The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 47 COVID patients today, up from 42 Monday. Other significant numbers:
- 23 with the active virus today, 21 Monday
- 4 in ICU, 3 Monday
- 2 on ventilators, 2 Monday
- 24 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 21 Monday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Deb Sullivan, chair of Dietetics and Nutrition in the KU School of Health Professions
- Published a study in Frontiers in Nutrition showing three cups of 1% cow’s milk a day boosts an antioxidant that helps protect the brain from damage caused by aging
- Antioxidants are molecules that help fight free radicals. Free radicals are a type of unstable molecule made during normal cell metabolism (chemical changes that take place in a cell). Free radicals can build up in cells and cause damage to other molecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins.
- Study looked at 73 adults ages 60 to 79 years
- Sees no reason to wait to make sure you’re getting your three cups of milk each day. “It’s important for your brain health, your bone health, your muscle health, all of those things,” she said. “That’s the takeaway.”
Dr. Kenny Southwick, Executive Director, Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City
- School districts in the region have had to pivot to react to COVID for last two school years, but have learned many lessons
- We are probably going to have to learn to live with COVID
- All school districts have been affected by staffing shortages, especially teachers
- Kids always do better in the classroom than learning from home. For some, it is the only place they are guaranteed a nutritious lunch
Dr. Jeremy Tucker, Superintendent of Schools in the Liberty School District
- Masking in school is currently optional, following health department guidance
- Currently COVID vaccines are recommended to families, but not required, as are other childhood vaccinations
- Some school districts around the country have gone to a four day schedule in an effort to alleviate staff shortages. Independence Schools are talking about it. Must consider what parents would do for childcare on off day.
- Hope a fall COVID surge will not force a return to home learning, but schools can make that adjustment if necessary
- Kids who have had to participate in video classes from home have experienced learning gaps, which schools are addressing
- Mental health problems among students have increased and schools are putting increased emphasis on those needs
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Starting to see a decline in overall reported COVID cases and hospitalizations across the country
- Great Britain is first to approve new Moderna booster which could be available in U.S. next month
- Very concerning that new study shows only about half of parents are open to vaccinating their children against COVID
- Monkeypox cases rising to more than 12,000 in the country, 24 in Missouri and 3 in Kansas. Health system has vaccinated 38 people
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System
- Polio appears in wastewater in New York, signaling the first domestic outbreak since the 1970s of that potentially deadly and crippling virus
- Even if you were vaccinated against polio as a child, you are still protected
- One of the outcomes of the pandemic is people are starting to recognize the importance of science
- Right now it looks as if a COVID booster every six months will be standard
Friday, August 19 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. The fall school sports season is here. More than half of students will take part in some high school sport this year. We’ll explore the role parents and student athletes can take to prevent injuries this season.
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.
