MedBuzz Article: The Role of Circadian Rhythm in Chronic Diseases
By: Aabha Upadhyaya
Understanding Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythms are natural internal processes which regulate the sleep cycle and recur every 24 hours. Various physiological functions in the body are influenced by these rhythms such as digestion and hormone release. It is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. This control center coordinates biological functions through signals which are often influenced by external cues such as light. Proper synchronization of circadian rhythm with environmental signals is needed to maintain health with disruptions causing misalignment increasing risk of chronic disease
Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Chronic Disease
1. Metabolic Disorders
Various metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are linked to circadian rhythm disturbances. Glucose metabolism regulation for example is influenced by a person's circadian rhythm- especially through the timing of food intake and insulin sensitivity. Irregular eating can disrupt these rhythms and increase insulin resistance and promote fat storage. These are all the key features of type 2 diabetes. In fact, working irregular and long shifts have been found to increase metabolic dysfunction due to increasing irregularity of food and sleep.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular systems also greatly rely on circadian rhythms. Aspects such as blood pressure and heart rate fluctuate throughout the day as a result of this. In the morning, blood pressure tends to rise- and likewise fall during the night. This pattern is often referred to as the ‘dipper pattern. Even some cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks have been shown to follow a circadian pattern showing higher incidence for these diseases in the morning. Once again, shift work disrupts this rhythm leading to increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases such as a stroke.
3. Cancer
Turning away from the sect of treatable diseases, many studies have begun to suggest that disruptions in the circadian rhythm play a significant role in cancer development. As mentioned before, the shift can lead to a change in hormone levels. A change in hormone levels harms as well as lessens the production of melanin. melanin is known to have anti cancer properties, with low melanin levels having a direct link to cancer development. Even the treatment for these illnesses is influenced by circadian rhythms. Chemotherapy for instance has been shown to be more effective at certain times of the day that align with when the body is most receptive during the circadian rhythm.
4. Autoimmune Diseases
Further studies tie the connection between chronic disease and the circadian rhythm by discussing its influence on the immune system. For example, a change in circadian rhythm has the potential to exacerbate the severity of symptoms leading to the immune system attacking its own tissue. However, while these disruptions cause a lot of trouble- they also push scientists towards the right direction when researching new drugs. In conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis the symptoms often worsen during the morning, and many scientists are working to figure out how to trick the internal clock to not register the time as a sort of placebo to lessen arthritis pain. However it is worth noting that this misalignment still may contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Conclusion
Circadian rhythms play a fundamental role in maintaining health, and disruptions to these rhythms can significantly increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. Understanding the connection between circadian rhythms and chronic disease opens up potential therapeutic approaches, such as optimizing the timing of food intake, sleep, and medical treatments. As our understanding of circadian biology continues to grow, it becomes increasingly clear that aligning our lifestyle with our natural circadian rhythms is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Samanta S, Ali SA. Impact of circadian clock dysfunction on human health. Explore Neurosci. 2022;1:4-30. https://doi.org/10.37349/en.2022.00002
Fishbein, Anna B et al. “Circadian disruption and human health.” The Journal of clinical investigation vol. 131,19 (2021): e148286. doi:10.1172/JCI148286
Fonken, L. K. & Nelson, R. J. Endocrine effects of circadian disruption. Ann. Rev. Physiol. 78, 109–131 (2016).
What is it?
Stress is our body’s natural response to high-tension challenges and threats in our life. Everyone has a different way of coping up with stress, but the way we counter stress plays a significant role in our physical health as our brains are still developing.
Symptoms
In adolescents, stress symptoms may vary, but the common ones are
Aches and pains.
Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
Headaches, frequent migraines, dizziness or shaking.
Overtime, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leading to an increased susceptibility to other diseases.
