Obviously I love serving as the host of the Lunch and Learn with Dr. Berry but there is such a joy when I get to be on the other side of the microphone and get to answer questions and being interviewed. I got the opportunity to meet Dr. Vicki Doe at a podcast conference several years ago and we were able to stay in touch and she reach out to discuss a very important topic of mines which is the mens health and having access to proper care. I got a chance to talk about what it’s like trying to encourage men to take their health serious before its too late, and all of the obstacles in place that prevents men from taking care of themselves. I want you to check out her show & tell me what you think. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/health-issues-and-mens-health-with-dr-vicki-doe/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/677169987296821248
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Let’s talk about how we deal with Covid-19 as a family… In this episode of Lunch & Learn with Dr. Berry, I bring you a solo episode as I discuss the personal experience of being under quarantine after a majority of my family got diagnosed with COVID-19. We’re going to hear my personal thoughts, how all of the events kind of unfolded, as well as learn how to juggle what the CDC recommends versus what the Department of Education recommends, as well as the benefits of getting the family vaccinated. In this episode we aim to learn more about;
Listen in on today’s episode and be inspired with our episode title “Dealing with Covid-19 As A Family.” Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, Spotify Sponsors:
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Download the MP3 Audio file, listen to the episode however you like. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/podcasts/dealing-with-covid-19-as-a-family/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/676988803171368960
Heart failure, known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle is unable to pump blood as efficiently as it should. Shortness of breath occurs when blood clots and fluid builds up in the lungs. Since this month we are celebrating Heart Failure Awareness, let me take you on understanding what is heart failure and what you can do about it. What is congestive heart failure?Heart failure does not indicate that the heart has stopped pumping blood. Instead, it means the heart is less efficient than normal. Blood passes through the heart and body at a slower rate for a variety of reasons, and heart pressure rises. As such, the heart is unable to supply adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body. The heart chambers may respond by either expanding to hold more blood for pumping across the body or by stiffening and thickening. This keeps the blood flowing, but the heart muscle walls may weaken with time and be unable to pump as effectively. As a result, the kidneys may cause the body to retain fluid (water) and salt. The body becomes congested when fluid builds up in the arms, legs, ankles, feet, lungs, or other organs. The term used to describe the ailment is congestive heart failure. Heart failure can affect either the right or left side of the heart, or both. Acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing) conditions are also possible.
What are the various types of heart failure?Heart failure can be diastolic or systolic. Here are the types of heart failure and what they are: 1. Left-sided heart failureThe most prevalent type of heart failure is left-sided heart failure. Your heart’s left ventricle is placed in the bottom left corner. This area is responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. When the left ventricle fails to pump effectively, it causes left-sided heart failure. As a result, your body won’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. The blood instead backs up into your lungs, producing shortness of breath and fluid accumulation. 2. Right-sided heart failureThe right heart ventricle is in charge of pumping blood to your lungs so that oxygen can be collected. When the right side of your heart is unable to do its job properly, it’s called right-sided heart failure. The most common cause for this is left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure causes blood to accumulate in the lungs, making the right ventricle work harder. This can put excessive strain on the right side of the heart, causing it to fail. Other disorders, such as lung illness or valve disease, can induce right-sided heart failure. Swelling of the lower limbs or abdomen is a sign of right-sided heart failure. Fluid backup in the legs, feet, and abdomen causes this edema. 3. Diastolic heart failureWhen the heart muscle stiffens too much, diastolic heart failure occurs. Because of the stiffness, which is usually caused by heart disease, your heart struggles to fill with blood. This is referred to as diastolic dysfunction. It reduces blood flow to other parts of your body. Females are more likely to suffer from diastolic heart failure compared to males. 4. Systolic heart failureWhen the heart’s muscle loses its ability to contract, systolic heart failure ensues. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body by contracting. Systolic dysfunction is the medical term for this condition, which typically occurs when your heart is weak or enlarged. Males are more likely to suffer from systolic heart failure than females. Risk Factors Associated With Congestive Heart FailureIt can affect anyone at any age. However, it is more common in the elderly, so age is an essential risk factor to consider. Once a person reaches 65, the chances of developing heart failure are significantly increased. The following are other potential danger factors to be aware of:
Symptoms of Heart FailureHeart failure can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Tips on living a healthy lifestyleChanges, no matter how small, can result in a huge difference. By following the recommended diet and exercise, it can help alleviate the symptoms of your heart failure and improve your overall well-being. Here are lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health. 1. Quit your vices such as smokingTobacco smoke releases nicotine into the bloodstream, which raises heart rate and blood pressure for a short period of time. Stickiness in the blood vessels that supply the heart is a possible side effect of smoking. Heart failure symptoms are more likely to improve in smokers who have given up smoking. 2. Manage your stressTry to sit peacefully for 15 to 20 minutes a day and visualize a serene landscape. You can also try yoga or meditation classes as an alternative. Counting to ten before replying when you are upset can help you lower your stress. 3. Exercise RegularlyConsider consulting with your doctor before going on an exercise program. Plan your daily physical activity so that it becomes a habitual part of your routine. Consider an organized rehabilitation program if you are unable to engage in moderate activity. 4. Avoid or limit alcohol intakeConsume alcohol in moderation if you choose to do so. Men should limit themselves to one to two drinks per day, while women should limit themselves to one drink per day. Make sure to consult your doctor to know if you can drink alcohol. 5. Eat healthierEat a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, and non-tropical vegetable oils as part of an overall balanced dietary pattern. Saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages should also be Avoided. You can read more about having a heart-healthy lifestyle here. Living with Heart Failure, Managing Your SymptomsThe celebration of Heart Failure Awareness Week is happening earlier this month; it’s time for people to be more mindful of their lifestyle. Heart failure is typically a chronic illness that requires continuous treatment to avoid harmful complications. When left untreated, it can cause the heart to weaken to the point where it becomes a life-threatening issue. It’s critical to understand that heart failure can happen to anyone at any time. It’s important to take preventive actions for your to ensure your heart is healthy. Always consult your doctor if you experience new or unexplained symptoms that could signal heart failure. If you need a virtual consultation about your heart health today, feel free to reach out to me for a telehealth consultation. Related links: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/hearthealth.htm https://www.heart.org/ -- source https://www.drberrypierre.com/heart-failure-awareness-week/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/676898240603586561 Dealing with Covid-19 as a familyOn this episode of Medicine Mondays we are discussing what it was like having to deal with Covid-19 as a family with children still in school after on of the Pierre Party of 5 test positive for covid-19. We discuss the family dynamics when someone has tested positive for covid-19, some of the differences in the CDC recommendations versus the Department of Education recommendations and the benefits of getting the family vaccinated. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/dealing-with-covid-19-as-a-family/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/676803799386669056 Novak Djokovic will miss major tournaments in order to avoid the covid vaccineOn this episode of Real Physician Reacts we are going to be talking about tennis superstar Novak Djokovic and his decision to exercise his right not to vaccinate against covid even tough it means that he will likely not be able to participate in a major tournament for the foreseeable future. This is another situation where freedom of choice does not equal freedom from consequences. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/novak-djokovic-to-miss-the-major-tournaments-to-avoid-the-covid-vaccine%ef%bf%bc/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/676535912553922560 Let’s talk about Lifting as we climb in today’s society… In this week’s episode of Lunch & Learn with Dr. Berry, we bring you a special guest, Dr. Theodore Nyame, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon from Harvard Medical School. He also completed a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Nyame comes to us from Ghana, West Africa. After coming to the realization that the conditions of Ghana leave many of the citizens there in need of reconstructive procedures, he selected cosmetic surgery as his medical specialty. During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Nyame attended Cornell University where he graduated top of his class before continuing on to Harvard Medical School. After receiving his Doctorate of Medicine, Dr. Nyame kicked off what has developed into an international tour of medical missions and speeches. He uses these opportunities to enhance the quality of information circulated through the industry. Today, Dr. Nyame will share his experiences from when he was a child until he became successful. From a very young age, Dr. Theo Nyame showed a level of desire and dedication towards providing positive outcomes for himself and those around him. The secret to Dr. Nyame’s unconditional passion for results-oriented service to his patients is not a secret at all. “For me, walking out of a treatment knowing that I delivered the best work possible for my patients is the most important,” he explains. His promise is to combine experience with personal interest to deliver the best work possible for his patients. In this episode, Dr. Nyame will discuss many things that will benefit us a lot. Below are some of the following takeaways from this episode;
Join me in today’s podcast episode with our fantastic guest Dr. Theodore Nyame as he shares a wealth of information and valuable talks with the theme “Lifting as we climb in today’s society with Dr. Nyame.” Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, Spotify Sponsors:
