What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that can affect how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

What are signs and symptoms of ASD?

During childhood:

• Difficulty with eye contact
• Does not respond to name
• Delayed developmental milestones (language, motor, or cognitive skills)
• Lining up toys
• Flapping hands or spinning in circles
• Difficulty attending to tasks or play
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

During Adolescence & Adulthood:

• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors
• Symptoms affecting one’s ability to function in school, work, or other areas of life
• Difficulty with back and forth communication
• Difficulty with social cues from others
• Displaying facial expressions or body language that does not match the other person
• Becoming upset by slight changes in routine
• Difficulty with transitions
• Sensitivity to sensory input such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature

(National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

Misconceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Media

• Autistic people are primarily male and white
• Autistic people have extraordinary abilities
• Vaccines can cause autism

Misconception #1: Autistic people are primarily male and white

Popular TV series currently in the media include The Good Doctor, The Big Bang Theory, and Netflix’s own Atypical. A common trend you may notice is that the main characters in these series can be described as white males.

Why is this misleading? — This portrayal of ASD is misleading and can be harmful for the ASD community. This is because it’s not inclusive to all genders, races, and ethnicities that can also be diagnosed with the disorder. Therefore, leading to those individuals not feeling seen, heard, or understood in their community.

Researchers have discussed people with ASD going unnoticed, specifically girls, because signs and symptoms can present differently (Cariveau et al., 2021) than what is shown on television. Therefore, the media is encouraged to be more inclusive by portraying all genders, races, ethnicities, personalities, and behaviors typical of the autism spectrum according to reliable sources.

Therefore, it’s important for the media to adopt the idea that any individual of any gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation and be a part of the autistic community (Feder, 2021). This idea should be portrayed in pop culture and the media for Autism awareness and education.

Misconception #2: Autistic people have extraordinary abilities

In some TV shows, like The Good Doctor and The Big Bang Theory, characters are portrayed to have careers requiring exceptional abilities i.e., a surgeon or a scientist.

This portrayal of ASD in the media is misleading. A condition called savant syndrome is known as spectacular skills in areas including art, music, math, and science. However, the author of an Autism and developmental disorder journal discusses how rare this syndrome really is. To be more specific, he explains that only 1 in 10 people that are autistic actually display savant-like skills (Treffert, 2014).

Why is this misleading? – The media is leading society to believe most autistic people to live in a way that is not the reality. This is not inclusive to autistic people that do not have the same extraordinary abilities and, therefore, they will not be seen in the same light. So, if this condition that shows people having spectacular skills is rare, why is the media portraying it as the characteristic of almost every show featuring an autistic main character? The media needs to show the other 90% of characters not being shown in TV and movies!

Misconception #3: Vaccines can cause Autism

In the media, many famous celebrities have been seen discussing their beliefs about a relationship between vaccinations and ASD. Here, you will see a YouTube video from the TODAY show featuring well-known actor, Robert DeNiro, speaking on the topic:

Why is this misleading? – It is important to understand how the media often portrays incorrect information relating to ASD. Although Robert DeNiro shares his thoughts about vaccinations leading to ASD on YouTube, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021) have written and talked about many studies that have been run over the last 18 years to test for a possible link between vaccinations and ASD. The results of these studies show that there is no link between vaccinations and autism spectrum disorder (CDC, 2021). Therefore, the CDC is a reliable source to find information related to vaccinations and ASD instead of celebrities in the media. Check out their website for more information.

References

Cariveau, T., McCracken, C., Bradshaw, J., Postorino, V., Shillingsburg, M. A., McDougle, C. J., Aman, M. G., McCracken, J. T., Tierney, E., Johnson, C. S., Lecavalier, L., Smith, T., Swiezy, N. B., King, B. H., Hollander, E., Sikich, L., Vitiello, B., & Scahill, L. (2021). Gender differences in treatment-seeking youth with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 30(3), 784–792. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-01905-7

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December). Autism and vaccines. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, January 11). Signs & symptoms | Autism spectrum disorder. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

Feder, J. (2021, April 13). Autism Representation in the Media — And How It Impacts Real Life. Accessibility. https://www.accessibility.com/blog/autism-representation-in-the-media-and-how-it-impacts-real-life

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, February). Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd

Taheri, A., Perry, A., & Minnes, P. (2016). Examining the social participation of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder in relation to peers. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 60(5), 435–443. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12289

Treffert, D. A. (2014). Savant syndrome: Realities, myths and misconceptions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(3), 564–571. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1906-8

By: Robert Couse-Baker

Media representation is extremely important to the general public’s understanding of any medical condition. Oftentimes, someone’s first exposure to a disorder or condition is seeing it on TV. But what happens when that representation isn’t exactly accurate? People end up misinformed, which can cause trouble for them down the line if a loved one is diagnosed with that same disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one such condition. As a parent, receiving an ASD diagnosis for your child can be confusing. Media portrayals of ASD, from ad campaigns to movies to TV shows, may have caused you to have certain assumptions about autism, and you are not alone. Let’s take a look at some common ASD myths caused by media portrayals, and get down to the actual facts.

