August smorgasbord of topics to expand your knowledge . . .

Do you live in a cardiology (or any specialty) desert?

Can a virus kill cancer?

New blood test can detect colon cancer.

Is your medication creating a conflict with other meds or food?

Can a blood test predict Alzheimer’s?

Living in a CARDIOLOGY DESERT

Nearly half of U.S. counties don't have a single cardiologist

Around 22 million people live in counties that are "cardiology deserts" and need to travel nearly 90 miles round trip to seek specialty heart care.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nearly-half-us-counties-dont-single-cardiologist-rcna160229

If you have a PPO plan and live in a metro area, you have limited access to medical providers. Original Medicare provides unfettered access to care, regardless of where you live.

USING VIRUS TO KILL CANCER

As the saying goes, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And it turns out that may also be said about one field of cancer research that may seem counterintuitive.

Like cancer, viruses are typically viewed as an enemy to eradicate. But scientists are learning to use some of them as allies in cancer’s treatment. They not only have a talent for killing cancer cells, but also an ability to improve the body’s immune system response to the disease.

Since the late 1800s, doctors have observed that some cancer patients with viral infections go into remission, if only temporarily. Yet while some viruses seemed able to kill tumor cells, researchers couldn’t turn these observations into discovery and treatments until recently.

https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/09/using-viruses-in-cancer-treatment

Colon Cancer Screening via Blood Test

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved a new blood test that can spot colon cancer.

In late May, an FDA advisory panel had voted 7-2 that the benefits outweigh the risks when using the Guardant Health's Shield test for colon cancer.

Monday's approval makes Shield only the second blood test approved for the illness: Epigenomics’ Epi proColon was approved in 2016.

https://www.healthday.com/health-news/cancer/fda-approves-another-blood-test-for-colon-cancer-screening

Efficacy details here . . .

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/shield-blood-test-colon-cancer-screening#Blood-test-detects-colon-cancer-with-83%-accuracy

Common Medications and Side Effects With 

Older Adults

As you age, your body uses and absorbs medicines differently. For instance, changes in your digestion affect how quickly medicines travel through your body. If your circulation system slows down, medications can take longer to reach your liver and kidneys.

These factors increase the risk of different medications interacting and producing unwanted effects. A good example is the interaction between aspirin and blood thinners. Unless a doctor tells you otherwise, you should avoid taking these medicines together.

Amlodipine besylate, Azithromycin, Levothyroxine, Lisinopril, Metformin, Omeprazole, Simvastatin.

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/common-medications-for-older-adults

Blood Test Accurately Predicts Alzheimer’s

A new test gauging levels of key proteins in the blood was far more accurate than doctor assessments in spotting Alzheimer's disease in people with early-stage illness.

The test, called APS2 (the amyloid probability score 2), was 91% accurate in diagnosing Alzheimer's in people with mild cognitive decline or early dementia, compared to the 61% success rate of primary care doctors who examined the same patients.

The test isn't yet approved for routine use. But Dr Teresa Amato, director of geriatric emergency medicine at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, NY, called the new data "very exciting."

"This blood test would be great as a first round of diagnostic testing because it it looks like it's pretty accurate," said Amato, who wasn't involved in the new study.

https://www.healthday.com/health-news/neurology/blood-test-91-accurate-at-predicting-alzheimers-outperforming-doctors

Time to get your medication list together. The fall Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7) should be a busy one and I need a current list no later than September 30th. New 2025 rates and plans will be online in early October. Here is what I need.

Exact name & dosage for each Medication

How often filled and quantity

Preferred pharmacy

My expectation is that ALL drugs, not just tier 2 and higher, will be subject to the plan deductible. Plan on using a discount card for generics. Mail order through Canada could save money for brand name drugs, especially if a generic is available from a Canadian pharmacy.

https://www.mapleleafmeds.com/

https://www.drugstoreunlimited.com/

Call or email if you have questions.

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Referrals are always appreciated!

GeoBlue is my PREFERRED vendor for international travel. Unlike some competitors that require you to pay your claims then file for reimbursement.  GeoBlue can often arrange payment with your providers on your behalf and cover your claims (above your selected deductible) at 100%!

www.geobluetravelinsurance.com

Medicare Advantage plans are not included in the No Surprises Act. Out of network providers are free to balance bill after the Advantage plan has paid the bill.

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