Health & Wellness
Why Of us Face up to the COVID Vax; Diet and Mortality
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Published
1 year agoon
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TTHealthWatch is a weekly podcast from Texas Tech. In it, Elizabeth Tracey, director of digital media for Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, and Rick Lange, MD, president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Middle in El Paso, look on the tip medical studies of the week.
This week’s issues encompass COVID vaccine hesitancy, antibiotic prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), colonoscopy in older people, and what’s the correct weight loss program to lower mortality?
Program notes:
1:15 Why don’t people get COVID vaccines?
2:15 Vaccine acceptance in future eventualities
3:15 COVID vaccine admire the flu vaccine
4:15 Triple vaxxers
4:50 Diet and mortality
5:53 Mediterranean weight loss program decreased most
6:50 Olive oil in field of saturated plump
7:04 Submit-exposure doxycycline for STIs
8:02 Diminished from 32% to 11%
9:03 Interrupt the transmission in classic
9:25 Colonoscopy in those older than 75
10:25 Percentage with lower than 10-365 days existence expectancy
11:25 Fecal assessments as a replacement
12:01 Close
Transcript:
Elizabeth: What makes reasonably just a few teams of people attain to a resolution now to no longer get a COVID vaccine?
Rick: Attain all dietary programs lower the likelihood of demise?
Elizabeth: Will we give a fashioned antibiotic to prevent sexually transmitted infections among homosexual males?
Rick: What occurs when we quit colonoscopy in people older than 75 years?
Elizabeth: That’s what we’re talking about this week on TTHealthWatch, your weekly look on the medical headlines from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Middle in El Paso. I’m Elizabeth Tracey, a Baltimore-basically based mostly medical journalist.
Rick: And I’m Rick Lange, president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Middle in El Paso, the place I’m additionally dean of the Paul L. Foster College of Medicine. Elizabeth, sooner than we originate I are eager to give a cry-out to our long-time partner, Tom Jackson, who is a Canadian who has been following us ever for the reason that starting.
Elizabeth: Or now no longer it’s with out a doubt amazing. Tom, obviously, is the veterinarian up there in Canada. I judge Tom bears explore to the root I with out a doubt hold had for a with out a doubt very long time that veterinarians are even smarter than medical doctors.
Rick: When we discuss One Health, i.e. smartly being that transcends both human and animals, Tom always provides us insightful views on our weekly podcast. Elizabeth, the place quit that you just can per chance be eager to want to cross?
Elizabeth: Properly, we are going to quit what we always quit when we’ve COVID studies. We are going to flip first to Nature Medicine. That is a explore that is entitled Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Fatigue. Or now no longer it’s clearly one thing that is poised to be main for all of us if we’ve new COVID variants that proceed to make; we can hold those obviously. Will any of them change into extra transmissible, as soon as extra extra lethal? These are beginning questions and we don’t know the reply. We quit know, on the opposite hand, that new vaccines are going to be main and boosters tend to be main within the eventualities that I’ve described.
This explore took a study 6,300+ participants who lived in Austria and Italy. They had been asking these people, hiya, who are you? Will we dispute your reluctance or now no longer that that you just can per chance be reluctant to get a COVID booster, or even vaccination to start with?
They looked at vaccine acceptance in future eventualities. Amongst unvaccinated people, campaign messages to hold a vaccination that search files from to engender their community spirit had a obvious create. They additionally looked at obvious incentives akin to money rewards or vouchers, and people had been with out a doubt main among those vaccinated as soon as or twice previously. Then among those of us which could per chance be triple vaccinated, vaccination readiness elevated when tailored vaccines to contemporary variants had been within the market.
They eventually divulge for a protracted-length of time success what we with out a doubt settle on to quit is study all of those reasonably just a few components among all of those reasonably just a few populations and we’ve to spend measures that foster institutional belief. These are some reasonably huge orders.
Rick: Or now no longer it’s miles a must to rob the predominant vaccine after which you additionally want to get the boosters. For the people who don’t rob the predominant vaccine, they name that a vaccine hesitancy. These that don’t whole the boosters, they name that vaccine fatigue. Why that is main is because I judge the COVID vaccine goes to be very noteworthy admire the flu vaccine, the place you hold acquired one dose, however we’re potentially going to want to hold annual doses.
What are the determinants of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine fatigue? As you mentioned, they’re reasonably just a few. Working out what these are goes to be contextually main to make certain people get the vaccine and whole the booster.
Elizabeth: I with out a doubt hold chanced on one of the most categorical identifications among these reasonably just a few populations to be very attention-grabbing. Shall we divulge, among the never vaccinated, any attempt to form of valid-arm them with guidelines to compel them to get vaccination turned out to be with out a doubt now no longer a correct recommendation at all. They additionally looked at this belief of value. They chanced on that even minor charges could per chance strongly lower vaccine uptake.
Rick: Particularly boosters. Price did no longer matter as noteworthy with the preliminary dose — as you acknowledged, belief did — however value did matter when people had been subsequent boosters.
