Monterey Bay Aquarium Lets Natividad Store COVID-19 Vaccine In Freezers

A vial of influenza vaccine next to two syringes.


Thanks to Monterey Bay Aquarium for allowing the use of their extra cold freezers to store incoming COVID-19 vaccine.  The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored in industrial freezers, and now the Monterey Bay area has access to one of these freezers.  “We have started to see the vaccines arrive and we really see that as really our only pathway out of the pandemic,†said Andrea Rosenberg, Natividad Hospital Operations & Support Services and Assistant Administrator.  “So, there’s a lot of hope and excitement at the hospital with the arrival of these vaccines,†she continued.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/12/31/monterey-bay-aquarium-loans-natividad-hospital-ultra-cold-freezer-for-covid-19-vaccine/

Monterey, CA Diabetes Tip : Eat An Early Dinner

A farmers market with fresh vegetables and fruits.


An early dinner could help you better manage your weight and your blood glucose.  A recent study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that, of people chosen to randomly eat dinner at either 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., eating early was better.  The late-night diners burned 10% less fat overnight than those who ate at 6:00 p.m.  And their glucose rose 18% more and remained higher for four hours.  Eat dinner early!  For more information on living a healthy life with Diabetes, talk to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, which has an extensive program.

https://www.chomp.org/services/diabetes/#.X-0Z1thKjcs

Monterey, CA Senior Diabetics Take Note : Sleep Habits Can Alter Your Circadian Rhythms

A blood glucose level chart showing the optimal levels.


Getting a good night’s rest is important to seniors, however, sleeping a consistent number of hours is important as well.  A review of studies which was published in Endocrine Review found that a sleep shift of even an hour was enough to decrease insulin sensitivity.  To get more helpful tips on diabetes, visit Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP’s, Diabetes and Nutrition website.  You will find useful information about support groups, classes and more.

https://www.chomp.org/locations/location-profile/diabetes-and-nutrition-therapy/#.X9F3p9hKjcs

Another useful resource is Community Health Innovations.  A full 45% of Monterey County residents have Diabetes or pre-Diabetes!

https://communityhealthinnovations.org/what-we-do/diabetes-prevention-management/

Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver : California Cases Surge

A blue background with some type of virus


There were 91 new cases in Monterey County, for a total of 13,280. There were eight new hospitalizations, and no new deaths reported.  Nationwide, cases were up by 2%, adding 186,900 to the tally of 11,574,600.  Deaths at 2,143 were at near record levels.  In California, cases rose significantly.  They were up by 11,111 to 1.064 million, while deaths rose by 95 (more than double the day before) to 18,412.  Hospital beds are becoming full in many communities and health officials are alarmed at how quickly this second wave is spreading.  Getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could literally be the kiss of death.

Monterey, CA Hospitals, Nursing Homes Struggle With COVID-19

A large fountain in the middle of an indoor area.


COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents are surging and hospitals are overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases which is causing staff shortages, particularly in rural hospitals.  Believe it or not, Monterey County is considered rural, with much of the South County spread out and this is where the majority of COVID-19 cases are occurring.  We have had nursing home outbreaks in Carmel, Monterey, Salinas and Watsonville.  “Nursing homes are not isolated from what happens in the community,†Carrie Henning-Smith, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, told The Wall Street Journal. Facilities in rural counties reported 18% of nursing home COVID-19 deaths in the week ended November 1, although they housed only 10% of the overall population.  Please, please, take this season off and call off Thanksgiving with friends and family.  Many health officials are extremely concerned that this holiday season is going to cause a new surge in cases.