Treating physical stress issues involves identifying the symptoms and the underlying causes. In most cases, a good night's sleep, nutrient-rich balanced diet & physical activity can assist with reducing cortisol — one of the main stress hormones. Moreover, there are many mindfulness activities — yoga, deep breathing, nature walk— that can be practiced to calm the nervous system. In more severe cases, attending therapy or counselling sessions assists adolescents to develop effective coping strategies.
Stress can have a significant toll on adolescents’ physical health. There are many root causes and methods to prevent it. Firstly, open communication with trusted adults can help adolescents feel supported. Teaching them time management skills enables adolescents to balance responsibilities like school, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities. Furthermore, mindfulness activities have exceptional results to counter & limit exposures to other roots of stress, such as excessive screen time, engaging with high tension content, etc.
Alvord, Mary, and Raquel Halfond. “How to Help Children and Teens Manage Their Stress.” American Psychological Association, 19 Oct. 2022, www.apa.org/topics/children/stress.
Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. “What Is Stress?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 15 May 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
“How to Relieve Stress: A 6-Step Plan to Feeling Good.” JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-to-relieve-stress-a-6-step -plan-to-feeling-good?__cf_chl_tk=jMYvahUkC2uhJe7Y7g_KudxLfuxPaj_nhFhhsGNpe ns-1736741169-1.0.1.1-m.b3lMJmzlf1y5V2Fsp0qnJfJC6BKC8mWbFTmgR5Ed8.
Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.
Lyness, D’Arcy . “Stress (for Teens) - KidsHealth.” Kidshealth.org, 2017, kidshealth.org/en/teens/stress.html. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.
World Health Organization. “Stress.” World Health Organization, 21 Feb. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress
Medbuzz newsletter – Victoria Peterson
Introduction
Immunization aids in preventing death worldwide. Due to childhood vaccination, roughly 4 million deaths are prevented each year. However, despite having access to vaccinations, some may delay or refuse to vaccinate themselves, their children, or both. This poses an issue towards closing the global immunization gap. In 2023, 14.5 million children were missing out on vaccination globally. For this reason, it is important to understand the psychology behind vaccine hesitancy.
What is Vaccine Hesitancy?
The reasoning behind vaccine hesitancy can vary by person and is likely dependent on one’s environment. Vaccine hesitancy is complex and influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, historical context, socioeconomic limitations, and personal experience.
Social Media’s Role in Vaccine Hesitancy
A major contributing factor to vaccine hesitancy is the spread of misinformation. As our society continues to become increasingly intertwined with social media, the potential for exposure to misinformation about healthcare increases. It is human nature to stay true to one’s own opinions and go seeking evidence to support them. Social media can play a major role in this seeking of evidence, as individuals are continuously exposed to content that reinforces their belief system. However, when an individual goes searching for evidence, it is not unlikely that misinterpretation or distortion of the media they are consuming can occur.
A Breakdown of the Many Contributing Factors
Ultimately, the driving factors behind vaccine hesitancy can be broken down into the following groups: environmental factors, personal factors, social factors, and safety and vaccine-related factors. As a result of environmental factors, individuals may not have access to or the financial means to receive vaccinations. Due to personal factors, such as religious or cultural beliefs, individuals may not trust vaccines or believe in their effectiveness. Social factors such as discrimination, peer influence, and exposure to misinformation through the media or non-healthcare professionals can lead to doubts about vaccines. Safety and vaccine-related factors include concerns regarding both the short and long-term effects of being vaccinated and the fear of potential side effects.
Conclusion
Regardless of the reason behind one’s hesitancy to get vaccinated, it is important to maintain a sensitive and understanding approach as everyone’s experiences are different. By way of effective communication, work toward closing the immunization gap can occur.
References
CDC. (2024, September 19). Fast Facts on Global Immunization. Global Immunization.
https://www.cdc.gov/global-immunization/fast-facts/index.html
Goje, O., & Kapoor, A. (2024). Meeting the challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Cleveland Clinic
Journal of Medicine, 91(9 suppl 1), S50–S56. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.91.s1.08
Orlando Medical News. (2021). Vaccine Hesitancy, the Psychology Behind the Confusion.