Elizabeth: Upright. Then among, I’m going to name it, our population, that are the triple-vaxxers and above, one assert that they identified as main used to be smartly-known individual endorsement. I believed to myself, “My goodness, I could no longer care less just a few smartly-known individual endorsing getting one more vaccine.” What about you?
Rick: I’m now no longer so obvious or now no longer it’s miles a smartly-known individual as noteworthy as it’s miles any individual correct reminding us that we’ve to proceed with the boosters. That is a with out a doubt attention-grabbing explore. How quit we address both vaccine hesitancy and vaccine fatigue?
Elizabeth: Upright, and or now no longer it will require a nimble and multifactorial method.
Rick: Upright. Speaking about multifactorial method, let’s high-tail to The BMJ and let’s discuss diets.
Now, there are such quite a lot of completely different diets within the market. Obviously, the diets are supposed to aid people shed weight. The diets I’m most drawn to are people who now no longer entirely reduction people lower weight, however additionally lower mortality and lower cardiovascular effects.
What this explore did used to be it looked at randomized trial and did a community prognosis. Community prognosis potential that you just can compare reasonably just a few diets even within the occasion that they weren’t studied within the identical trial. They looked at seven reasonably just a few diets: a Mediterranean weight loss program, a low-plump weight loss program, a with out a doubt low-plump weight loss program, a modified weight loss program, a blended low-plump and low-sodium weight loss program, an Ornish weight loss program, and a Pritikin weight loss program — 35,000 participants throughout these seven reasonably just a few studies.
What they chanced on used to be the entirely two diets that had been convincingly proven to lower mortality had been the Mediterranean weight loss program and the low-plump weight loss program. The Mediterranean weight loss program decreased mortality by about 25% to 30%. It decreased cardiovascular mortality by about forty five% and stroke by 35%. The low-plump weight loss program a runt bit bit less, however they did no longer fetch any convincing proof there used to be with out a doubt any well-known distinction between the 2.
Elizabeth: I’m very drawn to the low-plump weight loss program because, as we’re smartly conscious, when we hold looked at these items within the past all of us know that often if people attempt to whole low plump they discontinue up subbing in reasonably just a few issues. I’m wondering about, obviously, straightforward carbs and the method in which that could per chance impact on the enchancment of diabetes. There is potentially nothing that granular in here, is there?
Rick: No, that you just can per chance be fully correct. There is now no longer. When they talked about low-plump weight loss program, they correct supposed that correct entirely about 20% to 30% of the calories attain from plump.
Elizabeth: I direct the Mediterranean weight loss program — I with out a doubt hold been seeing a lot about it in reasonably quite a lot of reasonably just a few studies with out a doubt touting it because the correct. Per chance or now no longer it’s correct worthwhile correct reminding all people what that is constituted of.
Rick: Or now no longer it’s heavy with new fruits, new greens, nuts, the stammer of olive oil in field of saturated fat, and alcohol in moderation. Or now no longer it’s the entirely one among the diets to convincingly lower stroke and it additionally decreased heart attacks as smartly.
Elizabeth: Let’s flip to the New England Journal of Medicine. That is a study put up-exposure doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections. That is among males who hold intercourse with males. I’m drawn to this because, obviously, we’re seeing reasonably touching on files concerning issues admire neonatal syphilis rising and additionally skyrocketing rates of gonorrhea that is proof against reasonably quite a lot of our antibiotics. This belief that “Will we give any individual put up-exposure doxycycline and end these STIs?” is reasonably compelling.
There had been 501 participants in a single cohort and 175 within the reasonably just a few. What they did used to be randomly establish these people in a 2:1 ratio to rob 200 mg of doxycycline inner 72 hours after condomless intercourse after which they looked at, “What number of STIs did you’re making?”
The attempting out used to be conducted quarterly. Expend of doxycycline used to be in a place to lower the preference of STIs in a single population from 32% to about 11% and within the reasonably just a few neighborhood from 30.5% to about 12%. Apparently, despite the undeniable truth that gonorrhea is now no longer essentially susceptible to this, they did imprint that gonorrhea used to be with out a doubt reduced and chlamydia and syphilis, diminished by two-thirds with this explicit routine.
Rick: These are again males having intercourse with males, some of whom had HIV and had been being handled, and in both teams the stammer of put up-exposure doxycycline decreased sexually transmitted infections.Here is one among the dear concerns I with out a doubt hold about this. Must you amplify the stammer of antibiotics, particularly within the put up-exposure length, eventually that you just can per chance additionally simply make resistant-sexually transmitted infections.
Elizabeth: I ponder about that too, Rick. I additionally wonder about — and all of us know that that is factual — that there is noteworthy spillover from these populations admire males who hold intercourse with males into reasonably just a few populations who are having intercourse. So if we would correct interrupt that transmission in classic, then per chance we would correct total hold fewer STIs that we’ve to effort about and this belief of resistance then could perchance additionally simply now no longer be so powerful.
Rick: I’m now no longer suggesting that we shouldn’t present put up-exposure doxycycline, however what I am saying is that we quit want to notice it.
Elizabeth: Let’s flip to your final one. That’s in JAMA Interior Medicine, colonoscopy and people that is now no longer going to with out a doubt settle on it. That’s my editorial.
