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Health Professionals Say There Could Be an HIV Vaccine By 2021

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HIV vaccine

HIV isn’t something that is talked about as often as it used to be. In the 1980s, HIV and AIDS plagued the thoughts of most Americans. Despite the fact that it hasn’t drawn as much attention as it used to, HIV is still a huge problem. Thankfully, scientists are just another step closer to developing a successful HIV vaccine.

How Much Does HIV Treatment Cost

The average treatment for HIV costs between $14,000 and $20,000 per year. That is just to keep the virus from progressing to AIDS and keep the infected person alive. Some treatments can cost as little as $1,000 per month, but those paying that price can consider themselves lucky. All of this can add up to $400,000 or more in lifetime treatment expenses.

Not to mention, many individuals with HIV may also have other incurable diseases, such as Hepatitis. Combining HIV treatment costs with the costs of maintaining another disease can run upwards of $28,900 or more per year.

Many people managing their HIV diagnosis live paycheck to paycheck and struggle financially. Some even try to ration out their medications, which can be dangerous. With around 38 million people infected worldwide and healthcare costs continuing to rise, it has become a priority for officials to develop a vaccine to help prevent HIV.

The Development of an HIV Vaccine

Thankfully, scientists are coming closer to developing an HIV vaccine. Three experimental vaccines are entering their final stages of testing. While any of these three trials may fail, scientists are more hopeful than they’ve ever been in the past. Margaret Heckler, Secretary of Health and Human Services, has predicted there would be a vaccine available for wide-scale testing within the next two years.

This is “perhaps one of the most optimistic moments we have been in,” said director of the Bridge HIV research program at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Dr. Susan Buchbinder. “We have three vaccines currently being tested in efficacy trials, and it takes quite a bit to actually be promising enough in the earlier stages of trials to move you forward into an efficacy study.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who helped draft President Trump’s Ending the HIV Epidemic plan, said that if one of the current three vaccines being developed works, “that would be the endgame.” The HIV Epidemic plan aims to help lower new infections by 75 percent in the next five years and 90 percent in 10 years’ time. That could save countless peoples’ lives, not to mention millions of dollars. However, only time will tell whether scientists will be able to craft a vaccine that really works.

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Someone Dies Every 15 Minutes From a Drug-Resistant Superbug

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Drug-resistant superbug

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone dies every 15 minutes from a drug-resistant superbug. This equates to about 35,000 deaths per year. What causes these superbugs?

What is a Drug-Resistant Superbug?

In the middle of the flu season, it is overwhelming to even consider the possibility of developing another type of bug. Some germs have evolved to resist antibiotics. The report stated, “some miracle drugs no longer perform miracles.”

There are currently five drug-resistant superbugs on the CDC’s list (two more than the agency reported in 2013). What’s more, is there are fewer superbug infections happening in hospitals but more people are coming down with them within the community. While elderly people are more likely to fall ill with antibiotic-resistant bugs, these illnesses can impact anyone.

Of the five superbugs included in the CDC report, three are germs: C. diff, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (an STD). The two new superbugs added to the list are carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (a bacteria) and Candida auris (a fungus). The agency also identified 11 other bacteria and fungi as serious threats of becoming drug-resistant. They also mentioned two more as concerning and four other potential superbugs were added to the CDC watch list.

The total number of deaths from drug-resistant superbugs has gone down by 18 percent since 2013. C. diff is the deadliest of the drug-resistant superbugs and causes about 12,800 deaths per year in the United States. About 85 percent of deaths from these superbugs are caused by germs found in health care facilities.

Is There Anything Doctors Can Do?

Many healthcare professionals believe these superbugs are caused because of the over-prescription of antibiotics. In the report, CDC officials noted that more powerful antibiotics are not the answer to these drug-resistant superbugs. These germs will eventually make them useless as they evolve anyway. The key to reducing the occurrence of superbugs is developing strategies to avoid infection in the first place and use antibiotics less.

It is estimated that approximately there are 47 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions per year. That is one-third of all of the prescriptions for antibiotics. Right now, it can be hard for doctors to figure out whether a patient needs an antibiotic or not. Because of this, officials have called for better tests and tools to be developed to assist in diagnosis.

Another reason drug-resistant superbugs are on the rise is antibiotics being used in animals that we eat. Around 20 percent of all superbugs come from the foods we eat.

To decrease the likelihood of people falling ill and dying from drug-resistant bugs it will be up to doctors and public health officials. Together, they can help drive the number of people dying from superbugs down by prescribing fewer antibiotics and developing tools to help identify infections.

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If You Hate Vegetables, It Could Be Genetic

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Hate Vegetables

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial to staying healthy and even saving money. By keeping up your health, you’ll spend less money at the doctor and save money when it comes to eating. However, some people just absolutely hate vegetables, making it hard to maintain a healthy diet. Many people attribute this to picky eating but, as it turns out, hating veggies could be in your genes.