Orlandomedicalnews.com. https://www.orlandomedicalnews.com/article/5117/vaccine-hesitancy-the-psychology-behind-the-confusion
World Health Organization. (2024, July 15). Immunization Coverage. Who.int; World Health
Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-coverage
Introduction
In urban and rural areas, it was reported that air pollution was a main cause for about 4.2 million deaths every year back in 2019. Air pollution is a chemically produced contamination process that progressively changes the environment. Over time, it will continue to dramatically change the atmosphere, but it will also negatively affect people, especially citizens who live in urban areas. Often, people that live in urban areas are more likely to have respiratory diseases, inefficient lung function, and symptoms of asthma. However, you can reduce this by changing the way you transport to different locations, taking personal measures, or promoting community action towards reduction of air pollution.
Common Air Pollutants and Their Sources
Air pollution is caused by a variety of chemicals, such as certain kinds of gases, which are released into the atmosphere. Common pollutants include particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. These are released by many common attributes to an urban environment. This includes power plants, traffic, vehicle exhaust, construction activities, and other industrial processes. Therefore, this indicates that urban areas are more likely to have worsen respiratory issues.
Respiratory Health Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution has numerous effects caused by air pollution on the respiratory system, both short term and long-term. Short-term effects are less severe, and may include coughing, irritation to the ENT system (ear, nose, and throat), and shortness of breath. Long-term effects are much more drastic and can lead to lifelong changes in the respiratory system, such as lung cancer, asthma attacks, inflammation in airways, and respiratory infections.
Vulnerable Populations
The impact of air pollution can vary depending on age and location. Children, whose lungs are still developing, are vulnerable to long-term effects. Older adults have slowly lost their ability to breathe as due to the aging process, are at an increased risk of respiratory issues. Furthermore, people in low-income communities are at an increased danger due to close distances from polluted areas, such as urban areas.
Mitigation Strategies and Policy Recommendations
Even though air pollution is strongly impacting urban areas, there are many ways to reduce it.
This includes green urban planning—to plant trees, reduce traffic congestion, and expand green spaces. People can take action and wear masks, limit outdoor activities on poor air quality days, and serve in the community. A united community can advocate with public awareness programs. Additionally, altering transportation methods, such as biking or walking in place of driving, can improve the air quality.
Conclusion
Overall, although air pollution is continuing to impact the environment and the health of many people, especially in urban areas, there are effective methods to reduce it quickly. To do that, communities in urban areas need to assemble to create healthier environments with improved air quality, and more green spaces.
Sources
Air Pollution by the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
National Library of Medicine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7889311/#:~:text=The%20effects%20of%20chronic%20exposure,in%20lung%20development%20during%20childhood. New York State Department of Health: https://health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/pmq_a.htm#:~:text=Fine%20particles%20in%20the%20air%20(measured%20as,sneezing%2C%20runny%20nose%2C%20and%20shortness%20of%20breath.
Asthma Lung UK: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/air-pollution/your-lungs#:~:text=are%20coughing%20more,your%20reliever%20inhaler%20more%20often.
Particle Pollution and Respiratory Effects: https://www.epa.gov/pmcourse/particle-pollution-and-respiratory-effects#:~:text=Studies%20have%20linked%20particle%20pollution,this%20is%20acute%20and%20neutrophilic)
Research on Health Effects from Air Pollution: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/research-health-effects-air-pollution#:~:text=Health%20Effects%20of%20Air%20Pollutants%20on%20Vulnerable%20Populations,-Research%20has%20shown&text=These%20groups%20include%20children%2C%20pregnant,pollution%20because%20of%20many%20factors
Norovirus
Medbuzz Article – Victoria Peterson
What is it?
Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus and sometimes referred to as The Winter Vomiting disease, is a group of extremely contagious viruses that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is the most common cause of gastroenteritis, an intestinal infection also called stomach flu.