Rick: The USPSTF, the United States Preventive Products and companies Assignment Power, recommends routine colorectal most cancers screening in sufferers between the ages of forty five to 75. Between the ages of 76 and 85, the USPSTF and the American Most cancers Society recommend that screening be individualized. The design for that is the advantages for colorectal most cancers screening rob 10 to 15 years to accrue because what we’re attempting to fetch is we’re attempting to fetch polyps that don’t make into most cancers for 10 to 15 years later.
What these investigators did used to be they decided the preference of screening colonoscopies that had been done in sufferers over the age of 75, particularly people who had a existence expectancy of lower than 10 years. They additionally looked to survey whether or now no longer there hold been any adverse effects from doing colonoscopy in older people.
Over a length of about 13 years, they identified over 7,000 sufferers over the age of 75 who had had colonoscopy. The proportion of people that had a existence expectancy lower than 10 years used to be about 30%. Sadly, adverse occasions requiring hospitalization, there used to be about 13.5 to 14 per thousand people. That quantity went bigger the older people acquired. How correct used to be it at finding developed most cancers? Two out of 1,000 sufferers.
Elizabeth: I don’t know what number of a protracted time within the past, Rick — and potentially we don’t even are eager to discuss about what number of a protracted time within the past — we started recommending screening colonoscopy for those faded 50 and older, and people form of acquired that into the routine that that’s what they desired to quit. Looking out to get people now to step a long way flung from that, even whenever you occur to could per chance be 75, and divulge, “Oh, I don’t settle on to hold this any longer,” is with out a doubt a cosmopolitan name. I with out a doubt hold even considered it among practitioners who are quiet recommending that.
We’ve got additionally acquired fecal screening of reasonably just a few forms that we are able to produce if we’ve a suspicion of colorectal most cancers. Why now no longer spend those as a replacement and provides this colonoscopy a cross over, particularly in older people?
Rick: Even whenever you occur to quit a decided test that could per chance be safer and in addition you fetch a most cancers in a individual whose existence expectancy is lower than 10 years, that you just can per chance be potentially now no longer going to treat it. In fact, that is exactly what occurred in this explore. There had been nine people they chanced on most cancers and eight of those nine acknowledged, “Properly, I don’t are eager to hold treatment. I mean, or now no longer it’s now no longer going to with out a doubt lengthen my existence and or now no longer it will seemingly get me depressing.” Or now no longer it’s now no longer correct the test itself, however what are you going to quit with the outcomes when you fetch them?
Elizabeth: Constantly a correct point. On that display, that is a study this week’s medical headlines from Texas Tech. I’m Elizabeth Tracey.
Rick: And I’m Rick Lange. Y’all listen up and get healthy picks.
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Health
How a Weekend Nap Might Boost Your Heart Health, New Research Reveals
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Published
1 day agoon
September 6, 2024![Sleep disoder](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-1770389603-1.webp)
When a demanding week disrupts your regular sleep routine, catching up on sleep over the weekend often seems like a sensible remedy. However, new research suggests that this approach might offer more than just temporary relief—it could actually benefit your heart health. Set to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress on September 1, the study indicates that making up for lost sleep on weekends is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease.
This research, based on data from the UK Biobank study involving over 90,000 participants, reveals intriguing findings. Those who used weekends to compensate for lost sleep showed a 19% lower risk of heart disease compared to individuals who didn’t catch up as much. The benefit was notably greater for those who regularly faced inadequate sleep during the workweek. Over an average follow-up period of nearly 14 years, participants who averaged the most additional sleep on weekends were less likely to develop serious cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
For people suffering from chronic sleep deprivation—defined as getting less than seven hours of sleep per night—this research found that catching up on sleep over the weekend reduced the risk of heart disease by 20%. This suggests that even intermittent sleep recovery can have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
Despite these promising results, experts stress the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the entire week. Irregular sleep patterns, often referred to as “social jet lag,” can have detrimental effects on heart health, undermining the benefits of weekend sleep recovery. For instance, excessive weekend sleep might not fully mitigate the adverse effects of insufficient sleep during the week.
The research, while compelling, remains in abstract form and has some limitations. It primarily reflects the UK population, and the study’s methodology does not yet account for all potential risk factors for heart disease or variations in individual sleep needs. Further research is needed to determine the optimal amount of daily sleep and whether there are thresholds beyond which additional weekend sleep offers no further benefit.
Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of Atria New York City and a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes the broader implications of the findings. She points out that chronic sleep deprivation is known to contribute to various cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, while catching up on sleep can be beneficial, it is crucial to aim for a consistent sleep routine to maximize heart health.
Other experts, like Dr. Nour Makarem from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, highlight that maintaining regular sleep patterns every day is likely the best strategy for long-term health. They also suggest discussing sleep issues with healthcare providers to address any underlying problems and ensure the most effective approach to improving sleep and overall cardiovascular health.
In summary, while making up for lost sleep on weekends appears to offer heart health benefits, the ideal approach is to maintain a consistent and adequate sleep schedule throughout the week. Further research will be needed to refine these findings and provide more specific guidelines for optimizing sleep for heart health.
