Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Measles in Quebec, CES 2025 Health Tech, and Coffee's Health Benefits

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Measles in Quebec, CES 2025 Health Tech, and Coffee's Health Benefits · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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Good morning and welcome to Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow.
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I'm Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow, and today we're diving into the latest health headlines from around the world.
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Let's start with some concerning news coming out of Quebec, Canada, where a measles outbreak
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has been making headlines.
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The Quebec Health Ministry has confirmed an eleventh case of measles in the province.
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This latest case surfaced after the infected individual visited the Carrefour Laval mall on
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January seventh.
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This visit potentially exposed thousands of people to the highly contagious virus, as the
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person was contagious during their time at the mall and the nearby Renaud-Bray bookstore.
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Measles is known for its high contagion rate and is an airborne disease, which means it's
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spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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The symptoms include high fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that typically starts
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on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
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Unfortunately, Quebec has already faced two measles outbreaks in the past year – one in
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February and the other in December, which is still ongoing.
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The ministry is urging the public to be cautious, especially if they were present at
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the mall or other identified locations during the exposure times.
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These locations include places in Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, and
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Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.
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In fact, the current outbreak was declared in December after a case was imported from abroad,
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following the NATO conference at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in late November.
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If you've been in contact with someone who has measles and are not vaccinated, it's crucial to
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get vaccinated within seventy-two hours to protect yourself.
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Fortunately, people who are already protected against measles are unlikely to contract the
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disease.
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The Quebec Health Ministry has been actively updating its website with more locations of
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possible exposure, so it's a good idea to stay informed if you're in the area.
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Let's talk about a new trend in personal care products: whole-body deodorants.
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These products are popping up on store shelves next to traditional underarm deodorants,
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promising to control odor all over the body.
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But do we really need them?
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Let's delve into what experts have to say.
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According to Dr.
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Marisa Plescia, vice president of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, the trend of whole-body
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deodorants is gaining traction because some areas of the body, like the groin, are more
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prone to microbial growth and odor.
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However, many of these products are similar to conventional deodorants or body sprays,
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containing powdery elements like arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and magnesium carbonate
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to absorb sweat, along with fragrances to mask odor.
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Interestingly, some of these products incorporate antimicrobial compounds that target
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odor-causing bacteria.
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For instance, mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is used in some products to kill bacteria
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on the skin.
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Dr.
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Chris Adigun, a dermatologist, points out that while the exact mechanism isn't fully
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understood, these products can be effective if you're okay with sweating, as they help reduce
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odor without controlling sweat with aluminum salts found in traditional antiperspirants.
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Another approach involves ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, which increases the skin's
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pH, making it less hospitable for bacteria such as Staphylococcus hominis and Corynebacterium
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tuberculostearicum.
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Brands like Curie use witch hazel and post-biotics, which are byproducts of bacteria
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commonly found on the skin, to keep bacterial growth in check.
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Despite the innovation, experts like Dr.
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Adigun and Dr.
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Plescia question the necessity of full-body deodorants.
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From a biological standpoint, not all areas of the body produce odor, as apocrine glands,
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responsible for body odor, are primarily located in the armpits and groin.
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Most sweat glands do not release the fats and proteins that bacteria feed on to produce odor.
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Philosophically, Dr.
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Plescia challenges the notion that we need to mask our natural scent all over.
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She worries about the marketing message suggesting that we smell bad and must use
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deodorant everywhere.
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This concern is echoed by Dr.
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Adigun, who finds the message particularly troubling when targeted at women, perpetuating
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the idea that they need to cleanse their entire bodies to be acceptable.
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Moreover, there are potential downsides to using deodorants everywhere.
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Dr.
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Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist, warns that some ingredients in whole-body deodorants can
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irritate sensitive skin.
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It's especially important for people with vaginas to be cautious, as certain ingredients
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might disrupt the delicate balance of microflora, leading to infections.
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Ultimately, if you enjoy the scent and feel of these products and do not have sensitive skin,
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using them isn't necessarily harmful.
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However, regular bathing with soap and water should suffice for most people, as Dr.
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Downie suggests.
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It's about finding what works for you while being mindful of your skin's sensitivity.
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Let's explore some of the most exciting health and fitness technologies showcased at CES 2025,
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which promise to revolutionize our approach to well-being.
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The first standout is the Frenz Brainband from Earable Neuroscience.
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This artificial intelligence-powered sleep headband does more than just track your
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sleep—it actively helps you sleep better and stay more focused during the day.
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Utilizing advanced technology, it monitors your brain waves, eye movements, and even tiny
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facial twitches while you sleep.
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The Brainband then uses this data to play personalized audio through bone-conduction
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speakers, assisting you in falling asleep faster and achieving deeper sleep.