How is it spread?
Norovirus is an extremely common and contagious illness. Therefore, it can be contracted in numerous ways, such as:
• Coming into contact with someone who has the virus.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose.
• Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages.
After encountering the virus, it can take 12 to 48 hours before symptoms start to show. Symptoms will likely last for one to three days. After symptoms stop, a person is still contagious for up to 48 hours.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Norovirus are as follows:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
Those who are infected with Norovirus may also experience:
• Low grade fever
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
How can it be treated?
There is no cure for Norovirus, and because it is a virus, it cannot be combatted with antibiotics. However, there are supportive measures infected individuals can take to help relieve symptoms, such as:
• Drinking plenty of liquids, especially those containing electrolytes
• Resting
• Eating soft, bland foods
Sources used:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17703-norovirus https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptomscauses/syc-20378847
The Role of Gut Health in Mental Well-Being
Medbuzz Article — Lara Noureddine
Our gut health is one of the most important systems in our body. Its location is in the gastrointestinal tract. You might think this is just referring to the stomach itself. However, the gut consists of the mouth, esophagus, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and anus as well. These organs are home to approximately 70% of microbiomes in our body. Microbiomes are the living bacteria that control the way our gut reacts to certain nutrients that we absorb, as well as any forms of stored energy such as glycogen, or stored glucose, and adipose tissue, or fat cells.
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Stomach pain
Constant gas
Bloating
Diseases due to substance abuse
Use of unnecessary medications
Mental Well-Being is simply referred to as the way that we psychologically view our own life and manage our experiences. Essentially, it is how we cope internally with the level of stress surrounding us in the environment, whether that be positive or negative. For example, if you were comfortable working at the same job for four years because you loved the position you held, but you hated the work-life aspect of it, this would be considered unstable mental well-being. However, if instead you moved to another area and started a new job with a similar position, although this might be a little uncomfortable at the moment, you are confident in your ability to complete the challenges thrown at you. This would be a sign of positive well-being.
Changes in mood
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Withdrawal
Incorporations:
The gut has a history of being referred to as the second brain. Gut health plays a role in mental well-being because decreased management on psychological well being decreases the longevity of healthy bacteria in our gut.
For example, imagine you get extremely depressed because you feel you have nothing figured out in life. You don’t know what you want your career to be, you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or you simply have no interest in anything and feel like an outsider. These factors have now catalyzed the development of depression and mood changes. Depression and mood changes are both symptoms of unstable mental well-being. Now, you’ve applied excess substance abuse into it, specifically alcohol. Substance abuse is one of the factors that can cause diseases in the gut. Furthermore, the excess amounts of alcohol that were consumed are being converted into toxins inside the pancreas, which is an organ located in the gut. Those toxins trigger the pancreas to release calcium, which then triggers the release of digestive proenzymes. Proenzymes are inactive enzymes. Normally, the proenzymes (inactive enzymes), become active in the small intestine rather than the pancreas because the small intestine is where they become active to break down the food we consume. However, alcohol has triggered these inactive enzymes to become activated in the pancreas instead. Therefore, this results in the proenzymes activating too soon, and they end up tearing at the pancreatic cells and tissues, which causes an inflammation (or dilaton) of the pancreas, ultimately leading to pancreatitis. This can be acute, chronic, and in some cases it can lead to pancreatic cancer.
This example correlates the relationship and connection between affected microbiomes in gut health and mental well-being. The situation can easily be reversed in terms of alcohol abuse being the first factor, which will then lead to the depression and mood swing aspect.
Maintenance:
Great ways to control and maintain gut health and personal mental well-being can be to be aware of your diet and every day activity level. Staying hydrated, reducing stress levels, managing glucose intake, getting enough rest, and most importantly, listening to your body, your mind, and your gut. “Listen to your gut” may be a figurative phrase; however, it can be ten times more effective if it’s incorporated in a lifestyle change!