Why People Hate Vegetables

Yes – it’s true. People who don’t eat their veggies may not totally be in control. Scientists believe people who hate vegetables may actually be “super-tasters.” While that may sound like you get to taste more food and things might taste better, that’s not the case. In fact, it is the exact opposite.

Super-tasters typically taste bitterness in food. This makes it hard for them to eat foods that are typically more bitter in taste, such as leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, and other veggies.

“The person who has that genetic propensity gets more of the sulfur flavor of, say, Brussels sprouts, especially if they’ve been overcooked,” said professor Valerie Duffy, who is an expert in the study of food taste.

Then, when you talk about vegetables, almost all of them get roped in together. It isn’t like fruit where they say, “Yes, I like fruit but not kiwi.” Instead, they’re asked “Do you like vegetables?” and it is a black-and-white yes or no response. People with the super-taster gene are 2.6 times more likely to skip veggies than people who don’t have the gene.

About the Study

“We wanted to know if genetics affected the ability of people who need to eat heart-healthy foods from eating them,” said study author Jennifer Smith. “While we didn’t see results in gene type for sodium, sugar or saturated fat, we did see a difference in vegetables.”

There are more than 25 taste receptors in your mouth. About 50 percent of the world’s population has even receptors when it comes to tasting bitter versus sweet. Twenty-five percent are referred to as “non-tasters,” which is the exact opposite of a super-taster. In fact, non-tasters may even find most foods sweeter than others. The other 25 percent of people have extreme sensitivity to bitter foods.

Most veggies have a certain amount of bitterness to them, so people who have the super-taster gene are more likely to hate vegetables. Because of this, food scientists have been searching for a way to develop a new veggie that tastes less bitter. If they’re able to succeed, it can offer up a healthy vegetable that even the “picky” eaters will be able to stomach.

Additionally, there are ways to cook veggies to bring out the sweetness. You can do this by adding a little fat when cooking your vegetables, adding sugar, using garlic, or roasting them in the oven.

Making these changes to prepping and incorporating veggies into your everyday diet can help you save money on healthcare. It is estimated that if Americans ate one more serving of fruits and veggies daily, the United States could save $5 billion in health care. It can also help prevent more than 30,000 deaths annually.

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Helpful Tips to Help Beat Seasonal Depression

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Seasonal depression

Winter is coming – and that’s not a Game of Thrones reference. Colder months and holidays are swiftly approaching and for many people, it is a difficult time of year. It is an especially busy time of year and brings about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), otherwise known as seasonal depression.

What is Seasonal Depression?

Between 4 and 6 percent of the American population have depression in the winter months. Mild SAD, however, can be found in 10 to 20 percent of the population. As you head further up north, it becomes even more prevalent.

As winter approaches, the days get shorter and there is less sunlight. Because of this, people’s risk of developing SAD becomes higher. Seasonal depression typically comes with all of the regular signs and symptoms of regular depression, but it coincides with a change in seasons. On top of this, winter is when many people celebrate holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. For those without family to spend the holidays with, this can be an especially depressing time of year.

Symptoms include the following: 

  • Cravings for foods high in carbs
  • Hypersomnia
  • Low energy levels
  • Overeating
  • Social withdrawal
  • Weight gain

People with seasonal depression may also experience thoughts of suicide, feelings of hopelessness, and the desire to simply stay in bed all day. Thankfully, we live in a day and age where there are plenty of things you can do to battle seasonal depression.

Tips to Beating Depression Without Breaking the Bank

Battling regular depression can usually be done through implementing a daily routine, getting regular exercise, and keeping a healthy diet. Spending time outside can help as well. Unfortunately, because seasonal depression has more to do with the lack of sunlight during the winter months, affected individuals need to look for other low-cost ways to manage their depression.

Wake-up lights

Wake-up lights are exactly what they sound like. It simulates the rays from the sun to help you wake up in a more gentle way. These lights are definitely more pleasant than an alarm clock and it can help assist individuals with seasonal depression to see sunlight in the morning they’d normally not see in the winter. Wake-up lights can cost as little as $10 with the more expensive lights coming with a price tag of $150.

Smart home devices

Some people have been slow to adapt to smart home devices, but they can actually help people with SAD manage their symptoms. You don’t have to spend a ton to incorporate some of these devices into your home though. All you need is a Google Home or Alexa device and some smart light bulbs. The smart devices have gentle sleep and wake features that can brighten or dim your smart bulbs. It will slowly dim over the span of 30 minutes to help you fall asleep and slowly brighten in the mornings to wake you up. Google Homes cost between $40 and $120 and can be used for several things. Smart light bulbs can vary in price, depending on what you are looking for. The cheapest sets run about $16 for four bulbs.

