Last month, we asked “Your Health” readers to share their experiences with primary care in South Florida. The responses reveal many people are frustrated with trying to get appointments with primary care doctors, and then feel rushed when they do get in. Read more about the sad state of primary care in Florida.
Olive oil has long been touted for its ability to lower heart disease risk. So University of Florida researchers set out to dig deeper to learn how much olive oil is beneficial.
During the Recipe for Heart Health study, 40 participants at risk for cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to consume either a “low” amount (less than a teaspoon) of extra virgin olive oil or a “high” amount (4 tablespoons) each day. After a one-week “washout” period, the participants switched and followed the other olive oil regimen for four weeks. Participants also adhered to whole-food, plant-based or vegan diets that were not low in fat.
UF’s researchers found that no matter the amount, consuming Extra Virgin Olive Oil decreased LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, which has been linked to heart disease. They also learned that while consuming olive oil daily helps, other elements of someone’s diet may play a more significant role in achieving health benefits. For example, people who consumed low amounts of olive oil, but also limited foods such as red and processed meats, added sugars, and saturated fats and ate plant-based fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds and olives had more significant reductions in LDL cholesterol than participants who just consumed high amounts of olive oil.
Overall, the study’s researchers concluded that where participants received their dietary fat from mattered and that getting it from whole-plant-based fats was more beneficial for reducing cholesterol than getting it from olive oil alone. The UF team plans to use data to produce additional research articles on cooking, diet quality, mood and quality of life.
CDC warns of spike in slapped cheek virus
A strange virus is spreading among children as school resumes.
Anyone who feels feverish and then notices a rash on their checks may have “fifth” or “slapped cheek” disease.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has issued a health alert about a spike in cases of the contagious viral illness. Also known as human parvovirus B19, the virus is usually more common in children because they don’t have immunity. Adults or children can catch the viral illness by being near an infected person who is coughing or sneezing
The health agency said children between the ages of 5 and 9 had the most significant increase in cases, from 15% from 2022 to 2024 to 40% in June. About half the population has had the virus by the time they are 20, giving them protection against it into adulthood.
While the infection is usually mild, health officials say it can be problematic for certain groups, such as pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems. In addition to a rash on both cheeks, other symptoms include fever, headache, cough, sore throat and joint pain. A person is most contagious during the first few days of symptoms.
Cleveland Clinic Weston’s transplant program hits milestone
Cleveland Clinic Weston has performed its 500th liver transplant. The liver was transplanted using a unique method called an advanced perfusion system, which pumps oxygenated blood through a deceased donor liver. The new technology helps preserve the liver before it is transplanted and can improve the quality of the organ. Research shows that liver perfusion has helped reduce the risk of complications and patients go home sooner.
In addition, the hospital’s heart transplant team has performed its 300th heart transplant. The transplanted heart went to 40-year-old Michael Scarlett, who was diagnosed with idiopathic viral cardiomyopathy, which led to heart failure. Before the transplant, he had suffered several strokes.
The Weston Hospital’s transplant program — heart, liver and kidney transplants — has grown since its inception in 2013.
“We are excited about the growth of our program, but more important, the number of transplant patients we continue to serve is unprecedented for a hospital of our size,” said Dr.Scott Ross, vice president and chief medical officer of Cleveland Clinic’s Weston Hospital.
Gynecologic cancer trials underway at Broward Health
Two clinical trials at Broward Health are offering new options for patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian and endometrial cancer.
The GLORIOSA trial offers new maintenance therapy options for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. To enter the trial, participants must be responding to chemotherapy treatment for the first recurrence of ovarian cancer. The trial has been open for six months and is about to enroll its first patient.
“The world of ovarian cancer treatment is changing rapidly, and many former recurrence therapies are now first-line treatments, so we are working on new second-line options,” said Dr. Scott E. Jordan, gynecologic oncologist with the Broward Health Physician Group. “We are hoping this trial will keep patients disease-free for as long as possible, and if they do experience a recurrence, they will hopefully respond better to chemotherapy.”
Also, the Xport trial is studying the use of the Selinexor as a maintenance therapy medication once stage IV or recurrent patients with endometrial cancer have responded to chemotherapy. Three patients are already enrolled.
“We have excellent maintenance therapy options now for many types of endometrial cancer,” Jordan said. “This trial is studying a medicine that could help patients who may not have as much of a benefit from the options we have now. ”
He said the goal is to keep the endometrial cancer away as long as possible while maintaining quality of life. “Preliminary data suggests a 30-month advantage in time to recurrence with Selinexor,” Jordan said.
For both trials, patients do not have to leave their longtime practitioners to enroll, but they need to see Jordan before they complete their chemotherapy treatment.
“We are working with patients who would otherwise only be under surveillance by their oncology team,” Jordan said. “We are simply adding an intervention during the time they would be on observation.”
“These are both really promising trials that have the potential to radically improve prognosis,” he said.
To enroll or learn more: browardhealth.org/gynecologic-oncology or 954-355- 4345.
For some, it takes nagging to see a doctor
Aflac’s 2024 Wellness Matters Survey of 2,000 employed adults ages 19-62 reveals that many people seek health care only when nagged.
The nagger might be a spouse, a partner, a child or a parent. But does nagging work? Millennials, 28 to 43 years, are the age group that most agree that nagging is effective. About half of boomers say nagging has no effect on whether they take action on health issues.
Overall, 32% say they took action to schedule a screening or doctor’s appointment immediately after identifying a health concern, compared with 22% who took action after being nagged.
Consider this if you plan to ignore someone who is trying to help: 53% say resorting to nagging someone else resulted in a better health outcome