Media Myth #1: Autism will ruin your life

The actual truth: Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that different people experience different symptoms with different levels of intensity. One child’s case of ASD may look very different from another child’s case of ASD. Specific symptoms tend to fall under two broad categories: social communication difficulties and restrictive, repetitive behaviors. Check the National Institute of Mental Health’s detailed list of symptoms that may or may not be present in ASD for more information. Simply put, an ASD diagnosis does not guarantee anything. The outcome of your child’s diagnosis depends on several different factors, all of which are unique to your child as an individual.

Media Myth #2: People with autism all have special abilities

The actual truth: In addition to ASD, Ray has Savant syndrome, which is the cause of his extraordinary memory and mathematical skills. Savant syndrome is when a person shows profound natural talents alongside a developmental disability, and only about 10% of people with ASD have it. Studies have shown that savants have distinct behavioral and psychological traits that set them apart from other people with ASD. This means the vast majority of people with ASD do not have these extraordinary natural talents. It is important not to underestimate an autistic child’s potential. However, just like any other child, having unrealistic expectations set for them can do an autistic child more harm than good. 

Media Myth #3: People with autism don’t understand empathy or love

The actual truth: Autistic people can and do experience strong emotions, but they may express them in a way that the people around them don’t recognize. An autistic person might take longer to identify which emotion someone else is feeling, because ASD affects a person’s ability to understand social cues. They may also cope with their feelings by approaching them from a logical perspective. In both of these instances, the autistic person is certainly able to feel the emotions; they just have a different way of processing them. Additionally, empathy is a skill that can be taught and acquired – if your child has trouble recognizing or expressing emotion, part of their therapy might include working on these emotional skills in order to improve their social functioning.

So… what’s the truth?

The truth is that it’s pretty impossible to predict what your child’s ASD will look like based on media portrayals. Here are a few final thoughts for your takeaway:

• Autistic people experience huge variations in symptoms and level of functioning. Your child may present completely differently from an autistic character on TV, despite having the same diagnosis.
• The main goal of TV shows and movies is to entertain an audience, not to provide accurate medical information. Aspects of ASD are often exaggerated, dramatized, or even glamorized in media portrayals in order to keep things interesting for the viewer. This is not necessarily an accurate representation of a real person’s lived experience with ASD.
• An ASD diagnosis comes with its own set of challenges for a child and their family, but this does not mean it is something to be afraid of. Even though their brains work differently, children with ASD can still live happy, fulfilling lives!

References:

Altogether Autism. (2019). A shift in perspective: Empathy and autism. Altogether Autism. https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/a-shift-in-perspective-empathy-and-autism/

Hughes, J. E. A., Ward, J., Gruffydd, E., Baron-Cohen, S., Smith, P., Allison, C., & Simner, J. (2018). Savant syndrome has a distinct psychological profile in autism. Molecular Autism, 9(1), N.PAG. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1186/s13229-018-0237-1

Josol, C. K., Fisher, M. H., Brodhead, M. T., & Dueñas, A. (2022). Using a Video Feedback Intervention Package to Improve Affective Empathy Skills for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Developmental & Physical Disabilities, 34(1), 127–145. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1007/s10882-021-09793-x

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Autism spectrum disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#part_2279 

Vaccines! We all remember them as kids and remember the fear or pain it might have caused us. It can be very scary as a kid, but it can be more scary for parents when they hear false information of vaccines. Till this day, some people spread rumors and say vaccines cause autism. I am here to prove; vaccines do not cause autism!

What are vaccines?

By: NIAID

Previously and currently, people have assumed vaccines have actual live diseases inside them. For example, people assumed the COVID-19 vaccine gave us COVID-19, which it did not. The fact is vaccines are weakened or dead versions of bacteria or viruses that help our body trigger an immune response similar to if we actually caught the disease. This is much safer than getting the actual disease.

What is autism?

