Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Healthy Eating Insights, Fentanyl Recovery, and Cybersecurity for Seniors

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Healthy Eating Insights, Fentanyl Recovery, and Cybersecurity for Seniors · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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  Good morning, listeners!
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  Welcome back to Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  I'm Dr.
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  Chi-Ming Chow, your host, bringing you the latest in medical and health news from around
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  the globe.
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  As a cardiologist and professor at the University of Toronto, I'm thrilled to explore
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  today's headlines with you.
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  Let's dive in!
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  Our first story today is about the crucial role of healthy eating in middle age and its impact
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  on longevity.
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  A recent study from the Harvard T.H.
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  Chan School of Public Health highlights a significant benefit: adopting healthy eating
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  habits during middle age can boost the likelihood of healthy aging.
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  This study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, suggests that a moderate intake of
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  healthy, animal-based foods and a lower intake of ultraprocessed foods can increase your
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  chances of reaching age 70 with good cognitive, physical, and mental health, free from major
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  diseases.
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  The research was a collaborative effort involving experts from the University of
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  Copenhagen and the University of Montreal.
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  It analyzed diet and health data for over 105,000 women and men aged 39 to 69 over a span
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  of 30 years.
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  Participants were scored based on their self-reported diets, which included various
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  healthy eating plans emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats,
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  nuts, legumes, and some healthy animal-based foods like fish and certain dairy products.
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  One of the most striking findings was linked to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, or AHEI.
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  This diet showed an 86 percent greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years old.
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  It focuses on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and
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  healthy fats while limiting red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium, and
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  refined grains.
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  Interestingly, the study also found that participants who consumed more processed foods
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  had a lower likelihood of healthy aging.
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  Processed meats and sugary or diet beverages were identified as the main culprits.
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  The researchers emphasized that while there is no one-size-fits-all diet, dietary patterns
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  rich in plant-based foods with moderate inclusion of healthy, animal-based foods can
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  promote overall healthy aging.
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  The study's authors, including Frank Hu from Harvard and Marta Guasch-Ferré from the
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  University of Copenhagen, suggest that these findings could help shape future dietary
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  guidelines.
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  They also noted the importance of adapting healthy diets to fit individual needs and
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  preferences.
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  Although the study was limited to health professionals, it provides valuable insights
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  that could benefit the wider population.
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  Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian who reviewed the findings,
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  highlighted how this data underscores the importance of healthy eating throughout life,
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  especially during midlife.
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  She pointed out the potential for significant savings on healthcare costs by promoting
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  healthy aging and improving quality of life.
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  The study was supported by several prominent organizations, including the National
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  Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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  Further studies are anticipated to confirm these findings across more diverse populations.
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  Today, we're delving into a poignant story from CNN about the complex journey of recovery from
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  fentanyl addiction, focusing on four women who have bravely shared their experiences.
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  Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that's 50 times stronger than heroin, has been a leading cause
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  of death among adults under 50 in the United States.
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  Despite a recent decline in overdose deaths, the struggle remains severe for many.
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  Crystal Quigley is one of these women.
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  Her story is one of hope, relapse, and the ongoing battle for sobriety.
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  Crystal, a mother of five, was sober for two years before relapsing on illicit fentanyl.
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  She candidly shared with CNN that she often felt unworthy of her accomplishments, leading
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  to self-sabotage.
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  Despite numerous overdoses, Crystal credits buprenorphine, particularly a monthly
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  injectable form called Sublocade, with helping her feel more normal than ever before.
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  However, she acknowledges the challenges of maintaining long-term sobriety, especially
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  given the potency of fentanyl.
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  Another compelling story is that of Marisa Delles, who used fentanyl while pregnant.
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  Like many, her addiction began with prescription opioids.
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  Marisa's mother, who became addicted after a back surgery, died of a fentanyl overdose.
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  Marisa herself struggled with the powerful grip of addiction, describing withdrawal as the
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  hardest thing she has ever faced.
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  During her pregnancy, she transitioned to methadone, a stronger medication than
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  buprenorphine, which helped her stop using fentanyl.
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  Her son, Luca, was born healthy, and Marisa continues her recovery journey, determined to
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  give her child a normal life.
