• Excess weight (body mass) is linked to certain types of cancer such as stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, ovary, brain (Meningioma), thyroid, and blood (Multiple Myeloma).
• A study published in Cancer Prevention Research shows that consuming less red meat and more chicken (poultry) and fish reduces the recurrence of prostate cancer regardless of the stage of the cancer.
• Heart diseases continue to be the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States.
• People with diabetes constitute the highest risk group for cardiovascular diseases.
• Dyslipidemia or a lipid metabolism disorder (cholesterol, triglycerides, and others) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and is very prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes, in addition to other genetic causes like familial hypercholesterolemia. These groups need a more aggressive therapeutic approach to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other metabolic complications.
• The treatment of cardiovascular diseases has greatly improved with the advent of statins (examples include Lipitor and Crestor). Much research has been conducted on atherosclerosis (fatty plaques – cholesterol – in the inner walls of arteries) and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and more recently the discovery of PCSK9 inhibitors that will change the therapeutic plan for high-risk patients with lipid disorders. PCSK9 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies, a type of biological medication. They inactivate a protein in the liver called Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 inhibits the receptors that transport the harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) molecule, so the PCSK9 inhibitor leaves more receptors circulating in the blood, which will capture the LDL molecules for their removal from the bloodstream. This new medication is reserved for cases of higher cardiovascular risk and also for patients who cannot tolerate statins.
• Probiotics like “Lactobacillus paracasei” may help in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. They can be found in almost all pharmacies and without a prescription.
• The consumption of cinnamon in patients with type 2 diabetes: the use of cinnamon in type 2 diabetics measuring fasting glucose and Glycated Hemoglobin (HgA1C) only showed modest results. Therefore, until more studies are conducted, it is advised to continue with diets, physical exercises, and scientifically proven medications for the treatment of diabetes.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using codeine medications for children. Some genetic variations can affect the metabolism of this compound (codeine) and can potentially be fatal for certain patients. For a small group of children, treatment with codeine can lead to respiratory depression and even death because these children metabolize codeine into morphine at an accelerated rate. Although this is not the majority of children at risk, it is not worth the risk.
• There has also been a considerable increase in the incidence of complications due to amphetamine-type medications prescribed for attention deficit or hyperactivity in both children and adults. It has particularly affected adults with excessive doses or even when taken without constant medical guidance and monitoring. The number of cases of complications has quadrupled in seven years, and only in Florida, the cases of mortality due to excessive use of amphetamines rose by more than 450% between 2008 and 2014.
DR. ALBERT LEVY
Family Practice Physician
www.manhattanfamilypractice.com