The Med & Mic™ 03.09.22
How busy doctors keep up on the medical news of the day – and get $1 CME!*
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
~ A DOCTOR COACHING DOCTORS SPEAKING ~
Win the Media Interview!
Coronavirus in the male reproductive system
COVID has been linked to male sexual problems, and a new study in monkeys is revealing some clues and possible reasons. Rhesus macaques inoculated with COVID were scanned with a technology called immunoPET. These scans will glow in areas of infection. The researchers were surprised to find the lungs did not light up much. However, they found a robust signal in the penises, testicles, and prostates, indicating direct infection. Other viruses, such as mumps and Zika, infect the male reproductive system, also. More in MedPage Today.
Long-term cognitive decline after COVID
Data from Wuhan, China show that cognitive decline is common 12 months after hospitalization with COVID. The study involved 1,400 people, age 60 and older, discharged from the hospital in early 2020. A year later, 12% had problems with thinking and concentration. Compared to a similar group of people without COVID, the illness was associated with a higher risk of early-onset cognitive decline. “This study adds to our evolving understanding about the connection of COVID-19 and our brains,” says Heather Snyder, PhD, of the Alzheimer’s Association in an article from MedPage Today.
Heart plus Thymus as an anti-rejection combination
A baby received a first of its kind heart transplant. Doctors included donor matched tissue from the thymus gland to help prevent rejection. The thymus is a gland in the upper chest that makes a type of immune system cell called T cells. The gland shrinks through childhood. The implanted tissue is producing immune system cells that keep the baby from rejecting the new heart. Doctors hope this will help them decrease the medications to suppress the child’s immune system, which are often given with transplants. More from the AP.
Home Monitoring for Diagnosing High Blood Pressure
Taking your blood pressure at home can be more accurate at detecting a problem. A study divided 510 adults at risk for developing high blood pressure into three groups: blood pressure readings at home, at kiosks at pharmacies, or at a clinic. They were also checked with 24-hour blood pressure monitoring devices. The blood pressures taken at home were more consistent with the 24-hour devices. The kiosks measured higher, and the clinic readings turned out lower. Also, people preferred taking their blood pressures at home. “Blood pressure varies a lot over the day,” says Dr. Beverly Green in an article from HealthDay. “Home blood pressure monitoring allows you to collect many more readings and average these.”
*CMEfy does not grant credit for the content of this blog post, but will offer credit for your interaction with it. You may reflect on how it applies to your day-to-day and engage to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ from point-of-care learning activities here {$1}: https://earnc.me/OXTX3m
Like | Share | Follow | Subscribe!
Hello, Doctor! If you hesitate to do media interviews, I can help you!! REGISTER NOW for a FREE ONLINE MEDIA TRAINING for doctors and healthcare professionals, “3 Ways to Captivate Reporters without press releases or swag.” https://drmariaonspeaking.wixsite.com/free-online-training
Get a FREE GUIDE on how you can predict the medical news of the day just for registering. Win the media interview with skill and confidence!
Would you or someone in your healthcare organization be ready to speak to the media about today’s topics featured in The Med & Mic™ blog post? Be prepared! Check out my media skills courses and coaching for MDs, DOs, ODs, DDSs, and PharmDs at Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.