Health
Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks Star as New Additions in ‘Minecraft’ Movie Trailer
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September 5, 2024![Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks Star as New Additions in 'Minecraft' Movie Trailer](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/screen-shot-2024-09-04-at-4-12-54-pm.webp)
The vibrant, cubic universe of Minecraft is set to leap off the screen with the release of the first teaser trailer for “A Minecraft Movie,” the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved video game. Starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jack Black, the film promises to bring the pixelated world of Minecraft to life in an exciting new way.
The teaser introduces Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, who, along with Brooks, “Wednesday” star Emma Myers, and Sebastian, finds himself transported into the enchanting realm of Minecraft through a mysterious portal. The trailer showcases their journey through this imaginative landscape, where they encounter various Minecraft creatures like bleating sheep, menacing piglins, and an intriguing character named Steve, played by Jack Black.
In a memorable moment from the trailer, Black’s character declares, “Anything you can dream about here, you can make,” while The Beatles’ “The Magical Mystery Tour” plays in the background. This line underscores the movie’s theme of creativity and exploration in the fantastical world of Minecraft.
The film’s official synopsis reveals that Momoa’s character and his friends face ordinary challenges that become extraordinary once they are thrust into the Overworld, a surreal and cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To return home, they must embrace their unique creative abilities, which will ultimately help them in their real-world lives.
Directed by Jared Hess, known for “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Masterminds,” “A Minecraft Movie” marks the first live-action adaptation of the popular video game that originally launched in 2011. The film is a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4, 2025.
Health
Raygun Apologizes to Breakdance Community for Controversial Paris Olympics Performance
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Published
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September 5, 2024![Raygun Controversial Paris Olympics Performance](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/gettyimages-2166052398.webp)
Rachael Gunn, known in the breakdancing world as Raygun, has issued a heartfelt apology to the breaking community following the significant backlash from her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old university lecturer and breakdancer garnered international attention for her unique and unconventional routine, but her performance did not resonate with many in the sport, leading to a storm of criticism.
In an interview aired on the Australian current affairs show “The Project,” Gunn expressed her deep regret over the negative impact her Olympic appearance had on the breaking community. Gunn’s performance, which featured distinctive moves like the kangaroo hop, backward rolls, and various contortions while lying or crawling on the floor, did not score a single point in her matches against competitors from the United States, France, and Lithuania. She lost each round 18-0, a result that fueled the controversy surrounding her style and approach.
Gunn’s style was met with confusion and disapproval from many in the breaking community, who felt that her routine diverged significantly from traditional breakdancing elements. Despite qualifying for the Olympics by winning the Oceania championships, Gunn admitted in her interview that she was nervous about competing and anticipated a mixed reception to her performance. “I knew that I was going to get beaten, and I knew that people were not going to understand my style and what I was going to do,” she said. “The odds were against me, that’s for sure.”
The reaction to Gunn’s performance extended beyond the breaking community and captured the attention of the global media. Singer Adele publicly questioned the seriousness of the performance during a concert in Munich, while actress Rachel Dratch parodied Gunn’s routine on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Gunn revealed that she had not seen the Fallon sketch but felt conflicted about the attention it brought her. “I don’t know whether to hug (Fallon) or yell at him, because what platform he ended up giving me,” she remarked.
Gunn’s performance, while controversial, was a bold attempt to bring a new perspective to breakdancing, a sport that made its Olympic debut in Paris but will not be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Gunn’s approach, though not widely accepted, highlights the ongoing debate within the sport about the balance between innovation and tradition.
In light of the backlash, Gunn has decided to take a step back from competitive breakdancing. She expressed a desire to avoid the spotlight and focus on the positive aspects of her experience, including the joy and fun she found in performing. “I would much rather focus on the positives out of this, and the positive responses and the joy that I brought people,” she said. Gunn emphasized that her goal was to have fun and push boundaries, even in the face of defeat.
Rachael Gunn’s apology and decision to step away from competition reflect her acknowledgment of the controversy and her commitment to the sport, despite the challenges she faced. Her story underscores the complexities of introducing innovative approaches to traditional sports and the need for ongoing dialogue within the breaking community about the future direction of the sport.
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Fatman Scoop, Renowned Rapper with Hits for Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, Dies at 56 After Stage Collapse
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Published
5 days agoon
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Fatman Scoop, the acclaimed rapper and hype man known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has passed away at the age of 56 after collapsing onstage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Chanel Rae, who directed fans to a tribute posted on Fatman Scoop’s official Instagram page. The tribute described him as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light,” recognizing him not only as a top performer but also as a father, brother, uncle, and friend. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett also offered condolences on Facebook, acknowledging the large turnout for what would be Fatman Scoop’s final performance and expressing gratitude to those who provided life-saving assistance. She announced that grief counseling would be available for those affected by the tragedy. Sharron Elkabas, the musician’s representative, expressed shock at his sudden death, noting that he had been in good spirits recently. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been released. Fatman Scoop gained prominence with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful” and went on to collaborate with notable artists such as Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, and Skrillex. His contributions included helping to make Missy Elliott’s 2005 single “Lose Control” a hit and collaborating with Mariah Carey on “It’s Like That,” earning him a Grammy in 2006 for best short form music video
Health & Wellness
CDC Urges Check of Fridges Amid Expanding Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Deli Meat
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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the public to avoid consuming recalled deli meats amid a significant listeria outbreak, which has become the largest in the US since 2011.
