Should You Get A COVID-19 Antibody Test?
Wondering if that cold, cough or flu-like illness you had a few weeks or months ago was actually COVID-19? Or is it possible that you’ve already recovered from the virus without any symptoms? More than 150 commercial antibody tests claim to offer answers, by checking for signs that your body has already fought off the […]
Quick Stress Busters to Soothe Your Brain, Heart and Arteries
Sixty percent of Americans experience daily stress and worry, according to a new Gallup poll. The survey reveals what Gallup labels an “unprecedented” surge in the number of anxious Americans, sparked by the financial and medical fears brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While it’s extremely understandable to feel tense during this very strange […]
COVID-19: “Every Storm Runs Out of Rain”
Paradoxically, as COVID-19 dominates the headlines The Guardian reports, “Never before have so many journalists cast around for silver linings. Never before has so much optimism been published — and read.” Reports of good news emerging from the pandemic (some accurate and some not) are circulating on social media, and people are finding inspiration in song and […]
Are Malaria Drugs Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine an Answer to COVID-19?
On March 29, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization for experimental coronavirus treatment with two anti-malaria drugs, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, stating that the potential benefits of the unproven therapy outweigh the risks for seriously ill patients. In a news release, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that the […]
Frozen Vegetarian Chocolate Banana Sushi
Patients are often surprised — and delighted — when we “prescribe” a daily dose of dark chocolate (in small amounts) to enhance cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that compounds in dark chocolate called flavanols may reduce risk for heart disease and diabetes, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and perhaps even improve brain health. Bananas are […]
Homemade saline solution that could help abate COVID-19
Many elders remember being told as youngsters to gargle with salt water to avoid getting a cold or sore throat. Well, guess what? Grandma may not have known why this was a good idea scientifically, but generations before her spoke of its effectiveness. Thanks to Dr. Sandeep Ramalingam and colleagues, we now understand the reason why saline sprayed in the […]
Important Update about Ibuprofen and the World Health Organization
March 19: Weekly COVID-19 Update, Volume 5 In our March 18 update, we reported that a spokesperson from the World Health Organization (WHO) had recommended in a Science Alert that people with COVID-19 symptoms avoid taking ibuprofen as a self-treatment for fever. Since the publication of that update, WHO has clarified its advice on its official Twitter account as follows, “Based […]
Facts and Myths about Ibuprofen, Low-dose Aspirin and COVID-19
Editorial note: After the publication of this article, the World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified its advice as follows, “Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.” In light of this, the article below has been updated to remove a Science Alert quoting a WHO spokesperson that appeared in […]
COVID-19: What Every Patient with Heart Disease Needs to Know
March 13: Weekly COVID-19 Update, Volume 2 he World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared that the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached pandemic levels. Numerous news reports also state that COVID-19 poses the greatest threat to older adults and those with certain medical conditions, including heart disease (also known as cardiovascular disease), diabetes and high […]