Do You Have Long-Haul Covid Symptoms?

Many individuals continue to experience symptoms associated with Long Haul Covid, including: 

• Fatigue 
• Brain fog or difficulty with concentration 
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest pain or pressure 
• Joint and muscle pain 
• Headaches 
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Depression or anxiety

Research indicates that Long-Haul Covid patients also have a higher incidence of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, ALS, Parkinson's, and dementia. If you are experiencing symptoms of Long Haul Covid, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wiancek for evaluation by calling 970 926 7606. email wiancek@healthref.com, or online.  

 

Forever Chemicals: A Growing Concern for Our Health and Environment

 PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," have contaminated the drinking water of up to 110 million Americans and the blood of nearly every American. PFAS are a family of compounds that are hard to break down, last long in the environment, and can affect the organs of exposed humans and animals. PFAS, including Teflon, can be found in products such as pots and pans and in the blood of people around the world, including 99% of Americans. PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a widespread concern affecting the health of millions. With up to 110 million Americans having contaminated drinking water and nearly every American having PFAS in their blood, it is clear that these chemicals are hard to avoid. PFAS are a family of compounds that are resistant to breakdown, persist in the environment, and can impact the health of exposed individuals.

Studies (Suffolk University, 2021) have linked PFAS exposure to:

• Testicular, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancer
• Weakened childhood immunity
• Low birth weight
• Endocrine disruption
• Elevated cholesterol
• Weight gain in children and dieting adults.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) are two of the most commonly found PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in various consumer products. They can be found in:

• Non-stick Cookware: PFOA is widely used in the production of Teflon and other non-stick coatings found on pots and pans. This chemical is highly resistant to heat, making it a popular choice for cookware manufacturers.
• Food Packaging: PFAS can be found in grease-proof paper and cardboard food packaging, including pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags. This type of packaging is designed to prevent oil and grease from leaking through, but it also contributes to the widespread presence of PFAS in our food supply.
• Textiles: PFAS can also be found in waterproof and stain-resistant clothing, as well as carpet and upholstery treatments. These products are treated with PFAS to repel water and stains, but this also makes it harder to break down the chemicals and reduce their impact on the environment.
• Personal Care Products: PFAS can be found in a range of cosmetics, including eyeliner and mascara, as well as in dental floss and toothpaste. These products are treated with PFAS to improve their effectiveness and stability, but this also increases the risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals.
•  Firefighting Foam: PFOS was widely used in firefighting foam, which can be released into the environment during training exercises or firefighting operations. This type of foam was designed to quickly smother flames and reduce the spread of fire, but its widespread use has also contributed to the widespread presence of PFOS in our environment.

It's important to note that some PFAS are now restricted or phased out in some countries due to concerns about their persistence in the environment and potential health effects.

There is currently no universally effective method for removing PFAS from the environment. Carbon water filters have been shown to effectively remove them from drinking water. It's crucial that we understand the dangers of PFAS and take steps to reduce our exposure.

Beat Heart Disease and Alzheimer's: The Power of Diet and Lifestyle

 Dr. Dean Ornish, a specialist in internal medicine, conducted a randomized clinical trial in 1990, which showed that coronary artery disease can be reversed by nothing more than diet, exercise, stress reduction, and social support (The Lancet, 1990). Dr. Ornish is currently conducting a similar study at his nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute in California, where he is exploring the possibility of slowing, stopping, or reversing early-stage Alzheimer's without the use of drugs, devices, or surgeries.

The study requires participants to follow a low-fat, vegan-style diet that contains no more than 10% of daily calories from fat. This means avoiding all animal products such as red meat, chicken, pork, and ham, with the exception of egg whites and one cup of nonfat milk or yogurt each day. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes form the basis of the diet, along with a few nuts and seeds. Refined carbohydrates, oils, and excessive caffeine are avoided, but up to two cups of green tea are allowed each day.

The program also requires an hour of yoga-based stress management each day, which involves stretching, breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Participants must also engage in strength training and aerobic exercise, such as walking, for 30 minutes a day or an hour three times a week. Smoking is not permitted. Support groups are also crucial, as they help people stay on track with the diet and provide a safe environment for emotional openness and support.

Studies have shown that loneliness, depression, and isolation can increase the risk of chronic diseases, and Dr. Ornish believes that support groups play a crucial role in reducing this risk. The program has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and heart disease risk for patients with diabetes, reduce prostate cancer cell growth, improve depression within 12 weeks, reduce "bad cholesterol" by an average of 40%, and more.
The program has also been shown to increase telomerase, the enzyme responsible for repairing and lengthening telomeres, by 30% after just three months. Those who have been on the program for five years have telomeres that are about 10% longer, indicating that aging is being reversed on a cellular level. Dr. Ornish believes that this program, which addresses underlying mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, changes in the microbiome, changes in gene expression, overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, and changes in immune function, can benefit a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

It is important to follow the program nearly 100% to reverse the disease, but even making partial changes can improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases. If you are concerned about preventing and treating these conditions, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Wiancek at wiancek@healthref.com, 970 926 7606, or online.

