Can your smart watch save your life?

 

                  More and more every day I see ads with wearable technology, including rings, watches, necklaces and glasses. Many of these ads include star athletes from all sports. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo has been seen in ads for the WHOOP band. Boston Celtics star, Jaylen Brown, has also been seen promoting a neckband developed by Hapbee. Hapbee, a company that claims their neckband can elevate mood, boost productivity, and aid with sleep through magnetic waves. Additionally, companies like Apple, Fitbit, and WHOOP claim that their wearable technology can detect abnormal heart rhythms, monitor oxygen levels, and recognize critical situations in which a device can alert first responders. But how reliable are these wearable technologies?

 

            Most of these technologies are focusing on heart rhythms and oxygen levels, using these markers to determine other health metrics such as recovery and sleep. To track heart function, smartwatches use LED light technology that measures the blood volume beneath the skin. As our heart pumps with blood, the amount of LED light that is absorbed changes, allowing the device to estimate heart rate and blood volume. Although these technologies can provide some data on heart metrics, it is a common misconception that these technologies can detect a heart attack.

 

             In general, heart attacks occur when a coronary artery is blocked, cutting the oxygen supply to a certain part of heart muscle. In a hospital, a heart attack would normally be diagnosed using an ECG and blood tests to measure levels of troponin, a protein released when there is damage to heart tissues. These extensive tests are far more advanced than any capability a smartwatch may currently carry. However, while a current wearable technology cannot diagnose a heart attack it can often provide warning signs when measuring pulse and blood volume.

 

            Although, wearable technologies may not provide the same detection that a medical device may, they can still be invaluable in emergency situations. For example, in 2022 a hike in Utah suffered a severe fall while hiking in a remote area. His Apple watch detected the fall and sent his GPS coordinates to first responders, potentially saving his life.

 

            Wearable technologies have become a very common accessory and is trusted by many. Although these technologies do offer functions that allow users to monitor their heart function, potentially saving their lives, they should be used with caution. Ultimately, these technologies cannot currently become a substitute for professional medical care.

 

 

Graham, M. (2024, August 12). The big name athletes investing in Wearable Tech. Boardroom. https://boardroom.tv/the-big-name-athletes-investing-in-wearable-tech/

Lubitz, S. A., Faranesh, A. Z., Selvaggi, C., Atlas, S. J., McManus, D. D., Singer, D. E., Pagoto, S., McConnell, M. V., Pantelopoulos, A., & Foulkes, A. S. (2022). Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in a Large Population Using Wearable Devices: The Fitbit Heart Study. Circulation, 146(19), 1415–1424. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.060291

Microplastics: Should we be worried?

    Throughout high school and college, I would spend my summers working in construction with my dad. Every day before work we would stop at a gas station and purchase 24-pack of bottled water to drink throughout the day. Without fail, we would drink the entire pack in one day. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how many microplastic particles we must have unknowingly consumed and if it has had or could have any future consequences.  

     Studies have shown that specifically, bottled water, contains high levels of microplastics when compared to regular tap water, with an average of about 300 particles per liter. A different study estimates that the average person consumes around 50,000 microplastics a year! Microplastics are plastic particles that are 5 mm or less. However, when most people think of microplastics they think of its subgroup, nano plastics, which are particles less than 1mm in size. Now the question is, what can these tiny particles do to us?

 

    Once microplastics have entered the body they can travel throughout the body via our blood and even cross cell membranes. In a study published by the journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research, it was found that accumulation of microplastics in the ovaries of female mice led to a decreased size in follicles and ovaries. The accumulation of microplastics was also found to cause a significant decline in the pregnancy rate and embryo production among the mice, ultimately causing a decline in fertility. Lastly, as microplastic presence increased granulosa cell apoptosis increased, further inhibiting fertility. Granulosa cells are cells of the ovaries that produce hormones and support egg development. Although the study did not include much research on male mice, it is likely that there may be similar results.

    Microplastics have silently infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily lives, even showing up in the air we breathe. While research on the effects of microplastics is still on going, research that is available is pointing towards various ways in which microplastics can be harmful including causing inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive harm. I encourage everyone to do their part in minimizing these effects by taking preventative steps such as, using glass or metal water bottles, filtering tap water, and supporting legislation that prohibits further microplastic pollution.