By: Jesper Sehested Pluslexia.com

Autism is a condition that affects brain development and changes how people who have autism see and communicates with others. For those unfortunate to have autism, this can cause issues with being socially active. Till this day, some think autism is being caused by vaccines people receive as children

Why do people think vaccines cause autism?

Here are three media clips that show myths being spread

First myth: CDC Quietly Removes Website Headline Claiming “Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism”  

• This is an article and video from Infowars.com. The owner and infamous podcaster Alex Jones speak on articles that the Center of Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Alex’s claim is that the CDC is hiding data showing that vaccines do cause autism.

FACTS: in 2013, the CDC published research showing autism is not caused by vaccines by giving antigens in vaccines for the first two years of life in children (CDC, 2021).

Second myth: U.S. Rep.-elect Mark Green falsely claims vaccines cause autism

• U.S. representative elect Mark Green speaks to his audience on confronting the CDC and unveiling the truth that vaccines cause autism. Mark claims that the preservatives in vaccines are causing autism. Also, stating that the CDC is fraudulent, and it must be addressed.

FACTS: Mercury (thimerosal) is often the preservative that is blamed for causing autism. Thimerosal has been proved to be safe, and had not been found to have any associated risk or evidence with autism (Geoghegan et al., 2020).

Third myth:  Kristin Cavallari defends decision not to vaccinate her son

• Reality TV star Kristin Cavallari speaks on her thought about vaccinating her children in this Fox News interview. Kristin states to have reading multiple books that claim autism is caused by vaccines, stating that one in every eighty eight boys is autistic due to this. This is speculation due to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

FACTS: A study done in Denmark on 657,461 children born from 1999 till 2010 were followed-up every year following receiving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.  Results of this study showed that only 6517 children were diagnosed with autism (129.7 per 100,000 persons), concluding that MMR vaccine does not cause autism (Hviid et al., 2019).

Facts about autism and vaccines

To begin, there is no evidence showing vaccines causing autism . What has caused this myth is a previous study in 1998, conducted by Andrew Wakefield “linking” autism and vaccines, specifically the MMR vaccine. Shortly after, this doctor had their license taken away and the study was deemed false and retracted. There have been numerous studies showing vaccines DO NOT cause autism.

Studies showing no link to autism and vaccines:

• In 2015, JAMA analyzed the records of over 95,000 children. This has been the largest study to date, and the study confirmed that the MMR vaccine does not increase the risk of autism (Jennifer LeGare, 2022).
• Since 2003, CDC have conducted nine studies finding no link between mercury in vaccines and autism (CDC, 2021).
• Previously stated, the study conducted in Denmark was an extensive ongoing study that showed to date no correlation between autism and the MMR vaccine (Hviid et al., 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, vaccines can be a very scary experience for kids and their parents. There is no for children and parents to be more scared due to myths. Vaccines are safe and useful to protect our loved one and community. In the end, vaccines do not autism.

References

1. CDC. (2021, December 1). Autism and vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html
2. Geoghegan, S., O’Callaghan, K. P., & Offit, P. A. (2020). Vaccine safety: Myths and misinformation. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00372
3. Hviid, A., Hansen, J. V., Frisch, M., & Melbye, M. (2019). Measles, mumps, rubella vaccination and autism. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(8), 513. https://doi.org/10.7326/m18-2101
4. Jennifer LeGare, N. P. (2022, March 24). Autism-vaccine link debunked. Mayo Clinic Health System. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/autism-vaccine-link-debunked

• Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the health word for a stroke. A stroke is when a blockage or blood vessel tear stops blood flow to a part of your brain (Healthline.com).

Types of Strokes

• Ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel and prevents blood and oxygen from reaching a part of the brain (Healthline.com).
• Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel tears or hemorrhages and then prevents blood from getting to the part of the human brain (Healthline.com). 

Signs to look out for if you are experiencing a stroke.

• Difficulty walking.
• Loss of balance and coordination.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others who are speaking.
• Numbness or paralysis in the face, leg, or arm.
• Blurred or darkened vision.
• A sudden headache followed by nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.

What to do when you have any of these signs above

How does occupational therapy help you after a stroke?

Upper extremities (UE) recovery in patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/Stroke is significant after occupational therapy (OT) intervention. The purpose of rehabilitation of the patient after CVA/stroke is to get the affected side functioning and participating in daily activities of choice by the patient. The OT uses different treatment types to improve the patient’s use of the affected side in activities of daily living.

An occupational therapist will help improve functions by training you in the following:

• Exercise with your arm: A combination of exercises involving the affected side in everyday activity is necessary for increasing upper extremity (UE) activity performance in patient recovery from Stroke. The OT will introduce your arm to activities depending on the severity of the affected side (Franck et al., 2015). The OT might gently move your arm to gradually improve strength until it is safe for you to be involved in a weighted exercise that can enhance stability in the arm. 

