Doctors Are Writing, But is America Paying Attention Anymore?
Being Well writers help us manage the pandemic together
Winter is coming. Unfortunately, we are not referring to another exciting episode of Game of Thrones. Instead, the dark winter refers to the next 90 days as the United States grapples with the exponential community spread of Covid-19.
Hospitals around the country are nearing surge capacity just in time for large family Thanksgiving gatherings. Lab facilities report a lack of supplies, reagents, and personnel creating long lines and backlogs as the demand for testing increases. NYC closed school as the city reached its designated case threshold.
On a positive note, Pfizer officially applied for Emergency Use Authorization of its much anticipate mRNA Covid vaccine. Moderna’s vaccine is thought to be close behind.
Each week our writing team highlights the scientific discoveries and provides commentary on the findings. Don’t miss Dr. Sohail Merchant’s story, Breakthrough: First Drug Synthesized by AI Goes into Clinical Trials, explaining how artificial intelligence may be the future of new drug creation.
Last week Dr. James Goydos highlighted how robotic technology is changing surgery. This week Dr. Patricia Farrell shares how robotics may also alter mental health therapy in her story Robots Are Besting Real-life Psychotherapists in Some Studies.
Being Well Writers are being recognized for providing reliable, actionable, and evidence-based content on Medium.
Our writers had several stories highlighted in Medium-owned publications this week. Elemental’s Coronavirus Blog featured two important stories regarding pregnancy outcomes in women with Covid-19. We appreciate Alexandra Sifferlin’s continued support.
Covid-19 Moms Are at Higher Risk for ICU Admission and Complications
Covid-19 Moms at Higher Risk for Preterm Labor, Study Suggests
Coronavirus
No Tsunami of Mental Illness Accompanies Covid-19
Psychologist James Coyne debunks the media portrayal of scientific studies showing Covid-19 brings a wave of mental illness.
How Covid-19 is Helping to Destroy Medical Quackery
Robert Turner goes after charlatans exploiting vulnerable people during the pandemic. New Age Health websites, churches, wellness guru’s, and disgraced medical professionals use the internet’s power to line their own pockets.
COVID-19 Doubles Risk for New Psychiatric Illness
Grant H Brenner analyzes new research showing coronavirus increases psychiatric illness and how prior psychiatric illness may increase infection rates.
Why the Covid Vaccine News is Bad News
People on both sides of the aisle agree that pandemic politicization is one of the fundamental problems with the US failure to control Covid-19. Robert Turner lays out the current politics of the upcoming vaccine.
Dear Doctor: Thank You From a Potential Future COVID Patient
Exhausted frontline workers rarely get to hear gratitude from the public. Patient Jacqueline Doody shares a beautiful message to all healthcare workers during this challenging time.
Gene Mutations and Autoantibodies in Severe COVID-19
Nancy R. Gough, Ph.D. explains how genetic variations and interferon signaling explain certain severe COVID-19 cases.
Women’s health
Daily Aspirin; This Simple Solution Saves Pregnant Women’s Lives
Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy disorder causing 70,000 maternal and 500,000 fetal deaths worldwide. What if low-cost, readily available aspirin could reduce the risk? Dr. Jeff Livingston explains the research.
Labor Induction: What Pregnant Women Want to Know
My partner Dr. Reshma Patel at MacArthur Medical Center adds another useful article to the Medika’s preparing for surgery library. This story helps women get ready for a labor induction when it is time to have a baby.
Are Women Given a Raw Deal With Pregnancy Consent and Birth Plans?
Retired general practitioner Thewriteyard and editor of Illumination writes a thought-provoking story about labor birth plans. Are providers and patients focused on the right things?
Fitness
Is Intermittent Fasting the Right Diet for You?
Everyone is trying to lose the Quarantine 15. Psychiatrist Loren A Olson covers the benefits of intermittent fasting.
Wanna Lose Weight? Walk versus Run
Could walking be just as effective as running for weight loss? Dr. Michael Hunter explains the science.
The 15 Foods You Should Be Eating Every Single Day and Why
Alexandra Walker-Jones shares research-backed nutritional advice on preventing disease, protecting longevity, and taking care of our body from the inside out.
What Makes A Food “Unhealthy”
Jonathan Adrian helps us navigating the dieting scene with these helpful tips.
Exercise Can Be Associated With Your Mental Health
Dr. Michael Hunter discussed new research linking cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength with mental health.
Life
This Simple Health Hack Has Changed My Life
Nutritionist Tim Rees shares his experience with the hot new trend of mouth-taping to encourage nasal breathing as a transformative sleep aid.
10 Things I’m Looking Forward To Not Being A Clinical Dentist
Many healthcare workers plan to leave medicine after the pandemic. Michelle Middleton shares the things she is looking forward to in her upcoming nonclinical career.
Should You Check Yourself For Skin Cancer? Spoiler: YES
Surgeon and clinical trial lead James Goydos, MD reminds us one of the easiest ways to spot visible signs of skin cancer is to check ourselves in the mirror.
Virtual Learning and Its Adverse Effects on Children’s Eyesight
Pediatrician OAO discussed how excessive pandemic screentime affects children’s eyesight.
Mental health
Suicide and Self-Harm Enablers Are Out There Now
Dr. Patricia Farrell puts us on high alert for websites and individuals who are ready to assist others in suicide or self-harm and advise others.
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