downing Street briefing, saying it was subject to some restrictions on particularly high-risk services. Mr Dowden said the announcement symbolised normal life is slowly returning.

Having allowed hairdressers to reopen, beauticians, tattooists, spas, tanning salons and other close contact services can now do the same, Im pleased to say, from Monday, Oliver Dowden told the Downing Street press conference.

Of course that will be subject to some restrictions on particularly high-risk services.

Good morning and welcome to the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic.

More here:
Coronavirus news - live: Gyms and beauty salons to open and UK quarantine lifted as WHO warns pandemic yet to reach peak - The Independent

Three charities have joined forces to distribute grants to UK researchers examining the impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes.

Diabetes UK, JDRF, and Moorfields Eye Charity have pledged a total of 315,000 to projects examining which people with diabetes are more at risk from COVID-19, the specific effects for people with type 1 diabetes, and the effects of treatment disruption caused by the pandemic for diabetes patients with vision problems.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: "By understanding how the virus affects people with diabetes, and who might be more at risk of poor outcomes, we will be better able to provide the care, information, and reassurance they need during this difficult time."

Data from England published in May revealed that around 1 in 4 patients who had died in hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19 also had diabetes.

It also found that people with type 1 diabetes had a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than those with type 2, or other types of diabetes.

Diabetes UK and JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity, have co-funded a study into how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting people with type 1 diabetes.

Prof Kathleen Gillespie and her team at the University of Bristol will work with a research group in Milan which has developed a test that can detect coronavirus antibodies in a small sample of blood.

The test will be offered to around 5000 people already participating in ongoing studies of type 1 diabetes, allowing Prof Gillespie to estimate how many people with the condition have contracted COVID-19.

Participants will also be asked to share their experiences of COVID-19 and lockdown including whether they have been shielding, if they have had any COVID-19 symptoms, and how their blood glucose levels have reacted.

Prof Gillespie said: "Although we know that people with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk if they develop COVID-19, we know very little about how this translates to people's experiences of the pandemic.

"With this research, we hope to get a much clearer idea of how the type 1 diabetes community has been affected by coronavirus, and how they can be kept safe and well in future."

John Dennis from the University of Exeter was awarded a share of the funding for a research project aimed at understanding which people with diabetes have a greater risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.

The independent research fellow in medical statistics will combine and study large health databases to look in detail at different characteristics of people with diabetes, such as their age, and blood sugar levels.

"I think 25% of people in hospital with COVID-19 have diabetes, which is more than you'd expect, based on the standard demographics of people admitted to hospital," he told Medscape News UK.

The ultimate aim of the research was to "provide tools for clinicians to be able to risk stratify people with diabetes after they've been admitted to hospital".

Dr Dennis said the findings could be invaluable to the NHS "in the context of a potential second wave over winter when hospital beds might be at a premium".

He said the 65,000 award was welcome, particularly in the light of fund raising difficulties seen by medical and health charities caused by the pandemic.

Funds were also awarded to the University of Glasgow for a study into the effects of COVID-19 on risk factors for diabetes complications, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and bodyweight.

A team led by Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine, will use health records to look at the impact of the pandemic on these risk factors and rates of diabetes complications over the next 2 years.

They also aim to identify which factors, such as age or ethnicity, put people at higher risk of complications, to help reduce inequalities in treatment.

Diabetes UK and Moorfields Eye Charity have jointly funded a project looking at the impact as a result of the pandemic of deferred treatment on diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Dr Ranjan Rajendram and colleagues will study individuals with DMO who were scheduled to have anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (antiVEGF) at Moorfields Eye Hospital but who had their treatment deferred due to the pandemic.

The study aims to improve the care given to people with diabetes during the current, and any future, lockdown, and potentially prevent sight loss.

Dr Robertson said: "With DMO being one of the leading causes of loss of vision in people with diabetes, it is key that we understand what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the eye health of people with this condition as missed checks and treatments can have devastating consequences."

Read more:
Funding Boost for Research Into Diabetes and COVID-19 - Medscape