February 2021 is nearly in the books! Nationally, the average weekly number of new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths declined during the month. Public health officials urge continuation of public health measures, noting that the number of new cases and deaths may be plateauing at a very high number and the number of variant cases continues to grow. Vaccinations continue to ramp up, with the CDC stating that around 47.2 million people have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, including about 22.6 million people who are fully vaccinated. And the FDA approved emergency use of the single shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine today!
The situation with vaccine availability in Michigan is very fluid. Meijer and Rite-Aid retail pharmacies are offering vaccines to individuals who meet current eligibility requirements – an appointment is required. You can find additional information on the State’s website. The City of Detroit has expanded vaccinations to include ‘Good Neighbors,’ individuals 55+ who drive a Detroit resident to get their shot. The ‘Good Neighbor’ does not have to reside in Detroit. More information is available here.
With the close of February, Weekend Reading is wrapping up the feature stories series, Tribute to African American History and Heart Matters. I hope you have enjoyed these series!
This Weekend Reading Series begins with the Tribute to African American History and the incredible story of Hazel Johnson-Brown, who not only overcame racial barriers in her pursuit of a nursing degree but went on to become became the first African American woman US Army General in 1979. Next, check out the RxMatters section that includes a new study that found a modest increase in drug cost share ($10 per prescription) lead to a 33% increase in mortality – and people will randomly cut back on all drugs regardless of the impact of those drugs on their health. Do not miss Heart Matters for information on cholesterol drug myths, broken heart syndrome and more. Last but not least, check out Just Navigating – the interactive What will it be like when we go back to the office? is a lot of fun!
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. Tribute to African American History
US Army Women’s Foundation: Brig. Gen. Hazel Johnson Brown
2. RxMatters
Vox: Charging Patients Just $10 more for Medications Leads to More Deaths
National Bureau of Economic Research: The Health Costs of Cost Sharing
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Reducing the Disposal of Unused, Expensive Injectable Medications Requires Changes in the Way the U.S. Produces, Administers, and Pays for Drugs
3. Heart Matters
Johns Hopkins Medicine: 3 Myths About Cholesterol-Lowering Statin Drugs
University of MI Health: The Many Triggers of Broken Heart Syndrome
Science Daily: Drinking, smoking, and drug use linked to premature heart disease in the young
New York Times: Just One Drink a Day May Increase Risk of Atrial Fibrillation
4. Just Navigating
Reuters: What will it be like when we go back to the office?
New York Times: How to Walk Safely in the Snow, Ice and Slush — Walk like a penguin: Turn your feet slightly outward and take short, flat-footed steps.
Smithsonian Magazine: The Invention of the Ski Chairlift
Have a wonderful weekend!
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