• Use your weak hand in dressing yourself: Patients recovering from a stroke are encouraged to perform dressing tasks using the affected arm. Using repetitive task practice, constraint-induced or modified constraint-induced movement therapy, and strengthening can help improve UE strength (Gillen, 2014). Constraint-induced or modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CI or CIMT) is a type of rehabilitation therapy that increases the usage of the patient’s damaged upper limb to enhance upper extremity function in stroke(Gillen, 2014). The CI or CIMT is to get the affected side working again. The more the patient uses the affected arm, the more that part of the brain affected by the stroke will improve.
• Use the toilet and bathtub safely: Individuals recovering from stroke have difficulty transferring in and out of the bathtub and toilet. The challenge to transfer happens because of the weakness on the affected side. The OT will train you to transfer yourself in and out of the bathroom. There will be modifications of the toilet by equipment that enable transfer, such as grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and hand-held shower heads. The ability to perform the transfer in and out of the toilet might take some time to practice, but you will eventually understand it and be able to do it correctly and safely.

• Cook by yourself again: Patients recovering from a stroke can cook again by themselves.  The cooking process might not be immediate and will not involve challenging meal recipes. The OT might train you with simple meal tasks such as making peanut butter sandwiches. The essence of starting with an easy meal task is to assess your safety and how much you can endure during cooking. The OT will allow you to perform the cooking task sitting because you are still recovering, and not safe to stand for a long time. The OT will schedule cooking training with you and progress you as time passes until you can safely perform your regular cooking task.

• Clean your dishes and wipe your counter: The OT will ensure you can clean your dishes by yourself with compensatory strategies (by changing how the task is performed, for example, instead of standing, you might perform the task sitting). 
• Do your laundry yourself: Individuals recovering from a stroke can do their laundry with a compensatory strategy and by practicing with an occupational therapist.
• A top-down approach: In this approach, the therapist lets the patient use the affected side in daily activities of choice, such as dressing, hygiene, grooming, toileting, etc. Patients that participated in this top-down intervention have shown improvement that focuses on performance. They also show improvement in applying cognitive strategies, transfer, and generalization that has measurable effects on performance and the impact of stroke and decrease of impairment (Wolf, 2016).

References

Franck, J. A., Halfens, J., Smeets, R., & Seelen, H. (2015). Concise Arm and Hand Rehabilitation Approach in Stroke (CARAS): A practical and evidence-based framework for clinical rehabilitation management. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1164

Gillen, G. (2014). What Is the Evidence for the Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve Occupational Performance After Stroke? American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(1), 6901170010p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.013409

Mary Ellen Ellis. (2018). Cerebrovascular Accident. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/cerebrovascular-accident

Nagiev, R. (n.d.). Getty Images/iStockphoto. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image?mediatype=illustration&phrase=rehabilitation

Wolf, T. J., Polatajko, H., Baum, C., Rios, J., Cirone, D., Doherty, M., & McEwen, S. (2016). Combined Cognitive-Strategy and Task-Specific Training Affects Cognition and Upper-Extremity Function in Subacute Stroke: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(2), 7002290010p1.

The ketogenic (keto) diet is getting attention for helping people lose fat quickly, cure diabetes, and beat cancer. Is it really the diet to solve all of your problems? According to recent studies, the keto diet may have negative health impacts for certain groups.

By: Stock Catalog

What is the keto diet?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet (LCHF). The keto-diet is widely recognized in the medical community as a treatment for epilepsy. Although recently the keto-diet has gained popularity amongst the general public as a quick-fix to obesity and diabetes. The theory behind the keto-diet (for weight-loss) is that when you deprive your body of carbohydrates, your body will burn fat for fuel. The video below provides good examples of what you can eat on the keto-diet. Beware of the title, the video does not contain everything you need to know about the keto-diet.

More You Need to Know About the Keto Diet

The keto-diet can have both positive and negative health impacts. Are the benefits worth the risk?

The Positive Health Effects

The keto-diet is being promoted all over the internet and TV as a wonder-diet that will cause rapid weight-loss, rids you of cravings and hunger, beats cancer, improves memory, improves mood, etc. Research does exist that supports some of the claims being made by TV personalities and online health gurus. Multiple studies have found the positive effects of the keto-diet to be:

• decreased body weight
• decreased total cholesterol
• decreased blood glucose level
• decreased intensity and frequency of seizures for people with epilepsy (Dashti et al. 2021)
• improved insulin sensitivity

(Dashti et al. 2021)

Although decreased total cholesterol and decreased blood glucose level are associated with weight-loss and are not specific only to the keto-diet. The videos below highlight some of the claimed benefits of switching to the keto-diet.

