The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 21 COVID patients today, down from 25 Friday. Other significant numbers:
- 8 with the active virus today, 9 Friday
- 2 in ICU, same as Friday
- 0 on ventilator, 1 Friday
- 13 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 16 Friday
Key points from today’s guests:
David Nigro, gave up smoking
- While in the hospital for a stomach problem five years ago, a conversation with a nurse convinced him to give up a 45-year smoking habit on the spot
- Quitting after so long was hard, especially since he hung around with a lot of people who smoked
- He can feel a big difference in walking exercising and just breathing. Has noticed food tases better.
- Now gets a 60-second lung cancer screening each year. So far no sign of the disease
Dr. Nirmal Veeramachaneni, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
- Nothing is as impactful for cancer prevention and death as a CT lung cancer screening, which can reduce the chances up to 40%
- Those who have smoked more than 20 pack years and have not quit in the last 15 years are candidates for screening. Also those still smoking within the last 15 years and over the age of 50.
- It’s important to get screened every year because cancer nodules evolve over time
- If you don’t smoke, but are around those who do, you may be at higher risk of lung cancer
Stephanie Oxandale, nurse practitioner
- Having a CT lung screening is simple and non-invasive. Results available the same day.
- Smokers who quit, like David, should get screened every year until they hit the 15 year mark of cessation
- People don’t need a referral from their primary care doctor but can call directly to see if they qualify for the screening, which is covered by most insurance
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Acknowledges the drive to vaccinate the world against COVID may be losing steam
- Cases showing slight uptick around the country, mostly in the northeast
- CDC still debating need for fourth shot for those under 50.
Tuesday, April 26 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Skippy may be his fame name, but the life of this popular K.C. music man wasn't always in tune. Skippy's connection to transplant and what he wants you to know.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