Lightboxes

Have you ever heard of lightboxes? These can help people battle SAD. The boxes put out lights that simulate natural outdoor light. You can spend some time near the lights for a set amount of time per day and it could have a profound impact on managing your seasonal depression. You can grab a lightbox online for about $35.

Weighted blankets

Weighted blankets have become more popular for people with anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Having a good night’s rest is crucial to maintain your health, especially if you’re already suffering from SAD. Though they may not be for everyone, weighted blankets can be purchased for a relatively low cost ($30 on the cheaper end) and may help you get the sleep you need during the colder months.

These are just a few options for managing seasonal depression this winter. If you find that you’re still having trouble managing your symptoms, consider contacting your health provider. Sometimes depression and other mental health issues need to be addressed by a physician.

Lastly, if you are having thoughts of suicide or your depression becomes overwhelming, you can always call the National Suicide Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Doctors: Weight Loss Surgery is Okay for Obese Kids

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Weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass and lap bands, have traditionally been used in obese adults who have issues losing weight. Now, pediatricians are calling for the surgeries to be a viable option for obese children and teens as well.

Should Kids Get Surgery?

About 5 million children in the United States are severely obese. While many adults undergo weight-loss surgeries to handle their weight problems, it hasn’t been an option brought up to many kids. Some doctors believe it could hurt their growth and possibly even hurt them by not teaching them to eat better.

Kids typically undergo surgery like a tonsillectomy or appendectomy. However, with the obesity problem in the U.S. increasing annually and more children being impacted, pediatricians are calling for weight loss surgeries to be available to kids.

Pre-teens and teens who would be considered eligible would have a body-mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Kids with a BMI of 35 or more would also be eligible for weight loss surgery if they have additional health conditions as a result of their weight, like diabetes or sleep apnea.

How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

Even if they need it, most children’s families cannot afford to pay for weight loss surgery. There are still only about 2,000 pediatric weight-loss surgeries performed each year. Most private and public health insurance companies will not cover the procedure. Without insurance coverage, surgery costs can land around $20,000.

“Right now there’s a lot of variability in what’s paid for. There are certain plans that simply consider bariatric surgery under the age of 18 as experimental, which means they’re not going to be covered,” said Dr. Kirk Reichard, surgical director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending weight loss surgery be considered safe for children and teens with severe obesity. Additionally, they are suggesting it also be covered by insurance providers.

“This policy statement specifically says that there’s no specific age guideline. Furthermore, we recognize that severe obesity in children disproportionally affects racial and ethnic minorities, and the economically disadvantaged, especially for girls,” Dr. Reichard stated.

It is important to keep in mind that if you or your child get weight loss surgery, it is not a “quick fix.” In fact, after you go under the knife, you have to stick to a strict diet and exercise program before being accepted for surgery. You will also have to stick to a diet after the surgery is completed. Many people have wasted money getting surgery without putting time into changing their habits.

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Save Yourself The Trouble: Get Your Flu Shot

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flu shot

Influenza season has already begun and many people are looking for low-cost ways to stay healthy. The best way to avoid falling ill, however, is getting a flu shot. Despite that, many people still avoid getting vaccinated against the flu every year, but you really shouldn’t.

Projections For This Year’s Flu Season

Last year’s flu season was intense. Millions of individuals got sick and there were even a few deaths as a result. This happens every single year even though inoculations are available to help prevent people from falling ill.

It is predicted that the 2019-2020 flu season will peak earlier than usual. Therefore, it is important you get inoculated as soon as possible. While you can get the flu even though you get the shot, it will decrease the length of time you are sick as well as the severity of the symptoms.

Health officials are recommending you get the shot before the end of October. It is especially important for children under the age of one, seniors 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from pre-existing medical conditions to get a flu shot.

Where You Can Get a Flu Shot For Free

Even if you don’t meet the end of October deadline, it is still a good idea to get the shot. The standard price for a flu shot is between $30 and $40, but it is possible to get discounted and free shots. Here’s how.

  • Call your doctor: Individuals with insurance will probably fair the best by going to their primary care physician. Most insurance companies cover the shot completely.
  • College students: Most colleges offer free flu shots to enrolled students. You’ll need to check your school’s website to confirm whether or not your institution does.
  • Costco: Costco is offering flu shots for $19.99 (no membership required).
  • Employers: Some employers may offer free flu shots to employees. Check with your employer to see if they offer this perk.
  • Flu shot rewards: If you go to get a flu shot, you should consider looking for places that offer coupons or gift card rewards for getting your shot. CVS, for instance, is offering a $5 off $25 coupon for anyone who gets a flu shot there.
  • Health department: Some areas may have a health department offering free flu shots but they will be limited.
  • Veteran Services: Military members and veterans can get a free flu shot through Veterans Affairs at the closest VA center.

Exact prices and availability may vary store to store. It is always a good idea to call ahead before you head out for your shot to confirm.

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