The Negative Health Impacts and Risk Factors

By: Eugene Zemlyanskiy

Does the keto-diet seem too good to be true? The videos above fail to mention negative impacts, health risks, or contraindications to adopting the keto-diet. Making any drastic change to your diet or lifestyle may result in side effects, positive and/or negative, and the keto-diet is no exception. While research supports some positive health effects by adopting the keto-diet, research also suggests negative health impacts.

So what are the potential side effects?

Research has found short-term negative health impacts of the keto diet to be:

• dehydration
• dyselectrolytemia
• hypovitaminosis
• formation of kidney stones
• reduced intake of fruits and vegetables
• constipation
• increased LDL cholesterol 
• short-term impaired bone mass density

(Dashti et al. 2021)

Some of the side effects listed above can be prevented with the right supplements. Most of the research that exists regarding LCHF diets are short-term studies. There is limited evidence demonstrating the long term effects of a LCHF diet (Brouns, 2018). Research exists that indicates long-term high-fat exposure has adverse effects on the following areas (including but not limited to): brain, cognition, memory, mental well-being, Alzheimer’s, inflammation, and liver damage (Brouns, 2018). This is important information for those considering making the switch to the keto-diet.

There may be a safer option for you if you are at risk for any of the following health conditions:

• atherosclerosis
• cardiovascular disease
• kidney stones
• high LDL cholesterol
• osteoporosis
• hyperlipidemia
• constipation

Bottom Line

Research shows the ketogenic diet is effective in decreasing seizure frequency and intensity in epileptic patients, and weight-loss in obese patients (Tahreem et al, 2022). However most of the positive effects associated with the keto-diet, are associated with weight loss in general. Therefore other diets that lead to weight loss are also associated with positive health impacts. Research has also demonstrated the keto-diet may lead to negative health effects. The research for long-term use of the keto-diet is sparse, but suggests that long-term high-fat exposure may cause many unfavorable health effects. For many people, the positive benefits of the keto-diet outweigh the negative for short-term use, and with the right supplements, some negative effects can be avoided. If you decide to adopt the keto-diet, it is recommended to have regular check-ins with your physician. Through routine visits and blood-work, your physician can monitor you to help prevent any adverse effects.

There are other diet options that have fewer health risks for long-term use. If you are thinking of making a long-lasting change to your diet, consult your physician. Your physician should be able to recommend a personalized and safe option for you to manage long-term.

By: winnifredxoxo

References:

Brouns, F. (2018). Overweight and diabetes prevention: is a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet recommendable? European Journal of Nutrition, 57(4) 1301-1312. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-1636-y

Dashti, H.M., Thazhumpal, M. C., Naji, A.S. (2021). Efficacy of Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(3), 223-235. doi: 10.1159/000512142

Tahreem, A., Rakha, A., Rabail, R., Nazir, A., Socol, C.T., Maerescu, C.M., Aadil, R.M. (2022). Fad Diets: Fact and Fiction. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.960922

M. Kapetanakis, P. Liuba, M. Odermarsky, J. Lundgren, T. Hallböök. (2014) Effects of ketogenic diet on vascular function. European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, 18(4) 489-494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpn.2014.03.006

By: bark

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe an overuse of the adrenal glands causing an imbalance in hormones from long term exposure to excessive stress. The excessive stress leads to the adrenal glands becoming overwhelmed and unable to properly respond to stress in terms of cortisol secretion. Unfortunately, a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue can be difficult to receive because some practitioners do not acknowledge it as a real condition. Instead, they will tell patients that they are experiencing depression, or their symptoms are in their head. 

So then how do I tell if I have adrenal fatigue?

Typical testing for adrenal fatigue is done through saliva, urine, hair, or blood tests. However, adrenal fatigue can easily be missed with blood tests because the blood work does not detect something wrong until 90% of the adrenal glands have been destroyed. This is due to the blood tests detecting adrenal failure instead of adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue include:

• Dizziness during positional changes
• Caffeine and food cravings
• Weak immune system
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Decreased libido
• Decreased ability to manage stress
• Difficulty sleeping and waking up despite hours of sleep
• Difficulty losing weight and recovering from exercise

*A very important myth to debunk is although the symptoms are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, they are not the same condition. 

