Weekly News

There’s A Real Chance To Stop This Miserable, Fatal Infection
“Dying from hepatitis C is a notoriously miserable way to go. The virus attacks your liver ― in many cases, destroying its ability to make proteins and filter blood. You might not notice at first, because it can inflict damage gradually and “silently” until finally you start to feel symptoms that could include fatigue, jaundice, mental disorientation, severe itching and joint pain. Your belly could fill up with so much fluid that doctors have to drain it, while gastrointestinal difficulties might have you vomiting up blood. This could go on for months or years, and eventually your liver could fail completely. A transplant might save you, but only if you can get one, and only if it works.”

Combination Hepatitis C Therapy Efficacious in Those With Previously Untreated Acute Infection
“An 8-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) treatment was a safe and effective treatment for adults and adolescents with previously untreated acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to a study presented at The Liver Meeting 2023 from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Therapy demonstrated a virologic response at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12) rate, which was superior to the prior efficacy threshold.”

Hep C: More than 70% of Bristolians ‘know nothing’ of virus
“A man diagnosed with Hepatitis C says he is proof it can be treated and cured as he urges others to get tested. Keith Hathaway, 48, from Bristol, is supporting European Testing Week (ETW) – a health initiative that aims to increase blood testing efforts.”

New York State Department of Health Releases Hepatitis B and C Annual Report
“ALBANY, N.Y. (November 22, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health today released the Hepatitis B and C Annual Report 2022, which highlights decreases in newly reported acute hepatitis B cases, hepatitis C cases, and acute hepatitis C cases from 2021 to 2022. “Hepatitis C can be a life-threatening disease, yet I am thankful this disease is treatable and curable,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “All New Yorkers should talk to their doctors about their risk and getting tested and treated if they are determined to have this disease.” From 2021 to 2022, newly reported acute hepatitis B cases declined 21 percent, newly reported chronic hepatitis C cases declined 15 percent, and newly reported acute hepatitis C cases declined 9 percent.”

Second Generation DAA Agents Have Increased Hep C Treatment Globally
“An analysis of global data is providing hepatologists and other care providers insight into how the introduction of second-generation direct-acting antivirals has impacted the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Presented at The Liver Meeting 2023 from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, results of the study demonstrate the addition of next-generation direct-acting antivirals has contributed to increased uptake of hepatitis C treatments, with this impact most apparent in low- and middle-income countries.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Liver Disease
“A new study found the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Liver Disease. Patients with severe liver disease infected by COVID-19, caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have high death rates. A recent study, examining the prevalence and outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients admitted with COVID-19, found the mortality rate of patients with hepatic diseases infected by COVID-19 was 54.5%. Patients with HCV had a morality rate of 46.4%, and patients without HCV had a morality rate of 73.3%.”

Pharmacists Vital for Ensuring Hepatitis C Is Cured
“Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) experience severe morbidity and mortality, including potentially fatal cirrhosis or liver cancer (SN Compr Clin Med 2020;2[12]:2808-2815). Although more than 95% of HCV can be cured with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), confirming effective treatment requires a test for sustained virologic response (SVR) at least 12 weeks after completion of therapy, and many patients do not complete this testing regimen.”

Surveys show providers and patients increasingly endorse ‘whole-person’ integrative care
“It has taken decades, but with each passing year, integrative health care is marching more squarely into the mainstream of American medicine. Countless millions of patients have long embraced the benefits of complementary, nonpharmacological approaches to relieve chronic pain and prevent disease, and the good news is that practitioners are increasingly seeing the benefits and incorporating them.”

Roswell Park launches advanced, high-speed blood cancer test
“A new Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center innovation has just gone global. Called PanHeme, it’s a test that uses next-generation gene sequencing technology to diagnose blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma more precisely — identifying mutations in hundreds of genes — in under 72 hours, a dramatic improvement from the three- to four-week wait time for current molecular testing.”

Acupuncture and Massage Improve Pain for Patients With Advanced Cancer
“Both acupuncture and massage therapy relieved pain, enabled reduced opioid use and improved fatigue, insomnia and quality of life for people with advanced cancer, according to findings from a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open.”