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Supported by research and a CES Innovation Award, the Frenz Brainband is available for
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purchase at $680 or through a rental option at $45 per month.
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Next, we have the EarSight Flow by Bebird, a smart ear-cleaning device that offers a live
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view of the ear canal through a smartphone app.
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This device integrates a high-definition camera with Aquatic Ear Canal Cleaning Technology,
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allowing for safe earwax removal.
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It has been recognized with a CES 2025 Innovation Award in the digital health
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category.
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The EarSight Flow provides a modern solution for ear hygiene, combining precision with
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safety, and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
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Health care professionals recommend consulting a medical expert before using any ear-cleaning
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device to ensure proper use.
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The Circular Ring 2 from Circular introduces a revolutionary digital sizing method for
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determining your ring size using just a smartphone camera and app.
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This smart ring also features an FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection algorithm, the
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first of its kind in the smart ring market.
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Scheduled for launch in January 2025, the Circular Ring 2 will retail between $349 and
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$380, depending on the finish.
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Notably, it is subscription-free, making it an attractive option for those interested in
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personal health monitoring without recurring fees.
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For those seeking an advanced home workout solution, the Amp Fitness machine offers a
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groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered home gym experience.
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Priced at $1,795, this device includes adjustable cable machine weights and a smart
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companion app that delivers dynamic workouts tailored to maximize fitness gains.
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The Amp Fitness machine's AI technology constantly analyzes performance, adjusting
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resistance and intensity to ensure a challenging and progressive workout.
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It's available with a $99 deposit and is expected to ship in early 2025.
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The Elehear Beyond Pro is a notable advancement in hearing technology, combining artificial
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intelligence with user-friendly features.
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This over-the-counter hearing aid provides real-time translation across multiple languages
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and customizable tinnitus relief.
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Elehear's proprietary Vocclear technology enhances sound clarity and speech
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intelligibility, making the Beyond Pro an invaluable tool for those with hearing issues.
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The hearing aid is set to be released later in 2025.
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Another intriguing innovation is the electric salt spoon from Kirin Holdings, which enhances
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the flavor of food using a mild electrical current without adding sodium.
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This $127 device concentrates sodium ions on the tongue, making low-sodium foods taste up to
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1.5 times saltier.
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It offers four adjustable intensity levels and is developed in collaboration with Meiji
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University.
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This device addresses health concerns by helping people enjoy flavorful meals while
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reducing salt intake.
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LG's AeroCatTower is a smart air purifier that doubles as a cat pampering station.
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It features a dome-shaped seat with a built-in heater and an attachable stepper to aid older
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cats.
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The intelligent air purification system adjusts airflow when a cat is present, minimizing
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disturbance.
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Through the LG ThinQ app, pet owners can track their cat's weight and sleep patterns, adding a
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new dimension to pet care technology.
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Pricing and availability for the AeroCatTower have not yet been disclosed.
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For yoga enthusiasts, the YoctoMat offers a personal yoga instructor experience through its
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smart mat technology.
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Embedded sensors provide real-time feedback on posture, balance, and weight distribution,
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helping you perfect your alignment and technique.
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The mat's advanced IoT capabilities allow you to track progress and receive instant
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corrections, making every yoga session a chance for growth and mindfulness.
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Lightweight and portable, the YoctoMat brings the expertise of a yoga studio into your home.
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The eSight Go by ESight is a cutting-edge digital glasses innovation designed to assist
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individuals with central vision loss.
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It features a high-definition camera that captures continuous video footage, optimized
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for viewing on HD OLED screens.
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Users can integrate their prescription lenses for enhanced visual optimization.
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Engineered for all-day wear, the eSight Go includes built-in controls and a neck-worn
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battery pack for up to three hours of continuous use.
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Priced at $4,950, it offers a significant advancement in vision enhancement technology.
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The iSleePad by ITRI is a contactless sleep-tracking solution that monitors vital
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health data without the discomfort of wearable devices.
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Using low-power microwave sensor technology, it tracks sleep metrics like heart rate,
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breathing, and sleep position with high precision.
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Positioned under the shoulders and torso, the iSleePad offers real-time alerts for bed exits
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and a Schumann wave mode for promoting deep sleep.
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Its smartphone app integration allows users to access real-time data and long-term
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physiological records.
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Lastly, the Omnia by Withings is an AI-powered smart mirror that provides comprehensive health
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screening.
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Equipped with advanced sensors, it captures health metrics such as weight, heart health,
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and body composition, offering personalized insights through a voice assistant.
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The Omnia integrates data from multiple Withings devices and third-party health apps,
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creating a holistic health monitoring ecosystem.
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Currently a concept product, the Omnia is still in development with no clear pricing details
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available.