What are the treatment plans?

Intervention strategies for restoring adrenal function include dietary changes, exercise, proper sleep and stress management. The strategies can include education on stress reduction techniques, exercise programs, practicing good sleeping habits, and a meal plan focused on adrenal function, nutrition and supplements. It can take 6 months to 2 years or longer for complete adrenal recovery. However, patients typically notice a difference within a few weeks. 

Further studies are needed.

Because there is not a lot of information on adrenal fatigue, it is not classified as a medical diagnosis. There is a lot of conflicting information on the topic of adrenal fatigue that doctors try to use as a way to dismiss the condition. However, every condition starts with one case before enough evidence can be researched and conducted to prove the existence. Adrenal fatigue is in that beginning stage of research.

Since there is conflicting information on adrenal fatigue on the internet, it is important to be aware of how to find trustworthy information and research. Government websites, such as the department of health, and search engines, such as EBSCOHOST or Pubmed, that can filter out peer-reviewed articles are the best places to find accurate information. Videos posted on sources such as Youtube or TikTok are not peer-reviewed and usually present misleading information or information that is not completely accurate. Examples of this can be seen in these three attached videos: 

The videos posted above can be very convincing for someone who is just learning about adrenal fatigue. A lot of the Information provided within the videos is correct, but there are a few points in them that are either incorrect or a myth. For example, in the first video when Danny states she knows the basics about adrenal fatigue but lacked any detailed information on it. She also stated that adrenal fatigue typically effects people within the fitness industry. However, adrenal fatigue effects anyone experiencing excessive stressed for a long period of time. In the second video, Taylor reporting adrenal fatigue is the modern-day chronic fatigue. The statement of adrenal fatigue being the modern-day chronic fatigue can make you question where Taylor found the remaining data she presents in the video. Are they reflecting adrenal fatigue or chronic fatigue research? In the third video, Thomas begins by stating we think cortisol is bad for us, but there is not clear evidence of cortisol being bad for a person.

Ending note…

Be cautious of videos and information from unreliable sources found on the internet and do not take all information found on the internet at face value. 

References

Cadegiani, F., & Kater, C. (2016). Adrenal fatigue does not exist: a systematic review. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 16(1), 1–16.

Fitzgerald, K. (2011). Health regimen for a 29-your-old female diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 10(6), 36–42.

Hong, H. G. (2017). Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome May be Due to Kidney Deficiency. Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, 4(3), 5–12.

Kariatsumari, B. (2019). Understanding Adrenal Fatigue: Nutritional and lifestyle strategies to effectively restore proper adrenal function. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition, 42(1), 29–40.

Zarè, S. (2019). Adrenal Fatigue: What is Adrenal Fatigue? and why does everyone seem so concerned about it? Rahavard Persian Journal, 126, 68–71.

The spread of misinformation is a huge problem in the fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, social media has become a primary platform for the spread of inaccurate information about the use of the drug Ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Later in this blog, I will share some examples of social media spreading misinformation in regard to this topic, But first, lets take a moment to read the facts!

Does Ivermectin really treat COVID-19?

In short, the answer is no. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge for healthcare systems around the world, and as such, there has been a search for treatments that can help reduce the severity of the disease. One drug that has been acknowledged as a potential treatment for COVID-19 is Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug used for both humans and animals. This drug works by paralyzing and killing parasites, such as worms and mites, by disrupting their nervous system. However, the mechanism by which Ivermectin might work against COVID-19 is still unclear. Some researchers have suggested that Ivermectin might contain antiviral properties that stop the replication of coronavirus, but according to the Minnesota Department of Health (2022), the concentration or dosage required to achieve this effect is 100 times higher than what can be achieved with the dosing approved for humans.

Show me the Evidence!

Currently, there is limited clinical evidence to support the use of Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment. While there have been several observational studies and clinical trials conducted on Ivermectin and COVID-19, the evidence is weak and inconclusive. Most of the studies have been small, poorly designed, and have conflicting results. However, All clinical studies with the appropriate sample sizes and scientific criteria proved that Ivermectin is not effective in treating or preventing Covid-19 (Popp et al., 2021). Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued statements cautioning against the use of Ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment, citing the lack of sufficient clinical evidence.

What’s the Harm?

The potential harms of Ivermectin use for COVID-19 treatment must be considered. While Ivermectin is generally considered safe when used appropriately to treat parasitic infections, it can cause significant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and skin rashes. Additionally, some reports have suggested that high doses of Ivermectin can cause liver and kidney damage, and even death (Lim et al., 2022). Many of these ailments were due to humans taking high doses intended for animal use.