Eliminate holiday season stress with these simple mindfulness strategies
“Don’t let Uncle Larry ruin another family holiday”
“Mindfulness strategies aren’t designed to erase your problems. However, these methods can help you cope with issues, including during the high-stress holidays. Mediative walks, practicing gratitude, and volunteering are ways to shift negative thought patterns to more positive ones. Setting boundaries with yourself and others may help you prevent triggering situations in the first place. When all else fails, return to the breath. Simply inhaling and exhaling until you feel calmer can be a genuine mood-booster.”

Over 50% of young people are ‘significantly’ lonely, according to a recent survey. A mindfulness expert believes he knows why
“More technology doesn’t equal more sense of connection. Way.com looks into a new survey conducted by Gallup and Meta that reveals young people are experiencing higher levels of loneliness than ever — with 1 in 4 suffering from bouts of feeling fairly or very lonely. Data was collected from respondents ages 15 and up from over 142 countries from June 2022 through February 2023.”

Governor Hochul Announces New Indoor Food Production System in East Buffalo
“Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new indoor food production container to advance urban farming and increase awareness about hydroponic gardening, sustainability and nutrition for underserved New Yorkers in East Buffalo. Supported by the New York Power Authority, the facility will grow vegetables and herbs year-round in an indoor environment—with no soil. Produce will be distributed to the community and the learnings from the low-energy farming methods will help New York State achieve its clean energy goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production.”

Exercise, Vegetable Consumption Linked to Better Quality of Life in Patients with Gout
“Gout-specific health-related quality of life is impacted by lifestyle choices including vegetable consumption and regular exercise, according to findings from a recent study. Results showed a negative linear correlation between dietary habits and exercise with the gout concern during attack subscale of the Gout Impact Scale (GIS), further revealing vegetable consumption was associated with well-being during attack and exercise was associated with overall gout concern.”

Hidden belly fat in midlife linked to Alzheimer’s disease
“Middle-aged adults who have visceral fat surrounding their internal organs in their belly may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Having such fat deposits could trigger changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s up to 15 years before symptoms of the neurological disease appear — and as early as age 50 — according to research presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.”

Some doctors have stopped recommending weight loss. Here’s why
“In an attempt to curb misdiagnosis or health care avoidance, some providers are encouraging overweight patients to exercise and eat healthily without addressing weight at all. Other medical professionals think it’s important to talk about.”

Nursing’s Team of the Year 2023: ‘We don’t give up on anyone’
“How a nurse-led project at an inner-city addiction centre was able to achieve micro-elimination of hepatitis C among a marginalised patient group”

Government of Canada supports community-based projects to address HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections
“WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, during a visit to the Nine Circles Community Health Centre, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced $14.5 million  through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF) and the Harm Reduction Fund (HRF) for 15 projects. This investment will support the work of community-based organizations addressing HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) in the Prairie region.”

Direct-acting antiviral resistance of Hepatitis C virus is promoted by epistasis
“Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) provide efficacious therapeutic treatments for chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, emergence of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) can greatly affect treatment outcomes and impede virological cure.”

Implicit Bias from Providers Inhibits HCV Treatment
“A new study reveals significant insights into the challenges that can occur for hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination efforts in people with HIV (PWH). Due to the opioid epidemic, the prevalence of co-infection with HIV and HCV has been increasing. If left untreated, HCV infection can lead to liver damage, cancer, and death. Although HIV requires lifelong therapy, HCV can be cured with a few months of oral medications.”

Researchers Identify Brain Network that Is Uniquely Activated Through Injection Versus Oral Drug Use
“NIH study suggests brain’s salience network is important for understanding substance use disorders. Results from a new clinical trial suggest that a group of brain regions known as the “salience network” is activated after a drug is taken intravenously, but not when that same drug is taken orally.”

Hepatitis C Treatment Improves Liver Cancer Survival
“However, only 24% of people with hepatocellular carcinoma received direct-acting antiviral therapy.”

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The Hepatitis C Elimination Goal
“Experts discuss where we currently stand on the World Health Organization elimination goals for Hepatitis C virus.”

Nearly 450 patients at Massachusetts hospital may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis
“So far, no infections have been reported among the patients, the hospital said.”

5 things to expect after finishing chemotherapy
“f you’re receiving chemotherapy as a part of your cancer treatment, you’ve probably already figured out ways to make it a little more manageable. Maybe you carry around peppermints to stave off nausea or bring warm socks to stay comfortable in chilly waiting rooms. Or, maybe you take the day off after an infusion to deal with fatigue. Regardless of what you do, you likely know by now what to expect from both your body and the process itself. But what happens after you’ve finished chemotherapy? We spoke with Adaeze Iheme, M.D., a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. Here are five things she says to expect after finishing chemotherapy.”

