Health Updates: Brief Health-Related News Highlights for Today

Welcome back, folks! Buckle up for a fresh spread of health-related nuggets.

October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Whether you're a DJGR8IST or simply love a Latin beat, there's a curated playlist for you. While music is great, remember there's so much more to culture and heritage. Check out NPR's series to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of identity and storytelling.

Positive vibes all-around! The daily COVID-19 case count is happily trending downwards. Here's hoping this continues!

In this installment of The Download, we've got stats on COVID-19 and pregnancy, longevity tips, and yes, even some spooky astrology nonsense for the Halloween season.

The Largest Health Threat out There...

The World Health Organization dropped a surprise Halloween scary last week. Climate change is now officially crowned as "the single biggest health threat facing humanity." (Shivers!) But we all knew that didn't we?

So, for a truly eerie costume this year, fate's finger points to the iconic effigy of a Fossil Fuel. Air pollution, largely fueled by the burning of fossil fuels, claim 13 lives per minute. Going green might make for a less frightening feature in the annual parade of ghouls and monsters.

When we last spoke about climate change, the overwhelming dread was peppered with resources for coping and action. You can always revisit that if needed.

On to Living Longer... After All, Who Isn't?

Much like our planet, longevity research is heating up. Researchers have long been on the hunt for strategies to extend our time on earth. In 2018, Harvard researchers highlighted five habits may help increase our life expectancy. These aren't necessarily groundbreaking go-to's, but they're still worth mentioning.

The 5 Habits for (Maybe) Living Longer

Confirmed COVID cases in pregnant people

Balanced Diet: Consume more fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages. (Hello, avocado!)
Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise daily.
Healthy Weight: The Harvard researchers discuss body mass index (BMI). While it may not be the most accurate measure of health, maintaining a healthy weight is essential.
No Smoking: Quitting or never starting is the dream, obvi. If you're still smoking, quitting can drastically reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Moderate Drinking: Ladies, men, or whatever you prefer to identify as, limber up to half to two drinks per day at most. To put it simply, alcohol consumption should be minimal for optimal health outcomes.

Buckle Up for Flu Season

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It's not all about COVID-19 vaccines. A quick reminder: Don't forget your annual flu shot! While it may be overshadowed by global crises, the flu remains a serious issue. Grab your shot at the nearest pharmacy or schedule an appointment during your candy run.

Flu Shot Fact: Contrary to urban legends, the flu shot cannot make you sick! It's not made with live virus. And, the nasal spray version contains weakened virus.

If you feel unwell after receiving the flu vaccine, it's likely your immune system is building antibodies to protect you. Sadly, you might have contracted the flu before or right after getting the shot.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy: A Risky Combo

Pregnant people hospitalized for COVID

Let's get back to the most popular topic in town: vaccines against COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stressed the importance of getting vaccinated during their recent health advisory.

Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. They are also at an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Although unvaccinated pregnant people account for 97% of hospitalized COVID-19 cases among pregnant people, only 31% have been vaccinated so far.

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The Threat to Pregnant Individuals and Their Babies

Preterm birth
Stillbirth
ICU admission and ventilation for the mother and newborn
Other adverse pregnancy outcomes

A Pill with Promising Potential

We might soon have the first pill to effectively treat COVID-19. Merck recently submitted its application for emergency use authorization of molnupiravir, an oral antiviral drug intended for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults at high risk for severe illness or hospitalization.

Pregnant people who died from COVID

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks! Other antiviral drugs, such as those used for HIV, hepatitis C, the flu, and other viruses, are already available.

Fizzy Fun: Because You Need a Laugh

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The 10/9 episode of SNL brought on plenty of laughter with a fun seltzer sketch. If you're in the mood for refreshment alternatives, check out Greatist's recent hard seltzer taste test and roundup. In case you're seeking a non-alcoholic option, here are some top-rated sparkling water picks to tickle your fancy.

A Documentary Worth Watching

Fire up Hulu and watch "Jacinta," a heart-wrenching documentary following a mother and daughter battling a heroin addiction. This documentary beautifully explores the generational trauma often tied to substance use disorders.

Legal Action on the Texas Abortion Law

Supreme Court Justice, Oldon Wallace, granted a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of Texas abortion law SB 8. The law, which banned almost all abortions after 6 weeks, proved particularly controversial as it even allowed for cases of rape and incest.

The Link Between Astrology and Serial Killers... planets and psychopaths, anyone?

Please, don't take this seriously, it's plainly for entertainment purposes! Astrology Zodiac Signs recently conducted an informal study on the association between zodiac signs and serial killers, using data from Wikipedia, Murderpedia, and news reports.

Unexpected results? Scorpio, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Pisces were found to have the most serial killers, accounting for 38% of all recorded serial killers. At the other end of the spectrum were Taurus and Gemini, accounting for only 11% of serial killers. You might wonder what sign fossil fuels fall under...

The WHO has declared that climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity, surpassing even COVID-19. Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, and are also at an increased risk of pregnancy complications. A study found that Scorpio, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Pisces zodiac signs have the most reported serial killers, while Taurus and Gemini have the least.