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Encountering the alarming statistics related to heart attacks and heart disease can be quite disheartening. In the United States, heart disease holds the ominous title of being the leading cause of death, as reported by the American Heart Association. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in every five deaths in the country is attributable to cardiovascular disease.

One significant risk factor contributing to heart attacks and heart disease is coronary calcification, a process wherein plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries transforms into calcium. The encouraging news, however, is that this buildup is preventable. The key lies in understanding its causes and adopting measures to avert its occurrence.

Understanding Coronary Calcification: Coronary calcification involves the deposition of calcium in the walls of vessels responsible for supplying blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Dr. [Expert Name], a renowned cardiologist, notes, “Calcification is a crucial aspect of the cholesterol plaque formation process, and its detection serves as a marker for plaque burden. We utilize calcification as it can be easily identified in specific X-ray studies.”

The peril of coronary calcification arises from the direct correlation between calcium presence in blood vessels and the amount of cholesterol plaque. An elevated level of calcium increases the likelihood of encountering issues, such as a heart attack if a vessel becomes completely blocked.

While coronary calcification itself doesn’t trigger heart attacks, it serves as a strong indicator of the presence of coronary plaque in the arteries. Instability in this plaque can lead to severe consequences, including heart attacks or sudden cardiac death.

Effective Measures to Prevent Coronary Calcification: Several factors elevate the risk of coronary calcification, including high levels of LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and a family history of heart disease.

Diet plays a pivotal role in preventing coronary calcification. The foremost approach involves minimizing the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as sweets, sugary sodas, rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, and flour tortillas. Simple carbohydrates contribute to elevated blood sugar levels and can be converted into LDL cholesterol, the “bad” type.

It is also crucial to reduce the intake of trans fats (found in ultra-processed baked goods, frozen pizza, microwave popcorn, and fried foods), saturated fats (found in butter, fatty cuts of meat, and cheese), and sodium. Instead, adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean meats, such as the Mediterranean diet, is recommended. For individuals with existing coronary calcification or high LDL cholesterol, consulting a cardiologist about statins, a cholesterol-lowering drug, may be beneficial.

While certain studies suggest limited reduction in plaque burden with aggressive pharmacotherapy and restrictive plant-based diets, it is widely acknowledged that plaque buildup is not reversible. Hence, the emphasis remains on halting or slowing its accumulation.

Establishing heart-healthy habits is crucial in preventing coronary calcification. Diet emerges as a potent, life-saving tool in this endeavor.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

The timing of meals appears to be crucial beyond just the nutritional content of a diet, as indicated by the findings of a significant prospective study. Later first and last meals of the day are linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly among women. Anna Palomar-Cros and colleagues from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain, conducted this extensive study, which was published online on December 14, 2023, in Nature Communications.

The study encompassed 103,389 participants, with an average baseline age of 42.6 years and 79% being women. These individuals volunteered for the NutriNet-Santé cohort study in France, designed to enhance our understanding of the correlation between nutrition and health.

The results revealed that each additional hour of delaying the first meal of the day correlated with a heightened risk of overall CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12; P = .02), with this association being more pronounced in women than in men. Similarly, each additional hour of delaying the last meal was linked to an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, with a last meal after 9 pm associated with a 28% higher risk compared to a meal before 8 pm (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55; P < .01).

Interestingly, no associations were found between the number of eating occasions and overall CVD or cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, there were no correlations between meal timing or the number of eating occasions and the risk of coronary heart disease.

A noteworthy discovery was that each hour increase in nighttime fasting was associated with a 7% lower risk of cerebrovascular disease (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99; P = .02), although there was no significant impact on the risk of overall CVD or coronary heart disease.