In late July, Boar’s Head recalled over 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products due to potential listeria contamination. Recently, the CDC has reported at least a dozen additional listeriosis cases linked to the outbreak.
Documents from the US Department of Agriculture reveal that insects and mold were found at the facility connected to the recall. The outbreak has resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states and nine deaths. The CDC notes that this outbreak is now the largest since the 2011 listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe.
The CDC also indicates that the actual number of illnesses might be higher, as some milder cases may not have been tested for listeria. There is also a delay between when an illness occurs and when it is linked to an ongoing investigation.
Consumers are advised to check their kitchens for any remaining recalled products, as they can have a long shelf life. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels. Some products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024. Recalled items include liverwurst, ham, bologna, sausage, and roasted bacon. Most reported illnesses are associated with eating turkey or liverwurst, though some involve ham.
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Health
Carole King, Elizabeth Warren, and More Rally for Kamala: ‘Single Cat Ladies Unite
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Published
1 week agoon
August 28, 2024![carolking-elizabethwarren-split](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/carolking-elizabethwarren-split.webp)
Left-leaning Taylor Swift fans joined artists like Carole King and politicians, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, for a Zoom call organized by the group “Swifties for Kamala” to mobilize supporters to vote for Kamala Harris.
Swift herself has no affiliation with the group and was not involved in the call on Tuesday. The group has amassed roughly a quarter of a million followers across multiple social media platforms since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term and endorsed Vice President Harris. To date, “Swifties for Kamala” has raised over $13,000 for the Harris-Walz campaign.
More than 26,000 participants registered for the Tuesday evening call, which also featured remarks by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT), and North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton.
Irene Kim, co-founder of “Swifties for Kamala,” had previously hoped that Harris or her running mate, Tim Walz, might join the call, though neither were present.
“Hello Swifties!” Warren, the first speaker of the night, greeted the group as heart, thumbs up, and party emojis flowed through the Zoom stream. “You are resilient, and you know how to take on bullies and be your most authentic, joyful selves,” Warren said. “You come together hand-in-hand, friendship bracelets on your wrist, and you overcome pretty much anything that life throws at you. And that is what the Kamala Harris campaign is all about. It’s about standing up for what is right in the face of bullies, like Donald Trump.”
King sang her favorite Swift song, “Shake It Off,” and encouraged attendees to stand up and use their voices in the lead-up to the election. “I’ve been a political activist for years, I’ve been a volunteer, I’ve been a door knocker, even as a famous person,” King said. “I am a Swiftie, and Taylor and I are actually friends. We’ve had conversations backstage, and I see her as sort of my musical and songwriting granddaughter, and we have a lovely relationship. I’m so excited about Kamala because so many people are excited about Kamala.”
Gillibrand told a few Swiftie jokes (“Karma is a relaxing thought, but for Donald Trump, it’s not” and “Kamala is saying, look what you made me do”) and referenced the now-infamous cat lady remarks made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. “I think it’s important that we, as single cat ladies, as independent women, as women who know every lyric that Taylor Swift has ever written, that we are part of this campaign and part of this election,” Gillibrand said. “I think she can be a voice for this generation that is really profound, as someone who values women’s words, who values women, who values our independence.”
Markey spoke about climate change, alluding to Swift’s Rhode Island summer home. “Climate change is threatening our favorite phenomena,” Markey said. “The waters on the shores of Taylor’s holiday house in New England are some of the fastest warming waters in the world, outside of the Arctic. Right now, Kamala is running against the climate-denier-in-chief.”
In the chat, organizers called for action in Swift-appropriate fashion: asking for donations in amounts of $13 or $19.89—numbers significant to the singer—or $47, in reference to the next president.
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In the heart of Rome, where history and culture co-exist elegantly, a small boy by the name of Gianluca Todisco is said to have embarked into the world of art. From the start, Gianluca was enchanted by the expressive ability of art where he explored music, dancing, and creation. This drive, which he has possessed since then, is what has brought him to his latest single ‘RAMI’. It is more than a song, ‘RAMI’ is an ode to love in its glorious perplexing shapes, and it also captures the development of Gianluca’s artistry in a way.
History and culture entwined to form a pleasant picture, and in the middle of such a city, there was a small boy Gianluca Todisco who was said to have ventured into the world of art. From the very beginning, however, we see that he owned the expressionist side of the art which engaged him in music, dancing, and creation. This desire which he had from then has taken him to his most recent single ‘RAMI.’ More than a song, ‘RAMI’ is a celebration of love in all its many varied and beautiful forms, and at the same time, it chronicles Gianluca’s growing up as an artist.
