August 14, 2022

Don’t downplay monkeypox — here’s what you should know

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, warns the Nevada Independent, Don’t downplay monkeypox — here’s what you should know.

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As cases of monkeypox infections continue to climb across the country, U.S. officials have declared the virus a public health emergency and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a global health emergency. These recent declarations are vital efforts to help increase awareness about this public health threat, as monkeypox has often been downplayed and stigmatized as a disease that can only infect those within the LGBTQ+ community.

This is erroneous. Monkeypox — though usually not fatal — is highly contagious and can be contracted and spread by anyone.

Monkeypox and the vaccine used to prevent it have been around for decades. However, we are now seeing a resurgence of the virus as well as other once-eradicated infectious diseases. The reasons are multi-faceted, including delays in regular health screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, less access to the monkeypox vaccine, misinformation about the virus, and a general distrust of vaccines.

What it is and isn’t

To combat the spread of monkeypox, it is critical to understand what it is, and is not.

Monkeypox is a virus that can be spread from person-to-person by direct contact with a rash during intimate, skin-to-skin contact or by touching items that have been handled by an infected person. Sharing towels, clothes or drinking cups, as well as kissing, hugging or dancing with someone who has monkeypox, are all possible modes of transmitting the virus.

Monkeypox isn’t just contracted through close, intimate physical contact, though. It is also transmissible through respiratory secretions and droplets. For example, if an infected person who has lesions in their mouth coughs, it is possible for the virus to transmit to others around them….

See what else Dr. Curry-Winchell, has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss

11 Monkeypox Myths, Debunked by Health Experts

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks with Healthline about 11 Monkeypox myths that can be debunked by health experts

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To help provide accurate information about monkeypox, Healthline spoke with medical experts to debunk 11 troubling myths currently circulating about the virus.

Myth: Monkeypox is a new disease

You may have heard about monkeypox for the first time in May when Britain reported a case in a resident who had recently returned from Lagos, NigeriaTrusted Source. The U.S. reported its first case later that month in a Massachusetts man who had recently traveled to Canada.

But the truth is, we’ve known about monkeypox for more than six decades.

“Scientists first learned about the virus in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of research monkeys,” explains Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, the regional clinical director at Carbon Health.

Dr. Mark Fischer, the regional medical director at International SOS, adds that it was first seen in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

But Curry-Winchell says that, until this year, most cases of monkeypox have been limited to several African countries, where the virus is endemic. The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source says monkeypox is endemic in:…

See what else Dr. BCW has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss

Health district announces Monkeypox vaccine appointments

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell talks with Las Vegas Review-Journal about news that health district announces monkeypox vaccine appointments. This can be important information for anyone that has been looking to get a monkeypox vaccine. Check out the full article linked below for more information.

Read the full Las Vegas Review-Journal article here

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While certain groups are at higher risk, anyone potentially can be infected with monkeypox. Although it’s rarely fatal, “it carries symptoms that can be quite debilitating,” said Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, urgent care medical director for Saint Mary’s and Carbon Health in Northern Nevada, and a member of Gov. Steve Sisolak’s COVID-19 medical advisory team.

The district urged people with unidentified rashes and lesions to contact their health care provider for an assessment and in the meantime to avoid sex or being intimate.

Monkeypox is spread through direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or body fluids. It is also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex.

It can spread through touching objects and fabrics, such as clothing or linens, that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with monkeypox.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, which can take several weeks….

See what else Dr. Curry-Winchell has to share as she answers questions for The Las Vegas Review-Journal as they discuss the health district announces Monkeypox vaccine appointments.

Meningitis shots required for Nevada high school seniors

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks with the Las Vegas Sun about the Meningitis shots required for Nevada high school seniors this year.

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Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, a Reno family practitioner who serves as the urgent care medical director for Saint Mary’s and Carbon Health and as a member of the Governor’s Medical Advisory Board, said that children already lost so much in-person learning during the pandemic shutdown that they shouldn’t get sick with any vaccine-preventable disease now.

“As a parent myself, I always like to remind my (patients’) parents we would have had so many different diseases that would have been prevalent if we didn’t have vaccines in play,” she said. “They have really helped either eradicate or decrease the presentation of diseases that we know can sometimes be life-threatening, debilitating and really have long-lasting effects.”

The meningitis shot joins shots against the chicken pox; polio; measles, mumps and rubella; hepatitis A and B; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis as a required vaccine.

Public health officials also recommend — but don’t require — youngsters be immunized against the flu, human papillomavirus (HPV) and COVID-19.

See what else Dr. BCW has to share as she answers questions for the Las Vegas Sun as they discuss the recent change that made meningitis shots required for Nevada high school seniors

Stay alert and be mindful as summer temperatures rise

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, tells Nevada Independent to stay alert and be mindful as summer temperatures rise.