In light of these findings, the study suggests a potential benefit in adopting earlier eating patterns and combining a longer nighttime fasting period with an early last meal for the prevention of CVD, rather than skipping breakfast.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

Men who engage in smoking are at a heightened risk of developing and witnessing the advancement of male-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by investigators, utilizing data from 4462 men across eight observational studies conducted in Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

The primary focus was on assessing the incidence and progression of male-pattern hair loss in relation to smoking habits. Compared to men who never smoked, those who had a history of smoking were found to be 82% more likely to experience male-pattern hair loss (P < .05). Additionally, there was an indication of a dose-response relationship, with men who smoked heavily (at least 10 cigarettes daily) having a 96% higher likelihood of developing the condition compared to those who smoked less heavily (P < .05).

Among men already experiencing male-pattern hair loss, the odds of progressing from stage I-III to stage IV-VII were 27% higher in individuals with a history of smoking compared to those who never smoked (P < .05). Interestingly, smoking intensity did not show a significant association with disease progression.

This study, the first meta-analysis to the best of our knowledge examining the correlation between androgenetic alopecia and smoking extent, provides valuable insights for further research and potential updates to clinical practice guidelines. It underscores the importance of educating patients with male pattern baldness about the adverse effects of smoking, particularly considering the profound negative psychological impact associated with this condition.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

Right in the middle of Canada’s respiratory virus season, there has been a notable increase in strep A cases, some leading to invasive diseases resulting in hospitalizations and, unfortunately, fatalities among children. Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) occurs when the bacteria cause deeper infections and are isolated from typically sterile body sites, such as the blood, according to the agency.

Respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can elevate the risk of contracting strep A. Strep A, bacteria found on the skin and throat, can induce a variety of diseases in both children and adults. Infection may stem from direct contact with infected skin wounds or respiratory fluids expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The body’s weakened immune system during the fight against viral infections increases the susceptibility to secondary infections like Strep A.

Most cases present mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, skin rash, sores, bumps, and blisters in non-invasive infections, according to PHAC. Strep throat, or pharyngitis, is more prevalent in children than adults. Given the symptom overlap with respiratory viral infections, parents should remain vigilant for a sore throat accompanied by fever unrelated to a new runny nose, blocked nose, or cough. If an individual simultaneously exhibits a sore throat, fever, and other cold symptoms within a day or two, it is likely viral rather than strep.

Skin infections from GAS can be benign, resulting in crusting and oozing, with the affected person generally not being severely affected. However, in rare cases of invasive infection, patients may experience severe symptoms like pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most severe manifestation of invasive group A strep is necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, which breaks down skin and muscle tissues. Individuals with breaks in the skin, such as cuts, chickenpox, or burns, those with chronic diseases, or those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of strep A infection, according to PHAC.

Antibiotics, especially penicillin, prove effective in treating both invasive and non-invasive strep A cases. Strep A is sensitive to penicillin, making it highly manageable. For those allergic to penicillin, a variety of alternatives are available, as strep A is sensitive to all of them.

In the event of a GAS diagnosis, PHAC recommends staying home for 24 hours after initiating antibiotic treatment to prevent potential transmission. An individual is typically no longer infectious to others 18 hours after commencing antibiotic therapy. If a child experiences shortness of breath, progressive lethargy, or has a persistent fever unresponsive to acetaminophen, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is strongly advised.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

A study Conducted at Long Island University indicates that when it comes to drug-related questions, ChatGPT, while fast and convenient, may pose risks. Pharmacists reviewing nearly three-quarters of drug-related queries found responses from ChatGPT to be either incorrect, incomplete, or potentially harmful to patients. The study involved posing real questions to ChatGPT that were initially researched and answered by pharmacists from Long Island University’s College of Pharmacy drug information service. The responses were then compared to those generated by ChatGPT, revealing the discrepancies. Out of the 39 responses provided by ChatGPT, only 10 met the criteria for satisfaction set by the investigators. The remaining 29 responses either did not directly address the question, were inaccurate, or lacked completeness. Additionally, only eight responses included references to verify the information, and these references were found to be nonexistent.

