‘Almost all of the COVID-related deaths in the United States are among people who have not been vaccinated. Only about 0.8 percent of the deaths were among fully vaccinated individuals…’
DO COVID-19 vaccines work?
More than 47 percent of the US population has been fully vaccinated. More than half of Americans are not vaccinated, with almost 20 percent (60 million) refusing the vaccines, making them potential future carriers and spreaders of current and future (more severe) new strains of the virus. About 3 billion doses were administered worldwide, approximately 27 percent of the global population of 7.9 billion. Almost all of the COVID-related deaths in the United States are among people who have not been vaccinated. Only about 0.8 percent of the deaths were among fully vaccinated individuals who may have been infected with a variant strain. The vaccines are definitely at least 95-99 percent effective. Those not vaccinated at a grave risk.
The current statistics as of June 28, 2021: Global cases – 181,965,114; deaths – 3,940,970; USA – 34,494,690; deaths – 619,424; Philippines – 1,403,588; deaths – 24,456.
The cost of vaccinating the world population is from $50 billion to $75 billion, one percent of the global economic output, a bargain in ending this crisis.
How do I maintain brain health?
With the scary threat of developing Alzheimer’s dementia, most everyone, if not everybody, wonders what could be done to ward off this terrible nightmare, a disease worse than any other, even cancer. The severe toll is not only on the individual but on the entire family, especially the spouse. While the Alzheimer’s syndrome is not totally known, especially on how to fully prevent it or treat it, one thing is clear: our diet affects our brain, our heart, and our whole being.
Currently, plant-based diet (rich in polyphenols, flavanoids, and other antioxidants) is the “new” evidence-based approach to disease prevention and in many cases, to cure, and even longevity, as stated in the book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (link: philipSchua.com), which is listed in the US Library of Congress. This primer on healthy lifestyle starting from the womb and in the crib to protect DNA and thus prevent major illnesses as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s and even cancer, from ever occurring in children when they grow up. To this, add daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco, vaping, illegal drugs, adhering to a disciplined approach to alcohol, and stress management with week-end breaks and regular vacation/staycations with friends and family.
The simple strategy as far as diet is concerned is to fill up 3/4 of your plate with vegetables of various colors, some fruits and nuts, and the remaining 1/4 with fish (wild-caught, not farm raised), chicken, without the skin, and/or beef or pork (not more than 12 ounces).
Abstaining from red meat and processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, sausages, etc.) is a healthier option, to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke, metabolic illnesses like T2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Most cancers, like pancreatic, colon, breast and prostate cancers are, to various degrees, linked to eating red meat.
What is conscious brushing?
Oro-dental health parallels cardiac health. Poor oral hygiene from neglect or improper oral care does not only lead to disgusting halitosis (bad breath) and dental carries/gingivitis, but also to increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The correlation between oral health and cardiovascular health is well established.
We often see movies where the character, usually a male, brushes his teeth with lightning speed, done in 10 seconds or so. While this is better than not brushing at all, it is most insufficient and ineffective in maintaining good dental health. Performing what I term conscious brushing is vital. Conscious brushing is a method of dental care that provides the greatest chance of cleaning all the teeth, gums, tongue, and the whole mouth. The individual focuses and concentrates totally on flossing all the inter-dental (between teeth) crevices, and brushing each tooth consciously and fully, making sure no tooth is left untouched, the top and all reachable sides of each tooth, meticulously. I prefer a soft brush and tooth paste with baking soda and peroxide, but most dental pastes are acceptable. The gums and the entire mouth are brushed gently, including the throat. Using a tongue scraper, from all the way back of the throat, forward to the tip, removes bacteria-loaded thick mucus. The tongue is a great major source of halitosis. Gurgling helps flush out food particles in between teeth. The final step is the use of mouth rinse, preferably stabilized chlorine dioxide. The less expensive alternative is to add a teaspoon of salt or two tablespoonful of hydrogen peroxide to a glass of water and use this to mouth rinse. This ritual should be done at least twice a day. Complete the regimen with a visit to your dentist every 6 months, or more often if needed.
Do we need sleep?
Sometime ago, there was a fake claim that sleep was not necessary. We were mostly asleep while in the womb and as newborns and infants, which helped us grow healthy, an undisputed proof that humans (and animals in general) need restful sleep to remain healthy physically and mentally. Those who do not get a satisfying sleep feel tired, a bit confused and unfocused, a dangerous vehicular or industrial machine drivers, prone to depression, have weakened immune system and elevated risk for various illnesses. Those with sleep apnea (dangerously prolonged breath-holding while asleep, waking up gasping for breath multiple times at night, because of low oxygen blood level) have high risk for heart attack, stroke, and cancer. A good sleep provides a happy countenance and a positive, cheerful, attitude when we wake up, ready to face and enjoy the wonderful day ahead of us.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