REFERENCES:
Staff, M. C. (2022, December 13). Mental illness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968#:~:text=Signs%20and%20symptoms%20of%20mental,If%20you%20have%20suicidal%20thoughts
Nortje, A. (2024, November 25). What is mental wellbeing? A psychologist explains. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-mental-wellbeing/#mental-wellbeing
Menon, T. (2020, August 7). Everything you need to know about gut health. Ohio State Medical Center. https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-gut-health
Gene Editing and Ethical Considerations:
MedBuzz Article By: Naomi Barnitz
Introduction:
Should humans have the power to rewrite the very code of life? Gene editing is a process in which you can alter the code of DNA. A genetic tool, known as CRISPR, could add, replace, or delete a strip of the gene. There are many benefits to gene editing, but there could also be drawbacks that could result in unpredictable consequences.
The Benefits of Gene Editing:
Gene editing allows many possibilities when it comes to changing a living organism. First, it can prevent many genetic diseases from occurring in an offspring. This includes cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and hemophilia. In addition, gene editing can also improve the agricultural industry. Plants can grow faster and more nutritiously, allowing for more food security, and disease-resistant crops. Finally, it can also prevent the spread of more diseases. For example, editing the gene of a mosquito can prevent it from spreading malaria.
Ethical Concerns and Risks:
Although gene editing comes with multiple benefits, there are many moral considerations that need to be discussed. Gene editing can also lead to more diseases than actual benefits, this includes different types of cancer and allergies. Parents may also use gene editing for the wrong reason, such as “enhancing” their offspring, rather than getting rid of a disease. There is also an economic imbalance between who can access CRISPR.
Societal and Philosophical Considerations:
When it comes to gene editing, there are many philosophical things to consider. Often, people argue that editing the gene of an offspring is like “playing God.” This means that it’s unnatural to edit genes and it has shown that naturally born people are healthier in the long run. Many people also believe that gene editing devalues the lives of people with disabilities. Many different countries, such as the US and China, have restrictions on gene editing due to its controversial purpose.
Conclusion:
Gene editing is a controversial process that needs to be studied before going into full use. Although it comes with many benefits, such as curing multiple genetic disorders, it also comes with many risks that we need to be cautious about. It could come with unpredictable consequences that can ultimately lead to a major change in how humans live.
Sources:
Medbuzz article by Aabha Upadhyaya; Edited by Victoria Peterson
Introduction
Medicine is advancing at an almost unprecedented rate. The introduction of new technologies, the broadening of the medical field, and the increase in inclusivity have opened the field of medical research to new perspectives, ideas, and most importantly innovation. In humanity's ancestral battle against the deadliest viruses and diseases, our defenses are constantly evolving. However, in this noble pursuit, often forgotten is that the enemy can evolve as well. It can learn to resist attacks as researchers learn to formulate them. It is this evolution which has developed one of the greatest threats to global health, antibiotic resistance and the subsequent rise of superbugs.
The Nature of Antibiotic Resistance
Since their discovery, antibiotics have revolutionized epidemiology and the treatment of infectious diseases. Alexander Fleming's 1928 discovery of penicillin serves as the pillar of this antibiotic therapy which works by targeting specific parts of a bacteria's structure such as its cell wall, or certain processes it undergoes such as protein production. This attack helps to prevent the bacteria from growing and multiplying effectively stopping the disease.
Bacteria however are living organisms, and like all living organisms they naturally evolve through mutations. More often than not, this mutation comes in the form of resistance to antibiotics. Bacteria follow the same rule of ‘survival of the fittest’ like all other organisms. In a medical setting, bacteria that has developed resistance holds the survival advantage. This survival allows them to reproduce, passing along this mutation to their offspring spanning generations. Incorrect use of antibiotics increases this selective pressure. This in turn helps in facilitating the development of resistant bacteria.
