Health Updates: Brief Health-Related News Snippets for Today
Welcome, buckaroo! Here we are, trudging through the last two months of the year. While some folks are belting out Christmas carols and decking out their homes with lights, let's not forget about important happenings in November.
First up, we've got Diabetes Awareness Month, Men's Health Awareness Month, and, admittedly, my imaginary birthday party (yeah, I'm joking about that one). In this write-up, we're focusing on diabetes awareness and men's health. Let's dive in!
Insulin Celebrates a Centennial
November is all about championing diabetes knowledge, and this year holds a special significance: it marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin! To set the scene, you probably know that people with diabetes need insulin to survive. Dr. Frederick Banting came up with this game-changing idea back in 1920, and his collaborator, Dr. Charles Best, was crucial to its success. The two scientists paved the way to a disease management solution that has made a world of difference.
In November, take a moment to appreciate their groundbreaking work. The birthday boy, Banting, even said, "Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world." Sadly, that philosophy didn't exactly apply to Pharmaceutical companies – insulin prices can be astronomically high. That's a topic for advocacy, and that's exactly what organizations like T1International are all about.
Let's Advocate, Not Celebrate
Hey, folks! The 100-year insulin milestone is a powerful reminder to keep advocating – and we can help! According to a T1International survey, issues like insulin affordability continue to be a concern. The following stats are a sneak peek into the global survey's findings:
- One in five respondents globally reports insulin rationing due to affordability issues.
- Almost one in four respondents in the U.S. reports the same.
Salute Diabetes Awareness Month with Action
Here are some fun ways to join the fight this November:
- Check out these 10 ways to get involved.
- Adopt the hashtags: #NDAM, #WorldDiabetesDay, #insulin100, #AdvocateDontCelebrate.
- Peruse Movers, Shakers, T1D Changemakers.
- Participate in #TheDropSpotted campaign.
- Donate to T1DInternational.
- Learn about the risks of type 2 diabetes.
- Complete this quick prediabetes test.
Don't Neglect Men's Health
Now, brace yourselves, men: November is also Men's Health Awareness Month! Here's a rundown of doc appointments, screenings, and vaccinations based on age.
Young and Full of Life (18 to 39)
- Schedule a physical exam at least every 3 years, but visit more often if needed.
- Get your Tdap shot every 10 years.
- Make sure you've had the HPV vaccine series (offered up to age 45).
- Get your flu jab annually.
- Have a chat with your doc about how often you should be tested for STIs and HIV prevention strategies, like PrEP.
- Prevention is key, so get blood pressure and cholesterol checked every 5 years, but more often if needed.
- Regular eye exams are essential, at least every 2 years, but amp up the frequency if you're at risk for eye diseases.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up.
Middle-Aged Mavens (40 to 50)
- Pencil in a physical exam every 2 years, but don't hesitate to visit your doc more often if needed.
- Test your testosterone level in your 40s by asking your doc if need be.
- Age 40 or 45: start colorectal cancer screenings based on your risk factors.
- Continue blood pressure, cholesterol, and eye exam check-ups according to your doc's guidance.
- Proceed with your doc-recommended STI prevention and testing protocols.
- Encourage flu shots annually and Tdap every 10 years.
- Keep those eye exams and dental appointments every 2 years, unless your doc recommends more frequent visits.
Delta Plus, No Big Deal
Don't freak out – I'm not chatting about that first-class seat upgrade! I'm talking about the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as AY.4.2, a Delta offshoot, which has grown in popularity in the UK. You may have caught a glimpse of this in the headlines but seen your fingers twitching with a compulsion to look away. Let's give this a closer peek.
The AY.4.2 variant has made a small appearance in the U.S., accounting for less than 1% of cases. No cause for concern, y'all – there's still no evidence to suggest that this variant will have a significant impact in the U.S., so try to stay calm but vigilant!
When Deer Hunting Meets COVID
Autumn is hunting season, right? You may wonder, how does that intersect with the pandemic? Well, brace yourself for this wildlife-related nugget. A study out of Iowa found that humans could transmit COVID-19 to deer, which in turn can infect other deer! As of now, there's no evidence to suggest that deer are spreading the virus to humans directly. So, folks, carry on with your deer hunting, but remember to follow proper safety measures.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Who said November was all about being indoors? This month is the perfect time to get outside, whether you're leaf-peeping, hiking, or cold-weather camping. So strap on those hiking boots, and go explore the great outdoors! Check out our guide to nature adventures (thanks to our pals at Lonely Planet) for some inspiration. Happy exploring, y'all!
- As November marks 100 years since the discovery of insulin, it is a crucial time to remember Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best's groundbreaking work in generic health, particularly in other general health areas like diabetes.
- Let's advocate for affordable insulin and health rights during Diabetes Awareness Month by checking out ways to get involved, adopting hashtags, perusing Movers, Shakers, T1D Changemakers, participating in the #TheDropSpotted campaign, donating to T1DInternational, learning about the risks of type 2 diabetes, completing a prediabetes test, and more.
- Men should pay attention to their health during Men's Health Awareness Month as well, gathering regular screenings, vaccinations, and doctor appointments based on their age, such as annual flu jabs, regular eye exams, and keeping up-to-date with Tdap shots.
- While COVID-19 continues to be a worldwide concern, it is essential to stay vigilant amidst other health issues like diabetes and men's health. Awareness and follow-up reminders, such as vaccines, are key to being prepared in the fight against COVID-19, its variants, and other diseases.