Western medicine is failing its patients, but there’s a solution
“According to a 2023 survey by the American Academy of Physician Associates, nearly three-fourths of the U.S. population claim that to some extent, the health care system isn’t meeting their needs. Their complaints aren’t regarding the quality of doctors, so what’s not working?”

Eating in a ten-hour window has positive health benefits
“Eating in a ten-hour window is associated with higher energy and mood and lower hunger levels, new results from the largest UK community science study of its kind shows. Results from the trial are presented today by researchers from King’s College London at the European Nutrition Conference.”

Are Protein Bars a Healthy Choice? You Might Want to Reconsider
“As a professional in health care, I’m always going to say one thing, when it comes to adding any nutrient, including protein, and it’s pretty simple: real food first! I totally understand our busy lives leave us wanting something filling when we’re on the go. That’s when we might see a protein bar and think it’s a solution.”

Diet and Lifestyle Impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review
“A systemic, inflammatory illness such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes progressive cartilage and bone degradation in addition to joint involvement. Factors related to genetics and environment determine susceptibility to RA. In recent years, an increasing body of research has illuminated the pivotal role of diet and lifestyle in influencing the risk and progression of illnesses.”

Low-fat diet reduces fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis
“New research from Oregon Health & Science University suggests that people with multiple sclerosis, or MS, could benefit from a low-fat diet to improve the fatigue that’s a debilitating, and often-underappreciated, symptom of the condition. The study, published online Wednesday in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, is the latest in a line of OHSU research dating back a decade testing the principle that diet matters, especially for people with MS.”

Participants in Abbott’s Food as Medicine Program Showed Clinically Significant Improvements in Managing Diabetes
“ABBOTT PARK, Ill. and OAKLAND, Calif., November 9, 2023 /CSRwire/ – A study of Abbott’s (NYSE: ABT) Healthy Food Rx, a food as medicine program that provides home-delivered medical prescriptions of healthy food to help address diabetes, showed clinically important benefits for people with diabetes. The real-world study, which was conducted by the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN) in an active community clinic over a 12-month period, found that Healthy Food Rx participants had lower A1C levels, improved diabetes self-management, and improved overall diet quality and food security.”

Creating mental space from alcohol triggers could help college students drink less frequently
“f you’ve ever watched a movie set on a college campus, then you know that American college students are expected to drink. A lot and often. Usually out of plastic red cups.”

Video

Bile Acid Sensors for Cholestatic and Metabolic Liver Diseases, with Jessica Ferrell, PhD
“Jessica Ferrell, PhD, assistant professor of integrative medical sciences at Northeast Ohio Medical University, sat down with HCPLive to discuss key takeaways from her presentation about primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), our current understanding of bile acids as metabolic sensors and activators of metabolic receptors, and areas where further research may be warranted.”

Eliminating 1 teaspoon of salt from diet daily makes big difference in health, study says
“(CNN) – A new study shows cutting out one teaspoon of salt from your diet each day can help lower your blood pressure just as much as blood pressure medication. Researchers at Northwestern University said the benefits of lowering the amount of sodium in a person’s diet were dramatic. Between 70% and 75% of people studied saw a drop in their blood pressure whether they already were on medicine or not.”

Community-Based, Point-of-Diagnosis Hepatitis C Treatment Improves Outcomes
“People experiencing homelessness and people who inject drugs (PWID) achieved successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment outcomes and sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after starting treatment at the point of diagnosis in a nonclinical setting.”

A Square Peg in a Round Hole: Treating Hepatitis C
“Several barriers along the cascade of care reduce hepatitis C treatment access. We propose an investment in patient-centered care strategies to initiate and engage this vulnerable population with curative treatment, such as the implementation of community-based educational peer support groups. Barriers to implementing these patient-centered care strategies remain.”

Prevention and control of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs — 2023 update
“This joint guidance report explores good public health practices that can support effective policies to reduce infections. Common blood-borne viruses in this group include HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These are mainly spread through the sharing of needles, syringes and drug preparation equipment or unprotected sexual contacts.”

