I know this COVID-19 has everyone on the edge of their seats with worry. I am certainly one of those who have a compromised immune system and previous borderline asthmatic symptoms. I also struggle with bronchitis each year, it seems. I feel the stress of the worrying in my daily life, as I write, It seems to dictate my thoughts, my dreams, and my actions. I would much rather be thinking about something else like enjoying this sudden pattern of warm weather that is in my area. Never the less the COVID-19 is there amongst all those thoughts, actions, and so forth.
I heard yesterday that my dear Christian brother has been diagnosed with COVID-19
He has been in a rehab facility for quite a while due to complications associated with a knee surgery. That knee surgery went wrong and left him stuck in that rehabilitation place, and has led to some major and minor set-backs for him. He is married and has two grown adult children. I believe he is in his seventies. He has been slowly trying to climb that ladder of being back to himself. Now he was diagnosed with pneumonia and then yesterday, COVID-!9. The place he is at has had many cases of this COVID-19. There are caretakers and nurses there that have it too.
His suffering has brought to my mind that our bodies are weak, but that Christ through God can give us strength. Our prayers are not in vain and it would seem we need him more now than ever. Please stay strong in the Lord and please pray for the ones who are mentally struggling, physically struggling, and financially struggling. A lot of people are so scared of returning back to their homes, thinking of how they may give this virus t0 the very people they love and call family.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.
Stay strong, stay healthy, stay righteous.
In love,
MwsR
Could people on certain medications for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes be at risk for experiencing COVID-19 more severely?
The question raises more concerns about which medications may make COVID-19 worse in some people. It follows reports that ibuprofen could do more harm than good in patients with COVID-19.CORONAVIRUS UPDATESStay on top of the COVID-19 outbreak
The concern began after a study in The LancetTrusted Source stated that ibuprofen boosts the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which may facilitate and worsen COVID-19.
As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) originally warned most patients to stick with acetaminophen, which is also known as paracetamol. Now they say they do not advise against using ibuprofen.
The study explained that COVID-19 binds to ACE2 in order to target cells. Patients likely have increased ACE2 expression if they’re treated with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II type I receptor blockers (ARBs) and thiazolidinediones. Those drugs are commonly taken by those with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Ibuprofen can also increase ACE2, the study noted.
While media reports focused on ibuprofen, many did not highlight the other drug warnings in the journal article.
“We therefore hypothesize that diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension treatment with ACE2-stimulating drugs increases the risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19,” the authors wrote. They said patients with cardiac diseases, hypertension, or diabetes who use drugs that increase ACE2 could be at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and, therefore, should be monitored.
In a separate article, lead author Dr. Michael Roth-Chiarello, who heads up a pulmonary cell research unit at the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland, said that there needs to be more research into the use of ACE inhibitors in those with COVID-19. He did not respond to a request for comment.
So, are patients on some hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes drugs at risk for more severe COVID-19?
This speculation about the safety of ACE or ARB treatment in relation to COVID-19 “does not have a sound scientific basis or evidence to support it,” Jared Van Hooser, assistant professor in the department of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist at St. Luke’s Mount Royal Medical Clinic, told Healthline.
“Should people be aware that there is a possibility COVID-19 could be more severe in those with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes? Yes, they should be aware, but the research is not definitive,” Van Hooser said.
The Council on Hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology has stated there’s a lack of any evidence supporting harmful effects of ACE and ARB with regard to COVID-19.
“[We] strongly recommend that physicians and patients should continue treatment with their usual antihypertensive therapy because there is no clinical or scientific evidence to suggest that treatment with ACEi or ARBs should be discontinued because of the COVID-19 infection,” the organization said in a statement.
Further research is needed to evaluate interactions between ACE inhibitor drugs and the virus that causes COVID-19. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has expressed support for further research in this area.
“There have been worse COVID-19 in patients on treatment for some chronic diseases like hypertension, but it’s impossible right now to separate whether this is due to the underlying disease versus the drugs being used,” explained Dr. Otto O. Yang, a professor of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, told Healthline.
Rory Remmel, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, cited the BMJ report that said patients taking lisinopril or angiotensin receptor blocking agents such as losartan could have increased ACE2 Trusted Source in the lungs. ACE2, the study authors noted, could make COVID-19 worse.
But there’s a flip side.
