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ASHEVILLE, NC – January 11, 2023 – Americans enjoy watching televised sporting events; however, during this NFL season, viewers have been watching the drama of two injured football players, Tua Tagovailoa (a quarterback for the Miami Dolphins) and Damar Hamlin (a safety for the Buffalo Bills). Tagovailoa has been battling the effects of 3 concussions since September 25th. On January 2nd, Hamlin had a severe cardiac arrest from commotio cordis, a rare but frequently fatal condition that can occur after blunt trauma to the chest. Both players are now recovering from their injuries. No one knows if they will ever play again.

Many injuries are sport-specific and may be related to contact. Acute musculoskeletal injuries are common in all sports and are the most recognizable injury. Traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, are less common, associated with collision and contact sports, and are more frequently diagnosed. Post-concussive syndrome may include headaches, dizziness and ‘brain fog’. Repeat injury may increase the risk of developing long-term neurologic impairment like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Injuries to the heart like commotio cordis are rare; fewer than 30 cases a year are reported. However, they are more frequently recognized. Survival rates are better with immediate access to treatment with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Following resuscitation, the athlete will need an evaluation for underlying heart conditions and cardiac damage.

Rules can lessen the risk of injury in organized sports.
• Protective equipment should include the most effective high-tech helmets for football players. Chest wall protectors for youth baseball and hockey players and age-appropriate baseballs and pucks have been recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
• There are penalties for injury-threatening physical contact in games.
• Screening physicals are required.
• Trained medical personal are at every high school, college and professional sporting event.

The medical team must have the ability to take care of musculoskeletal, brain and heart injuries in order to expedite care and improve outcomes. The frequency and severity of concussions can be reduced through early detection and screening. Having an athlete resume sports too soon after a concussion can result in brain damage. With the rising awareness of sports injuries like commotio cordis, there is a movement for the medical team to have a well-equipped CPR cart with an AED when they are at a sporting event and including attendance at youth baseball and hockey games where these injuries are more likely to occur.

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Contact: Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

CINCINNATI, OH – January 2, 2023 – At the Monday Night Football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills on January 2nd, Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin tackled Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins who had caught a pass. After getting up, Hamlin collapsed backwards from a cardiac arrest. Within seconds, Buffalo’s medical staff performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore normal heart rhythm. He was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further medical care. Hamlin was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition.

There has been much speculation about the cause of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. Some reasons may be congenital or traumatic. Most cardiac arrests in young people are due to a congenital heart condition. Many medical specialists have speculated that Hamlin sustained commotio cordis, a rare but serious condition that can occur after blunt trauma to the chest, because it appeared that Hamlin slammed his chest into the shoulder of Higgins as he made the tackle. The force must be strong enough and occur at a very specific moment between heart beats to have an effect on the heart. These factors can cause a harmful disruption of the heart rhythm resulting in the loss of the ability of the heart to pump blood to the body, depriving the body, including vital organs like the brain, from getting oxygen. Cardiac resuscitation within minutes is essential to keep the person alive. Any delay of more than 3 minutes increases the risk of death to nearly 100%.

Commotio cordis is more common when the chest is struck by a ball or a puck, as in lacrosse, baseball or hockey. This injury occurs more frequently in young people; the average age is about 15 years old. The heart may be at more risk in young athletes because of a thinner chest wall than in older participants.

As told to CBS Sports, Dr. Aaron Baggish, a cardiologist from Massachusetts General- Brigham Hospitals and sports cardiology specialist, “as a fan who also happens to be a doctor, I’m cognizant of the risk these athletes assume when they decide to play these sports, and I support their decisions to do so, but it’s always sad when something like this occurs.” He hopes that medical teams “need to be ready for the unexpected catastrophe.”

 

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Contact: Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – January 11, 2022 – Cases and hospitalizations are rising in Buncombe County, North Carolina and the country. There is a surge of respiratory disease as people spend more time indoors during the winter months and due to an increase in indoor gatherings and travel during the holidays. The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is medium for the week ending January 2nd. Last week the community level was low. Most of the counties in North Carolina are high. Most of the counties in the U.S. are at a medium level with almost 20% of the counties at a high level.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on December 31st indicate:
• Last week’s total cases are 470, up 21% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 30% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster.
• The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 hospitalizations has increased by 47% since last week, and of ICU patients increased by 50% from the previous week.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants. Eligible persons must have the initial vaccination series and be at least 2 months after any prior COVID-19 shots. The CDC advises delaying the booster 3 months for people who recently had COVID or after a positive COVID test if they were asymptomatic.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a medium community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:
• If you are at high risk for getting sick, wear a high-quality mask in a public indoors space and take additional precautions.
• If you plan being with someone at high risk for getting sick, consider self-testing for COVID-19 infection and wear a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

Vaccination sites and testing sites can be located through the North Carolina and Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services.

The updated booster shot is available at the Department of Public Health Coxe Avenue vaccination clinic, pharmacies, community health centers and rural health clinics.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

UNITED STATES – January 1, 2023 –  At the beginning of every new year, many Americans decide to be healthier by making lifestyle changes. This involves giving up bad habits and starting good routines. Popular resolutions include starting an exercise program, losing weight and eating a healthier diet. Health clubs are pretty busy at this time of year. However, as the year progresses the gym isn’t as crowded as many people lose their commitment to being healthy.

