Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first oral medication indicated to treat postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. Until now, treatment for PPD was only available as an IV injection given by a health care provider in certain health care facilities.
PPD

What is PPD?
PPD is a major depressive episode that typically occurs after childbirth but can also begin during the later stages of pregnancy.

Most new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.

But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Sometimes it’s called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after childbirth. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.

PPD is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

Learn more from the Mayo Clinic

An Indiana family had been touring Lake Freeman, located about 80 miles north of Indianapolis, over the Fourth of July weekend. On the final day of their trip, the mother, Ashley Summers (photo at left), started complaining of a headache and other signs of dehydration, like feeling lightheaded. She reportedly drank four 500ml bottles of water in 20 minutes because she couldn’t seem to get enough to quench her thirst.

After that, Ashley went back home with her husband and two young daughters before passing out in the garage. She had severe brain swelling when she was taken to the hospital, but she tragically never recovered consciousness.

Doctors determined that Ashley had water toxicity, also known as hyponatremia, which is brought on by low blood salt levels. It can happen when a large amount of water is consumed quickly, diluting the sodium levels in the body. This exceeds the capacity of the body’s intricate organ systems, particularly the kidneys, to control the fluid balance.

Muscle cramps, soreness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and general malaise are among the symptoms. In severe cases, the brain may swell, which may cause coma, death, seizures, confusion, and a loss of consciousness. People who frequently work outside or exercise have a higher risk of developing the fatal illness.

Learn more from the Mayo Clinic

Our news feeds are filled with stories of social media trends gone wrong, as impressionable children engage in risky behaviors in search of attention but all too often find broken bones or serious illness instead.

Parents are left wondering what makes dangerous social media challenges so attractive to teens and preteens, and maybe incorrectly assuming their child wouldn’t be foolish enough to make the same mistake.

“Personal connection is so important, especially to teens. Social media challenges can be a powerful way for some to feel connected and receive attention,” said Dr. Gautam Bhasin, a psychologist at Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck, NJ. “When kids engage in these behaviors, they just do what others are doing, seemingly becoming part of something bigger than themselves and gaining a feeling of acceptance.”

Among the current challenges most popular with kids and young adults are stunts involving overeating, jumping or falling from heights, and abusing over the counter medications. Each can cause injury or even put your child’s life at risk.

Read How 3 Challenges Endanger Kids

When minutes matters, knowing where to go can make all the difference.

Emergency care plays a vital role within the healthcare system, often serving as the primary gateway to essential or even lifesaving treatment. Despite this, hospital emergency rooms are often overlooked until after an urgent situation arises.

While primary care physicians or urgent care facilities may be better suited to treating minor conditions, a trip to the ER is a better choice for a range of all-too-common emergencies, including bone breaks, significant burns or cuts, serious infections or allergic reactions, prolonged fevers or gastrointestinal issues, and symptoms of a potentially life-threatening illness such as signs of respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological distress.

In emergency care, minutes can make the difference between life and death. Quickly choosing an emergency department during a crisis can be difficult, and a decision is better made beforehand based upon factors including a hospital’s designation as a specialized emergent care facility.

When to go to the Emergency Room or call 911:

1. Chest pain or pressure
2. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
3. Uncontrolled bleeding
4. Severe injuries or pain
5. Loss of consciousness or fainting
6. Confusion or sudden severe headache
7. Seizures or convulsions
8. Compound fractures or broken bones
9. Deep cuts or open wounds
10. High fever with vomiting and/or diarrhea
11. Severe allergic reactions
12. Signs of stroke or heart attack
13. Poisoning or an overdose from drugs or alcohol
14. Prolonged dizziness or weakness
15. Sudden inability to speak, see, hear, walk, or move

Learn about Emergencies and Children

On World Drowning Prevention Day (July 25), WHO released an investment case on drowning prevention showing how just two actions – investing in day care for pre-school aged children and teaching basic swim skills to school-age children – could protect millions of lives. Each dollar invested in these actions can yield benefits up to nine times the original value.

Drowning is an underappreciated but lethal public health issue. It has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade, with an alarming 90% of these fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Across all age groups, children aged 1–4 years and 5–9 years experience the highest drowning rates, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect future generations.