The Rise of Superbugs
Superbugs are bacteria strains which develop resistance to most classes of antibiotics. The term typically refers to pathogens such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB). These organisms are particularly dangerous, as they can cause infections that are impossible to treat without standard antibiotics. Patients infected with superbugs often experience prolonged illness, complications, and higher mortality rates. There is a strain on healthcare systems too, as treating resistant infections often requires the use of more expensive antibiotics and longer, more intensive care. Many other treatments and transplants that rely on antibiotics also see their effectiveness jeopardized.
Solutions to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
Addressing this global issue requires a multifaceted approach, combining prevention, education, research, and global cooperation. One important step is increasing antibiotic stewardship, which limits the overuse of antibiotics. Stricter regulation concerning antibiotic use in other areas such as agriculture is vital as well. The European Union has already banned antibiotic use for growth promotion in animals-- measures that should be implemented globally. Raising the public's awareness is just as important. Education on antibiotic misuse and emphasis on preventative measures, such as vaccinations, are vital for limiting the development of superbugs
Conclusion
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant threats to public health in the modern-day world. The miseducation concerning antibiotic use within the public, combined with malpractice, has exacerbated this natural development. Instead of being ahead of the evolving bacteria, scientists now find themselves struggling to keep up. While they do their half of researching and developing new methods to fight bacteria, the other half of the responsibility falls on the public. Proactive steps, such as antibiotic stewardship, are vital in mitigating antibiotic resistance. All people have a role to play in ensuring that decades of medical advancements aren't unraveled by the rise of “superbugs.”
Works cited:
Bengtsson-Palme, Johan et al. “Environmental factors influencing the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.” FEMS microbiology reviews vol. 42,1 (2018): fux053. doi:10.1093/femsre/fux053
Davies, Julian, and Dorothy Davies. “Origins and evolution of antibiotic resistance.” Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR vol. 74,3 (2010): 417-33. doi:10.1128/MMBR.00016-10
Ventola, C Lee. “The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 1: causes and threats.” P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management vol. 40,4 (2015): 277-83.
World Health Organization: WHO. Antimicrobial Resistance. 21 Nov. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance.
Medbuzz article by Muhammad Lari
Who are Community Health Workers?
As the name suggests, Community health workers (CHWs) provide basic health and medical care within their community, and are capable of providing preventive, promotional and rehabilitation care, without acquiring the same level of education and training as a doctor or nurse. Typically, a community health worker is a citizen of the community they serve and often support healthcare as a volunteer or a modest wage employee.
Healthcare in Underserved areas
Underserved areas often face healthcare disparities, such as limited access to healthcare providers, high rates of chronic diseases, and poor health outcomes. This creates a significant gap between the extravagant healthcare available for high-end communities, as compared to underserved areas. Most of the inhabitants of the underserved areas can not afford to visit a doctor, receive treatment or get their yearly checkup, even if their health is deteriorating. Moreover, free/low cost government healthcare programs have a long waitlist, leading to prolonged treatment duration, worsening conditions, and possibly death.
The Impact of Community Health Workers
In these situations, community health workers can act as the bridge between quality healthcare access and impoverished communities, while playing many transformative roles, such as
● Building Trust: CHWs are more likely to be trusted by their community members, especially in communities where people are marginalized and experience discrimination in the healthcare system.
● Improving Health Outcomes: Numerous studies have shown that CHWs can reduce hospital readmissions, lower costs affiliated with healthcare, and improve disease management and prevention in underserved areas.
● Peer health educators: CHWs often share their knowledge with their community to enhance their understanding of preventative care for an ongoing illness or maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
● Reduced healthcare costs: By assisting their community to manage their health, CHW will reduce the number of people admitted in hospitals and therefore reduce the extravagant hospital fees.
Results in the real world
In countries such as India and Bangladesh, Community health worker programs, such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), had a major impact in underserved areas. These programs immensely boosted immunization rates, wellness literacy, and maternal health check-ups in areas where people never had access to such amenities. Moreover, in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, implementing CHW massively reduced malaria infection rates, HIV treatment and preventative care and earlier diagnosis of childhood illness. Furthermore, in the United States, the community healthier workers, who serve low income communities, assist the population by guiding them in insurance enrollment, managing chronic diseases at a low cost, and accessing community resources and government relief plans.
