Do I need my Second Covid Shot

Here is why you need that second covid shot !

Getting that second covid shot may be more important than you realize. Millions of Americans are not getting their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Why is this important? it’s important because the new Delta variant is becoming the predominant strain in the United States and we know that it’s way more contagious and we also know from the recent data that the first shot is only about 30% protective against getting sick or hospitalized from the new Delta variant. Here in San Diego, we are doing rather well and close to reaching that herd immunity level.  The second shot is up to 90% effective at protecting you from this new variant so if you’re waiting to get your second shot I recommend you go out and get it as soon as possible !

Watch my video below and subscribe to my YouTube channel for all the latest quick facts that you need to know about COVID-19 page.

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Please let me know if you have more questions for me.  I’m happy to answer them.  Learn more about me and contact me today !

Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome or PIMS and Coronavirus

 A mysterious illness in children has been observed around the world called Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or PIMS. It has been thought to be related to Covid-19. Physicians worldwide have observed this new condition in regions with a higher concentration of covid-19 cases. It was first observed in New York and in Europe. Until a month ago, the pediatric population represented a small percentage of documented and confirmed Covid cases . For the most part children had really been spared from major symptoms with the vast majority not presenting with the signs of the illness. And now this new illness changes the risks for children.

To date, three children in the United States have died from Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or PIMS. Most children that contract this condition seem to recover well.  Despite only a few very serious cases, there are extensive comments regarding it by the World Health Organization.  

The constellation of symptoms initially appears quite similar to other inflammatory conditions like Kawasaki’s Disease or toxic shock-like syndrome. As physicians looked more closely, they began to see differences.

These children, when tested, showed the presence of coronavirus antibodies, suggesting a prior infection with the virus, potentially two to four weeks earlier, and then presenting to the emergency room.

Symptoms of PIMS

Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome or PIMSChildren presenting with PIMS are usually quite sick.

Fever is typically present for several days. Lymph nodes can be enlarged. Parts of the body begin to turn red: The whites of their eyes, their hands, feet, mouth and tongue. Swelling of the hands and feet are also sometimes present and a rash may appear. Again, these children appear quite ill. They are often admitted to the intensive care unit.

The age range of children is broader than other conditions like Kawasaki’s syndrome where kids are usually under the age of five.

Treatment of Pediatric MultiSystem Inflammatory Syndrome

Acute treatment of PIMS is typically with similar medications to those used for other inflammatory conditions. This includes immunoglobulin infusion and steroids. Fortunately, these treatments are usually successful.

As of yesterday, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles reported four cases with one child still in the ICU.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms but it is not time to panic. Remember this is a rare disease.

How to take off gloves

Dr. Mona Hacker, Family Practice Physician, explains how to properly take off a pair of gloves. Taking them off the wrong way could put you at risk.  Learn tips take them off safely to keep your self safe and protected.

How to wear a face mask

Dr. Mona Hacker, Family Practice Physician, explains how to properly wear a cloth face mask. I see many people that do not know how to wear a face mask properly and put themselves at risk. Learn tips to wear it properly and keep your self safe and protected.

Mona Hacker on with Mark Larson KOGO San Diego

Listen to a discussion about coronavirus between Mona Hacker and Mark Larson.  Aired April 8, 2020 at 8pm on KOGO AM 600 in San Diego, California

Cloth masks for protection from Covid-19

The CDC has now given guidelines for the use of a cloth mask for protection from Covid-19. This is to help slow or prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where it is difficult to maintain social distancing principles. This could be in a grocery store, doctor’s office or other place where you may be in close proximity with others.

The use of a simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus and may help people who actually have the virus from giving it to others.

My cloth mask protects you, your cloth mask protects me.

These cloth masks can be bought, but may be hard to find. It’s easy to make a mask for yourself and your family using things you likely have at home. Don’t use masks on young children, anyone who has problems breathing, is incapacitated or not able to take off their own mask if needed.