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  Jen Gauthier, another woman featured in the story, battled opioid use for over a decade.
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  Her journey began with a car accident that led to a prescription for hydrocodone.
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  As opioids became more restricted, she turned to heroin and eventually fentanyl.
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  Jen found stability with methadone, which she has been on since becoming pregnant with her
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  son, Parker.
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  She acknowledges the ongoing presence of addiction but is committed to doing whatever it
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  takes to be there for her child.
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  Finally, Britiny Mapp's story highlights the intersection of race and addiction.
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  Living in Kensington, Pennsylvania, she has encountered a new challenge: "tranq," a
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  combination of fentanyl and animal sedatives, which causes severe physical damage.
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  Despite the dire circumstances, Britiny emphasizes that people struggling with
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  addiction are not bad people; rather, they are caught in a cycle that's difficult to escape.
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  Her story underscores the need for compassion and support for those battling addiction.
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  These narratives illustrate the profound challenges and resilience of individuals
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  recovering from fentanyl addiction.
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  It's crucial to foster understanding and provide the necessary support to help them
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  overcome these obstacles.
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  If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, remember that help is available.
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  Today, we're diving into a fascinating topic that might surprise some of you: the benefits
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  of adults sleeping with stuffed animals.
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  This isn't just a quirky habit; it turns out, there are some compelling reasons why this can
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  actually be good for you.
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  According to sales data, over twenty percent of plush toys were purchased by adults in 2024,
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  and this interest has seen a notable increase since the pandemic.
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  Experts suggest that stuffed animals provide comfort during times of uncertainty and help
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  adults connect to cherished childhood memories.
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  Therapists sometimes use stuffed animals as tools to help adults process childhood trauma
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  and practice self-soothing.
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  These plush companions might fulfill an evolutionary need for feeling safe during sleep
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  by simulating social contact, which is something our ancestors might have experienced
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  when living in tribes.
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  Mental health professionals note that using plush toys for stress relief can be healthier
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  than turning to alternatives like alcohol or medication.
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  This sentiment is echoed by Max Genecov, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at
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  the University of Pennsylvania, who is also a father and a stuffed animal enthusiast.
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  He fondly recalls having a big fantasy life with them as a child and continues to find
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  comfort in them as an adult.
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  Interestingly, Build-A-Bear, a company known for creating custom stuffed animals, has even
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  dedicated a section of its website to products for grown-ups.
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  A survey they commissioned found that more than half of people held onto a childhood stuffed
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  animal, and about forty percent reported sleeping with a plush toy.
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  Dr.
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  Jade Wu, a sleep psychologist and founder of Thrive Sleep Clinic, suggests that in times of
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  uncertainty, people may seek more comfort.
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  For those living alone, having a cuddly companion at night can be particularly
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  soothing.
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  She emphasizes that there's nothing wrong with adults using stuffed animals to sleep better,
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  highlighting the numerous positives associated with this practice.
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  In Seattle, mental health therapist Dr.
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  Jessica Lamar uses stuffed animals with adults who are working through trauma.
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  Patients often create bears to represent their inner child, allowing them to heal from
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  childhood trauma by providing the comfort and connection they may have lacked as children.
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  Dr.
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  Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist, notes that using a stuffed animal for comfort
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  can serve as a healthy model for children.
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  Teaching kids to self-soothe and self-regulate is crucial, and seeing adults practice this
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  with stuffed animals can be beneficial.
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  Stuffed animals might also meet our evolutionary needs for safety during sleep.
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  Dr.
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  Wu explains that humans evolved to live in communities, and sleeping with others provides
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  a sense of security.
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  A stuffed animal can be a good alternative for those who sleep alone, offering a similar sense
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  of comfort.
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  Some stuffed animals are even weighted to provide a little extra pressure, similar to a
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  weighted blanket, which can help calm the mind and body.
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  This tactile sensation can signal to your brain that it's time to wind down, aiding in better
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  sleep quality.
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  In conclusion, whether it's displayed on a shelf, tucked away in a closet, or ready for a
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  nighttime cuddle, stuffed animals can be a great way to improve your sleep and manage
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  stress.
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  As Dr.
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  Greenberg states, using a stuffed animal is a much better alternative than taking a
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  tranquilizer or having a nightcap, as it harms no one and could significantly enhance
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  well-being.
