Monterey, CA Radiation Therapy To Reprogram Deadly Heart Arrhythmias

A stethoscope and heart on the table.


Those with a fast and abnormal heart rate, a condition called ventricular tachycardia (VT) now have a new option.  Researchers at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in tandem with Washington University School of Medicine have used radiation to repair damaged heart tissue, although it’s still an experimental procedure so insurance may or may not cover it.  The procedure is noninvasive, and doctors have now performed in on a number of people.  For more information, contact the Tyler Heart Institute at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula or CHOMP.

https://www.templehealth.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/2020-oct-nov-medical-breakthroughs-aarp-magazine.pdf

https://www.chomp.org/services/cardiac-care/#.YBIW9uhKjcs

Monterey, CA Searching For A Cancer Cure

A person holding a stethoscope in their hand.


Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green has emerged from relative obscurity with a potential cure for cancer.  She is the first doctor to cure cancer in mice by using laser-activated nanoparticles.  A study published by the American Cancer Society estimated 607K people died from cancer in 2020.  Dr. Green’s cure does not require chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.  Following the successful initial research project, she has received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand the nanoparticle cancer treatment research.  She is fulfilling a lifelong dream after the death of her aunt Ora Lea, and her uncle, General Lee Smith, who both had cancer.  If you or a loved one are struggling with a cancer diagnosis, talk to someone at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.  CHOMP has a 24,000 square foot Comprehensive Cancer Support Center with a research library, information on clinical trials and support groups.

https://www.ibtimes.sg/meet-dr-hadiyah-nicole-green-first-cure-cancer-successfully-affordable-cost-39932

https://www.chomp.org/services/cancer-center/#.YA9kk-hKjcs

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/

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.