From New Non-Opiate Pain Medication to COVID Long-Haul Recovery: Exploring Medical Innovations, Disease Prevention, and Treatment Options
Feb 8, 2025
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A new meal program helps provide nutritious options for Medicare Advantage recipients. Dr. Dawn tackles long COVID, offering insights on treatments and management strategies. Excitingly, a novel non-opiate pain medication has been FDA approved, changing pain management dynamics. Research reveals the troubling accumulation of microplastics in brains. The emergence of valley fever due to climate change is discussed, along with tracking innovations. Additionally, promising research on oyster proteins suggests a new way to fight antibiotic resistance.
The FDA's approval of Suzy Trigene marks a pivotal shift in pain management by offering a non-opioid option that specifically targets pain signals.
Dr. Dawn's discussion on COVID long-haul symptoms highlights the importance of immune health and nutritional support, including vitamin D and herbal remedies for recovery.
Deep dives
Volunteer Programs for Meal Assistance
An organization called Moms Meals offers prepaid meals for individuals who qualify, particularly seniors on Medicare Advantage or Medi-Cal. These meals are designed for minimal preparation, simply requiring warming in the microwave, and cater to various dietary needs, such as those of diabetics or individuals with renal concerns. Applicants can fill out a form on the website, and a doctor’s note may be necessary to qualify for free meals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about this valuable service to ensure those in need have access to nutritious food.
Understanding COVID-19 Recurrence and Treatment
A caller, Yvette, shares her experience with COVID-19, including a rebound effect after initially recovering, accompanied by severe symptoms and a hospital visit. Dr. Dawn explains that rebound illness can occur and discusses the effectiveness of Paxlovid, a treatment that's different in mechanism compared to monoclonal antibodies. The conversation includes the significance of long COVID symptoms, emphasizing persistent GI issues and the immune system's response to the virus. Dr. Dawn also suggests considering vitamin D intake and herbal remedies like Chinese skullcap to help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
New Pain Management Drug Approval
The FDA has approved a new non-opioid analgesic called Suzy Trigene, which may present a significant advancement in pain management without the complications associated with opioid dependency. This drug functions by selectively blocking sodium channels in the spinal cord to inhibit pain signals, differing from traditional opioids. The development process took nearly 20 years, highlighting its targeted research on specific pain disorders. This innovative medication could change how pain management is approached, especially in light of the increasing caution surrounding opioid prescriptions.
Environmental Concerns About Microplastics
Recent studies have tracked microplastics and their effects on wildlife, specifically demonstrating their presence in mouse brains and their potential impacts on human health. Tiny particles are absorbed by immune cells in the body and can block small blood vessels, which may affect brain function and overall health. Emerging research suggests a connection between microplastic exposure and reduced mobility in mice, raising alarms about environmental pollution. The implications of these findings on human health are still being explored, particularly regarding how microplastics accumulate and influence overall wellbeing.
A live guest in the studio introduces Mom's Meals (momsmeals.com,) a program providing free meal delivery services for qualifying Medicare Advantage and Medi-Cal recipients with various dietary needs.
During a lengthy live call, Dr. Dawn provides comprehensive guidance for a patient experiencing recurring COVID infections, discussing treatment options, long-haul symptoms, and recovery strategies.
She announces FDA approval of Suzetrigine (Journavx), a novel non-opiate pain medication that works by blocking pain signals in the spinal cord, potentially marking a significant advancement in pain management.
Responding to an email, Dr. Dawn provides detailed advice for treating a chronically splitting fingernail, recommending silk wrap treatment as a long-term solution.
The show examines research showing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and exercise can slow biological aging, with participants aging 4 months slower over a 3-year study period.
Dr. Dawn discusses concerning new research showing microplastics accumulating in mouse brains, kidneys and liver.
She explores the emergence of valley fever (coccidiomycosis) as a climate change-related health threat, explaining how drones and genetic analysis are helping track its spread in California where 97% of cases originate
The show explores promising research on oyster hemolymph proteins that may help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A live caller follows up with a question about microplastic exposure from CPAP machines, with Dr. Dawn recommending inline bacterial paper-based filters to help capture microplastics and suggesting consultation with doctors about adjusting pressure settings to accommodate the filters.
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