Vaccine Safety
PodcastDX
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent diseases. Over the past 50 years, essential vaccines saved at least 154 million lives (1). During the same period, vaccination has reduced infant deaths by 40%. Together with governments, vaccine manufacturers, scientists and medical experts, WHO's vaccine safety program is constantly helping monitor the safety of vaccines. This helps ensure that vaccines are safe for you and your family. In the United States, a number of safeguards are required by law to help ensure that the vaccines we receive are safe. Because vaccines are given to millions...
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Whooping Cough or Pertussis
PodcastDX
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It's characterized by severe, persistent coughing fits, often ending with a high-pitched "whoop" sound. The disease can be very serious, especially for infants, and is preventable through vaccination. Whooping cough is an illness that can spread easily. It's also called pertussis. An infection with bacteria causes it. Many people with the illness get a serious hacking cough. Breathing in after coughing often causes a high-pitched noise that sounds like a...
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Summer Health and Safety
PodcastDX
What’s your plan for this summer? Enjoying the water? Going camping? Firing up the grill? Whatever you prefer, we have safety steps to follow. And don’t forget your furry friends. There are steps you can take to help keep them safe too. Skin safety Children's skin is more susceptible to sunburns and UV damage from the sun than adults. Before going outside, and dress your kids in protective clothing like rash guards and hats. Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 with broad-spectrum protection that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is only safe for children over 6 months...
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Hepatitis (Re-Run)
PodcastDX
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are , , and . Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis,” is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are also...
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Narcolepsy (rerun)
PodcastDX
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances. Narcolepsy can cause serious disruptions in your daily routine. Our guest today is Lindsey who will discuss her life with narcolepsy. Lindsey grew up in Charlotte NC and is currently residing nearby in Belmont, NC with her husband and dog. She was diagnosed in May of 2019 after dealing with symptoms since childhood. She was previously...
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Migraine
PodcastDX
On today's show we are speaking once again with Sheila Ames. As you may recall, Sheila is a Registered Nurse and the founder of "Ames Alchemy Coaching" which can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Today she joins us to discus her life-long struggles with migraines. A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with...
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Strep
PodcastDX
Bacteria called group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) commonly live in people’s gastrointestinal and genital tracts. The gastrointestinal tract is the part of the body that digests food and includes the stomach and intestines. The genital tract is the part of the body involved in reproduction and includes the vagina in women. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful and do not make people feel sick or have any symptoms. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain infections, which are known as GBS disease. GBS bacteria can cause many types of infections: ...
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Incontinence
PodcastDX
Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine (urinary incontinence) or feces (bowel incontinence), a common problem that can significantly impact quality of life. Urinary Incontinence: Definition: Urinary incontinence is the accidental loss of urine. Types: Stress incontinence: Leakage during physical activity or when the bladder is under pressure (coughing, sneezing, laughing). Urge incontinence: A strong, sudden urge to urinate that you can't control, leading to leakage. ...
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Winter Sports Safety
PodcastDX
Winter sports are thrilling and enjoyable, but they come with unique risks that require careful preparation and safety measures. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding expose participants to hazards like icy conditions, extreme cold, and potential collisions. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, padded clothing, and eye protection, can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, dressing in moisture-wicking and layered clothing helps maintain body warmth and prevent frostbite or hypothermia. It is also crucial to stay hydrated, as...
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Vectors in a Hotter World
PodcastDX
This week we discuss vectors in a hotter world. Vector-borne diseases, which are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, pose a significant burden on global public health. These diseases disproportionately affect populations in tropical and subtropical regions, where environmental conditions favor the survival and proliferation of vectors. Given that vectors are ectothermic organisms, their life cycles, reproduction, survival rates, and geographic distribution are heavily influenced by climate variables such as temperature, rainfall, and...
info_outlineOn this week's episode we are running a rare re-run on the aftermath of 9/11.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, remain etched in the collective memory of not only Americans but also people worldwide. Beyond the immediate devastation, the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks brought forth an enduring health crisis among those who selflessly rushed to aid their fellow citizens. First responders, the courageous individuals who braved the smoke, debris, and toxic fumes of Ground Zero, now face a formidable foe: cancer. This essay delves into the harrowing issue of cancers among first responders as a result of their heroic work at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
The Heroic Sacrifice
On that fateful Tuesday morning in 2001, first responders raced against time to rescue victims, provide medical aid, and extinguish fires at Ground Zero. Their unwavering commitment to their duty and fellow citizens was nothing short of heroic. However, in their pursuit of saving lives and clearing the wreckage, these valiant individuals unwittingly subjected themselves to a hazardous environment, the consequences of which continue to haunt them.
The Toxic Fallout
The collapse of the Twin Towers released a vast plume of dust and debris, laden with a toxic cocktail of chemicals and substances. This included asbestos, lead, dioxins, and various carcinogens. The first responders breathed in these harmful particles, exposing themselves to long-term health risks. Moreover, the fires at Ground Zero burned for months, releasing even more hazardous pollutants into the air, further endangering the health of those on the front lines.
The Alarming Statistics
Over the years, an alarming number of first responders have fallen victim to cancer. The statistics are sobering, with many developing rare and aggressive forms of the disease. A study conducted by the World Trade Center Health Program in 2020 revealed that cancer has become a leading cause of death among 9/11 first responders. The incidence of certain cancers, such as prostate, thyroid, and multiple myeloma, among this group is significantly higher than in the general population.
The Struggle for Recognition and Assistance
First responders who survived the immediate aftermath of 9/11 are now faced with another daunting battle – the fight for recognition and assistance. Many of these heroes have struggled to receive adequate medical care and compensation for their illnesses. The process of proving that their cancer is linked to their exposure at Ground Zero can be arduous, and the burden of proof often falls on the shoulders of the afflicted.
Legislation such as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act has provided some relief by establishing healthcare programs and compensation for affected individuals. However, the fight for ongoing support and comprehensive healthcare continues, as the prevalence of cancer cases among first responders only grows.
The Psychological Toll
Beyond the physical health challenges, the psychological toll on first responders cannot be understated. Witnessing the loss of colleagues and experiencing the long-term health impacts has led to significant mental health struggles within this community. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, adding to the already burdensome weight of their physical ailments.
The cancers afflicting the first responders who valiantly served at the World Trade Center on 9/11 represent a tragic and enduring consequence of that fateful day. These individuals sacrificed their health and well-being in the pursuit of saving lives and aiding their fellow citizens. As a society, it is our moral duty to recognize their sacrifice, provide them with the necessary medical care and support, and continue research to better understand and combat the long-term health effects of their selfless actions. The cancers among first responders of 9/11 are a stark reminder that their heroism should never be forgotten, and their needs should always be a priority.