Conclusion
Community Health Workers are an effective solution to the challenges posed by a growing health care access disparity, an increasingly diverse patient population, and the rise in health care costs. They act as the backbone between marginalized populations and access to quality healthcare. Supporting community healthcare worker’s programs will ensure that impoverished communities have fair access to sustaining their health.
Works cited:
88% of Canadians have a regular health provider but others struggle to access care |CIHI. (2023, August 2). https://www.cihi.ca/en/taking-the-pulse-a-snapshot-of-canadian-health-care-2023/88-of-canadians-have-a-regular-health-provider-but-others-struggle-to-access-care
Health Workforce (HWF). (2021, April 12). What do we know about community healthworkers? A systematic review of existing reviews. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/what-do-we-know-about-community-health-workers-a-systematic-review-of-existing-reviews
Knowles, M., Crowley, A. P., Vasan, A., & Kangovi, S. (2023). Community Health Worker Integration with and Effectiveness in Health Care and Public Health in the United States. Annual Review of Public Health, 44(1), 363–381. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-071521-031648 The role of community health workers | Culturally-Responsive Care. (2024, January 17).
Center to Advance Palliative Care. https://www.capc.org/blog/enhancing-care-for-diverse-communities-the-role-of-community-health-workers/WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2023, July 9). What is a community health worker? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-community-health-worker
World Health Organization. (2020). What do we know about community health workers? A systematic review of existing reviews [Report]. In Human Resources for Health Observer Series: Vol. No. 19. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/340717/9789241512022-eng.pdf?sequence=1
MedBuzz Article by: Muhammad Lari
What is it?
The immune system is critical for our overall health. It is fundamental to healing wounds, warding off infections, and protecting against chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Without a healthy immune system, our quality of life may be compromised. A natural way to maintain the immune system is by sleeping. Sleep is an important period of bodily rest, during which the body undergoes critical restorative processes, including the production of immune cells and the release of proteins to help fight infections and inflammation. Recent research has shown that when humans are sleep deprived, there is an increased risk of contracting obesity, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
How Sleep Supports the Immune System
Recent research shows that during nightly sleep, certain components of the immune system have increased productivity rates. For example, there is an increased production of cytokines associated with inflammation. Additionally, just like sleep can help the brain improve learning and memory, research suggests that sleep strengthens immune memory. The interaction of immune system components during sleep reinforces the ability to remember how to recognize and react to dangerous bacteria or viruses. Furthermore, the inflammation that happens during sleep could harm physical and mental performance if it occurred during waking hours, so the body has evolved so that these processes unfold during nightly sleep. Moreover, while sleep, breathing and muscle activity slows down, freeing up energy for the immune system to perform critical tasks.
Negative Impacts of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation can negatively impact immune function, leading to several health issues, including:
Increased frequency of colds and infections.
Prolonged recovery times from illnesses.
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Increased inflammation and heightened allergy symptoms.
Increased chances of stroke, elevated blood pressure and heart diseases.
Preventing Sleep Deficiency and Strengthening the Immune System
To strengthen the immune system, it is of utmost importance to get a good night’s sleep and regulate healthier habits. First of all, screen time should be finished 2 hours before bedtime, to ensure the blue light doesn’t interfere with melatonin production. After that, develop a consistent sleep schedule by sleeping and waking up at the same time every day, so that your body gets used to a positive rhythm. Lastly, reduce caffeine and sugar before sleeping because it contributes to improving sleep quality, which in turn strengthens the immune system.
Works Cited
Cleveland Clinic. “Why Sleep Is So Important to Your Health.” Cleveland Clinic, 3 Apr. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14421-sleep.