The Origins of Gianluca’s Devotion to Art
It is interesting to note that Gianluca’s immersion into the arts commenced at the mere age of 4 years old. As a child raised in Rome, a city that has a lot of art, it was probably unavoidable that he would find his way into the artistic world. He started with singing and dancing classes, in which he found the joy of performing, as well as expressing feelings through motion and music. These initial events were the dormancy of these contours of creative inclination which made Gianluca delve further into gaining classical piano proficiency. The piano, which had so many variations and emotions, became yet another means of destruction for Gianluca.
This exposure to music and stage performance provided a good foundation for what was to be a lifelong commitment to the arts. Upon completing his studies at La Sapienza University Rome in Fashion and Performing Arts, Gianluca was ready to pursue his passion in a more zealot way. It was this yearning for the world of music and honing his career anywhere around the globe that pushed him to first move to the USA, and soon after, to Los Angeles. This, of course, was a turning point in his life as it marked the onset of a journey where he would forge ahead not only as an artist but as a man dedicated wholly to his art.
“RAMI”: Odd Love & Development
Back in Los Angeles, the capital of the entertainment world, Gianluca gained the opportunity to fashion one of his most intimate and personal pieces, that is, ‘RAMI’. The eponymous word has Italian roots and translates into English as ‘branches’. This refers to the various kinds of love that have defined and fed us over the years. As far as “RAMI” is concerned, Gianluca reminds us that it is love that has many faces: the love, that is found in families, love of friends, love of those who wish to see us grow. Similar to branches thirsting for rain as well as nutrients from the roots of a tree in order to expand and blossom, the deep connections nourished her emotionally.
Gianluca’s choice of composing and developing ‘RAMI’ in Italian is his way of paying respect to his roots and culture which has been instrumental in his artistry. The song was introduced in the presence of an audience through a live performance at Griffith Observatory Park in Los Angeles, a place that is famous among the people for its stunning architecture and the sense of wonder and adventure that comes along with the song as it looks into human emotions. It was more than just a show; it was a musical tribute to the emotional aspect of “RAMI” and the audience experienced the beautiful words in every melody and tone of the song.
Connecting Art and Life: Gianluca’s Broader Artistic Vision
What he imagines lucidly inside his mind is not only reflected inside “RAMI” as a single but rather more than that It is obvious that the creativity he expresses is very much biographical. Since its inception, Gianluca has continued addressing different matters and raising the feeling of oriented or self-directed enablement. A piece of work can be for instance demanded to expose one’s emotion, or one could be more intimidating. These themes offer consolation in a pithy sense and thereby help to connect people who want to express their experience through creativity.
This desire to connect with his audience is evident in all of Gianluca’s work. Nevertheless, concepts, ‘INDIFFERENTE,’ ‘HOLLYWOOD,’’ ‘PARADISO’, ‘What is Reality’, ‘Brute’ also draw attention, and every single one of these was perfectly consolidated and integrated by means of energetic and elaborate elaboration. But it is not less poignant, perhaps quite equally important, and this dignity expresses itself through movement in high emotional and narrative or lyrical cinematography performed by Gianluca lessons. In this context, he considers solitons of family, depression, frustration, fears, desires, and objectives to be the creative fugues full of melodrama.
The Art of Persuading Others
Art, as defined by Gianluca, includes pursuing finer challenges that reach beyond oneself. His phrase ‘Feel Free to Be Yourself’ is indeed remarkable because it encourages people to accept themselves in a society where it is common to be judged. Gianluca expresses such sentiments hoping that his work would motivate others to be liberated, not by adherence to set standards but by being true to who they are and finding others like them.
This message makes more sense in the context of ‘RAMI’. The song with this title is a love song and tries to make the listener focus on the emotional aspect of being a human being. Gianluca’s piece of art serves as a reminder that even though we all live our lives in distinct ways, we have those threads that connect us to other human beings. ‘RAMI’ presents love to the audience in a form that would make them not only evaluate the circumstances and people surrounding them but make them also actively engage with them.
Looking Forward: The Future of Gianluca Todisco’s Artistic Journey
Nonetheless, as an artist, he keeps developing new concepts and transcending the limits of his imagination. He is engaged in new works suggesting to further develop the themes surfaced in “RAMI,” however, the focus is on the new sounds and views. In this scenario, he sees improvement in both artistic and personal abilities as yep continues establishing environments that will nourish his art and reach out to many people.
Gianluca Todisco’s artistic handiwork in the short film ‘RAMI’ is more of art first than love, he has weaved both love and his artistic work within the short film. Living in Rome during his childhood and now living in Los Angeles Gianluca pursued art as he sought for others to find themselves and realize their inner beauty through artistry. There’s no doubt that in the coming years, Gianluca’s pieces of art, will be devoid of the past features but will center on love, relationships, and self-identity giving the audience a wholesome experience.
Health & Wellness
Town’s Voluntary Curfew to Combat Mosquito-Borne Virus Sparks Controversy Amid Pandemic Fatigue
![](http://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_9438-e1622831429279-46x46.png)
Published
1 week agoon
August 28, 2024![still-20893967-2842-6659999999997-still](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/still-20893967-2842-6659999999997-still.webp)
The idea of ending outdoor activities near sunset to prevent mosquito-borne viruses is not new, but this year’s public reaction is.