Hepatitis C drug resistance webinar: Awareness of hepatitis C drug resistance as access to hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment expands
“As diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C expand to achieve global hepatitis elimination goals, we have a unique opportunity to optimise hepatitis C treatment through maximising population-level outcome and prevention and responding to possible emergence of drug-resistant hepatitis C. This webinar will present an overview of current knowledge on hepatitis C drug resistance in low- and middle-income countries and present WHO’s plan to prevent, monitor and respond to possible hepatitis C drug resistance in an integrated Global Action Plan linking drug resistance for viral hepatitis, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.”

The Need for Patient-Centered Care in Hepatitis C Treatment
“The current healthcare system in the United States often fails to adequately address the complex needs of patients with hepatitis C. Instead of considering the whole person, medical providers typically focus on isolated medical concerns during limited and inflexible appointments. This outdated system, coupled with a lack of innovation in the patient experience, poses significant barriers to hepatitis C treatment.”

New strategies assembled to address rising hepatitis C cases
“The viral infection hepatitis C is a major public health problem that can lead to liver disease, liver cancer, and death. The viral disease is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact. Intravenous drug misuse is the primary cause worldwide.”

Hepatitis C in Black Individuals in the US – A Review
“Importance  In the US, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is 1.8% among people who are Black and 0.8% among people who are not Black. Mortality rates due to HCV are 5.01/100 000 among people who are Black and 2.98/100 000 among people who are White.”

People Who Inject Drugs Can Be Linked to Hepatitis C Treatment During Hospitalization
“Starting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) during hospitalization, with follow-up care via telehealth, increased the likelihood that people who use drugs would complete the course of therapy and be cured, according to study findings published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. “This model was successful in engaging a difficult-to-reach patient population with a high prevalence and incidence of HCV infection,” L. Madeline McCrary, MD, of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and colleagues concluded. “This approach may be generalizable to other hospitalized patients with HCV and prolonged admissions.””

Why testing newborns is critical for U.S. fight against hepatitis C
“Millions of Americans are estimated to live with chronic hepatitis C. Incidents of new infections have more than doubled since 2013, and for decades, stigma has played an outsized role in determining access to testing and treatment.”

PCORI study: Telemedicine treatment for HCV in people with opioid use disorder was more than twice as successful as offsite referral
“Participants cured of hepatitis C also decreased their opioid use and had minimal reinfections during two years of observation”

Tatyana Kushner, MD, MSCE: HCV Screening, Treatment, and Elimination
“In an interview with HCPLive during The Liver Meeting 2023 from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in Boston this weekend, Tatyana Kushner, MD, MSCE, associate professor of medicine in the division of liver diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discussed the White House hepatitis C elimination plan, clinicians’ role in addressing this issue, and disparities in patients affected by HCV.”

Can the US Replicate India’s Hepatitis C Eradication Model?
“Premkumar: I am surprised that the US has not taken up the program in such a way. I mean, countries like Australia, even smaller countries like Ireland, are well on their way to elimination. Egypt has eliminated with I think one-eighth of the GDP of the US. So I find it quite astonishing that these drugs are not made available to people because this is something that prevents death, something that prevents a lot of disease-related burden on society and disability-associated life disruptions that are occurring to people. And it would really bring a good amount of restoration of health services, rather than dealing with decompensated cirrhosis, increasing transplants, increasing cancers in the community, it would be much better to nip it in the bud.”

Individuals with genetic predisposition for physical activity have fewer cardiovascular risk factors
“In a study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä’s Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, it was found that individuals with a genetic predisposition for higher levels of physical activity have fewer risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and a reduced risk of developing hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes.”

Surviving the time switch: How falling back an hour impacts more than just your sleep
“VILLANOVA, Pennsylvania — The clocks changed over the weekend and even though we gained an hour of sleep, the fall time change is not a universally easy transition. “Most people adjust relatively well, but there are some that struggle with it more than others,” explained Shilpa Kauta, M.D., the medical director of the ChristianaCare Sleep Wellness Center in Newark, Delaware. “Sleep is a cornerstone to our health and our wellness, just like nutrition and exercise.””

Tips for safely exercising in the cold
“CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Whether you’re running for a good cause or just to get your body moving, doctors say there are some steps you should take to prepare for exercise in cold weather. Jeffrey Ham, a doctor of sports medicine at Atrium Health, says planning is the most important thing.”