Harvard Medical School. “Sleep and Immune Function.” Harvard Health Publishing, 5 Mar. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/sleep-and-your-immune-system.
Mayo Clinic. “Lack of Sleep: Can It Make You Sick?” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757#:~:text=During%20sleep%2C%20your%20immune%20system,trouble%20falling%20or%20staying%20asleep.
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MedBuzz Article by: Aabha Upadhyaya
Introduction
Despite its purpose being to protect and defend the body from invading pathogens, the human immune system can sometimes trigger autoimmune disorders. These autoimmune diseases rise due to the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, perceiving them as a foreign threat. Historically, autoimmunity has been considered a condition brought on by genetic predispositions and inheritance. However, recently there has been an increase in recognizing the role of environmental triggers in causing these diseases- an awareness vital to both understanding and treating autoimmunity.
Infections and Autoimmunity
One studied cause of the development of autoimmunity following a viral infection is molecular mimicry. This occurs when antigens in the foreign pathogens mimic the host proteins. This causes a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity wherein the immune system being to attack its own tissues. This mimicry is seen in infections such as streptococcus pyogenes. This infection causes rheumatic fever where the antibodies formed to fight the bacterial proteins cross-react with cardiac tissue.
Another potential cause is Epitope Spreading. This occurs when the damage to tissue from the infection exposes ‘hidden’ antigens to the body’s immune system. Since they were hidden, the immune system may be unable to recognize them as self-antigens and instead view them as a foreign pathogen. This causes the immune system to expand its response to attack the tissue where these antigens were found. Epitope Spreading has been linked to several autoimmune disorders including Lupus.
A third cause is bystander activation. This occurs with infections which cause widespread inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation may release cytokines reducing regulation of the immune system and activating the immune cells. This can stimulate autoreactive cells (cells which mistakenly target healthy tissue) which were dormant prior to the infection. Many viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr Virus have been shown to result in bystander activation. EBV in particular has been associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Autoimmune Disorders Triggered by Infections
As mentioned before rheumatic fever and multiple sclerosis are two autoimmune conditions which occur following viral infections. Another disorder tied to these infections is Type 1 diabetes. Viruses such as enteroviruses have been shown to increase patient liklihood to develop this condition where autoreactive immune cells destroy pancreatic beta cells preventing the body from producing insulin. Studies show that this effect is seen most often in individuals who were already genetically susceptible to this condition, with the virus being the final nail in the coffin to trigger the dormant disorder.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the discussion about autoimmunity and infectious diseases has been reignited increasing attention to this phenomenon. Following the virus, many patients have developed autoimmune conditions such as Guillan-Barré with many even exhibiting lupus-like symptoms. This development is in line with developments observed following other viral infections and is just one in a series of
Conclusion
While the human immune system is an advanced and vital part of the human body, it is susceptible to errors. These chinks in the armour of our body is often used by viral infections to exacerbate autoimmune disorders through bystander activation, epitope spreading, and molecular mimicry. Despite how much scientists know about the human body, this correlation is still relatively new. Due to this, there is a necessity for research into this phenomenon to identify and develop preventative measures as well as improve the treatment of people already struggling from autoimmune conditions. There is still a lot of unknown, however science is progressing fast in learning about and treating these identified issues.
Works Cited
Bjornevik, Kjetil, et al. “Longitudinal Analysis Reveals High Prevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus Associated with Multiple Sclerosis.” Science, vol. 375, no. 6578, Jan. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abj8222.
Carapetis, Jonathan R., et al. “The Global Burden of Group a Streptococcal Diseases.” The Lancet. Infectious Diseases, vol. 5, no. 11, 2005, pp. 685–94, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(05)70267-X.
Cunningham, Madeleine W. “Molecular Mimicry, Autoimmunity, and Infection: The Cross-Reactive Antigens of Group a Streptococci and Their Sequelae.” Microbiology Spectrum, vol. 7, no. 4, July 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0045-2018.