Testing your Vitamin D Levels at Home

Now you can test your Vitamin D Levels at home.  

With this innovative kit, you can test your Vitamin D levels without leaving your home.

And you can do this with a simple, painless procedure (no needles).

But, before I tell you more about this new test-kit...

Let me remind you why you might want to get your vitamin D levels checked in the first place.

Vitamin D (which is both vitamin and hormone) plays a central role in dozens of bodily functions.

Therefore, having low levels of it hampers crucial processes in our bodies.

Multiple studies repeatedly confirm - that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a wide range of conditions and diseases, including:

- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Osteomalacia
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Respiratory tract infections
- Several others

What is especially alarming is that 2 out of 3 Americans have low levels or are deficient.

So, to maintain good health - I recommend making sure that you’re not one of them.

With that said, let me tell you about my new Vitamin D Home Test Kits and why you could find them advantageous.

1. You’ll avoid visiting the doctor. Thanks to this at-home test kit, you'll avoid travel expenses and won't waste your time making an appointment for the doctor's office. This is especially helpful these days - or if you/your family member is elderly and has a condition that's not suitable for travel.

2. Less painful. Unlike standard blood tests - which involve needles - this test kit will help you smoothly collect the blood sample - with its safe, minimally invasive method.

3. It's accurate. Accuracy of this test is guaranteed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and approved by DEQAS (Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme)

4. Detailed instructions. Test kit comes with a simple, step-by-step guide of how to administer the procedure. So, you'll go through the whole process without any hiccups.

5. Return shipping label & get results quickly. The test kit comes with a return shipping label, which means you can ship your results to the lab at no cost, and get results in 5-7 business days.

Why do I recommend this test kit versus others options?

Because, I know this test kit is meeting all standards of accuracy and safety - and was approved after thorough testing.

Considering this and other reasons, I’m happy to recommend our new Vitamin D Test Kit to you and your family.

Call my office 979-926-7606 or email wiancek@healthref.com.

Samsara Life a poem for the inspiration of your daily life.

 Honor the stillness that purifies your soul. It has been in you since before your birth. Your private voyage began generations ago. Your actions will determine its destination. Respect other voyagers—even adversaries. You do not know their compass. Avoid angry and embittered people— they stir up trouble. We fall asleep with our dreams yet, wake with our habits.

Build your habits first—dreams will follow. Stick to the confidence deep in your heart. Believe in a guiding star—great figures have trusted in the same. Substance grooms confidence. With power comes humility, but never forget to take your bow and accept the esteem of your success. Happiness is measured by happiness—not dollars, square footage or years of marriage.
It is sublime to touch bliss in music, leisure, art or sport. Command your anxiety by doing the hard thing first. Do not let cynics and false experts shake your mastery. They choose to tear down rather than build up. Don’t worry, they will not last. Focus on those who are proud to be a part of this world. Listen closely to people who can change their mind—they show courage.

Seek achievement before publicity. If the world deserves you, it will recognize you. Be diligent and patient. An old farmer once said, “Le travail, c’est la santé.” So, if ‘work is health,’ work hard and be well. Do your part to stay strong. Enjoy walks, rides and stretching— they give mental peace. For your body, eat an apple, banana, carrot and orange each day. Use your own hand to write cards and letters. This will clear your mind and bring joy to others.

Explore and travel. The world is magnificent and perplexing—see as much of it as you can. Relish your time to read, study and gather advice, but you are still responsible. Look fear in the face and calm any guilt about taking time for yourself. Life blossoms with delayed, not deleted, gratification. You deserve what you have built and you merit the legacy they engrave to your memory. Like the colorful, etched layers in grand canyons, the true meaning of life is to find your place in history and to live it well.

Short or long, every life makes its full circle. And, when your time gently glides to its horizon―with head unbowed, in perfect poise, balance and dignity―let them say you were a master who kept a regal bearing, did not complain, and left a worthy mark.

Rick Griggs speaks on Balanced Mastery, The Samsara of Life and his Role storming Creativity tool. He is a former Intel Corporation training manager.

COVID Updates

 The pandemic is not going to be over for a while. I am hoping that we will see progress by next summer.  The John Hopkins dashboard shows that the U.S., with over 4% of the world's population, has more than 25% of the infections and nearly 20% of the deaths. The CDC reports that the most frequent underlying medical conditions in individuals getting COVID 19 were hypertension (55.8%), obesity (48.5%), diabetes (41.2%), and cardiovascular disease (32.5%). Among children hospitalized 52.0% had at least one reported underlying medical condition such as obesity (37.5%), neurologic disease (13.3%), and asthma (11.3%). A little over two percent of the US population has had COVID 19 and ninety-three percent have survived. Seven percent of the patients have died from either COVID 19, pneumonia or the flu. Stay safe we will get through this.

News about the vaccine  
We currently do not know how effective this vaccine will be for the new strains of the virus nor do we know for how long the vaccine will be effective. The more contagious the virus strain the more deadly it becomes because it infects more people.  Even though you get vaccinated does not mean that you cannot get COVID. We do not know how long antibodies will last once you are infected. Some people have been reinfected after having the virus once. You still must wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands frequently and stay at home as much as possible. Dr. Fauci is currently recommending double masking because of the more contagious strain.

