Last week Dr. Rod Hochman, American Hospital Association (AHA) Chair, friend, and fellow rheumatologist/immunologist, during an informative call with former AHA Board members and leaders, named six major trends for the next decade. Although very unwelcome, COVID-19’s overall noxious effect on the world has highlighted and accelerated these anticipated developments:
Allen S. Weiss, MD, FACP, FACR, MBA
Recent posts by Allen S. Weiss, MD, FACP, FACR, MBA
3 min read
In honor of Black History Month, a profile of a local champion and Sharecare colleague: John Bobb-Semple
Black History Month typically focuses on the courage and fortitude found in heroes who have overcome hardships and pathos endured by generations.
Past suffering, prejudices, inequities, and injustices should always be remembered so as not to be repeated.
Thus, a better future can be created for everyone.
Topics: Right Tribe Family First connect
9 min read
Hunger, Food Insecurity, and Obesity—Finding a Common Cure
The stress of COVID-19 has exacerbated the paradox of worsening hunger and food insecurity superimposed on a pre-existing overweight and obese population. What is a cure for these intersecting maladies?
Topics: Bulletin
4 min read
Secrets to a long, happy life from 102-year old Naples, FL resident
“I feel as though I’m free from the virus, I hope,” shared 102-year-old bright and engaged Mrs. Ruth Anderson, after she received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine recently. She expressed her thoughts in a short video.
Topics: Bulletin
3 min read
COVID-19 vaccines are here...now what?
COVID-19 vaccination could not be a timelier subject because one in thirteen Americans has already suffered from the infection, which carries a single-digit mortality rate. Survival has improved from March 2020 when the pathophysiology of the virus was not well understood and the treatment was not as effective as current therapy.
Topics: Bulletin
3 min read
"Keep moving" is great advice for health and well-being
Each New Year brings resolutions that sadly fall to the wayside after a few weeks. A typical example is trying to adopt a better exercise routine. Interestingly, new recommendations were recently suggested for all
age groups and also special groups
including people with disabilities and pregnant women.
[1]
Globally, about
30% of the population is inactive, with a wide variation among nations.
[2]
Topics: Move Naturally Bulletin
6 min read
The Proof Case for Addressing the Negative Social Determinants of Health
Up to
half of all premature deaths are preventable
by modifying behaviors and exposures that occur in communities.[1] “
The Case For More Active Policy Attention To Health Promotion
” sharpens readers’ attention to policy changes directed at disease prevention and health promotion.[2] Rather than spending over 95% of the
$3.5 trillion (2017)
healthcare dollars on disease, wouldn’t moving upstream to prevent illness in the first place make more sense?[3] The nation has been focused on providing health care rather than creating health.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
A 2020 retrospective: Blue Zones Project communities demonstrate resilience
Relentless resilience and amazing accomplishments by teams in more than 50 communities were among the powerful themes highlighted by Blue Zones Project SVP Michael Acker in a celebratory colleague Town Hall meeting at the end of 2020.
Topics: Bulletin
2 min read
Human interaction essential for well-being
Words, gestures, and their delivery matter. “
People’s words and actions can actually shape your brain,” is the title of a TED talk by Lisa Feldman Barrett, a frequently cited expert on neuroscience and psychology.
Topics: Right Tribe Bulletin Loved Ones First
4 min read
On the Verge of a Vaccine: How to Encourage Wide Acceptance
The world is on the verge of available COVID-19 vaccines. How can we encourage people to take a vaccine, and why is this question even a consideration?
An answer may be “science denial”—the result of low science literacy—which is a thesis proposed in a Nov. 2020 JAMA article regarding brain mechanisms “that form and maintain false beliefs.” [1] The range of proficiency with science varies markedly, as documented in the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress exam taken by 11,000 high school seniors. [2] Only 22% were “proficient” in science and 40% were “below basic knowledge.” The denial problem is a major threat to individual health and community well-being.
An answer may be “science denial”—the result of low science literacy—which is a thesis proposed in a Nov. 2020 JAMA article regarding brain mechanisms “that form and maintain false beliefs.” [1] The range of proficiency with science varies markedly, as documented in the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress exam taken by 11,000 high school seniors. [2] Only 22% were “proficient” in science and 40% were “below basic knowledge.” The denial problem is a major threat to individual health and community well-being.