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  Today, let's explore a fascinating intersection between entertainment and medicine.
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  If you're a fan of the HBO series "The White Lotus," you might have noticed that lorazepam,
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  a powerful benzodiazepine, has taken on a significant role in this season's storyline.
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  This medication is often used to treat anxiety disorders, and it's important to understand its
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  effects and risks.
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  In a memorable scene, Victoria Ratliff, played by Parker Posey, questions her children about
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  missing lorazepam pills from her prescription.
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  However, it's her husband, Timothy, portrayed by Jason Isaacs, who has been secretly taking
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  them.
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  The show shines a light on the complexities of using such a medication and the potential for
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  misuse.
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  To gain more insight into lorazepam, CNN's Ben Tinker interviewed Dr.
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  Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian Weill
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  Cornell Medical Center.
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  Dr.
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  Saltz emphasized that while lorazepam can be effective for treating short-term high anxiety
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  or panic attacks, it's crucial to use it only as prescribed due to its addictive nature.
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  Benzodiazepines like lorazepam work by increasing the neurotransmitter GABA in the
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  brain, which has a calming effect.
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  However, over time, users can develop a tolerance, necessitating higher doses to
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  achieve the same relief.
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  Dr.
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  Saltz highlighted several important considerations for those prescribed lorazepam.
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  For instance, due to its sedative effects, individuals should avoid driving or operating
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  heavy machinery.
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  It's also essential to be cautious of dizziness and the potential for respiratory depression if
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  taken in large doses or combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as
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  alcohol or opioids.
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  The potential for abuse with lorazepam is significant, particularly because it can be
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  psychologically addictive.
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  As Dr.
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  Saltz explained, the relief from anxiety that lorazepam provides can make individuals more
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  inclined to take it repeatedly, even if they aren't physically dependent.
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  This can lead to misuse, especially in people who might be using it in response to social
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  anxiety or panic.
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  Lorazepam is a controlled substance, which means it's more strictly regulated than
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  medications like antibiotics.
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  Physicians need to carefully monitor prescriptions and refills, ensuring that
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  patients aren't using the medication more quickly than intended.
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  This careful oversight is crucial to prevent tolerance and potential dependency.
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  In "The White Lotus," we see Timothy taking lorazepam while also consuming alcohol, a
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  combination that can be particularly dangerous.
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  Both substances affect the GABA system and can lead to severe interactions, including
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  respiratory depression.
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  This highlights the importance of avoiding alcohol while taking lorazepam.
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  Interestingly, the storyline also touches on withdrawal symptoms.
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  If someone abruptly stops taking lorazepam after regular use, they might experience
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  withdrawal, which can include increased anxiety, flu-like symptoms, and even
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  life-threatening complications.
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  Dr.
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  Saltz noted that withdrawal depends on how regularly the medication was used.
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  While lorazepam can be beneficial for some, not everyone with anxiety needs this medication.
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  Dr.
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  Saltz recommends exploring other anxiety management strategies, such as deep breathing
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  exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and regular aerobic exercise.
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  Talking to a therapist or supportive individual can also be incredibly helpful.
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  Today, we're addressing a pressing issue affecting a growing segment of the population:
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  digital threats targeting America's seniors.
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  As technology evolves at a rapid pace, older adults find themselves at an increased risk of
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  falling victim to scams and fraud, a concern highlighted by experts in the field.
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  Tom Kamber, founder and executive director of the national nonprofit Older Adults Technology
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  Services, part of the American Association of Retired Persons, warns that seniors are
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  disproportionately targeted by online scammers.
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  According to Kamber, the primary obstacle for seniors in using technology is the fear of
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  privacy violations.
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  This fear is well-founded, as older adults are five times more likely to lose money to scams
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  than younger individuals.
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  One of the most prevalent threats comes in the form of artificial intelligence deep fakes,
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  which can deceive seniors into believing false information.
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  To combat these risks, Kamber emphasizes the importance of developing skills to enable
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  password protection and the ability to recognize deep fakes.
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  Licensed social worker and gerontologist Macie Smith advises seniors to be wary of unknown
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  callers and to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links.