Your second vaccine shot should be within a month of your first shot. There may be a third recommended shot for the new variants of the virus. Side effects of the vaccine include pain and/or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, diarrhea, and fever. Before getting vaccinated drink plenty of water. Apply a cold towel at the injection site if you’re having pain. Taking an Epsom salt bath (2 cups) can also be helpful. Antoxidants such as Vitamin A, C, D, zinc and probiotics can help with side effects.

Travel
When traveling internationally and coming back into the US you will have to get tested for COVID within 3 days of your travel date before boarding an airplane. The test can be an antigen test or the PCR test. You will have to show the airline documentation of the negative test. Once back in the US even though you had a negative test you will have to quarantine for 10 days. The current tests for COVID 19 may not be effective for the new strains of the virus. We are seeing a lot of false-negative tests. 

Can Preventing Chronic Disease Prevent Further Pandemics?

 According to the CDC 90.6% of the individuals who died from Covid 19 had an underlying chronic disease. The most reported underlying medical conditions in individuals getting Covid 19 were hypertension (55.8%), obesity (48.5%), diabetes (41.2%), and cardiovascular disease (32.5%). Prevention is the key to treating chronic disease. Taking a drug to mask your symptoms is not the answer. Prevention and getting to the cause of chronic disease may be the key to preventing further pandemics. If we work to obtain a healthy immune system, our bodies would be able deal with this virus and other viruses as this is not going to be the last pandemic. With the population growing we will continue to be exposed to many different types of viruses, bacteria, and fungus. Studies show that viruses can even play a role in causing autoimmune disease and cancer. Therefore, we should not take our health for granted. We need to take charge of our health and not ignore the symptoms.

Chronic disease includes heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, dementia, autoimmune disease, cancer, stroke, high cholesterol, and chronic lung disease.  According to the CDC, ninety percent of the nation’s 3.8 trillion in health care costs are due to chronic disease and mental illness. Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease and four in ten Americans of two or more chronic diseases. Why the epidemic of chronic disease? Because treating chronic disease with drugs never gets to the root cause. In fact, study after study shows that chronic disease can be prevented by simple dietary and lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, eliminating smoking, exercise, and weight loss.  Yet very little is done to prevent chronic disease in our society. In fact, our children are becoming predisposed to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes at an early age because of their poor eating habits. Studies show that thirty percent of all thirty-year-olds already have heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.  The main store where this age group buys their food is 7-Eleven and ninety-five percent of the products in 7-Eleven are processed foods. 

• Heart disease is associated with too much saturated fat in the diet, high stress levels, and not enough exercise. Studies show that if a person has an angioplasty and does not change their lifestyle such as diet and exercise their chances of having another angioplasty in 4 yrs is 90%. 
• High blood pressure is associated with too much salt, caffeine, and alcohol in the diet, high stress levels, and not enough exercise. I commonly see blood pressure levels come down when patients eliminate alcohol. Toxic exposure can also be a cause of high blood pressure.
• High cholesterol is associated with too much saturated fat in the diet. Saturated fats include red meat and dairy products.  High cholesterol is also associated with not enough fiber and not enough exercise. Statins are not the answer to lowering cholesterol. If you do not remove the saturated fat you will increase your risk for heart disease. The side effects of statins include muscle pain, dementia, asthma, etc.  We need cholesterol to make our hormones. Lowering cholesterol too much will affect our hormone production such as testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol. 
• Diabetes is also associated with too much saturated fat, not enough fiber, too much sugar, and not enough exercise.  We are now seeing kids 8-9 years old with adult-onset diabetes which was unheard of ten years ago.  Kids today are not playing outside as much they’re more likely to watch TV, play on the computer, do video games, and eat junk food. 
• Increased cancer rates are associated with too much saturated fat, not enough fiber, not enough exercise, cigarette smoking, sugar, processed foods, and charcoal grilling of foods. According to the American Cancer Society, one-third of all cancers is due to dietary factors and another third is due to tobacco use.  The other third may be related to different factors such as genetics, heredity, chemical exposure, environmental factors, etc.  We spend billions of dollars a year on finding the cure for cancer. Yet, 60% of Americans are obese and people today still smoke.

I want to stress that the epidemic of chronic disease is not being treated properly. People are getting on drugs merely to treat the symptoms and they are not getting to the root cause of the health problem which is their diet and lifestyle. Many people have a hard time believing that changing their diet, not smoking, exercising, having social support, and reducing stress levels can cause even more powerful changes than drugs or surgery. People simply do not know what they need to do to change these habits. 

Simple dietary and lifestyle changes may even reduce health care costs nationally and individually. It can also increase overall health and longevity and prevent future pandemics. We all need to start taking greater responsibility for their overall health.  Since most chronic diseases can be prevented look first to dietary and lifestyle changes before you seek out that magic bullet approach. You may end up saving a lot of money on your future health care cost. For further questions or to set up an appointment with Dr. Wiancek please call 970-926-7606 or email wiancek@healthref.com.