Here’s a list of resolutions that will get you healthier this year:

• Lose weight & keep it off – The CDC estimates that about 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese. Losing weight can lower the risk of developing chronic health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The best plan is to lose about 1-2 pounds per week.

• Eat a healthy diet – For starters, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and full of vitamins and minerals. Eat a rainbow of colors for a balanced diet. 

• Sit less & stay active – Walking is a good start. Use the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Have an annual check-up – See your primary care physician each year. The sooner health issues are identified, the sooner treatment can start and be most effective. Don’t forget that preventive screenings are covered by health insurance.

• Reduce stress – Chronic stress is very harmful to your health and well-being. Taking care of yourself can help maintain good mental and physical health. Breathing exercises, going for a walk and listening to music can help.

• Get more sleep – This is a good time to rest and recharge. Getting enough sleep can boost your immune system to better fight disease and help with emotional wellness. Having some time for relaxation before bedtime and having a quiet place to sleep can help you get to sleep. 
• Stop smoking – Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Even using smokeless tobacco puts you at higher risk to develop cancer of the mouth. Both lead to nicotine addiction which makes quitting a difficult thing to do because of the tobacco cravings.

You can succeed by turning your New Year’s resolutions into healthy new habits. Some tips for success are:

• Set specific & realistic goals
• Monitor your progress
• Celebrate small successes
• Be aware that you don’t have to live healthy 100% of the time

Congratulations on making healthy New Year’s resolutions! Staying the course will result in a healthier YOU in 2023.

 

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Contact: Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – December 25, 2022 – Asheville just had the coldest Christmas season in 8 years. Subfreezing temperatures have caused our water pipes to burst and our homeless population to move to indoor shelters. Health problems can be averted like hypothermia and frostbite, but basic sanitation can be affected by having no running water at home. Even if it is colder than average in Asheville, the mean world temperature is probably warmer than the historic average. Record high temperatures are now twice as frequent as record low temperatures compared to the 1950s when they occurred in equal frequency.

Tropical storms and hurricanes brought high winds and heavy rainfall to North Carolina in 2021 and 2022. Following Tropical Storm Fred in August 2021, floods damaged homes and businesses in Canton. This year, Hurricane Ian caused power outages, wet roads and flooding in central North Carolina. Driving on wet roads resulted in 3 fatalities; one person died due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator running in a closed garage.

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700’s, the burning of fossil fuel has contributed to increasing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has nearly doubled. These gases settle in the lower atmosphere, absorb infrared energy from the earth and reflect it back to the earth’s surface. This is known as the greenhouse gas effect. Heat is trapped in the atmosphere near the earth, warming the planet.

Climate is the average weather in a particular region over a longer time frame than the weather. Climate change refers to the historic differences in mean air temperature, total precipitation and mean ocean temperature. These changes can result in environmental impacts like heat waves, coastal flooding, extreme precipitation events and severe draughts. Health impacts from climate change can include more infectious disease, physical injury and mental health stressors.

Extreme weather events can also include periods of very cold weather because global warming can change the wind patterns around the Earth. The polar vortex is circular bands of wind near the poles that is above the jet stream and are strongest during the winter months. It keeps the underlying cold air over the poles. Breakdown of the polar vortex from arctic warming allows cold air to escape and flow southward with the jet stream. Therefore, a warmer Arctic can drive more extreme weather events throughout our planet, including here in Asheville.

 

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Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

ASHEVILLE, NC – January 4, 2022 – The CDC reports that the community level for Buncombe County is low for the week ending December 27^th. Most of the counties in North Carolina are medium and 11 counties are at a high community level. Most of the counties in the U.S. are at a low level with less than 9% of the counties at a high level. However, cases and hospitalizations are rising. There is a surge of respiratory disease as people spend more time indoors during the winter months and due to an increase in indoor gatherings and travel during the holidays.

The Buncombe County COVID-19 metrics are on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard. Data from the week ending on December 21^st indicate:

• Last week’s total cases are up 12% from the previous week.
• 68% of the total population have received their initial vaccination series.
• 29% of people with their initial vaccination series have had the updated booster.

An updated COVID-19 booster is now available for eligible persons 6 months and older. It is more effective at protecting against severe illness and death from the new variants. Eligible persons must have the initial vaccination series and be at least 2 months after any prior COVID-19 shots. The CDC advises delaying the booster 3 months for people who recently had COVID or after a positive COVID test if they were asymptomatic.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and the updated booster.
• People with any COVID symptoms should get tested
• People who are positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well should stay home

For a county at a low community level, like Buncombe County, the CDC recommends:

• You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.
• If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask in a public indoors space and take additional precautions.

Vaccination sites and testing sites can be located through the North Carolina and Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services.

The updated booster shot is available at the Department of Public Health Coxe Avenue vaccination clinic, pharmacies, community health centers and rural health clinics.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour