Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Alcohol and Cancer Risk, Shingles Vaccine Insights, and Cold Weather Health Tips

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Alcohol and Cancer Risk, Shingles Vaccine Insights, and Cold Weather Health Tips · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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Welcome to Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow, your daily dose of the latest medical and health news from around the world, brought to
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you by artificial intelligence.
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I'm your host, Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow.
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I'm a cardiologist based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I'm here to keep you informed on
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the most recent developments in the world of medicine.
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Let's dive into today's headlines.
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Today, we're discussing a significant study that sheds light on the link between alcohol
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consumption and cancer risk.
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The study, published by the American Cancer Society in the journal Cancer, analyzed data
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spanning twenty years from over eighty-eight thousand adults in the United States.
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The research aimed to understand how long-term drinking habits impact the risk of developing
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colorectal cancer and precancerous colorectal adenomas, which are also known as polyps.
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Participants in the study provided information about their average weekly intake of beer,
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wine, and liquor across four different age periods: eighteen to twenty-four, twenty-five
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to thirty-nine, forty to fifty-four, and fifty-five and older.
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Researchers classified 'heavy drinkers' as those consuming more than fourteen drinks per
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week, while 'moderate drinkers' had between seven and fourteen drinks weekly.
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The study found that consistent heavy drinking over a lifetime was linked to a significantly
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higher risk of colorectal cancer, particularly rectal cancer.
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Specifically, heavy lifetime drinking was associated with a twenty-five percent higher
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overall risk of colorectal cancer and nearly doubled the risk of rectal cancer.
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In comparison, moderate lifetime drinking posed a lower overall risk.
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Consistently heavy drinkers had about a ninety-one percent higher risk of colorectal
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cancer compared to light drinkers.
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Interestingly, when it came to precancerous polyps, higher current lifetime drinking did
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not show a strong pattern.
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However, former drinkers exhibited a significantly lower risk of non-advanced
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adenomas compared to current light drinkers.
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Out of the eighty-eight thousand ninety-two participants, one thousand six hundred
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seventy-nine were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, highlighting the importance of
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understanding these risk factors.
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While the study provides valuable insights, it's important to note that it was
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observational and relied on self-reported data, which can introduce some limitations.
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Despite this, the findings suggest that consistently heavy alcohol intake and higher
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average lifetime consumption may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, whereas reducing or
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eliminating alcohol could potentially lower the risk of adenomas.
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The connection between alcohol consumption and cancer is not a new concept.
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Health experts have long warned about the potential dangers of drinking.
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Dr.
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Mark Hyman, chief medical officer of Function Health in California, has discussed how even
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moderate drinking affects nearly every organ system in the body, primarily due to metabolic
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stress, inflammation, impaired detoxification, and hormonal effects.
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Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can lower the risk of several cancers, including
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breast and colorectal cancer, over time.
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Dr.
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Pinchieh Chiang, a clinician at Circle Medical in San Francisco, emphasized that taking a
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break from alcohol for extended periods can lead to sustained improvements in health, such
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as better blood pressure, liver function, and reduced inflammation, which directly impacts
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the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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A new study from Canada has brought to light some intriguing findings about the relationship
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between the shingles vaccine and dementia risk.
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This study, which was published in the Lancet Neurology, shows that being eligible for a free
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shingles vaccine in Ontario was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia.
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The findings parallel those observed in other studies, including a "natural experiment"
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conducted in Wales.
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However, the exact mechanism by which the varicella zoster virus vaccination might
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protect against dementia remains unclear.
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The research, led by Dr.
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Pascal Geldsetzer from Stanford University, utilized data from Canada's network of primary
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care records.
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The study found that eligibility for a free live-attenuated zoster vaccine, known as
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Zostavax, correlated with a reduced likelihood of receiving a new dementia diagnosis by an
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absolute difference of two percentage points over five and a half years.
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This was determined through a quasi-randomized rollout of the shingles vaccine that began in
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2016 in Ontario.
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Residents who turned seventy-one on or after January 1, 2017, were eligible for the free
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vaccine, while those who turned seventy-one before this date were not.
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After the vaccination program was implemented, the incidence of new dementia diagnoses among
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eligible residents in Ontario was lower compared to their counterparts in other
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Canadian provinces where the free shingles vaccine program was not available.
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These results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a potential protective
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effect of the shingles vaccine against dementia.
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Dr.
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Geldsetzer highlighted that demonstrating these protective effects across different populations
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and datasets strengthens the evidence for a true cause-and-effect relationship between
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shingles vaccination and reduced dementia risk.
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In 2024, another study led by Dr.
