|
COVID in SMA
There is a rise in COVID cases in Mexico including SMA currently. I urge anyone who does not follow Covid-19 SMA Facebook site to do so as it is an excellent way to stay abreast of outbreaks. There is no COVID vaccine available here in SMA and I was unable to find it in CDMX either. The (sort of) good news is that the current vaccine probably does not have much effectiveness against the circulating strain. The US as well as the Mexican government are planning to release a new vaccine in fall/winter of this year. In Mexico it remains unclear if it will be available in the public sector or / and the private sector. So do take the usual precautions and think about avoiding large indoor gatherings. Mask up at airports and in buses. If you are sick (really any symptoms from respiratory to gastrointestinal) get tested for COVID. Some pharmacies carry testing kits and all the labs of course do testing. The Red Cross tries to carry testing kits but their supplies can be limited. You can call their laboratory at 415-122-0495 or call me and I can call on your behalf.
Important News Concerning Ambulance Services
Important information for all Be Well Members and newsletter readers: The ambulance services at Joya are in transition. Dr. Ramirez the head of Joya Hospital SMA is in negotiation with a new company and hopes to have a contract with them shortly. The ambulance number on members cards is no longer active. For now we are urging people to call the Red Cross at 415-152 1616. I spoke with the 911 service and they said they may be able to get an English speaking operator in 3 to 15 minutes which, as many of you know, may be too long a delay. The operator at 911 simply calls the Red Cross and the representative I spoke with today, July 29 2024, said it was best to call Red Cross directly as that is all they will be able to do. 911 says they have an English speaking operator available within 3 minutes but I have found it may take more than 15 minutes to locate that person.
In the case of an emergency, call me first on my mobile 415-115-7815. (Do not use WhatsApp). If I do not pick up call my second mobile +1(916) 224-8958. I pick up that phone in the evening hours. I can assist either over the phone or in person. The Red Cross is still operating, but again if you do not speak Spanish, service can be disrupted and if at all possible try to get a hold of a friend or neighbor who is bilingual to help communicate with them.
Long-term antidepressant use may double the risk of heart disease.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open analyzed data on over 200,000 people and found a significant link between long-term antidepressant use and an increased risk of heart disease, cardiovascular mortality, and overall mortality. The risks were higher for non-SSRI antidepressants (mirtazapine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, trazodone).
Additionally, the study raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness of these medications. Depression and suicidality rates may increase in individuals on long-term treatment compared to those never treated.
Furthermore, post-SSRI sexual dysfunction is a growing concern among some patients on long-term antidepressant use.
Key Points:
- Long-term antidepressant use, especially non-SSRIs, is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and mortality.
- The long-term effectiveness of antidepressants is questionable, with potential increases in depression and suicidality.
- Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction is a recognized side effect of long-term antidepressant use.
In our last newsletter we discussed an alternative and relatively new approach to depression and anxiety offered by Be Well. Unlike the main stream antidepressants, this agent, Ketamine targets the root causes – the negative thought patterns, traumas, and ingrained habits that keep you feeling down. It works very rapidly and when offered in a safe, private space and is administered by an experienced clinician is nearly 80% effective in relieving depression and has very few side effects. One need not go off their usual antidepressants to do ketamine therapy. If you missed that newsletter contact me, Deborah Bickel at deborah@bewellsanmiguel.com. Or look for it on our blog at bewellsanmiguel.com.
|