Remember these cloth masks are not surgical masks or N-95 respirator masks. The porosity of them is much higher, blocking particles about 0.3 microns in size. I’ve included some information from the CDC about simple ways to make your own mask. Send me your ideas to share with others below.

From the CDC: (reference: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)

Sew and No Sew Instructions

Sewn Cloth Face Covering

Sewing a facemask - materials needed

Materials

  • Two 10”x6” rectangles of cotton fabric
  • Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)
  • Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine

Tutorial

1. Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.Sewing a facemask - step 1

2. Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.Sewing a facemask - step 2

3. Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.
Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.Sewing a facemask - step 3

4. Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic and adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.Sewing a facemask - step 4

Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (no sew method)

Materials

  • T-shirt
  • Scissors

Tutorial

Sewing a facemask - step 1
Creating a facemask from a tshirt - step 2
Creating a facemask from a tshirt - step 3

Bandanna Face Covering (no sew method)

Materials

  • Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”)
  • Coffee filter
  • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
  • Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)

Tutorial

Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 1
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 2
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 3
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 4
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 5
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 6
Creating a facemask from a bandanna - step 7

Let’s Talk CoronaVirus COVID19

We are in a constantly evolving, changing situation with the spread of COVID19 in the United States and the World. I have been speaking out about the importance of social distancing and changing the way we live in an unprecedented way in our lifetime. Let’s continue the conversation below.

Corona Virus Update

Watch Dr. Mona Hacker review the latest information on corona virus on KUSI TV San Diego.

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The Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon – The Spice of Life

Cinnamon is likely in your pantry right now and may be a benefit to your health !

Cinnamon has references throughout history for its antimicrobial and anti- fungal properties. In some older literature many thought it was able to fight of the plague. Numerous sources claim that it is  a anti-cancer, anti-aging and a powerful anti- oxidant.

What’s the evidence?

Should we be taking supplements?

How much and for what??

Let’s remember medicine started from herbs and plants so it makes sense that we have come full circle and can now look back and see what is may can do for our health.

Cinnamon and Diabetes

The strongest evidence rests with Diabetes. Two small studies show a reduction of blood sugar is type 2 diabetics taking 1 gram of cinnamon a day when compared to a group that took none. The amount of the blood sugar reduction was significant so that it was comparable to a oral diabetic drug. The problem? When you look at the study the design was good but it was too small – only 18 people in the study. Another similar study of 60 people showed a similar reduction in blood sugar as well as a  reduction in LDL cholesterol and trigycerides suggesting a heart benefit as well. The best part was that the doses in these studies were small – only 1 -3 teaspoons of cinnamon sprinkled on your food were needed daily. The FDA cautions against doses higher than 6 grams because of liver toxicity. Also, it is important to point out that not all cinnamon is the same.

Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon

There are two main types of Cinnamon – Ceylon which is milder, more expensive and comes from Sri Lanka and Cassia which is sweeter, more fragrant and comes from Cohina. Interestingly Cassia cinnamon is what we usually see in the united states on the shelves.  This form is not as good for us and also may contain more of the dangerous and toxic chemicals at higher doses. So it is worth it to get the Ceylon cinnamon if you are Diabetic. The American Diabetic Association does not recommend it despite these small studies showing a benefit.  A meta-analysis of 103 studies showed no impact on a patient’s hemoglobin A1C – a measure of the effectiveness of treatment over several months. I do recommend it to my diabetics – 1/2 a teaspoon sprinted on oatmeal or in your black coffee.

There is new research underway on the benefits of cinnamon on Alzheimer’s dementia and HIV.   One small study showed that it could prevent the virus from entering the cells which is similar to how the drug AZT works.

Cinnamon also contains polyphenols, flavanoids and phenolic acid. These are all compounds that can be important in reducing free radical damage and anti-aging.

The potential is high for this sweet-smelling spice. Just remember do not stop taking your current medications and there is still NO final, clear evidence for capsules or high dose cinnamon.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments !

Copyright 2018 by Dr. Mona Hacker | All Rights Reserved
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