The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) is developing guidelines for healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat adult patients who have attention deficit disorder. These guidelines are expected to be released in 2023. Click the file below to read the press release from APSARD>

(Bloomberg Law 8/25, Muller, Subscription Publication) reports, “Almost 40% of people hospitalized in the US with the COVID subvariant that circulated this spring were vaccinated and boosted, highlighting how new strains have mutated to more readily escape the immunity offered by current shots,” according to findings from the CDC. Bloomberg Law adds, “From the end of March through May, when the Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants were dominant in the US, weekly hospitalization rates increased for all adults – with those over 65 hit the hardest.”

The excerpt above was received by Dr. Sachdev from Medical News Roundup (an email publication for physicians)

From Dr. Sachdev-
Before the COVID-19 pandemic pharmaceutical companies were working to develop vaccines for the common cold. Cold infections are usually caused by rhinovirus, coronavirus or respiratory syncytial virus(RSV). It was my understanding that an effective vaccine had not been approved because these viruses frequently mutate, creating a moving target for big pharma.

I never supported developing a vaccine to protect against common cold infections, having a cold is inconvenient but the symptoms are usually mild and self limiting. The immune system, like any other organ system, needs to be stimulated regularly to function properly. Some scientists have proposed that  the overuse of vaccinations, antibiotics, and other measures have led to hypersensitive immune systems which may be responsible for the increase in allergic reactions, food or environmental intolerances and autoimmune diseases. The immune system, just like the musculoskeletal system, functions best when it is exercised regularly.  The immune system becomes more competent fighting infections after developing innate expertise from past infections. 

I believe it is normal for children to be exposed to cold viruses and other childhood infections. Having symptoms of infection is inconvenient but well worth the long term investment in developing natural lifelong immunocompetency.  I do not believe vaccines are as effective as the innate immunity that a person gains from having recovered from an infection like chickenpox or mononucleosis. 

It is also important to note that vaccines are only effective when the immune system is robust and performing properly. As an integrative provider, I will continue to advise my patients to support their immune systems through adequate rest, nutrition and hydration. 

Excerpt from a recent news update in Medpage Today:

"Normal testosterone levels in men might be protective against severe COVID-19, a retrospective cohort study suggested.

Among 723 men with a mean age of 55, those who had hypogonadism had a higher risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 versus men with eugonadism (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.4, P<0.003). Of these men, 45% with hypogonadism were hospitalized with COVID-19 versus only 12% with eugonadism, the group noted in JAMA Network Open.

"The fact that testosterone treatment lowered the risk further solidified our finding that low testosterone should be considered a risk factor for hospitalization from COVID".- Sandeep Dhindsa, MD, of St. Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri

The study's findings build upon prior research led by Dhindsa, which found that men with severe COVID illness tended to have significantly lower testosterone levels at the time of diagnosis than men with mild cases: 151 ng/dL versus 53 ng/dL. This trend also held true throughout the course of COVID illness."

​Link to this article:
https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/100520​

   written by Dr. Lisa Sachdev 

You survived the great pandemic. You were responsible and stayed home for 10 weeks to "flatten the curve", but what affect did this have on your own curves? Did you stay up late binge-watching Netflix? Did you also binge on take-out dining and comfort food? Did you have the time, discipline and creativity to exercise in your  living room or was most of your time spent glued to a computer screen or television? Now that you're venturing out again will your friends still recognize you? Getting your hair done requires a simple visit to your stylist but getting back into your normal clothes may prove to be a difficult task. 

If you've put on pounds this spring do you have a plan to get back down to your normal weight? Exercise is a good idea, but simply increasing your activity isn't likely to result in significant weight loss.  There is truth to the cliche, "You can't outrun your diet." If you need to lose weight you'll need to create a caloric deficit and optimize your hormone levels, unbalanced hormones can hinder weight loss efforts. 

In the world of weight-loss diets, low-carbohydrate, high-protein eating plans have become very popular. The Paleo, South Beach, and Atkins diets all fit into that category. Low carbohydrate diets are sometimes referred to as ketogenic or “keto” diets. Ketogenic diets force your body to switch from burning sugar (glucose) derived from carbohydrates to burning ketone bodies, a type of fuel produced by the liver from stored body fat. Burning fat seems like an ideal way to lose weight and improve overall body composition but adhering to a ketogenic diet can be tricky. It requires you to deprive yourself of carbohydrates, fewer than 20 to 50 grams of carbs per day. Dietary protein intake must also be specific, consume too much protein and your body converts it into glucose, consume too little and you may sacrifice muscle mass.  

It typically takes a few days to reach a state of ketosis, and even longer for your body to adapt to utilizing ketones for fuel, a process known as “keto adaptation”. During the first few weeks you may experience symptoms known as the “keto flu”. Symptoms of keto flu may include mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, hunger, dehydration, muscle cramps, and constipation. Persons who have underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes or who take prescription medications can experience rapid changes in blood pressure, hydration and blood sugar levels. Medications may need adjustment as the body adapts to the rapid change in metabolism.  

In addition to being challenging to adhere to, when done incorrectly or for extended periods of time ketogenic diets can cause nutritional deficiencies, kidney stones, gallbladder disease, thyroid abnormalities and liver problems. Ketogenic diets may not be successful for dieters who lack the proper education in nutrition, physiology and biochemistry. Some prescription medications may also be contraindicated on a ketogenic protocol, medical supervision is recommended for safety and success.  

Done correctly ketogenic diets can be a powerful tool for rapid and effective weight loss and improve metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance. For those interested in trying a ketogenic program but who need assistance our clinic offers the Ideal Protein protocol that is physician supervised and simple to follow. Weekly coaching sessions include education, support, and biometric analysis to monitor progress. For more information on this program register one of our free seminars.