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Maxime Taquet at the University of Oxford found that the recombinant subunit zoster vaccine,
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Shingrix, was associated with an even greater reduction in dementia risk compared to the live
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zoster vaccine.
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Furthermore, subsequent research indicated that two AS01-adjuvanted vaccines, including the
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recombinant shingles vaccine and the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, were also
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linked to lower dementia risk in the United States.
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Despite these promising findings, the exact way in which the varicella zoster virus vaccine
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offers protection against dementia is still a mystery.
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In an editorial accompanying the study, Dr.
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William McEwan and Dr.
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David Hunt from Edinburgh University suggested that the vaccine might have a non-specific
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immunomodulatory neuroprotective effect.
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They also pointed out that the benefits observed from both adjuvanted and
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live-attenuated vaccines imply that pathogen-specific mechanisms could be at play.
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This hypothesis is supported by the elevated dementia risk seen with repeated reactivation
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of the varicella zoster virus in the central nervous system.
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Another aspect to consider is whether the vaccination mediates protection by suppressing
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the varicella zoster virus itself or through indirect effects on other herpesviruses, such
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as herpes simplex virus type 1.
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The study focused on patients born between 1930 and 1960 who were registered with a primary
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care provider in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network.
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Of the over two hundred thirty-two thousand patients analyzed, more than fifty-four percent
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were women.
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The eligibility for the free vaccine split these patients into three groups based on their
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birthdate, with health characteristics at baseline being similar across these cohorts.
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From 2017 to mid-2022, over ten thousand patients at primary care facilities in Ontario
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received a new dementia diagnosis.
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When narrowing the sample to patients born twelve months on either side of January 1,
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1946, seven hundred fifty-one patients were diagnosed with dementia during the follow-up
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period.
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The dementia outcomes were similar for the cohorts eligible for the free vaccine, with
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analyses showing a consistent decrease in the probability of receiving a new dementia
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diagnosis by an absolute difference of two percentage points over five and a half years.
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However, the study's statistical power was limited by its short follow-up period and the
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relatively low incidence of dementia in individuals aged seventy-one to seventy-six and
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a half.
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The study also couldn’t determine the exact magnitude of the effect of receiving the
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vaccine versus merely being eligible for it on dementia diagnoses.
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Nonetheless, these findings open the door for further research into the potential protective
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effects of the shingles vaccine against dementia.
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Understanding the underlying mechanisms could pave the way for new strategies to prevent
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dementia, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
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Today, we're exploring an interesting trend that's helping adults tackle their endless
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to-do lists: group "admin nights." This concept, which is gaining popularity, is
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similar to a book club but instead of discussing literature, participants gather to
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complete those pesky tasks we've all been putting off.
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Whether it's sorting through emails, updating résumés, or even working on creative projects,
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these nights are about accountability and productivity.
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The idea of admin nights was popularized by journalist Chris Colin, who wrote about it for
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The Wall Street Journal.
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The essence of admin nights is simple: gather with friends or family in a social setting and
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use the time to tick off those back-burner tasks.
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It's a way to reclaim weeknights from being spent alone at home, and instead, turn them
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into productive, yet enjoyable, sessions.
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Benjamin Chipman, an actor and content creator in New York City, has been meeting his friend
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Nikita Suri every Tuesday for an admin night.
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While Chipman uses the time to work on a screenplay, Suri focuses on personal
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development tasks like enhancing her technology skills and cleaning out her inbox.
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For them, this routine has been life-changing, transforming tedious tasks into opportunities
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for personal growth.
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Clinical psychologist Dr.
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Debra Kissen emphasizes that having fewer people at an admin night can reduce
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distractions and foster a more focused environment.
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The key is to choose the right partner—someone who can be an accountability buddy and make the
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experience more enjoyable.
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For many, the social aspect of admin nights lightens the load of these otherwise boring
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tasks.
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The location of an admin night is also important.
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A place with a big enough table, minimal distractions, and a comfortable atmosphere can
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make a big difference.
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Bringing along snacks or drinks you enjoy can add a fun element to the night.
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For Chipman and Suri, this includes indulging in a chocolate chip cookie as a treat.
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Setting ground rules and deciding on a structure can help keep the night productive.
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Some people use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, working for a set period followed by
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a short break, to maintain focus.
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Customizing the structure to suit your needs, whether through virtual meet-ups or adjusting
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the timing, can make admin nights more effective and flexible.
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Admin nights don't have to be limited to evenings.
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They can be held at any time of the day that suits the participants' schedules.
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For some, mornings after a cup of coffee are ideal, while others might prefer midday
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sessions.
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The flexibility of admin nights allows them to be tailored to fit any lifestyle.