“Interestingly, losartan is one of the medically approved drugs that is being tested for treatment of COVID-19 on the theory that it will block viral entry,” he told Healthline. The virus binds to ACE2, but losartan blocks ACE2 from entering cells — making it a potential therapy.
Dr. James Louis Januzzi, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said people need to be careful about getting medical advice from anyone other than their own doctors.
“Don’t believe the misinformation that is going on out there,” he said. “Everyone is scared and wants to provide rapid, useful information to people.”
“Unless and until prospective randomized data are available, people should not assume anything they read is true, and they should speak to their physician if they have questions,” Januzzi added.
Most cardiologists — including the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and Heart Failure Society of America — advise patients to stay on their medications.
“People should not stop taking their medications unless directed by a healthcare professional,” Van Hooser said. “We want to avoid a knee-jerk reaction to something that does not have evidence or very limited evidence.”
Concerned about taking these medications and getting COVID-19? Dr. Michael Miller, a cardiologist, and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said to stay on your medications and talk to your doctor about concerns.
“We are not recommending that our patients stop taking these medications,” he told Healthline.
The only way a doctor would recommend stopping the medication is if the patient has complications from COVID-19, Miller said.
“However, if they develop COVID-19 and have complications that result in significant hypotension, ACE inhibitors will almost invariably be temporarily discontinued,” he noted.
Stay on your medications, Januzzi echoed.
“It actually could be harmful to stop these meds abruptly,” Januzzi said. “To be explicitly clear, we have no good, prospective comparative data to suggest taking drugs like ACE inhibitors is harmful or beneficial relative to COVID-19 infection.”
Borage is an herb that has long been prized for its health-promoting properties.
It’s especially rich in gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to decrease inflammation
Borage may also help treat several conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis
However, there are some serious side effects to consider, and certain groups of people should avoid this ingredient altogether.
This article takes a closer look at the benefits, uses, and potential side effects of borage.
Also known as starflower, borage is an herb notable for its vibrant purple flowers and medicinal properties.
In traditional medicine, borage has been used to dilate blood vessels, act as a sedative, and treat seizures
Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and commonly used as a garnish, dried herb, or vegetable in a variety of drinks and dishes.
The leaves are sometimes also ground up and steeped in hot water to brew herbal tea.
Meanwhile, the seeds are used to make borage oil, which is usually applied topically to the hair and skin.
Furthermore, borage is widely available in supplement form and used to treat a variety of respiratory and digestive disorders
SUMMARY
Borage is an herb with edible leaves and flowers that’s known for its medicinal properties. It’s widely available as an oil, softgel, or herbal tea.
Borage has been linked to a number of potential health benefits.
Some research has shown that borage may possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
According to one test-tube and animal study, borage seed oil was found to protect against oxidative cell damage, which could contribute to inflammation
Another animal study demonstrated that administering borage seed oil to mice decreased age-related markers of inflammation
Additionally, one study in 74 people even observed that taking a borage oil supplement for 18 months, with or without fish oil, reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disorder
Several studies have found that borage extract could help relieve symptoms of asthma by decreasing inflammation and swelling in the airways.
In one study, consuming capsules containing borage oil and echium seed oil daily for 3 weeks decreased levels of inflammation in 37 people with mild asthma
Another 12-week study in 43 children found that taking a supplement containing borage oil, along with a blend of other ingredients like fish oil, vitamins, and minerals, decreased inflammation and symptoms of asthma .
However, it’s unclear whether borage specifically was responsible for the beneficial effects observed in these studies.
On the other hand, one study in 38 people showed that taking 5 mL of borage extract 3 times daily improved symptoms of asthma but didn’t decrease inflammation, compared with a control group
Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate how borage extract may affect asthma and inflammation.
Borage oil contains high amounts of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that’s integral to the structure and function of your skin
Borage oil also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help promote wound healing and repair your skin’s natural barrier
Some research has found that borage may benefit several common skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, which is a type of eczema.
In one study, wearing an undershirt coated in borage oil every day for 2 weeks significantly improved redness and itching in 32 children with atopic dermatitis (4Trusted Source).
That said, a large review of 27 studies observed that borage oil supplements were not effective at relieving symptoms of eczema when taken orally
Further studies should be conducted to determine how borage oil could affect skin health when administered orally or topically.