Afreen, V., Hashmi, K., Nasir, R., Saleem, A., Khan, M. I., & Akhtar, M. F. (2023). Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. Environmental science and pollution research international, 30(31), 76283–76296. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1

Mason SA, Welch VG, Neratko J. Synthetic Polymer Contamination in Bottled Water. Front Chem. 2018 Sep 11;6:407. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00407. PMID: 30255015; PMCID: PMC6141690.

Cold Exposure Lowers Stress??

Most of us have heard of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) that has been popularized by Wim Hof. He was known for trying to push the idea that the effects of breathing techniques and cold exposure can be very beneficial for a person’s health. He would make claims that However, cold exposure treatment and breathing techniques can also be used to combat perceived stress. The controlling of the cold induced stress on the body can be a great way for exposure to allow for adaptation to future stresses. The breathing techniques used in the WHM also have been found to activate the sympathetic nervous system. Depending on a person’s conditions, it is a good thing to do. Inflammation can be reduced by cold therapy and breathing as blood is shunted to the core and the SNS is activated to reduce inflammation as well. Having quick, sudden exposure to stress can be a good way to relieve chronic stress. As a person is able to train themselves to deal with stress. The perceived stress they have from their daily lives has been shown to be diminished psychologically. Of course cold exposure or exposure for too long can have negative effects and prolonged stress can suppress the immune system. Therefore, the WHM is a good treatment option at home in the shower and to practice mindfulness and breathing to reduce chronic stress.

References

Buijze, G. A., de Jong, H. M. Y., Kox, M., van de Sande, M. G., van Schaardenburg, D., van Vugt, R. M., Popa, C. D., Pickkers, P., & Baeten, D. L. P. (2019). An add-on training program involving breathing exercises, cold exposure, and meditation attenuates inflammation and disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis–A proof of concept trial. PloS one, 14, e0225749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225749

Kopplin, C. S., & Rosenthal, L. (2022). The positive effects of combined breathing techniques and cold exposure on perceived stress: a randomised trial. Current Psychology, 42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03739-y

The strength of exercise

Spina bifida is a birth defect which is caused in vitro improper formation of the spinal cord and spine. This birth defect is common within the United States and leads to lifelong complications, it is reported that 7 of every 10,000 children have this condition. The limitations range from mobility to system complications such as cardiovascular complications. Due to the severe limitation and complication it is often extremely difficult to live active lifestyles. This can further cause a significant impact on their quality of life and mental wellbeing. 

The article took adult with spina bifida and did a comparison analysis based off different factions such as age, fitness level, and impairments or limitations. They found that adults who regularly exercised had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and bone density. All of which highly impact spina bifida. 

With early intervention of physical therapy and low impact exercise many patient with Spina bifida have found a improvement in their quality of life. During my internship in physical therapy we had one patient who also had spina bifida and had previously as an infant undergone many surgeries and procedures. Standard exercises were too aggressive and dangerous for him. We chose an alternative route to more aerobic treatment with manual therapy. During my 4 month internship the improvement this patient showed was significant. He first would only use the elevator to our clinic and by the end of my time he had started using the stairs. He also informed us that with the exercise and diet he was able to manage his glucose levels better and was no longer pre-diabetic (about 16 months after start of treatment). By making treatments more accessible and catered to individual needs we were able to showcase beneficence. By catering to his needs we impacted not only his lifestyle but also learned a lot about inclusivity and catering to individual needs. Exercise may not look the same for all but by making slight adjustments the impact may be greater than one could imagine.

Crytzer, Theresa M., et al. “Physical activity, exercise, and health‐related measures of fitness in adults with spina bifida: A review of the literature.” PM&R, vol. 5, no. 12, Dec. 2013, pp. 1051–1062, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2013.06.010. 

Rocky Mountain High Could Cause Psychosis

    As a native of Colorado, who grew up during the legalization of marijuana, I have been fed numerous ideas about the drug. Some say that it will make you go crazy, while others claim that marijuana has no adverse side effects. After all, you can’t overdose on it, right? This smokey cloud of confusion led me to investigate the psychological effects of marijuana, and the results were mixed.

    It turns out that all the wild propaganda of the late 20^th century, depicting marijuana users as losing their minds, is not entirely false. Consistent users of marijuana are twice as likely to develop psychosis, and heavy users are 4 times as likely. The good news is that the psychosis is likely not permanent. A study with 35 patients found that after a psychotic episode, patients who did not continue to use marijuana did not relapse, whereas, patients that continued using the drug saw higher rates of relapse and worse outcomes. It is also worth noting that marijuana use has been found to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and increase the severity of symptoms for those who already have the disease.

