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Where Are We Now With COVID-19?

By: FALANA CARTER, M.D., CO-MEDICAL DIRECTOR
August 2023

Three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, daily information about the disease has receded from public view. Infection rates and deaths are down, emergency measures have ended, and people’s lives have returned to some level of normalcy.

Does that mean COVID-19 is gone?

No, daily infections still occur but the disease has changed since 2020. Mutations of the virus combined with effective vaccinations and natural immunity have reduced the illness burden and death rates.

Like many viruses, COVID-19 continues to mutate and create new strains. In the future, emerging strains could remain relatively mild or cause a serious illness. Currently, the medical community is tracking the variances and learning more about the complexity of the virus, but no clear end of infections is known.

COVID-19 has changed from a pandemic that spreads quickly and endangers large populations in a country or the world to an endemic condition. This means COVID continues to circulate within an area or community. Today, COVID -19 is currently circulating at lower levels, following the pathway to potentially become a seasonal infection flaring more in the fall and winter.

COVID-19 is still a threat

It’s important to remember that though the pandemic has receded, people still get infected with COVID-19, and 50-100 people are dying daily in the US. Those with underlying health conditions – such as obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease or decreased immunity, and those over 65 years old — can have serious complications and become dangerously ill if infected. We should all be mindful that interactions with those who have high risk for serious complications should be limited if you have any respiratory symptoms.

As many as 16 million Americans are affected by Long COVID. Those patients with Long COVID continue to experience symptoms long after the infection ends, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, headache, and difficulty thinking or concentrating. Researchers continue to explore the underlying cause of Long COVID, but we do know those who are not vaccinated have higher risk for lingering symptoms.

Where we go from here

In just three years, SARS-CoV-2 started as a limited virus overseas and developed into a major respiratory illness that affected the entire world. Increased knowledge of COVID-19 has allowed medical technology to develop various treatments that include: effective vaccines, oral medications and IV infusions that decrease serious complications. As a result of increased community immunity, treatment options and less potent mutations, COVID-19 is no longer a daily hurdle. It’s clear that COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear, so everyone needs to remain vigilant with risk management. Keep current on COVID vaccinations to new variants, continue to follow the news about the virus, and look out for others who are at high risk.

 

Falana Carter, M.D.

Dr. Falana Carter is Co-Medical Director of Maryland Primary Care Physicians. She is certified by the American Board of Family Physicians and cares for patients in the Arundel Mills office.

 

Spring-clean Your Way to Better Health

By: ARLENE CABRERA, FNP-C

Spring-cleaning is a good way to greet the arrival of warm weather after being cooped up indoors for months. It’s a time to declutter and purge, but it also has real health benefits, from boosting your immune system to reducing stress. Before you pick up a broom, see how making your house cleaner can also make you healthier.

Spring-cleaning can prevent illness
Items in the house you use a lot, especially if several people use them, can be breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. Things like faucets, doorknobs, cutting boards and counters need to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the spread of germs.

Tips to prevent illness:

  • Clean the items you use most, or items that could come in contact with your mouth, eyes or nose, including your cellphone, keyboard, bedding and towels.
  • Sanitize surfaces with alcohol-based cleaners to kill germs.
  • Certain parts of the kitchen need special attention, such as the refrigerator and freezer, pantry, counters and cupboards. The kitchen sink can contain more bacteria than a toilet — Yuck! — so clean it regularly.
  • Wash all your produce before cooking to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Pay special attention to bathrooms and other places that are shared with family members.

Spring-cleaning can decrease stress and improve mood
We spend most of the winter months inside, and many of us are working at home at least part time due to COVID-19. Stuff tends to accumulate, and clutter can negatively impact our mood and sense of well-being.

Many people find that the process of sorting through items, reorganizing and getting rid of unwanted stuff by tossing, donating or recycling them can be mentally refreshing. Studies have found that people who clean out clutter enjoy better moods and report being able to think and sleep better.

Tips to improve mental health:

  • Don’t just stack magazines or shove unworn clothes into the closet. Sort through clothing, toiletries, kitchen supplies and paperwork. Get rid of things you no longer need.
  • To help you sleep better, keep only essentials on your bedside table. Also, one study reported that people who change their sheets often sleep better than those who don’t.
  • Use cleaning as a de-stressing ritual. As you clean, practice being mindful of the tasks you’re doing. This will help promote a positive attitude and clear mind.

Spring-cleaning protects your immune system
During the winter months, allergens like dust, mold, mildew and pet dander collect in your house. Plus, the blossoming of plants outdoors can bring seasonal allergens into your home, increasing your risk for allergies and other respiratory problems. A clean house can help you breathe better by preventing respiratory issues and supporting a healthy immune system.

Tips to boost your immune health:

  • Dust all surfaces, including those you may not usually clean, including the legs of furniture, tops of frames and mirrors, tops of lamps and lights, floor baseboards, railings and window sills.
  • Vacuum your floors – especially the corners — curtains and ceiling cobwebs to eliminate dust. Wash rugs, when possible, and consider having your carpets cleaned to remove deep-down dirt.
  • Wash all bedding and blankets. Put pillows into the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any dust mites.
  • Change your furnace filters to make sure the air in your house stays cleaner.
  • Take off your shoes at the door to avoid carrying in dirt and dust.