Don’t always Trust what you see on Social Media!

Despite a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19, many social media platforms have allowed the spread of misinformation about the drug’s efficacy. This has led to some individuals self-medicating with Ivermectin, resulting in negative health outcomes such as hospitalization and even death. Below are some examples of videos that spread misinformation on Ivermectin and COVID-19:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yEqPoziSAs0

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while Ivermectin has been acknowledged as a potential treatment for COVID-19, the available evidence suggests that it is ineffective and potentially harmful. Therefore, it is crucial to rely on evidence-based treatments and to avoid using unproven or experimental treatments, as they may do more harm than good. It’s essential to be cautious of information about Ivermectin and COVID-19 found on social media and to seek out reliable sources such as government websites, news sources, medical practitioners and evidence-based journals. With accurate information, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and safety.

References

Ivermectin and COVID-19 Information For Health Care Organizations And Providers. Minnesota Department of Health. (2022, April 20). Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://www.health.mn.gov/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/ivermectin.pdf

FDA. (2021). Why you should not use ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19

Lim, s, Hor, C., & Tay, K. (2022). Efficacy of Ivermectin Treatment on Disease Progression Among Adults With Mild to Moderate COVID 19 and Comorbidities: The I TECH Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med, 182(4), 426–435. https://doi.org/doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0189

Popp, M., Stegemann, M., Metzendorf, M.-I., Kranke, P., Meybohm, P.,    Skoetz, N., & Weibel, S. (2021). Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID-19. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd015017

World Health Organization. (2021). Who advises that ivermectin only be used to treat COVID-19 within clinical trials. World Health Organization. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-advises-that-ivermectin-only-be-used-to-treat-covid-19-within-clinical-trials

COVID-19

Nobody expected it to be this bad. It was like something out of a movie, and what followed next was chaos, panic, fear, conspiracy theories, and of course, death. This was the COVID-19 pandemic. A virus with little to no knowledge about it, and only after millions of people passed away did we start to understand it.

Signs and Symptoms 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 had similar signs and symptoms of the flu, which are:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised the public about some preventative ways we can insure our safety from the virus. This included:

• Wear a mask. Preferably an N95 mask.
• Social distancing. Keep 6 feet apart. 
• Get the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Wash your hands with warm soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. 
• Self quarantine if you have been exposed to the virus. 

Data And Statistics

Current data shows a decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to last year.

Cases have significantly decreased compared to peak February 2022.

COVID-19 death toll has decreased this year compared to 2020, 2021, and 2022.

COVID-19 Misinformation

COVID-19 misinformation and conspiracy theories spread quickly due to the influence of social media. There was a split among people as they ignored the science and believed COVID-19 was the governments plan to eliminate some people. There were multiple conspiracies including vaccine, mask, social distancing, the origin of COVID, and 5G. 

Myths vs Facts (Conspiracy Theories) 

• Conspiracy #1                                                                                        

Many people believed the COVID-19 virus started in China due to the consumption of bats. They also believed it was bioengineered in a lab by scientists to control the population. Lastly, they associated the spread of COVID-19 to 5G. 

A peer-reviewed article titled Misinformation on COVID-19 origin and its relationship with perception and knowledge about social distancing: A cross-sectional study by Reyes, L. M., debunked this myth of the origin of COVID-19 by stating the gene sequence of SARS-CoV was similar to the SARS- CoV 2 which can be identified in both bats and humans. 

• Conspiracy #2

5G was the victim of the next conspiracy theory which spread quickly on social media platforms. The belief was that 5G made the human immune system weaker and it helped with the spread of COVID-19 which led to people vandalizing cellphone towers. 

This myth of 5G being linked to the spread of COVID-19 was debunked by multiple scientists as it was practically impossible. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated, “Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/ mobile networks. COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks.” (WHO, 2020) To further put this myth to rest, 5G technology existed way before COVID-19.

• Conspiracy #3 

The COVID-19 vaccine had a lot of rejection and a lot of people were hesitant to take it because there was a misinformation on social media platforms that the vaccine contained microchips, crystals, and it magnetizes your skin. It became a trend on social media where people started attaching metals to their skin to proof the magnetism of the vaccine. 

All these theories were debunked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It was stated that the vaccine did not contain any electromagnetic ingredients or microchips. The vaccine contained ingredients like sugar, salt, and fat. (CDC, 2023).

Negative Consequences Of Misinformation

The spread of misinformation made it extremely difficult for us to tackle COVID-19. It influenced the judgment of people from wearing mask, social distancing, and taking preventive measures. It also derailed the push for the COVID-19 vaccine because people were hesitant about taking it. 