Yet effective solutions exist. The new investment case shows that by 2050, increased global investment in just two measures could save the lives of over 774 000 children, prevent close to 1 million non-fatal child drownings, and avert severe and life-limiting injuries for 178 000 drowning victims.

It could also prevent potential economic losses of over $400 billion in low- and middle-income countries, and provide cumulative benefits valued at around $9 for each $1 invested. Countries such as Bangladesh, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam have already invested in these cost-effective interventions, benefiting children and their families by reducing their risk of drowning, while simultaneously providing new opportunities for improved health, development and well-being.

READ MORE

VIEW FACT SHEET ON DROWNING

There is hot, and then there is HOT! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death.

Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

• Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat.
• Learn the signs of heatstroke:

Signs of Heatstroke

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
• If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center. Do not rely on a fan to keep you cool in extreme heat.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade.
• Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.

For more tips, see infographic at right or CLICK HERE

Originally Published by The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, July 27, 2023 Issue.

By Stephan S. Nigohosian

The Armenian American Healthcare Professionals Organization (AAHPO) honored four healthcare professionals for demonstrating exceptional leadership and service during the Covid-19 pandemic. The event, held during the organization’s Annual Winter Brunch, recognized AAHPO Board of Directors John P. Bilezikian, MD; Kim Hekimian, PhD; and Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, MD; as well as AAHPO Member Mihran Seferian, MD.

From left, AAHPO Vice President Garbis Baydar, MD; John Bilezikian, MD; Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, MD; Mihran Seferian, MD; AAHPO President Lawrence V. Najarian, MD (not pictured: Kim Hekimian, PhD)

During the global pandemic, the four dedicated individuals were located at the epicenter of the overloaded and fatigued healthcare system in the metropolitan New York City region. In March 2020, the gravity of the pandemic became clear when recorded cases of the coronavirus grew exponentially in New York, from one to 89 to 75,795 in just 30 days. “Our region was blessed with countless Healthcare Heroes, including our honorees, who bravely cared for the sickest patients during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said AAHPO President Lawrence Najarian, MD. “It is worth noting that within our organization, the actions of these four members in particular distinguished themselves in unique ways during extraordinary circumstances. Their actions benefitted countless numbers of people, including those in and outside of the Armenian community.”

Each of the honorees have volunteered their leadership, expertise, and time toward serving the critical healthcare needs of citizens in Armenia and Artsakh, as well as in the United States. Their inspiring commitment, support, and compassion during the Covid-19 pandemic served to demonstrate their dedication to the well-being of others worldwide:

John P. Bilezikian, MD, a leading endocrinologist and medical researcher at New York’s Columbia University, was recognized for his contribution to the body of scholarly publications that aided the understanding and treatment of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic.

Kim Hekimian, PhD, a public health specialist and educator at New York’s Columbia University, was honored for tirelessly educating the medical community and the public by interpreting COVID-19 data from the U.S. and Armenia.

Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at New York’s Maimonides Children’s Hospital, was honored for tirelessly educating medical and lay communities with the latest COVID-19 information through articles and public webinars.

Mihran Seferian, MD, an infectious disease specialist, was recognized for caring for the sickest patients at Holy Name Hospital (NJ), considered by many to be Ground Zero for COVID-19 during the darkest days of 2020.

VIEW ONLINE ARTICLE

According to a 2016 study of about 3,000 people, working even one more year beyond retirement age was associated with a 9% to 11% lower risk of dying during the 18-year study period, regardless of health. Working longer has benefits such as keeping people mentally engaged with work they value and/or enjoy, having a sense of purpose, and preventing or reducing loneliness.

Below are two inspiring stories about the value of “unretiring” to work longer, or simply continuing to work well beyond the traditional retirement age.

Why this 100-year-old Woman is Never Retiring

When Jayne Burns turned 100 last summer (photo at right), she told her friends that she had one wish: “to keep working.” She’s had the same part-time job as a fabric cutter at Joann Fabric and Crafts store in Mason, Ohio for 26 years — and it’s still one of her favorite ways to spend time.

“I enjoy what I do, so I want to keep doing it,” she says. “I’ll work for as long as I can or as long as they’ll have me.”

Burns — who turns 101 on July 26 — didn’t plan on working past 100. She tried retiring several times throughout her 70s and 80s, then would “unretire” just a few months later, taking bookkeeping jobs at veterinarian offices and accounting firms. Prior to joining Joann, Burns was a bookkeeper for most of her career.

