Category Archives: Health

Vitamin D doesn’t help at all!

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Jim deMaine

In this editorial in the New England Journal, the verdict on the ineffectiveness of Vitamin D is in: simply put–it doesn’t help prevent disease, extend life or prevent fractures.

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The Plague Year – The mistakes and the struggles behind America’s coronavirus tragedy.

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Jim deMaine

By Lawrence Wright in the New Yorker From Pam P. As I listened to Matthew Pottinger testify in yesterday’s hearing, I kept thinking I’d heard about him before but it was in the context of Covid.   I was surprised that … Continue reading →

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19 Days in America

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M.

Posted in Crime, Government, Guns, Health, Justice, Kindness | 1 Comment

A Neurologist’s Tips to Protect Your Memory

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Jim deMaine

From the New York Times by Hope Reese A new book by a renowned brain expert says there are a few simple things we can do to prevent memory decline as we age. As we age, our memory declines. This … Continue reading →

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Neurogenetics talk this afternoon at 3:30 PM in the OT

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Woody Guthrie died from Huntingdon’s Chorea in 1967. Although he passed away in his 50’s he was a prolific song writer–the most famous being “This Land is Your Land.” His mother died of Huntingdon’s when he was 14. His first … Continue reading →

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Your Lingering Covid Questions, Answered

Posted on June 18, 2022 by Jim deMaine

The science is evolving but the NYT in this article answers common questions. Click here to read the article.

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Your rapid tests may have a longer expiration date than listed on the box

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary M. Click here for the NYT article that lists new longer expiration dates for most brands.

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The Tobacco Wars’ Lessons for the Vaccination Wars

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: This essay in the New England Journal of Medicine is an interesting comparison of the public health imperatives in both tobacco abuse and vaccine denial. It outlines some possible strategies to improve vaccination rates going forward–by looking back.

Posted in Health | 1 Comment

Advancing the Science: The Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research – at Town Hall 7:30 PM Wednesday both in person and streaming

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Mary M. Presented by Town Hall Seattle and the Alzheimer’s Association WA State ChapterDr. Maria Carrillo with Denise Whitaker Join Dr. Maria Carrillo to learn more about:●      The landscape of Alzheimer’s and dementia science●      Risk factors for Alzheimer’s and all … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia, Health | 1 Comment

Having dysgeusia–the disgusting problem of Paxlovid Mouth

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: They didn’t warn me that ingesting Paxlovid (the antiviral medication for COVID) would make me feel like I’d licked a lamp post or swirled some nickels in my mouth. But this under-reported side effect is real and quite … Continue reading →

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Weight Loss Tied to a Dramatic Drop in Cancer Risk, New Study Shows

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Click here for the full article in the NYT A large new study found that people who lost significant amounts of weight through bariatric surgery gained a striking benefit: Their likelihood of developing cancer fell sharply. The study, published on Friday … Continue reading →

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Why CDC Shortened Isolation and Quarantine for the General Population

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: The Omicron variant and its variants are upon us. The CDC in this updated Feb. 2022 publication explains the need to balance isolation with the need to get on with life. Masking is very important (high quality N95 … Continue reading →

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Chemist talks about the At-Home Covid Tests

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Well, a lot of us have acquired the free at-home COVID antigen tests. If you have any flu-like symptoms (stuffy nose, congestion, cough or fever), please check yourself ASAP and wear a mask. If the test is negative … Continue reading →

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Let’s Take Monkeypox Seriously

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M. Click here to read the article in the NYT. It’s adapting to humans. We have a safe vaccine. Let’s offer it voluntarily to those most at risk, like gay men, Africans in the modern diaspora and … Continue reading →

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The Taskar Center for Accessible Technology

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks so Mary M. Please click here to go to their web site at the UW. It’s heart warming to see this level of interest in people with motility and speech limitations. Mission Statement The Taskar Center for Accessible Technology … Continue reading →

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Eight free rapid COVID test kits – order now!

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Order 8 free COVID test kits by visiting covid.gov/tests

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If the United States had the same Covid death rate as Australia, about 900,000 lives would have been saved.

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Jim deMaine

In this article from the NYT (click here) the author, Damien Cave, points out that public health coordination, trust in science, and trust in government policy led Australia to excel in preventing COVID deaths. I should add that Seattle had … Continue reading →

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The Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Study takes another leap forward in understanding brain aging and dementia

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Eric Larson, who has spoken at Skyline in the past, heads up the ACT study. Following a large group (including some Skyliners) over many years has allowed for research and better understanding of Alzheimer’s–with some very important findings. … Continue reading →

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Marilyn Monroe v. Samuel Alito

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: Two residents sent me this article by the acerbic Maureen Dowd from the NYT. You may or may not agree, but she writes well and makes some interesting points. Click here to read her op-ed piece.

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Death with Dignity, an interview with Michael Hebb

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Jim deMaine

This one of a series of interviews about end of life care and choices. DWD is now often referred to as MAID (Medical Aid in Dying) but critics refer to it as assisted suicide. It’s a topic that brings forth … Continue reading →

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Different Masking Rules for retirement communities?

Posted on April 29, 2022 by William Calvin

It seems our age group was less vulnerable to the delta variant last summer but is 2x more vulnerable to winter’s omicron variant. Variants will keep coming, as long as so many people resist vaccination and keep socially mixing. The … Continue reading →

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Exploring the Health Effects of Ageism

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Jim deMaine

By Paula Span in the NYT. Published April 23, 2022Updated April 25, 2022 Each fall, Becca Levy asks the students in her health and aging class at the Yale School of Public Health to picture an old person and share the first five … Continue reading →

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Doctoring, DIY style

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Written ByVictor Katch from Michigan Today Thanks to Mary Jane F. “Step right up folks,” crows the carnival barker lurking inside our smart devices. “Now you can learn about your health from the comfort of your home without ever needing … Continue reading →

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The Playacting Over Masks Really Needed to End

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Thanks to Ed M. for sending in this thought provoking article. by Tom Nichols in The Atlantic The U.S.-government mandate requiring mask wearing on transportation is now dead, and it was killed in the worst way possible. A judge deemed “not … Continue reading →

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US FDA Warns of Hidden Drug Ingredients in Certain Supplement Products

Posted on April 23, 2022 by Jim deMaine

Ed note: The FDA can monitor but, by law, cannot regulate the contents of supplements. If you take any dietary supplements please check with your doctor. (Reuters) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday asked people to … Continue reading →

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