SUMMARY
Studies show that borage may help alleviate inflammation, reduce symptoms of asthma, and improve skin health.
Like other essential oils, borage oil should not be ingested but rather applied topically.
Before applying, be sure to dilute borage oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, to prevent skin irritation.
You should also perform a patch test by applying a small amount to your skin and checking for any adverse reactions.
You can also find softgel supplements at many health stores and pharmacies, typically in doses ranging from 300–1,000 mg.
Loose-leaf or prepackaged teas are available as well, which can be steeped in hot water to make a soothing cup of borage tea.
Borage supplements may be associated with mild side effects, including digestive issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion
In rare cases, taking high doses of borage oil has been shown to cause more serious side effects, including seizures
These supplements may also interact with some medications, including blood thinners
Keep in mind that the borage plant also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are compounds that can be toxic to the liver and may contribute to cancer growth
However, these compounds are mostly removed during processing and PA-free borage supplements are widely available ).
That said, remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA. For this reason, it’s best to purchase products that have been tested for quality by a third party.
What’s more, borage should not be used by those with liver problems or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Finally, if you’re taking any medications or have underlying health conditions, be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before taking the supplement.
SUMMARY
Borage oil should be diluted and applied topically. Borage supplements may cause mild side effects, including digestive problems. Those with liver issues and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid borage.
Borage is a medicinal herb that has been associated with a number of powerful health benefits.
In particular, borage has been shown to decrease inflammation, improve skin health, and decrease symptoms of asthma.
Written by Rachael Link, MS, RD on April 2, 2020
Did you know these 19 facts about the Christian holiday turned commercial powerhouse?
1. The tallest Easter egg chocolate was made in Italy in 2011. It stood at 10.39 meters and weighed an astounding 7,200 kg.
2. In the US, only 12 of the 50 states recognize Good Friday as a holiday.
3. The art of painting eggs is called pysanka, which originated in Ukraine. It involves using wax and dyes to color the egg.
4. The term Easter gets its name from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolizes the hare and the egg.
5. The exchange or giving of Easter eggs actually dates to before Easter and the giving of eggs is actually considered a symbol of rebirth in many cultures.
6. There used to be a tradition churches observed that resembled the game of “hot potato.” Here, the priest would toss a hard-boiled egg to one of the choir boys.
The boys would toss the egg amongst themselves and when the clock struck 12, whomever had the egg was the winner and got to keep the egg.
7. Peep peep… did you know Americans buy more than 700 million marshmallow Peeps during Easter? This makes Peeps the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.
8. Americans consume more than 16 million jelly beans during this holiday. That is enough jelly beans to circle the globe not once, not twice, but three times.
9. Are you an ears, arms or tail person? Seventy-six percent of people eat the ears on the chocolate bunny first, 5 percent go for the feet and 4 percent for the tail.
10. During the holiday, more than 90 million chocolate bunnies, 91.4 billion eggs and 700 million Peeps are produced each year in the United States alone.
11. Next to Halloween, Easter is the biggest candy-consuming holiday of the year. Good thing they are almost six months apart, perfect for your yearly dentist check-ups!
12. An estimated $14.7 billion is spent in total for Easter in the US.
13. The Easter egg is said to symbolize and represent joy, celebration and new life.
14. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ; it is the oldest Christian holiday and one of the most important days of the year.
15. Half the states in the United States banned the dyeing of chicks on Easter; however, Florida recently overturned this law and now prevents the dyeing of all animals.
16. Not only did Florida overturn the dyeing of animals, but the state also held the largest Easter egg hunt, where 9,753 children searched for 501,000 eggs.
17. The White House of tradition of the Easter Egg Roll started back in 1878, with President Rutherford B. Hayes!
18. Workers in Birmingham, who make the famous Cadbury Creme Egg, produce more than 1.5 million egg delights a year.
19. The idea of the Easter bunny giving candies and eggs is said to have originated in Germany during the middle ages.
No matter how old you are or where you are in the world, Easter is a fun family tradition that never gets old.
From the Easter egg hunts to the taking your first bite into that chocolate bunny, it is not only a special religious holiday that marks an end to Lent, but one that represents the resurrection of Christ, too.
For those who aren’t so religious, Easter marks a long weekend, filled with fun.
Mws R Writings 