3 Ways to Build an Organizational Culture That Supports Mental Health
“Employers and managers are increasingly focused on the mental health needs of their workers, and for good reason. In the last decade in the U.S., there has been a consistent increase in anxiety and depression, especially among young adults. According to a survey conducted by KFF/CNN in 2022, half of American adults under the age of 30 and one-third of adults overall reported that they often or always felt anxious in the last year. A 2023 Gallup poll found that one-quarter of American adults under 30 indicated that they currently have depression, a significant rise from the 13% reported in 2017. In a Business Group on Health survey of 152 large employers in the United States, 77% indicated an increase in mental health issues among their workforce during 2023.”

Brain Health Took a Hit During the COVID Pandemic
“Brain health deteriorated more rapidly for people 50 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic, data from the PROTECT study in England suggested. Across the entire cohort of 3,100 people, both executive function (effect size 0.15) and working memory (effect size 0.51) worsened during the first year of the pandemic, according to Anne Corbett, PhD, of the University of Exeter in England, and colleagues.”

What doctors wish patients knew about seasonal affective disorder
“When the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, millions of people find themselves grappling with the “winter blues.” This is known as seasonal affective disorder, which is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Emerging primarily during the fall and winter months when sunlight exposure decreases and clocks fall back, seasonal affective disorder can take a toll on a person’s daily life. Knowing what to keep in mind and when to seek help can make all the difference during fall and winter months.”

Workplace Wellness Policies Could Soften the Effects of Workaholism, Study Suggests
“Alexandria, Va. (November 7, 2023) — Employers should consider more ways to facilitate time off for the employees who are least likely to take it — workaholics. That’s the conclusion of counseling experts who conducted a workaholism study published in Career Development Quarterly, a journal of the American Counseling Association.”

Can Mindfulness Help You Cope with Grief Initiated by Living with Chronic Conditions?
“”Mindfulness is not a cure, rather it’s a means of coping with chronic illness and bringing your body back into the present.””

SF health officials’ 5-year assessment of soda tax: sweet success
“Five years after the initiation of San Francisco’s sugary drinks tax, city leaders and medical experts are feeling bubbly. “We all know taxes are generally not a popular thing, right?” said Dr. Grant Colfax, the director of the Department of Public Health during a Tuesday presentation. “But the important thing is this happened. And it is improving public health.””

Publisher’s Platform: It is past time to vaccinate food service workers against Hep A
“The CDC has been reporting on an ongoing person to person outbreak of Hepatitis A for years. Since the outbreaks were first identified in 2016, 37 states have publicly reported the following as of October 6, 2023: Cases: 44,915, Hospitalizations: 27,445 (61%), Deaths: 423. Now, the CDC has just reported : Preventable Deaths During Widespread Community Hepatitis A Outbreaks — United States, 2016–2022 Hardly a week goes by that there is not yet another announcement of a hepatitis A positive employee putting co-workers, customers and the restaurant brand at risk. There have been illnesses, deaths, thousands of customers have had to stand in long lines to get preventative vaccines, some restaurants have shuttered and there certainly have been lawsuits. All preventable by a hepatitis A vaccination – the only foodborne illness that is vaccine preventable.”

Most US Adults With Hepatitis C Unaware of Infection, Study Finds
“Patients being unaware of their hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is preventing the World Health Organization (WHO) from accomplishing its goal of eliminating HCV and hepatitis B virus as public threats by 2030. Although in recent years more patients have become aware of their hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, over 800,000 are still unaware of it and their subsequent liver disease risk, according to a study published by PLoS One.”

CG Public Health to host hepatitis C testing event
“Cerro Gordo County Public Health is hosting a free two-day hepatitis C testing event for those born from 1945-1965 and people considered high-risk. Testing will be held at CG Public Health 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Thursday, Nov. 9. Appointments are required. Schedule your appointment online by visiting https://cghealth.com/all-services/hepc/.”

Replacing Meat with Plant, Dairy Protein May Benefit People With Cirrhosis
“A recent study suggests that replacing meat in just meal with protein from a plant or dairy source could improve metabolite signatures linked to hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis.”

NEW REPORT: Public Health Departments Lack Funding for Hepatitis Surveillance Systems
“Washington, D.C. – Today, HepVu and NASTAD, leading viral hepatitis organizations, released a new report showing U.S. jurisdictions continue to lack funding and resources needed to effectively implement viral hepatitis surveillance programs. HepVu and NASTAD conducted their second-annual survey of jurisdictions, which found that jurisdictions with viral hepatitis elimination plans increased from 43% in 2021 to 70% in 2022, while 20% of jurisdictions did not have dedicated staffing to conduct routine surveillance activities, and 35% of jurisdictions were not able to produce annual surveillance summaries including basic descriptions of viral hepatitis burden of disease.”

CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children — United States, 2023
“This report introduces four new CDC recommendations: 1) HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA at age 2–6 months; 2) consultation with a health care provider with expertise in pediatric hepatitis C management for all infants and children with detectable HCV RNA; 3) perinatally exposed infants and children with an undetectable HCV RNA result at or after age 2 months do not require further follow-up unless clinically warranted; and 4) a NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7–17 months who previously have not been tested, and a hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) test followed by a reflex NAT for HCV RNA (when anti-HCV is reactive) is recommended for perinatally exposed children aged ≥18 months who previously have not been tested. Proper identification of perinatally infected children, referral to care, and curative treatment are critical to achieving the goal of hepatitis C elimination.”

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Expert talks innovative treatment plan for Hepatitis C in pregnancy and infancy

Sitting is the New Smoking
“Sedentary behavior or insufficient physical activity can negatively impact an individual’s physical and mental health. It can potentially increase the risk of many non-communicable diseases, including cardiometabolic disorders.”

Clinical Effectiveness of Cognitively Enhanced Tai Ji Quan Training on Global Cognition and Dual-Task Performance During Walking in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Self-Reported Memory Concerns
“Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cognitively enhanced tai ji quan versus standard tai ji quan or stretching exercise in improving global cognition and reducing dual-task walking costs in older adults with MCI or self-reported memory concerns.”

Get Active: Study Finds Most Forms of Exercise Are Very Safe
“TUESDAY, Oct. 31, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Working out offers a lot of health benefits, and the risks are astonishingly small, according to a new study from the United Kingdom. “This work demonstrates that engaging in fitness activities is overwhelmingly a safe and beneficial pursuit,” said study co-author Dr. Sean Williams, a researcher at the University of Bath Center for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport.”

Focusing on functional fitness in your 20s and 30s can help you stay ready for anything — and many exercises can help you achieve it
“What’s the best type of exercise you can do for your health? The answer seems to change every week. Lately, many fitness enthusiasts and influencers have been talking about the importance of “functional fitness” – especially for people in their 20s and 30s who want to stay mobile and ready for anything as they get older.”

Essential Oils as an Alternative Treatment for Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
“Alternative and complementary medicines are widely used to treat migraine headaches. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of essential oils as an alternative treatment approach.”

How to Support a Loved One with Advanced Cancer

Achieving the Potential of Naloxone Saturation by Measuring Distribution
“Providing naloxone to people who use drugs and their social networks is a lifesaving strategy to prevent fatal opioid overdoses. Federal approval of over-the-counter naloxone and state standing orders for blanket naloxone prescriptions reflect the national urgency to scale up naloxone access as overdoses reach record highs. A complementary strategy is to promote bulk naloxone purchasing and community distribution through State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, a federal funding mechanism that supports state efforts to combat the overdose crisis by increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder and reducing unmet treatment needs and overdose deaths.”

Less snacking, more satisfaction: Some foods boost levels of an Ozempic-like hormone
“For several months now, I’ve been studying how the new medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, cause dramatic weight loss. Both medications contain a compound, semaglutide, that squelches hunger like a fly swatter smashes a mosquito. People who take the medication say they no longer have constant cravings for food, so they eat less frequently. The drug seems to quiet what some people call “food noise,” the constant internal chatter telling them to eat.”

Pea protein vs. whey protein: What’s the healthier protein powder?
“Both whey and pea protein are sources of high-quality complete protein — but there are nutritional differences that can make one a better choice for you.”

FDA issues warnings about probiotics meant for use with premature babies
“The FDA has issued a general warning and a specific warning letter regarding the use of probiotics in pre-term infants. Some products have been linked with more than two dozen reported “adverse events” since 2018 and one death in 2023, the agency said.”

Hepatitis cases rise dramatically in Tennessee
“KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Hepatitis cases are up dramatically across the state in the past year, with certain types of the disease more than doubling. Health officials believe a big reason is drug use. Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through sharing needles. Leaders from the Knox County Public Health Department said it’s not surprising Hepatitis cases are rising, considering the opioid epidemic. So far this year, there have been 281 new cases of Hepatitis C in the entire state. That’s compared to 131 at this time last year, which is a 115% increase. County data shows that 28 of those cases are in Knox County. Hepatitis B cases are 35% statewide too, but only six of those cases are in Knox County.”