    So we should go back to banning marijuana, right? The answer is not definitive, as it is worth noting that, despite the increased risk, most people who use marijuana will never develop psychosis or schizophrenia. These disorders are genetically linked, and the risk of developing these disorders from marijuana use probably lessens after adolescence. CBD from marijuana has also shown great benefits in helping chemotherapy patients manage symptoms and has been used in other medicinal products. So is that Rocky Mountain High going to give you a psychological disorder? It probably won’t, but there is definitely an increased risk.

Source

Urits, I., Gress, K., Charipova, K., Li, N., Berger, A. A., Cornett, E. M., Hasoon, J., Kassem, H.,     Kaye, A. D., & Viswanath, O. (2020). Cannabis Use and its Association with Psychological     Disorders. Psychopharmacology bulletin, 50(2), 56–67.

Count Meow-t

 Cat scratch Disease

Transmission? Vector born as in the bacteria Bartonella henselae was first expelled by a flea which infected a cat which then can infect a human by scratches bites or even liking a wound. Cats are also often asymptomatic so it is difficult to know a cat is infected prior to your infection. 

How does the disease progress? There is a large latency period of 3 to 10 days for loss of appetite, fatigue, swelling, redness of skin and pus from the natural immune response. 

Close lymph nodes near the infected area can be swollen and infected in one to three weeks. Rarely it can also cause breast masses, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, Neuroretinitis (eye pain) or hepatosplenomegaly. Another study found it caused cysts in the lung and kidneys. 

While generally the bacterial infection can be fought by the body's own natural defenses some risk factors for the more severe complications are age and immunocompromising conditions like HIV. 

Diagnosis- Metagenomic next-generation sequencing can inform a practitioner of the exact bacteria but because the latency period is so long they often have to look for unilateral lymph node enlargement and take a detailed history. They can also test the lymph for the bacteria, 

Doxycycline and azithromycin are effective medications for this bacterial infection if you are having trouble fighting the infection. 

Knowledge of this disease is essential because an insignificant scratch can cause weeks of issues all of which are hard to diagnose if one interaction with a cat if forgotten about. Children and elderly are also at risk so it's important to know their safety at rick when new animals are brought into the home as well. 

Cleveland Clinic. (NA). Cat Scratch Fever. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23537-cat-scratch-fever

Klotz, S., Ianas, V., & Elliott, S. (2011, January 15). STEPHEN A. KLOTZ, MD, VOICHITA IANAS,. Cat-scratch Disease. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/0115/p152.html

Zhou, T., Zheng, Y., Zhang, H., & Liu, Y. (2024, January 14). A case report of diagnosis of cat-scratch disease using metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1322651/full

Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression

When I first heard about Ketamine as a potential option for treatment resistant major depressive disorder, I was shocked. I first heard about ketamine as a an anesthetic that had psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties. I had never imagined it as being a real and viable treatment option for depression. Esketamine, a nasal spray consisting of the S enantiomer of ketamine, has been FDA approved in the treatment for treatment resistant depression. Tt is often associated with high efficacy under the careful dosage and supervision of a psychiatrist.

A ketamine trial consisting of 25 individuals affected by major depression, were given an IV injection of ketamine hydrochloride (Mandal et al., 2019). The dosage was given right below the anesthetic dose at 0.5 mg/kg. The patients baselines were recorded before the treatment, one hour after treatment, after 2 weeks, and then after 1 month of treatment. This study concluded that patients had a significant rapid improvement of depressive symptoms, after ketamine treatment.

Ketamine treatment may be a fast and a seemingly efficient treatment for depression. Depression is truly an serious and can be a lifelong disease, but hope must never be lost when fighting against it. More research still needs to be done on how Ketamine and its dissociative effects play a role in treating depression. Other drugs such as psilocybin and other psychedelics are being studied to learn about their effectiveness in treating psychiatric disorders. How do you feel about these, once illicit drugs, being used for treatment? Do you feel like the risks outweigh the benefits? This new field opens a very unknown field of consciousness, and there are many ethical concerns about the field. However, I feel like this is still a very good start to discovering our identities and the very essence of being human.

Mandal, S., Sinha, V., & Goyal, N. (2019). Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 480. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_484_18