Conclusion

Misinformation is always going to be around as long as social media platforms exist. Many people tend to believe in conspiracy theories, to avoid uncertainty, restore a sense of control and security, and to feel unique when compared to others. (Douglas, K. M., 2021) Government agencies need to campaign and pay more attention to social media platforms when it comes to the spread of misinformation. We live in a technological society where information is at our fingertips, yet we get easily persuaded by false narratives, and misinformation.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 22). Myths and facts about covid-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

2. Douglas, K. M. (2021). COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 24(2), 270–275. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1177/1368430220982068

3. Lee, S. K., Sun, J., Jang, S., & Connelly, S. (2022). Misinformation of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1–11. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1038/s41598-022-17430-6

4. Reyes, L. M., Ortiz, L., Abedi, M., Luciano, Y., Ramos, W., & Reyes, P. J. de J. (2021). Misinformation on COVID-19 origin and its relationship with perception and knowledge about social distancing: A cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE, 16(3), 1–13. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0248160

By: Clean Wal-Mart

                  Medical Fact or Fiction:                       Debunking one medical myth at a time

Do Antiperspirant Deodorants Cause Breast Cancer?  There has been an ongoing debate between the use of deodorants and antiperspirants over the last several years. Deodorant has been used as part of an individual’s routine for many years, speculations have been made that using antiperspirant deodorants cause breast cancer. Much of this speculation is due to the chemicals that are within these cosmetic products and the area of the human body in which they are applied. Antiperspirant Deodorant is applied within the underarm region and protects against sweat and odor. 

What’s the Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant? This question is often asked and here is the answer, deodorant blocks body odor which allows a more pleasant smell, and antiperspirants use ingredients to block the sweat glands.

By: Marco Verch Professional Photographer

Why would someone think it causes breast cancer?                                                                    The chemicals within deodorant products contain carcinogenic actions which can involve an interaction with a person’s DNA; resulting in interference with oestrogen action. “Oestrogen has been found to contribute to the development and progression of breast cancer” (Darbre, 2009). In addition, many media resources have provided little detail about the chemicals found in these products such as parabens, aluminum and carcinogenic actions, these same chemicals have been found in breast cancer. After receiving this information, it is easy to assume that deodorant/ antiperspirants cause breast cancer. Furthermore, the product is applied within the underarm armpit region which is close to the human breast. 

By: Sealy Leung

             How about Shaving your armpits?                 Most people shave their armpits frequently, when a person shaves the pores open which makes it easy for bacteria and other chemicals to enter the body. Because of this, people assume that breast cancer enters the body when using deodorant due to the chemicals easily entering through the pores after an individual shaves.

                                        The Cancer Question?                     Over the years, claims have been made that deodorants or antiperspirants may cause cancer, specifically breast cancer. Several research studies have been conducted to dig deeper into this     question. Several control studies and systematic reviewed research has been conducted on this topic and found that “the risk for breast cancer did not increase with any of the following activities; 1) antiperspirant or deodorant; 2) product use among subjects who shaved with a blade razor; 3) application of products within 1 hour of shaving” (Mirick, 2002).

Bottom Line: No studies have confirmed any connection between the use of deodorants and antiperspirants, their ingredients, or shaving the armpit region to increase cancer risk, so there’s no reason to break that morning routine. If you do not feel comfortable using this product or still feel unsure, there are chemical free deodorants available, or you can refrain from using any product within the underarm region.

By: Dru Bloomfield

Online Resources:          

National Breast Cancer Foundation- https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/early-detection/breast-cancer-resources/

National Cancer Institute- https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet

Natural Deodorants/ Chemical Free- https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-natural-deodorants

References:                                                         

Allam, M. F. (2016). Breast Cancer and Deodorants/Antiperspirants: A Systematic Review.  Central European Journal of Public Health, 24(3), 245–247. https://doi.org/10.21101/cejph.a4475

Darbre, P. D. (2009). Underarm antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research, 11(S3). https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr2424

Mirick, D. K. (2002). Antiperspirant Use and the Risk of Breast Cancer. Cancer Spectrum Knowledge Environment, 94(20), 1578–1580. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/94.20.1578

Surendran, A. (2004). Studies linking breast cancer to deodorants smell rotten, experts say. Nature Medicine, 10(3), 216. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1038/nm0304-216b

Team, C. C. (2022, May 13). Can Deodorant Cause Breast Cancer? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-deodorant-cause-breast-cancer/