In 2005, 2012, and 2019, towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut requested residents to limit outdoor activities during outbreaks of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) with minimal attention. However, when Oxford, Massachusetts officials recently proposed a voluntary curfew—advising residents to conclude outdoor activities by 6 p.m. until the end of September, and by 5 p.m. in October until the first hard frost—there was notable pushback. Approximately 200 residents attended a town meeting to discuss the measure.
Philip Davis, president of Oxford’s Little League, noted that the level of protest this time was unusual compared to previous EEE outbreaks. “In my family, we were completely done when Covid ended. We were done being locked inside, being scared. Living scared is no way to live,” Davis said.
Given the recent memories of the 2019 EEE curfews and the subsequent Covid restrictions, Davis remarked, ‘I think everyone has reached their limit. It’s time to hand the decision-making back to the parents.’
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus can reach the brain, leading to swelling and inflammation. Initial symptoms include a sudden headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting, which may progress to disorientation, seizures, and coma. Severe cases are rare.
In the U.S., the CDC reports about 11 human infections annually. This year, there have been four cases identified in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Vermont, with New Hampshire recently reporting a death from the virus.
EEE-spreading mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.
Dr. Kristy Murray, a mosquito-borne virus expert at Emory University, noted that the dusk-to-dawn curfew was likely a serious decision by local and state health departments. “The most severe outbreak of EEE in the U.S. occurred in Massachusetts in 1938, resulting in 25 deaths, primarily among children. Public health authorities would certainly want to take preventive measures if the data indicates a concerning trend,” she wrote in an email.
Lori Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, explained that such curfews serve multiple purposes: they reduce mosquito exposure during peak activity times, raise public awareness of the threat, and create safer conditions for mosquito control efforts, such as insecticide spraying.
Dr. Catherine Brown, Massachusetts’ state epidemiologist, acknowledged that the recommended curfews are not popular. “It’s an unpopular recommendation, but it’s a crucial component of a comprehensive prevention strategy,” which includes insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito spraying, she said.
Brown recognized concerns about the potential negative impact of the curfews on children’s mental and physical health. “Public health encompasses more than just infectious diseases. It’s also about ensuring kids have adequate outdoor playtime and exercise. We understand that balance at the Department of Public Health and do not make these recommendations lightly,” she emphasized.
On August 16, Oxford and three neighboring towns—Douglas, Sutton, and Webster—were classified as at critical risk for EEE after both a person and a horse in the area tested positive for the virus. According to the CDC, EEE is fatal in about one-third of cases and leaves approximately 50% of survivors with long-term neurological issues. There is no specific treatment for the illness.
Oxford Town Manager Jennifer Callahan informed the board of health that the infected individual lived in Oxford, and the person’s family had requested that officials alert the community.
Despite these warnings, opposition grew among some parents and coaches. A Change.org petition protesting the curfew gathered over 880 signatures by Monday. Cambria Macki, an ER nurse and mother of four, expressed her frustration, stating, “My children have already lost so much of their childhood due to Covid. Football and cheerleading offered them a semblance of normalcy. Please don’t close the fields.” She acknowledged the EEE risk but suggested managing it through other measures like spraying and protective clothing.
Recently, Cambria Macki has been engaged in heated debates on social media with her neighbors over whether the greater risk for kids lies in a rare but serious infection or in deteriorating mental and physical health. She pointed to federal data highlighting a rise in youth suicides and shared her observations of teens and preteens waiting in local emergency rooms for inpatient psychiatric care.
Macki noted, “For many of these kids, sports are an essential escape from difficult home lives. They may feel insignificant at home, but on the field, they matter.”
Another commenter argued, “Government overreach in the name of safety has already disrupted our kids’ lives enough.”
Rike Sterrett, Oxford’s director of public health services, acknowledged the deep impact of Covid-19 restrictions on both parents and children and their lasting effects on public health. She emphasized that the town’s curfew is a voluntary recommendation, not a mandate.
Sterrett mentioned that local schools are adhering to the guidance by rescheduling or moving outdoor activities indoors rather than canceling them altogether. Additionally, outside groups can continue to use city fields after hours if they sign a legal form acknowledging the risks and provide proof of adequate insurance.
“There won’t be any evening games under the lights; it’s about adjusting practice schedules,” Sterrett explained.
Reflecting on her experience in Marlborough, Massachusetts, during the 2019 EEE outbreak—a year that saw 12 human cases nationwide—Sterrett observed that while there was some pushback then, it was less pronounced. She acknowledged the desire for people to make the most of the remaining pleasant weather.
The push for restrictions on outdoor activities has, meanwhile, increased public awareness about EEE and the importance of avoiding mosquito bites.
Sterrett expressed optimism about the educational impact of the recommendations, saying, “I’m hopeful that the message is getting out there.”
Philip Davis mentioned ongoing efforts with local officials to seek more flexible recommendations. Parents are advocating for adherence to the state’s broader guideline, which suggests limiting outdoor activities from dusk until dawn—a significant shift from the town’s current curfew.