One alarming example highlighted in the study involved ChatGPT’s response to an obvious, yet very important question about the drug interaction between the COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid and the blood-pressure lowering medication verapamil. ChatGPT incorrectly indicated no reported interactions, despite the potential for a dangerous drop in blood pressure when these drugs are combined. Without awareness of such interactions, patients may experience preventable and undesirable side effects.

Patients should exercise caution when relying on ChatGPT as an authoritative source for medication-related information. There is a need for verification from trusted sources, given the study’s findings. The pharmacists at Centrum Pharmacy are just a phone call away to help in answering your health-related questions.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/

Ozempic has the potential to influence the global economy significantly. Its remarkable success has propelled manufacturer Novo Nordisk to the forefront of European business, making it the largest corporation in the European Union with a value exceeding half a trillion US dollars. Notably, it has contributed substantially to Denmark’s recent economic growth.

While obesity currently ranks below smoking and war as a global threat, its prevalence has surged since the 1970s, becoming an epidemic exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and a shift towards processed foods. The World Health Organization reports a nearly threefold increase in global obesity since 1975, affecting almost 400 million children.

Previously considered a problem exclusive to developed nations, obesity has now become a global issue, penetrating even urbanized areas in traditionally considered second or third world countries. Paradoxically, the food industry’s decades-long efforts to create addictive, processed products have inadvertently fueled a thriving industry dedicated to combating obesity’s effects.

The emergence of drugs like Ozempic poses a dual threat to this lucrative cycle. While evidence remains inconclusive, there are anecdotal reports suggesting these medications may curb indulgence in food, alcohol, nicotine, and opioids. If substantiated, this could trigger a substantial shift in demand, affecting both the products that contributed to the problem and those designed to combat its consequences.

Although Ozempic is intended for diabetic patients in Canada, its “off-label use for weight loss” has led to unprecedented demand, causing shortages. The scarcity has prompted other pharmaceutical companies to race towards developing similar medications, potentially offering a solution to the global obesity crisis.

Analysts and money managers are not only considering the direct impact on these companies but also exploring broader implications. If these drugs can reverse the trend of global obesity, there could be profound effects on the economy. Society may require less food per person, leading to reduced healthcare spending. While companies in the food and healthcare sectors may face challenges, this shift could result in a macroeconomic boost by achieving greater productivity with fewer resources.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/

Many are familiar with the chance discovery of Penicillin, where mold contamination in Fleming’s lab inadvertently showed bacteria-killing properties in bacterial petri dishes. Similarly, the field of medicine witnessed another fortuitous twist with two additional widely sought-after medications: We are also aware of the unintentional success story of Viagra, initially formulated for hypertension and angina, has brought immense joy to millions in the bedroom. Now, a third drug, Ozempic, originally intended for treating type 2 diabetes, has become a global sensation, particularly in the developed world. If Ozempic had simply excelled in its role as a diabetes treatment, that would have been remarkable enough. However, this breakthrough in type 2 diabetes treatment has unexpectedly revealed an additional benefit: enabling patients to shed remarkable amounts of weight, a feat previously elusive even for those grappling with lifelong body mass issues. Hence, the unprecedented demand for Ozempic, fueled by this unexpected and multifaceted impact on health and well-being.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/

A recent study found that excess weight affects how the immune system responds to COVID-19,
showing differences between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity. Led by Marcus Tong from
the University of Queensland, the research suggests that being overweight, not just obese, makes SARS-
CoV-2 infections more severe and changes the immune response.
In a unique study group infected at the beginning of the pandemic, blood samples were taken three and
13 months after infection. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI) experienced a faster decline in
immune response, especially against certain variants. Interestingly, vaccinated individuals did not show
this decline, highlighting the potential superiority of vaccine-induced protection for overweight people.
The study included participants who remained uninfected and unvaccinated for 13 months, allowing
researchers to isolate the effects of natural protection versus vaccination. Five months after their
second vaccine dose, participants who had never had COVID-19 were included. Regardless of BMI, no
significant differences in immunity were found in this vaccinated group.
The study emphasizes the importance of vaccination for overweight individuals, as their infection risks
and weakened immune responses may increase the chances of reinfection. Dr. Kirsty Short from the
University of Queensland stresses the crucial need for vaccination in this group.
However, for those with severe obesity (BMI &gt; 40 kg/m2), a separate study in Nature Medicine in May
2023 showed a different scenario. Despite initially similar vaccine responses between obese and
healthy-weight individuals, those with severe obesity experienced a quicker decline in immunity
effectiveness, leading to more hospitalizations and deaths.
While a third vaccine dose restored immunity in severe obesity cases, it declined faster afterward. The
study authors suggest considering more frequent COVID-19 vaccinations for people with severe obesity
to ensure they have protection comparable to those with a normal BMI, considering the widespread
prevalence of obesity globally.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer