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Download the MP3 Audio file, listen to the episode however you like. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/podcasts/lifting-as-we-climb-in-todays-society-with-dr-nyame/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/676350857192898560 Lifting as we climb in todays society with Dr. Theodore NyameOn this episode of Medicine Mondays we have Dr. Theo Nyame who is a Harvard trained Plastic Surgeon with an even more remarkable story as a kid who grew up in Ghana and moved to the United States to live out his dream to become successful. We have an amazing conversation about mindset and having the audacity to succeed in all steps of life. Biography: From a very young age, Dr. Theo Nyame showed a level of desire and dedication towards providing positive outcomes for himself and those around him. Throughout their highly competitive childhood, Dr. Nyame and his brother had an exceptional sibling rivalry. They pushed one another towards the highest level of academic and professional success. When Dr. Nyame was just eight-years-old, his parents relocated their family to the Bronx, NY from his birthplace of Ghana, West Africa. They wanted to be able to provide their children with more opportunities. Shortly after moving, the brothers quickly adapted to American culture, where they advanced through the academic ranks of their peers to the end up at the top of their classes. With undergraduate studies coming up, Dr. Nyame decided he was going to ultimately join the medical community and improve the value of life for patients all over the world. As noted before, Dr. Nyame comes to us from Ghana, West Africa. After coming to the realization that the conditions of Ghana leave many of the citizens there in need of reconstructive procedures, Dr. Nyame selected cosmetic surgery as his medical specialty. During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Nyame attended Cornell University where he graduated top of his class before continuing on to Harvard Medical School. Here, he completed his medical studies and plastic surgery training. After receiving his Doctorate of Medicine, Dr. Nyame kicked off what has developed into an international tour of medical missions and speeches. He uses these opportunities to enhance the quality of information circulated through the industry. He has traveled across the world – from Norway to Australia – to spread information on the latest techniques and technologies to his esteemed peers in the plastic surgery community. The secret to Dr. Nyame’s unconditional passion for results-oriented service to his patients is not a secret at all. “For me, walking out of a treatment knowing that I delivered the best work possible for my patients is most important,” he explains. His promise is to combine experience with personal interest to deliver the best work possible for his patients. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/video_posts/lifting-as-we-climb-in-todays-society-with-dr-nyame/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/676199854319484928 Let’s talk about Heart health… Heart health is a major concern all around the world. A healthy heart is essential for general well-being. The month of February was known to be a month of hearts because of valentine’s day, but the most important thing to remember is that February is American Heart Month. It’s all about spreading awareness and educating people about the importance of heart health. In today’s episode of Lunch and Learn, I’ll discuss Heart Health Month. We’ll go over some key information concerning heart disease, risk factors, and other topics. We aim to learn more about the following:
Listen in on today’s episode to learn more about heart health month and heart disease. With our episode title “Heart Health Month with Dr. Berry Pierre.” Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, Spotify Sponsors:
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Download the MP3 Audio file, listen to the episode however you like. source https://www.drberrypierre.com/podcasts/heart-health-month-with-dr-berry-pierre/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/675720459851087872 A variant of concern, as what the World Health Organization (WHO) tagged it, the Omicron variant has shown several mutations from its behavioral changes. As such, it’s spreading noticeably faster in a community transmission situation doubled within the duration of 2-3 days. It is now known that the more it widely spreads, the more it mutates. The first confirmed infection was on November 9, 2021, the Omicron variant originated from South Africa. It was then reported officially to WHO in November 24, 2021. Little did we know, the variant was silently circulating in countries of United Kingdom to Australia even before its discovery and disseminated health reports to alarm the mass. Genomic sequencing was conducted in facilities such as the University of California, San Francisco for the first case in the United States. The sequence was then confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using PCR-SGTFAn early method to detect the significant variant is to use Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Our advancements let us now use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test with S Gene Target Failure (SGTF) to easily detect Omicron. In doing so, people can be tested with enhanced readiness and efficiency in Omicron variant detection. Symptoms of the Omicron variantThe infectious variant shares the common symptoms from its predecessor variants. On the contrary, Omicron is known to have milder symptoms even for vaccinated and boosted individuals. Even so, the slightest show of any sign can be eventually deadly. Common symptoms:
In most cases, fatigues and muscle aches are also seen in Omicron-diagnosed individuals. These symptoms may seem superficial but it’s best to be tested than neglect it since the variant makes it look that way. On the other hand, loss of taste and smell doesn’t seem to be the key symptom for Omicron.Severity of the contagious variantThe Omicron variant manifests milder viral signs and has a lower severity compared to the Delta variant. However, due to the variant’s faster transmissibility, it doubles the amount of infected to a significant degree. Its transmission power alone is five times faster than the Delta variant. Being over-cautious now is the perfect time to be. There’s little clarity yet whether it will cause more severe diseases or not. Even so, an increase in the hospitalization rate is enough reason to not turn a blind eye and do all measures to prevent contracting the virus. Effectivity of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron variantMonoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the body’s immune system