“I like the routine, I like to keep moving,” she says.

READ MORE

Advice from the Oldest Practicing Physician

The world’s oldest practicing doctor knows a thing or two about how to live a long and happy life — but you might not like everything he has to say.

For Dr. Howard Tucker — who just turned 101 on July 10 — a key secret to his longevity is meaningful work.

Tucker received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1947 and he has practiced neurology for 75 years — eventually earning the Guinness World Records title of the world’s oldest practicing physician.

The chipper centenarian has lived a remarkable life, sharing many happy years with his wife Sara (who still practices psychoanalysis and psychiatry at age 89), his four children and 10 grandchildren.

While Dr. Tucker says “good genes and a bit of luck” can help to extend your life, he also follows a few simple lifestyle rules that boost his health and happiness.

READ MORE

Note from AAHPO Member Meroujan Maljian, MD, a forensic psychiatrist working in the New Jersey prison system: “I see a lot of substance use disorders among the prison inmate population. I mostly agree with the following article [from Johns Hopkins University] that Cannabis products are substances of abuse which can often be harmful. They are potentially addictive and can lead to medical complications, drug interactions, and mental health problems. I also agree that more research and data are needed to understand how legalization of recreational Marijuana affects patterns of drug use and associated drug-related crime in the community. The article seems to suggest that depending on what that data and research shows that recreational Marijuana is something that people can decide whether or not to have as a society, but I disagree with that notion. As a physician who has seen the harmful effects of casual Cannabis use and how it is often a gateway drug leading to the use of more harmful drugs like Heroin and Cocaine, I personally can only support the use of medical Marijuana with medical supervision as a society for treating specific illnesses like terminal cancer where it was shown to help symptoms like pain and appetite.”

On July 1, Maryland joined 23 other states (including New Jersey, New York and Connecticut) permitting anyone 21 and older to buy and use cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes. But as more states make cannabis legal, what are policymakers and government agencies doing to ensure its safety? What does the latest research on cannabis indicate that can help the public make informed decisions?

For answers, The Hub recently sat down with Ryan Vandrey, an experimental psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who works with an interdisciplinary team in the Cannabis Science Laboratory.

Q. As someone who spends day in and day out studying cannabis, what does the legalization mean to you?
A. People get harmed by drugs all the time, even prescription drugs, and cannabis is no exception. But if there wasn’t good reason to believe that some value would come from legalization, it wouldn’t have happened. On the benefits side, there’s been a clear demonstration that the long-lasting war on drugs has been largely ineffective and has marginalized subgroups of individuals. There’s also clear evidence that making cannabis illegal hasn’t stopped people from accessing it. This isn’t my area of expertise, but from a criminal justice perspective, it makes sense to try to establish quality control for this commodity and to pull manufacturing and revenue out of the hands of drug dealers and into the hands of responsible businesses.

But there’s always risk and some level of concern when you grant open access to the public of a substance that can produce intoxication and impairment. My biggest worry is with public education and the information about the risks and potential harms of using cannabis that might get lost in the excitement of legalization.

Q. What important research findings do you think are getting left out of the public conversation about cannabis?
A. [As a society,] we need an open dialogue and increased education about the risks and how to minimize the likelihood of harm for individual users. There just isn’t enough discussion currently. For example, research tells us that there are subgroups of people with certain health conditions who should not use products with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component that produces the “high” in cannabis. These include individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis, who can end up in an acute psychotic state that lasts hours or days. Likewise, individuals with heart conditions or even asymptomatic cardiovascular disease can end up having a heart attack or heart failure, despite exhibiting no previous signs of trouble.

READ MORE

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, one in eight people over age 12, and more than 65 percent of individuals over 60 years old, experience hearing loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The impact of hearing loss is not limited to difficulty hearing; it is also linked to other health issues such as cognition, dementia, social isolation, and depression.

Here are five important facts you may not know about hearing loss:

• Individuals with hearing loss are at higher risk of dementia
• Hearing loss can lead to depression and social isolation
• Hearing loss is not a normal part of aging and should be treated
• Treating hearing loss can improve cognition
• There are many steps you can take to prevent hearing loss

Learn More