Hepion Pharmaceuticals’ Rencofilstat Demonstrates Anti-Cancer Activity in Hepatitis C-Associated Cancer Model- Rencofilstat
“EDISON, N.J., Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:HEPA), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-driven therapeutic drug development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”), fibrotic diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma (“HCC”), and other chronic diseases, today announced the publication of a new research study in mice, where Hepion’s lead drug candidate, rencofilstat, prevented the growth of liver tumors that occurred as a result of chronic infection with the human hepatitis C virus (“HCV”).”

Mitochondrial DNA copy number in Hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease: impact of direct-acting antiviral therapy
“Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can regulate the number and dynamics of mitochondria, and is associated with a prominent hepatic mitochondrial injury. Mitochondrial distress conveys oxidative damage which is implicated in liver disease progression. The present study was conducted to assess the change of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.”

Therapeutic Potential of Rituximab in Managing Hepatitis C-Associated Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis: A Systematic Review
“Background. Hepatitis C infection often leads to extrahepatic manifestations, including cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of rituximab in treating hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.”

Missouri Telehealth Network wins international awards
“The Missouri Telehealth Network (MTN) won a Global ECHO Excellence Award at the MetaECHO Global Conference last month for its depth and breadth of programming, focus on outcomes and success in improving the lives of patients and providers. Global ECHO Excellence AwardMTN initiated Show-Me ECHO in 2014, which connects local providers with multidisciplinary teams of experts. For example, the Hepatitis C ECHO provides support for primary care physicians who have never treated the disease before, allowing patients to receive care in their own community. The ECHOs facilitate virtual learning opportunities on a variety of topics and enable collaboration on patient cases.”

Protect your liver: how to prevent, get tested for, and treat hepatitis B and C infection
“Over 41,000 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with primary liver cancer this year. That’s more than half the seats in Lincoln Financial Field. Chronic hepatitis B and C can both put you at much higher risk for developing liver cancer. In fact, more than 75,000 Philadelphians have had chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C over the last ten years. That’s why we’re focusing on chronic hepatitis during this Liver Cancer Awareness Month.”

Liver Disease and Transplant Rates Increase From Drinking During Pandemic
“Doctors believe excessive drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the increased rate of alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) and liver transplants in the United States, ABC News reports.”

Heated yoga may reduce depression symptoms, according to recent clinical trial
“In a randomized controlled clinical trial of adults with moderate-to-severe depression, those who participated in heated yoga sessions experienced significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared with a control group.”

Should You Try the 7-Minute Workout?
“It’s not always easy to figure out how to start exercising. What moves should you do, and for how long? Do you need a bunch of fancy equipment to get started? Is this even working?!”

Exercise Just as Good as Viagra for ED: Study
“Oct. 23, 2023 — Exercising for at least 30 minutes three times a week can be just as effective as Viagra and similar medications at improving erectile function, according to a new analysis of the best research to date on aerobic exercise and erectile function.”

A Bipartisan Path For Congress To Expand Cardiac Rehabilitation Capacity And Access
“Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an important recommendation for patients who are recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or cardiac condition that required medical treatment or surgical intervention.”

First person: How I keep my Parkinson’s symptoms at bay with a rigorous exercise regimen
“It was so easy to ignore the symptoms. The trembling of the left arm on a Christmas afternoon when the air conditioner conked out as we were heading to holiday dinner was easily chalked up to stress. The slight jiggling of my hand-held coffee cup noticed by an editor could have been attributed to too much caffeine, while the whole-body subtle quivering surely was a symptom of hypertension.”

Are Ice Baths and Cold-water Swimming Good for Your Health?
“These chilly trends have risks, but they may have benefits, too. If you want to try it, we’ve got six tips to get you started.”

New study reveals the impact of protein sources on health, environment, and economy
“As environmental crises intensify, and efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C target fall short, the need to overhaul global food systems becomes critical, given their substantial contribution to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Affluence drives a shift toward calorie-dense, protein-heavy diets, historically fueled by the protein-centric focus dating back to the 1930s and propelled by lucrative animal production markets.”