Spring-cleaning reduces risk of injury
Falls at home are a common cause of injuries, especially among older adults. Spring is a good time to make adjustments to your home, or an older parent’s home, to reduce the risk of falls. Having a clear path and removing obstacles can help reduce the risk of accidents.

Tips for a safer home:

  • Remove clutter from pathways, hallways and staircases. This includes backpacks, shoes, sports equipment, shopping bags and boxes.
  • Fasten down loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing.
  • Tack electrical cords to baseboards or reroute them along the wall to eliminate the risk of tripping on one.
  • Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
  • Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower.

 

Arlene Cabrera, FNP-C, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Far Eastern University, Philippines, and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Walden University, Minneapolis, Minn. Formerly an intensive care nurse with the University of Maryland Medical System, she treats patients in MPCP’s Arundel Mills office.

ADHD: Not Just for Kids

By: SNEHA SHETH, M.D.

When you hear the term ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), do you imagine a noisy child bouncing from room to room, making a mess as they go?

ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but about 4% of adults also deal with it. Among adults, Millennials have the highest rate of ADHD, and that is growing. From 2014 to 2018, for example, the number of Millennials diagnosed with ADHD rose by a whopping 39%.

It’s in your head
ADHD is a common neurological (brain) disorder with symptoms that include impulsiveness/lack of self-control, restlessness/hyperactivity and difficulty paying attention. If you have the condition as an adult, it may be hard for you to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Nailing down a diagnosis
To find out if you have ADHD, your doctor may do a series of tests, including psychological screening and ADHD rating scale. The condition typically falls into one of three categories:

  • Impulsive-hyperactive —The least common form of ADHD, it makes you impulsive and restless.
  • Inattentive and distractible — This type reduces your ability to pay attention.
  • Combined — This is the most common kind and includes symptoms from the other two forms.

Treating ADHD
Without treatment, ADHD can get you into trouble. It may lead to money issues, cause problems with the law, and make it hard for you to keep a job. It can increase your risk for substance or alcohol abuse, car accidents, and relationship troubles.

ADHD can’t be cured but it can be managed with education, support and treatment. Your MPCP healthcare provider can offer resources to help you learn about your condition, such as the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Your provider may recommend taking medicine to control your symptoms. You may also benefit from counseling or therapy to help you get organized, improve relationships and manage your time.

Hacks for living with ADHD
In addition to treatment, many adults with ADHD use strategies to help them stay organized and focused. Here are some tips from a woman with ADHD:

  • Make a list: Use written reminders and lists to keep track of your day. This may include grocery lists, event planning, and to-do checklists.
  • Use visual reminders: Post notes around your house or office to remind you of what you need to do and when. They will jog your memory and help you stay on track.
  • Keep it clean: An organized, uncluttered house or workspace reduces distractions and helps you focus on the task at hand.
  • Be accountable: Ask friends and family to remind you about things you need to do, such as appointments, work deadlines, paying bills and personal commitments. This will make you less likely to forget and miss something important.

 

Dr. Sheth sees patients at MPCP’s Arundel Mills office. She earned her medical degree at St. George`s University School of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Let’s Go for a Walk – The surprising health benefits of nature’s simplest exercise

By: GEORGE ABRAHAM, M.D.

The weather is beautiful. You really want to start exercising more, but you don’t want to spend hours cooped up at the gym, and you hate the idea of running.

Good news: Walking has many of the same health benefits as harder workouts. It is the simplest form of exercise, and anyone can do it. You can walk alone, with a friend or pet. And the only equipment you need is a sturdy pair of shoes.

Physical benefits

Walking is the recommended workout for many people, especially those with knee, ankle, and back problems, and also for people who are overweight. Walking is a low-impact exercise, saving wear on your joints, and can be done for longer periods of time.

Researchers compared moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running, and found they produce similar reductions in risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. This means you can get the same benefits by walking as running, as long as you’re using the same amount of energy.

Walking is also a low-impact way to burn calories and lose weight. The key is to walk fast enough to raise your heart and breathing rates for an extended period. The longer you walk and the faster your pace, the more calories you’ll burn.

Mental benefits

Walking is a proven mood booster. One study found that just 12 minutes of walking resulted in an increase in happiness, energy, concentration, and self-confidence. Walking in nature, especially, was found to reduce negative thinking, lowering the risk of depression.

Getting started

To get the full health benefits of walking, work up to walking briskly for at least 30 minutes five days a week. “Brisk” means that you can still talk but you may be puffing slightly.

Start with shorter walks and build up your strength and endurance. Here’s a four-week plan to help you get the most out of walking.

Moderate activities such as walking pose little health risk, but if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

 

GEORGE ABRAHAM, M.D.Dr. Abraham joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians in 2021 and sees patients in the Arundel Mills office. He earned his medical degree from St. George’s University, School of Medicine.