The international race for a successful vaccine, part 3b: Striving for a high percentage of Americans to receive a vaccination

With Phase 3 vaccine candidates approaching closer to U.S. authorization dates, health and industry leaders are consumed with the necessity of having as many of our population willing to be vaccinated. Besides protecting themselves from the Covid-19 virus, these Americans would also be helping to establish our country’s effective herd immunity level.

The international race for a successful vaccine, part 3: Are aggressive vaccine timelines unrealistic?

National Geographic explains that there are more than 150 coronavirus vaccines now being developed around the world. Hopes, therefore, are high that to ease the global crisis, at least one will be brought to market in record time!

The magazine continues, “Several efforts are underway to help make that possible, including the U.S. government’s (and President Trump’s) Operation Warp Speed Initiative, which has pledged $10 billion and aims to develop and deliver 300 million doses of a safe, effective coronavirus vaccine by January 2021.”

The international race for a successful vaccine, part 2: A clinical trial physician and his viewpoint on today’s vaccine/drug development

Dr. Michael Bukhalo, a Rolling Meadows dermatologist and primary investigator for clinical trials, would like to give us his viewpoint on the current international search for a successful corona virus vaccine and drugs.

The international race for a successful vaccine, part 1

The world is still living with the extreme health threat from what is now known officially as the Sars-CoV-2 virus. Because the corona virus germ spreads easily, a vast number of the earth’s populous of 7.8 billion people (United Nations elaborated by the Worldometer/August, 2020) is still susceptible to it. As a result of this humongous threat, large numbers of international countries are joining the race to develop a vaccine that could be used to curb the virus’ spread.

Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are asking pet owners to take precautions with furry members of their household.

A probe into homemade masks

Are all masks effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19?

Self-isolating presents a great time to get a pet

On October 10, 2011, I wrote a H&W column titled “THAT BLACK CAT MAY CROSS YOUR PATH,” a Halloween story. Due to the U.S. Recession in “full swing” at the time, large numbers of animals were being returned to shelters, with their owners unable to afford them. At that time, half of the 6-8 million animals in shelters were being euthanized.

COVID-19 fact vs. fiction

The large amount of information shared on our corona virus pandemic is presenting many dangerous myths currently being circulated. Here are 5 of these suspect stories that might help you stay safe in this dangerous news environment.

Meet the coronavirus challenge with a healthy respiratory system

We are in a pandemic where healthy lungs can mean the difference between life and death. As we age, our massive organs become less flexible, losing their strength and making it more difficult for us to breathe. In our present daily battle against the world evil pathogen, COVID-19, fortunately, there are a few ways to fight back by strengthening and preserving our lungs’ health.

Stress reactions to Coronavirus pandemic

A world pandemic health crisis can promote 5 common reactions.

Improving mental health in a quarantined Home

With the order from Governor JB Pritzker now in full effect, Illinois residents have been mandated to stay in their homes for all but the most essential of trips, effectively quarantining 12.6 million in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Organizations like the McHenry County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Northwest Suburbs (SCC), have been at the front lines in destigmatizing mental illnesses, and improving the lives of those afflicted by them, for decades.

The Coronavirus vs. the flu

Both infectious respiratory diseases with similar symptoms, the COVID-19 and the flu virus can appear to be similar, but are the result of different viruses. Here are similarities and contrasts between the two high impacting illnesses now spreading throughout parts of the U.S. and the world. The source of this info is Dr. Lisa Maragakis of John Hopkins Medicine.

Staying healthy in the winter months, part 2

As seen in Part 1 of this 2 Part Series on WINTER HEALTH AND SAFETY PROBLEMS, certain unique situations can occur during the Midwest’s long, cold, and dreary weather to challenge our residents’ health and safety. This brief Part 2 will explain a few top safety precautions to take while living in Sun City this season.

The Coronavirus and its possible spread throughout the world

Just a few weeks ago, scientists were hopeful that the new coronavirus would stay within the boundaries of China. Now they know that, at best, its spread can only be minimized. Governments around the world are guardedly planning for the worst scenarios.

Heed the stats

Todd Kane, a Sun City resident, had an observation.

“Our house backs up to Del Webb Blvd and a day doesn’t go by where I don’t see two or more ambulances and fire trucks go by. Kathy O’Toole, Sun City Fitness Manager, explained that Sun City generates well over 1,000 ambulance calls a year and that a vast majority of them are the result of falls in the house. The EMT told me that, by his observation, that those numbers are directionally correct, maybe even higher. Kathy thinks that anything the fitness department can do to improve strength and balance in our community’s residents would help to reduce those numbers.”

Staying healthy in the winter months, part 1

Did you know that seniors run a higher chance of getting health problems in the long drawn out weather conditions of the winter months? These issues might include hypothermia, frostbite, health issues while shoveling snow, falls on ice, auto accidents, and fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Be prepared to avoid these problems by taking precautions ahead of time.

2020 resolutions, part 2: Saying yes to positivity

Becoming an optimist in 2020 will have many valuable health results for your body and mind.

In their shoes

Walking around with a set of specialized sunglasses over your eyes and fluffy gloves with rubber bands around your fingers looks strange, but serves a purpose. This is the method in which you can personally experience what life is like for someone with dementia.

Dr. Jennifer Stelter gives lectures on what it’s like “In Their Shoes,” as she did recently at Alden of Huntley where Stelter serves as operations director of clinical programs.