to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses, like SARS-CoV-2. Although our bodies naturally make antibodies to fight infection, our bodies will not blueprint antibodies to recognize a new virus if we haven’t received the vaccine or had a previous infection of the virus — COVID-19, in this case. With monoclonal antibody therapy, it’s designed to prevent hospitalizations and reduce viral loads and symptom severity. Pandemic game-changersTo this time, Pfizer’s Paxlovid is the first leading prescription oral antiviral treatment of COVID-19. Although not a substitute for the vaccines, the pill has been hailed as a potential “game-changer” in the treatment of COVID-19 for its 5-day oral treatment regimen with morning and evening doses. By almost 90 percent, Paxlovid reduces hospitalization and death for non-hospitalized, high-risk adults with COVID-19. Other monoclonal antibody therapies have surfaced alongside the pill, some have shown to be less effective against the Omicron variant. As luck would have it, one that is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has proved its efficacy is GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) Sotrovimab. Its monoclonal antibody “retains in vitro activity against the full known omicron spike protein.” This has established the fact that Sotrovimab could fight against all tested variants of COVID-19. Importance of Existing vaccinesBooster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines aren’t just preventing infections with the highly contagious Omicron variant — they’re holding up the hospitalization rate to a minimum as well. The extra doses are 90 percent effective against the variant. New data from CDC reveal that the vaccines were more protective against the Delta variant than against Omicron. As lab studies found, extra doses eliminate the probability of being hospitalized with the dominant Delta variant and lessen the chance of being infected by the new Omicron variant altogether. Boost upCompleting the first two doses and getting booster shots are still, nonetheless, effective in neutralizing the virus’s capability to replicate itself in a body. With so little data, the Omicron variant has given us a full glimpse that this pandemic is far from over. Getting up-to-date vaccines may be a shot in the dark for the coming months or years but it’s far better than battling this predominantly infectious variant without an armor. Hospitals managing the new surge of casesWith the overwhelming new surge of cases, a number of hospitals are not in crisis-mode as vaccinated individuals now usually stay for a night and go home the next. As an example, Vermont hospitals in the United States recently showed the majority of the patients hospitalized, even greater than 75 percent, are unvaccinated. 85 percent of the unvaccinated are placed in the ICU. Those that are vaccinated or boosted and admitted commonly have extensive underlying medical conditions, this makes it already risky to begin with for them. Facing healthcare staff shortagesDespite the relatively low hospitalization rate, the contagious variant is exacting a toll on the hospital staff. Exhausted and burnt out, the healthcare workers are at a limit at the macro level. This has been a forthcoming situation even before Omicron was discovered, and the new surge is just realizing the ominous fact into life. Hiring qualified personnel has become increasingly more difficult for hospitals. As a counter-response, CDC recently adjusted its policies for healthcare workers, recommending the staff who were exposed with no symptoms to return to work however the situation calls it necessary. With the 10 days of isolation the CDC had previously proposed, it is now shortened to 7 days if the staff test negative and are asymptomatic. Cancelling elective surgeriesThroughout most parts of the United States, Philadelphia and California for example, hospitals are halting “elective” surgeries which entail organ transplants, brain surgeries, and kidney stone removal, among other procedures. Accompanied with the healthcare staff shortages, hospitals needed to allocate the use of their medical equipment and facilities smart and fast with the new surge. This comes as a harsh and unwanted compromise to make more room in providing care for the chronically ill from the coronavirus. Although an elective surgery means it’s not an emergency, scheduling one surgery and waiting can be a life or death situation. Postponing elective surgeries is voluntary for hospitals, fortunately. Hospital executives are heedfully weighing out which surgeries can be either carried out or delayed. A heart surgery deems the circumstance necessary for an instant action compared to a knee replacement. Protecting yourself against OmicronWith the Delta variant being the real threat now, the Omicron variant can only be scarier since we know so little of it. An uncertain threat that comes into play should make us extra cautious. Without a doubt, we should always guard ourselves against COVID-19 in general, be it any other variant. Gearing up for the new player
Completing the first two vaccines and getting up-to-date boosters are level one priority. Masks to take note of for its effectivity are the three-layer surgical mask, KN95, or N95 respirator. Masking up and avoiding crowded places is essential. Getting yourself scanned through antigen tests and self-test kits will help you determine if the infection is caused by the Omicron variant. Practicing health safety protocols religiously even post-vaccinated is crucial in drawing the line between prevention and treatment — while helping hospitals manage and wade through the new surge with ease. If you need online and virtual consultations regarding your covid-like symptoms today, you can reach out to me for a telehealth consultation regarding your health if you have more questions. -- source https://www.drberrypierre.com/omicron-variant/ Via https://drberrypierre.tumblr.com/post/675629839937617920 Heart Health Month with Dr. BerryOn this episode of Medicine Mondays we are talking about Heart Health Month. With February being American Heart Month we discuss some important facts about heart disease, risk factors and more. Lets Connect
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