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A troubling story has emerged from San Bernardino, California, where a man named
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Joseph Journell experienced the tragic loss of two of his beloved pet cats after they drank
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raw milk contaminated with the H5N1 bird flu virus.
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The milk in question had been recalled by Raw Farm in Fresno, California, but not before
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Alexander, a 14-year-old tabby, and Tuxsie, a 4-year-old tuxedo cat, consumed it and
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subsequently died.
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Another cat, Big Boy, was also affected but managed to survive after being hospitalized and
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treated with antiviral medications.
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The cats were kept indoors and had no exposure to infected birds, indicating that the raw milk
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was indeed the source of the virus.
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Joseph Journell had been feeding his cats raw cow’s milk from Raw Farm, believing it had
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"better immunity and healing properties" than pasteurized milk.
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This tragic incident highlights the potential risks associated with consuming raw milk, which
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health officials warn can carry various pathogens, including the bird flu virus.
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Following the incident, Journell demanded compensation from Raw Farm for the $12,000 he
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incurred in veterinary expenses.
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However, Raw Farm's owner, Mark McAfee, contested the claim, suggesting that the virus
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should not have been capable of making the animals sick by the time the milk was consumed.
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Nonetheless, experts, including Richard Webby from St.
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Jude Children’s Research Hospital, have confirmed that cats consuming raw milk from
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infected cows can develop neurological disease and die, as observed in nearly a dozen cases
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across California.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously confirmed that cats who drank
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raw milk from infected cows developed neurological disease and died.
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This case is part of a larger outbreak affecting over 900 dairy herds across 16
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states, with a significant number of these in California.
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Health officials advise against the consumption of raw milk and raw meat diets for both humans
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and pets due to the risk of infection.
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Joseph Journell himself fell ill after the incident but was not tested for bird flu at the
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time due to a lack of available tests.
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He has since recovered physically but continues to grapple with the emotional impact of losing
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his pets.
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Despite his ordeal, Journell still believes in some of the purported health benefits of raw
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milk, though he has decided not to consume it again in the near future.
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Our final story today offers a fresh perspective on a beloved morning ritual—coffee
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drinking—and its potential health benefits.
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Recent research from Tulane University, published in the European Heart Journal,
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suggests that the timing of your coffee consumption may be just as important as the
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amount you drink.
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This study reveals that drinking coffee in the morning is associated with a lower risk of
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cardiovascular disease and a reduced overall mortality rate compared to drinking coffee
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throughout the day.
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The study tracked the coffee consumption habits and health outcomes of over forty thousand
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adults, highlighting that those who primarily drank coffee before midday had a sixteen
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percent lower risk of dying from any cause and a thirty-one percent lower risk of dying from
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cardiovascular disease.
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This is compared to non-coffee drinkers, with no significant risk reduction observed in those
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who consumed coffee all day.
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Led by Dr.
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Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine,
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the research emphasizes that caffeine's effects on the body might vary depending on when it's
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consumed.
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Dr.
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Qi points out that while coffee is known to lower the risk of some chronic diseases, like
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type 2 diabetes, this study is the first to investigate whether the timing of consumption
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affects heart health.
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The study involved participants from the United States National Health and Nutrition
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Examination Survey between 1999 and 2018.
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Participants reported their food and drink intake, including coffee consumption, while a
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subgroup maintained a detailed diary for a week.
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Researchers linked these records to mortality data over a nine to ten-year period, finding
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that morning coffee drinkers benefitted from lower health risks.
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Dr.
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Qi suggests that drinking coffee in the morning might align better with our natural circadian
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rhythms, potentially minimizing disruptions to hormones like melatonin, which can affect
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cardiovascular health.
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However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings across different populations and
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to explore the biological mechanisms involved.
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An editorial accompanying the study, authored by Professor Thomas F.
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Lüscher from Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London, supports these findings.
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He notes that morning coffee drinkers showed lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular
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mortality, possibly due to the natural increase in sympathetic activity that occurs in the
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morning, which diminishes throughout the day.
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Professor Lüscher also points out that coffee may suppress melatonin, which could explain why
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all-day coffee drinkers often experience sleep disturbances.
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The editorial reinforces the growing body of evidence that morning coffee consumption is
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likely beneficial to health, encouraging people to enjoy their coffee in the morning.
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As we conclude today's episode, it's clear that the timing of our daily habits can have a
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significant impact on our health.
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Whether it's the timing of your coffee or other lifestyle choices, these small adjustments
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might make a big difference.
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Thank you for joining me on Morning Medical with Dr.
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Chow.
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I'm Dr.
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Chi-Ming Chow, wishing you good health and a mindful start to your day.
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Until next time, take care.