Bird Flu Rises, Egg Prices Soar

IN THE NEWS:
Trump Halts Health Agency Communications

It has been a busy first week in office for President Trump. Among Executive Orders signed, he withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) and paused official communication from U.S. health agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). Further, at the NIH, an indefinite suspension was placed on research grand reviews.

Healthcare experts say this week’s changes could have a far reaching impact on everything from America’s leading position in medical research to the health of ordinary citizens.

The communication stoppage includes the CDC’s ‘Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report’ (MMWR) and its happening as cases of bird flu rise, leading to more human infections and more required slaughter of sick birds. MSNBC reviews the changes and takes a look at the impact of rising bird flu cases including the surge directly causing an escalation in the price consumers pay for eggs.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE:
Study Finds Post COVID Syndrome Can Last Years

The Two-thirds of people with post-COVID syndrome (PCS) continue to experience significant symptoms two years after infection according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine.

The predominant symptom clusters among PCS patients included fatigue/exhaustion, neurocognitive disturbances, chest symptoms such as breathlessness and anxiety/depression/sleep problems. Nearly 68% of those initially diagnosed with PCS still struggled with symptoms in the second year. Exercise intolerance with post-exertional malaise was reported by 35.6% of people with persistent PCS, who experienced worse outcomes and more severe symptoms.

Objective measures revealed that people with persistent PCS had significant reductions in handgrip strength, maximal oxygen consumption and ventilatory efficiency. They also scored lower on cognitive tests measuring memory, attention and processing speed. Risk factors for prolonged symptoms included lower educational attainment, obesity and more severe initial COVID-19 infections.

Read the full study here.

PHARMA:
DOJ Sues Walgreens Over ‘Unlawful’ Prescriptions

Pharmacy chain operator Walgreens Boots Alliance is being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice, accused of contributing to the U.S. opioid epidemic by filling millions of unlawful prescriptions for addictive painkillers and other drugs.

The lawsuit alleges that Walgreens knowingly filled unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances, and in doing so, the DOJ believes it violated the Controlled Substances Act. The government alleges Walgreens also violated the False claims Act when it requested reimbursement from federal health programs such as Medicare for the prescriptions.

The DOJ’s lawsuit was announced after Walgreens filed its own lawsuit on Thursday challenging what it said were unlawfully adopted new U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration policies. The new policies seek to ensure pharmacies do not dispense controlled substances for medically illegitimate purposes.

Walgreens is among the pharmacy operators and others in the United States who have collectively agreed to pay about $50 billion to resolve lawsuits and investigations by states and local governments accusing them of helping fuel a deadly opioid addiction epidemic.

OPIATES:
Sacklers, Purdue Pharma to pay $7.4bln Settlement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 727,000 opioid overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. from 1999 to 2022. Purdue Pharma and its owners the Sackler family have been accused of being responsible for fueling some of the crisis and now, it’s been announced that the maker of the addictive painkiller oxycontin has reached a $7.4 billion settlement with a bipartisan coalition of 15 states.

The settlement bars the Sackler family from selling opioids in the U.S. and ends its control of Purdue. Seven months ago, the Supreme Court overturned a prior deal with Purdue that would have given the Sackler family immunity from future opioid lawsuits, a provision that is not part of this new deal.

This is the largest settlement with contributors to the opioid crisis in the United States. According to the settlement announcement, the Sackler family will pay the vast majority of the settlement - a total of $6.5 billion over 15 years - while Purdue will pay nearly $900 million up front, if the deal is approved by the court.

AUTOIMMUNE:
Genetic Markers May Predict anti-TNF Response in RA

A study by Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic has found genetic markers, specifically tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 2 gene polymorphisms (TNFR2), may predict response to anti-TNF therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This finding could help optimize treatment approaches and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

Key Finding:
Patients with the M/M genotype had approximately 10 times higher odds of responding to TNF inhibitors than those with the M/R and R/R genotypes (odds ratio, 10.12; P = .04).

The study researchers believe identifying predictors for non-responsiveness to anti-TNF medications based on TNFR2 gene polymorphisms may become a valuable tool for personalized medicine, pointing towards a more specific anti-TNF therapy for the RA patient.

Read the full study here.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH:
Red or Blue Poop Explained: Meaning for Your Health

Most people are aware the color red mixed with feces could be a flag for blood in the stool, but it could also be caused by what you’ve eaten. Beets in particular are notorious for changing the color of stool. But so can food dye. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has now banned Red Dye 3 (E127) due to potential risk factors.

While blue stool is usually caused by ingesting something that was made with blue food dye, blue-green stool could be a sign of gastrointestinal infection or condition. For blue stool, reflect on what you’ve eaten in the last 24 to 48 hours. If you can’t identify any items with food dye, then consulting your physician can help you find the root cause. If you have blue-green stool, it’s also a good idea to consult your doctor.

If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, you’re not alone. The American Gastrointestinal Association (AGA) says 40% of Americans experience discomfort in their daily lives (Trust your Gut, 2022).

If you’re looking to work with your practitioners to determine the cause of gastrointestional discomfort, or if you already have a diagnosis, tools like the ‘Wellness Diary for Digestive Discomfort’ help patients explain symptoms to practitioners while also helping practitioners understand what each person values as ‘quality of life’. Tracking takes place for 90 days, with weekly and monthly reviews, allowing for any treatment plan to be revised.

Note: The Patient Advocate is affiliated with the publisher of ‘Wellness Diary for Digestive Discomfort’ and could receive a small commission at no cost to you if a purchase is made via this link.

MINDFUL HOBBIES:
Free Chinese New Year 2025 Activity Booklet

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is a major holiday celebrated in China and Chinese communities worldwide. This year, it begins on Wednesday, January 29th, with celebrations spanning 15 days and concluding with the Lantern Festival on February 12th.

We’re celebrating the Year of the Wood Snake in 2025. This sign symbolizes wisdom, elegance and intuition. People born in the Year of the Snake are often considered resourceful, self-reliant and strategic thinkers.

Chinese New Year celebrations can significantly contribute to personal and community well-being in a variety of ways including promoting social health and mental health. For example, the festival emphasizes family reunions, strengthening social bonds and emotional support.

Mental Health benefits of celebrating Chinese New Year include:

• Practicing gratitude during celebrations

• Taking time for reflection and personal growth

• Enjoying quality time with loved ones

In summary, Chinese New Year celebrations are rich with traditions that promote holistic wellness, including vibrant decorations, festive meals and cultural activities that bring people together to foster a sense of renewal and hope for the coming year. What are your plans for Chinese New Year?