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For some couples, like Nicole Cappetta and her husband in Portland, Oregon, admin nights have
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evolved into "admin date nights." They use these evenings to manage their finances and
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plan for the future, which has significantly improved their financial health and
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communication.
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These nights have become a monthly ritual that transformed their relationship and helped them
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achieve major milestones, like buying their first home.
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The success of admin nights can be attributed to a concept known as "body doubling," a
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productivity strategy often used by individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome.
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It involves having someone around while working to boost motivation and focus.
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The environment created during admin nights replicates the vibe of a college library,
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fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
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Overall, admin nights are providing a creative and communal solution to the challenge of
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managing life's mundane tasks.
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By turning these tasks into social events, people find support, accountability, and an
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enjoyable way to get things done.
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Whether it's catching up on emails or pursuing long-held personal goals, admin nights offer a
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fresh take on productivity.
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As winter intensifies across much of the United States, with severe cold snaps and snowstorms,
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it's crucial to know how to stay safe in these frigid conditions.
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CNN recently spoke with Dr.
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Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington
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University, who shared some vital tips for navigating extreme cold weather safely.
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Dr.
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Wen explains that extreme cold can have significant impacts on the body.
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Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and making the heart
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work harder.
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Breathing in cold air can irritate the airways, and prolonged exposure increases the risk of
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frostbite and hypothermia, both of which can be very dangerous.
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Additionally, cold weather can impair dexterity and balance, increasing the risk of falls.
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Certain groups are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses.
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Older adults may struggle to regulate their body temperature, while young children lose
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heat faster than adults and may not notice symptoms of hypothermia.
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People with heart or lung disease, diabetes, circulation issues, or mobility problems also
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face higher risks.
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Medications that affect alertness or circulation can increase vulnerability as well.
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While these individuals don't need to stay indoors all the time, they should exercise
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caution when venturing outside.
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Preparation is key before heading out into the cold.
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Dr.
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Wen advises checking both the temperature and windchill, as wind increases heat loss.
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Plan your time outdoors and know if there are places to warm up.
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Try not to exercise alone outdoors, and if you do, let someone know where you are and consider
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sharing your live location.
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Ensure your phone is charged, and if driving, keep your gas tank at least half full while
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carrying essential supplies like blankets and coats.
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When it comes to injuries outside, falls are a major concern, particularly due to ice, which
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can be invisible.
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Slipping can result in fractures or head and spinal injuries, especially in older adults
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with lower bone density.
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Frostbite is another risk, as uncovered skin can develop frostbite quickly, especially on
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fingers, toes, ears, and the nose.
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Hypothermia, a medical emergency, occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce
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it.
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Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and clumsiness.
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Immediate action is crucial if you notice these signs.
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Snow shoveling can also be hazardous, placing sudden strain on the heart and muscles.
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Those with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult their clinician before
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shoveling or consider seeking help.
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Everyone should pace themselves, take breaks, and stop if they experience chest pain,
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shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue.
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There's no set time limit for safely being outdoors in extreme cold, as it depends on
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various factors like temperature, windchill, clothing, and individual health.
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Dr.
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Wen suggests paying close attention to your body.
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If you experience numbness, intense shivering, or confusion, it's time to head inside.
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Short, purposeful trips are safer than prolonged exposure.
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Children can enjoy playing in the snow if conditions are safe and they're dressed
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appropriately.
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Parental supervision and setting time limits are essential.
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Watch for signs of cold stress in children, such as pale or reddened skin, shivering, and
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irritability.
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If a child resists going back outside after warming up, it might be a sign they've had
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enough cold exposure.
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Once back indoors, warming up should be gradual.
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Remove wet clothing and change into dry layers.
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If there's concern for frostbite, use blankets or warm clothing rather than direct heat.
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Warm drinks can help raise body temperature, but avoid alcohol as it increases heat loss.
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Check for areas on the body that feel numb or hard, which could indicate frostbite.
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Staying active during cold spells is important.
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Dr.
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Wen recommends indoor workouts like body-weight exercises, stretching, stair climbing, or
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guided workout videos.
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Even short bursts of activity throughout the day can help maintain circulation and
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flexibility.
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In her experience, Dr.
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Wen notes that underestimating the risks of cold weather is a common mistake.
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People often go outside without proper clothing, stay out longer than planned, and
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ignore early warning signs from their body.
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Planning, paying attention to conditions, and being willing to cut activities short can keep
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you and your family safe during extreme cold.
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And that wraps up today's episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow.
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Thank you for joining us as we explored these important health topics.
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Stay warm, stay safe, and we'll be back tomorrow with more medical and health news from
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around the world.
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Until then, take care!