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Summer is finally here, providing opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, gather with loved ones, get more physically active and perhaps travel. While the season generally offers more time to indulge in these pleasures, there are some things to keep in mind as temperatures increase.

Keep baby cool. Most people are aware of the dangers of leaving a child in a car or participating in physical activities in the extreme heat. These are typical conditions that can increase the possibility of suffering from heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. However, getting heat exhaustion or a heat stroke is not limited to the outdoors. Both also can occur inside of a house.

When putting a child down for a nap, ensure that there is adequate air conditioning or cool air circulating in the room. Babies and young children are not able to verbally communicate so you may not be able to identify the typical signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Be aware of some of the early symptoms including irritability, loss of appetite, increased thirst, or any change in behavior that is not baseline for the child.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize the differences between heat exhaustion and a heat stroke, though the two share similarities…

See what else Dr. Curry-Winchell has say in the full post the Nevada Independent as she discusses why it is important to stay alert and be mindful as summer temperatures rise.

Simple Ways to Never Get Sick According to Doctors

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell tells Eat This, Not That about some simple ways to never get sick.

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With a deadly virus looming over us and flu season around the corner, staying healthy is vital and not taking care of yourself puts you at greater risk for COVID-19 and other infections. That said, there’s simple things we can do to help prevent sickness and Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital shares with Eat This, Not That Health her tips for avoiding illness. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Wash Your Hands Throughout the Day

Dr. Curry-Winchell tells us, “Washing your hands after you use the restroom is a phrase we are all familiar with, however, it’s important to exercise this routine after each meal or snack, and when you get home. Throughout the day we shake people’s hands and touch several surfaces and objects. Washing your hands before you eat helps decrease the possibility of encountering bacteria or viruses that may cause you to get sick.”…

See what else Dr. BCW has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss simple ways to never get sick.

Dangerous Effects of Too Many Vitamins, Says MD

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks with Eat This, Not That about the dangerous effects of too many vitamins.

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We’ve all been told that taking vitamins is a good thing, but is it really? That depends on who you talk to. While many people can get the nutrients they need from eating a balanced diet, vitamin deficiency is a real issue for others and supplements can be a solution. That said, there’s harmful side effects to be aware of that Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital explains to us and before taking any vitamin, please consult with your physician first. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

What Should People Know About Vitamins Before Taking Them?

Dr. Curry-Winchell emphasizes “First and foremost, make sure you discuss the vitamins you are taking with your healthcare provider. There is a myth that vitamins cannot cause harm. However, they can if taken in high quantities or with specific medications or health conditions including pregnancy. So be careful!”…

See what else Dr. BCW has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss the dangerous effects of too many vitamins.

The Startling Side Effect of High Blood Pressure, Says Study

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks with Eat This, Not That about the startling side effect of high blood pressure according to recent study.

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High blood pressure doesn’t make the headlines as much as other health concerns, but it’s a serious issue that millions struggle with. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg or are taking medication for hypertension.” When left untreated, high blood pressure can cause major health problems like “wear and tear of blood vessels, heart attack, kidney damage, and stroke,” Dr. Rahul Aggarwal, Interventional cardiologist, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center part of the Palm Beach Health Network tells us. In addition, according to one study, high blood pressure has been linked to a startling side effect. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

High Blood Pressure and the Link to Dementia

Christian Benedict, Associate Professor at Uppsala University’s Department of Neuroscience, and senior author of the study, explained in a press release accompanying the study shares that researchers observed 1000 Swedish older men who were followed for 24 years. The study revealed that blood pressure can vary throughout the day with lower readings at night that researchers called “dipping.” “The risk of getting a dementia diagnosis was 1.64 times higher among men with reverse dipping compared to those with normal dipping. Reverse dipping mainly increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia,” says Xiao Tan, postdoctoral fellow from the same department and first author of this research….

See what else Dr. Curry-Winchell has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss the startling side effect of high blood pressure, according to recent studies.

Sure Signs You Have the New COVID Variant

Posted on August 14, 2022January 3, 2023

Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, talks with Eat This, Not That about the sure signs you have the new COVID variant.

Read the full Eat This Not That article here

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Our lives have been turned upside down for over two years now thanks to COVID and while things are returning to normal, the pandemic isn’t over. People are still getting infected daily with the virus and there’s an uptick of cases in many areas. In addition, there’s constantly new variants because the virus continues to mutate, which makes this feel like it’s never ending. Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital has been treating COVID patients since the beginning and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with her about the latest variants and what to know about them. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

What is the Latest COVID Variant and What Should People Know About It?

Dr. Curry-Winchell says, “BA.4 and BA.5 are the two new variants that are causing an uptick in cases. The subvariants are a concern because of their ability to transmit infection quickly (highly contagious) and re-infect people previously infected with COVID-19.”

See what else Dr. BCW has to share as she answers questions for Eat This, Not That as they discuss the sure signs you have the new COVID variant.