On today’s Morning Media Update, The University of Kansas Health System reports a slight decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients today. There are 18 people with the active virus being treated, a decrease from 22 yesterday. Of those patients, six are in the ICU, down from seven yesterday. None are on ventilators. HaysMed has two active infections, up from one yesterday.
In terms of fireworks-related injuries, there were 22 patients since Friday, ranging in ages from 10 months old to 75 years old. Ten were admitted to the hospital and the most common injuries were to the foot, face and hands.
In today’s session, Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, answered some key questions about the recent COVID-19 surge and what that means for The University of Kansas Health System in terms of taking on additional patients. Dr. Hawkinson said that the Health System regularly takes transferred patients from other regions in order to provide them with more specialized care. COVID-19 surges in other areas may restrict capacity at rural hospitals, so some of their other non-COVID patients may be transferred to the Health System. “We are happy to take rural areas that maybe have lost their capacity due to COVID, but we are always ready for increases.We have good PPE stores and supplies right now.”
Dr. Hawkinson said that while the Health System is busy with everyday patients, they are prepared for any necessary transfers. “If we need to take transfers to help save their life and make their life better, we will certainly do that.”
Host Jessica Lovell then introduced special guests Bryan Mann, a local 58-year-old pastor who lost 80 pounds and Tara Marchello, Dietician at The University of Kansas Health System. More than a year ago, Mann was 316 pounds and diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“Cabbage and carrots weren’t on the menu,” Mann says. “A lot of processed foods, a lot of fried foods, cakes and cookies and donuts. My prostate cancer diagnosis changed all that.”
Mann embarked on a journey to lose 80 pounds as he fought his cancer. He said the nutritionist at The University of Kansas Health System made him rethink what he was putting into his body, which includes more fruits and vegetables and a new appreciation for water, less sugar, less salt and portion control.
“If you haven’t been diagnosed with cancer, maybe you have a family member that has been diagnosed,” says the married father of three. “It’s time to make changes, especially for the grandkids. Nutrition is really important if you have been diagnosed – give your body a fighting chance.”
Although he lost 80 pounds, he admitted that he gained some of it back during the pandemic.
“Once the pandemic hit, I started going back to my old eating habits,” Mann says, reflecting on a common situation for many people dealing with the pressures of the pandemic. “As the pandemic deepened and all the trials of life came in, it just became overwhelming and I went to food as comfort.”
Lovell asked Marchello about what she is seeing as a dietician in the movement toward a more healthy diet. She said that moderation is they key.
“All or nothing – it doesn’t have to be that way,” Marchello says.
She said the pandemic is one of the most challenging times for many people diet-wise. Comfort foods were a frequent choice for many to deal with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. But she says people can get back on track with some help.
“Life throws us curveballs and I just want to help people recognize that maybe figuring out the balance of being happy with small changes at a time so you can sustain this lifestyle,” Marchello says. “I do often see pretty restrictive diets that lead to deprivation and that deprivation is what can sometimes lead to more problems.”
She recommends small changes that can help add up to make significant differences such as eating more fruits and vegetables by making sure they are added to your meals and cutting down on the treats. Trying “fun size” candy bars instead of full size can help people phase down. Don’t make sugary beverages your primary drink. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, so each individual may have different dietary needs and medical conditions.
Poor diet can also lead to complications with some COVID-19 patients, according to Dr. Hawkinson. “Overweight or obesity is a major problem,” he says. “All the way down to the molecular or cellular level affecting your immune cells in your body, such as your vascular system, your heart, your organs – it does affect your everyday life and other issues, not just COVID.”
A community question was asked about the recent outbreak of COVID cases from a Texas church camp and how safe is summer camping? Dr. Hawkinson noted that only 6 of the 125 COVID cases in Texas were from vaccinated people, so this outbreak supports how important vaccinations are. Breakthrough cases can still happen with vaccinated people, but they can be reduced and the symptoms can also be much milder.
Another community question was about monoclonal antibody treatments. Dr. Hawkinson said that is only used in an outpatient setting with those who are at high risk of going to the hospital. It is very effective, but it is limited to patients who meet certain criteria.
A question about masks came up with the prevalence of the Delta variant. Dr. Hawkinson reiterated that there is no change in guidance from the CDC on this, but vaccinated people who feel more comfortable wearing masks should feel free to do so.
Thursday, July 8 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Media Update. Dr. Jennifer McAllaster, Bariatric Surgeon and Dr. Ashely Rhodes, Psychologist at the Bariatric Weight Loss Clinic at The University of Kansas Health System explains who and when people should consider medical interventions. We’ll also hear from Marla Cantwell from Springfield about COVID-19 and undergoing a gastric sleeve to lose weight.
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