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  In particular, artificial intelligence voice cloning poses a significant threat, as it can
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  mimic the voice of a loved one to solicit money.
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  Smith suggests that seniors verify any suspicious messages by contacting the sender
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  directly.
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  Kamber also highlights the challenges posed by artificial intelligence-generated content on
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  social media, which can often blur the line between what's real and what's fabricated.
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  He encourages seniors to apply common sense and "street smarts" to their online interactions,
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  recognizing that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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  To safeguard themselves, seniors should maintain open communication with family members
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  and friends who can assist with technology-related questions.
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  Sharing login information with a trusted individual can provide an additional layer of
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  security and help verify the authenticity of online content.
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  Older Adults Technology Services, in partnership with Verizon, is launching a new
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  initiative to train seniors on digital safety.
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  This program aims to teach digital wellness in Verizon stores and senior centers, helping
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  older adults enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing risks.
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  This effort is crucial as many seniors rely on the internet for essential services, such as
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  managing Social Security benefits.
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  Donna Epps, chief responsible business officer for Verizon, stresses the need for digital
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  literacy training among seniors, underscoring the importance of staying current on what
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  constitutes good digital hygiene.
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  By equipping seniors with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely,
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  we can help reduce their vulnerability to scams and enhance their overall well-being.
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  For our final segment today, we're turning our attention to the movement of academic talent
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  across borders, specifically from the United States to Canada.
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  As reported by CBC News, there's a potential brain drain occurring in the United States,
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  which could turn into a significant gain for Canada.
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  This shift is largely attributed to recent funding cuts and restrictions imposed by the
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  administration of former President Donald Trump, which have created an unstable
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  environment for academics and scientists in the United States.
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  Over the past several months, American academics and scientists have been navigating a
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  landscape fraught with challenges.
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  Massive funding cuts and new restrictions have been ordered by Trump, targeting the scientific
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  community and leading to a weakening of the U.S.
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  academic landscape.
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  This situation, however, presents an opportunity for Canada to attract top talent
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  from the United States.
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  Gabriel Miller, president and chief executive officer of Universities Canada, pointed out
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  that the more questions and concerns arise in the United States, the more opportunities there
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  are for Canada to reassert its leadership as a global research powerhouse.
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  With the United States historically being a dominant force in academia, these recent
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  developments have opened the door for Canadian institutions to benefit from the influx of U.S.
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  talent.
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  The Trump administration's aggressive campaign against academia includes slashing federal
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  funding and restricting institutions from international collaboration.
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  Executive orders have led to the deletion of scientific data and censorship of language,
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  causing concern among researchers whose work contradicts the administration's goals.
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  As a result, many American academics are considering or have already made the move to
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  Canada, seeking a more supportive environment for their work.
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  Notably, some prominent academics have already relocated.
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  Jason Stanley, a philosophy professor, and two historians from Yale University have joined the
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  University of Toronto, citing the "far-right regime" under Trump as a driving factor.
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  This movement isn't isolated, as increased interest from U.S.-based scientists in Canadian
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  positions is being reported by various members of the Canadian research community.
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  Quebec's Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, has actively sought to recruit
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  scientific talent from the United States, criticizing the climate-skeptic directions of
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  the Trump administration.
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  Similarly, provinces like Manitoba and British Columbia have launched initiatives to attract
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  U.S.
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  healthcare professionals.
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  However, there are challenges.
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  Canada has been working to reduce international student numbers to alleviate housing market
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  pressures, which could complicate efforts to attract U.S.
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  talent.
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  Despite this, there's potential for Canada to expand existing pathways, such as the Canada
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  Excellence Research Chair, which supports universities in attracting top researchers.
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  This moment represents a unique opportunity for Canada to strengthen its position in the global
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  academic community.
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  As Gabriel Miller noted, it's a reminder for Canada to value its outstanding research and
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  seize the chance to become a leader in attracting global talent.
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  The question remains whether Canada will fully capitalize on this opportunity and emerge as a
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  beacon for scientific and academic excellence.
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  That's all for today's episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  We've covered a range of compelling topics, from the importance of healthy eating in middle
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  age to the potential benefits of a U.S.
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  brain drain for Canada.
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  Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to exploring more health and medical news with you
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  tomorrow.
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  Stay healthy and informed!