For example, on Tuesday night, dusk is anticipated around 8 p.m., which is two hours beyond the town’s curfew.
Davis noted that his Little League organization plans to comply with the town’s waiver requirements and has the necessary insurance to use the fields after the curfew. He intends to advise his coaches to conclude practices a half-hour before dusk, allowing players time to collect their equipment and head inside.
“We felt as though this was just the wrong approach,” Davis said, referring to the town’s curfew policy.
Health & Wellness
FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech
![](http://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_9438-e1622831429279-46x46.png)
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 23, 2024![pfizer-12-kp-2-vaccine](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/pfizer-12-kp-2-vaccine.webp)
With a summer surge of COVID-19 impacting the United States, the FDA has approved updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech as of Thursday.
Moderna and Pfizer announced that their updated mRNA vaccines will soon be available at pharmacies and clinics.
Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing COVID-19. “These updated vaccines meet the FDA’s high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality,” he stated. “With immunity levels declining from past infections and vaccinations, we strongly recommend that eligible individuals receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine for enhanced protection against currently circulating variants.”
A CVS representative stated that doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are expected to begin arriving at its locations within a few days. Amy Thibault from CVS noted, “Once the vaccine supply arrives at our pharmacies, we will accept walk-ins.” Additionally, CVS’s digital scheduler will be updated to reflect available vaccination appointments, allowing customers to check local availability online.
Walgreens customers will be able to schedule appointments for the updated vaccine starting September 6, with availability expected within 24 hours. A Walgreens spokesperson added that walk-ins will also be accommodated as vaccine supplies become available in the coming days.
According to CDC data, SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in wastewater are at “very high” levels nationwide, marking the highest summer peak in the U.S. since July 2022. Wastewater monitoring provides insight into the virus’s spread, especially as testing and other forms of surveillance have decreased.
The CDC reports rising rates of severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, though they remain below the peaks seen in previous years.
The current predominant strain in the U.S. is KP.3.1.1, which now accounts for 37% of cases over the past two weeks, a significant increase from a month ago. KP.3.1.1 and KP.2, which is included in the updated mRNA vaccines, are both variants of JN.1. JN.1 will also be targeted by an updated protein-based vaccine from Novavax, with all these strains being versions of the Omicron variant.
In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that everyone over 6 months old receive both an updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot this year.
As of Thursday, the FDA has announced that individuals aged 5 and older are eligible for an updated Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, provided it has been at least two months since their last dose.
For unvaccinated children aged 6 months to 4 years, the updated Pfizer vaccine is available in a three-dose series, while the updated Moderna vaccine is offered in a two-dose series. Children in this age group who have been previously vaccinated can receive one or two doses of the updated vaccines, based on their prior vaccination history. Additionally, some children aged 6 months to 11 years with weakened immune systems may qualify for extra doses.
Health
It Ends With Us’ Star Brandon Sklenar Responds to Online Backlash and Criticism
![](http://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_9438-e1622831429279-46x46.png)
Published
2 weeks agoon
August 21, 2024![Us’ Star Brandon Sklenar](https://levelupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ap24219815880969.webp)
It Ends With Us” actor Brandon Sklenar is addressing the online discussions and backlash surrounding the film’s release and promotion.
On Instagram, Sklenar shared a detailed message asserting that author Colleen Hoover, who wrote the bestselling novel the film is based on, and the women in the cast represent “hope, perseverance, and women choosing a better life for themselves.”
He criticized the vilification of the women involved in the film, arguing that it undermines the film’s core message. “Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive,” Sklenar stated.
Sklenar also addressed reports of creative conflicts on set between Blake Lively, the film’s star and co-executive producer, and co-star/director Justin Baldoni. He emphasized that behind-the-scenes issues should not overshadow the film’s intentions. “It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online,” he wrote.
There has been criticism regarding how Lively and the film’s promotional efforts have addressed domestic violence, a key theme in the movie. Sklenar reassured that everyone involved was aware of the responsibility in portraying this sensitive subject. “There isn’t a single person involved in the making of this film that was not aware of the responsibility we had,” he said.
The film aims to inspire, bring hope, and “spread love and awareness,” according to Sklenar. He urged his followers to focus on the positive aspects of the film rather than spreading negativity online.sony Pictures Entertainment Chair-CEO Tony Vinciquerra defended the film’s promotion, which some critics felt overly emphasized lighter elements, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter last week.
“So many women put so much effort into this remarkable movie, working selflessly from the start to ensure that such an important subject matter was handled with care,” Vinciquerra said.
“It Ends With Us” centers on Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively), a flower shop owner who confronts a traumatic childhood marked by abuse. As she falls for Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), she encounters unsettling patterns reminiscent of her parents’ relationship.
Lively addressed the issue of intimate partner violence in an Instagram Story earlier this month, linking to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and stating, “Intimate partner violence affects all genders, including more than 12 million people every year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.”
Sklenar, meanwhile, has urged his followers to avoid negativity and contribute positively. “Be a part of a new story,” he wrote, “being written for women and all people everywhere.”
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