Eating meals earlier in the day has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study. The research, based on data from 103,389 individuals, emphasizes the importance of meal timing in the realm of chrononutrition. Beyond the content of our diets, the study highlights the significant impact of when we consume our meals on circadian rhythms and overall health.

Previous studies have shown that delaying the first or last meal of the day may have adverse effects on cardiovascular health. A growing body of evidence in the field of chrononutrition suggests that not only what we eat but also when we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. The timing of meals, coupled with exposure to light, influences circadian rhythms, affecting various aspects of health.

Recent findings indicate that individuals who consume meals later in the day tend to burn calories more slowly and exhibit genetic changes that promote lipid storage, contributing to fat growth. Additionally, a study on diabetics revealed that restricting eating to a specific time window, from noon to 8 pm, resulted in greater weight loss compared to a conventional calorie-restricted diet. A mouse study from 2022 even demonstrated that restricting eating to the rodents’ most active nighttime hours extended their lifespans by 35%.

The latest research, drawing from the NutriNet-Santé study, underscores the importance of breakfast timing. For every hour of delay in having breakfast, there was a 6% increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Comparing individuals who had their first meal at 7 am to those who ate at 10 am, the latter faced an 18% higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the study revealed that individuals eating their last meal after 9 pm experienced a 28% higher risk of cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke and aneurysm, compared to those concluding their calorie intake before 8 pm.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/ 

Children possess distinct clinical and practical needs when on the move. To address these concerns, the following strategies for risk assessment and prevention should be followed:

1. Book a Pre-Travel Consultation at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic for your family and get customised travel health advice from a professional who specializes in travel heath medicine. 
2. Diarrhea:

• Take food and water precautions.
• Breastfeeding is optimal protection against food- and water-borne illnesses.
• For formula-fed children, bring formula from home, and prepare with disinfected water.
• Go to the travel clinic and get a standby prescription of Azithromycin for moderate or severe diarrhea.

3. Insect Bites:

• Use DEET 10% for teens or picaridin for children, varying in application frequency based on age.
• For infants under six months, use for mosquito netting in high-risk areas.

4. Sunburn:

• Discourage direct sun exposure for infants under six months.
• Use SPF ≥ 30 sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable, applied before insect repellent if both are required.

5. Malaria:

• Children are at a higher risk of severe complications, so see the travel clinic for a malaria chemoprophylaxis prescription.
• Antimalarial options include atovaquone/proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline (for children aged ≥ 8 years), mefloquine, or primaquine.
• Antimalarials can be crushed for children who can’t swallow tablets and added to taste-masking foods.

6. Other Considerations:

• Be watchful for animal bites in countries with high rabies rates, considering children’s susceptibility.
• Discuss the possibility of rabies vaccination for children at elevated risk.
• Book a pre-travel consultation to review routine immunization status, including influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic well before your trip.

Resources for Families:

• Travel for Kids: Family-friendly activities, destination-specific tips, and hotel recommendations.
• Rough Guides: Travel ideas for children, packing advice, and transportation and accommodation options.
• Travel.gc.ca: Canadian regulations and procedures for flying with children, including carry-on baggage, security screening, and using child restraint systems.
• Sutter Health: Health advice for traveling with children.

The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/