Mimansa

Toxic Exposures After an Urban Wildfire: Understanding Risks and Safeguarding Your Health By Mima Geere MD Scientific evidence links these exposures to acute and chronic health conditions. Acute conditions include respiratory distress, worsening of asthma or other lung conditions like COPD. Eye and throat irritation is not uncommon during inhalation or exposure. Histamine reactions as related to acute allergic reactions can result in exacerbated stress and anxiety as well. Neurological symptoms to watch out for during acute exposure that tells you that it’s time to remove yourself from the environment include headaches, dizziness, and confusion, these can occur due to VOCs and the presence of heavy metals.? Symptoms due to heavy metal toxicity can be slow and insidious and creep up 2-3 months after the exposure.? Heavy metals are difficult to detoxify from the body as they tend to chelate within the nervous system so reducing exposure upfront is best whenever possible. Long-term exposure to these carcinogens like benzene and PAHs that are present within city fire debris can increase the risk of cancers like leukema, lung, and bladder cancer.? Persistent exposure to particulates can also result in cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory illness.?? Beyond the physical effects described above are mental and emotional effects due to the shock and trauma of the experience. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD and all these can be exacerbated by the exposure to environmental toxins. Signs and Symptoms of Toxic Exposure It’s essential to recognize early warning signs of exposure to wildfire toxins: 1. Respiratory Symptoms: ? Persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. 2. Neurological Symptoms: ? Headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or unusual mood changes. 3. Dermatological Symptoms: ? Skin irritation, rashes, or chemical burns. 4. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: ? Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, especially if water or food contamination is suspected. 5. Long-Term Concerns: ? Unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, or persistent infections may warrant further investigation for toxic exposure. To Learn more read: https://lnkd.in/gY5pY-9G

#endotoxin #mirobiome #health #Longevity #climatechange #guthealth #Alzheimers #chronicdisease

The State of Medicine: Rediscovering Humanity in Healthcare By Dr. Mima Geere, Co-Founder and CEO of Mimansa Traditionally, medicine was as much about the art of healing as it was about the science. Doctors were not only skilled practitioners but also compassionate listeners, empathetic guides, and holistic caregivers. They built relationships with their patients, understood their stories, and addressed not just their physical ailments but also their emotional and psychological needs. Today, however, the focus in healthcare has increasingly shifted towards efficiency, standardization, and technological innovation. Electronic health records (EHRs), while invaluable for managing data, can also create barriers between doctors and patients. The constant pressure to keep up with documentation, adhere to protocols, and navigate complex systems can detract from the personal connections that are vital to effective healing. The mechanization of medicine, where algorithms and checklists sometimes overshadow the human element, has led to a paradox: while we have become exceptionally skilled at managing diseases, we risk losing sight of the essence of healing. To address this challenge, it’s crucial to rethink how we integrate technology into healthcare. Instead of allowing technology to be a barrier, we should leverage it to enhance the doctor-patient relationship. Here are some steps we can take to bring humanity back into healthcare: Technology that Enhances Interaction: Develop systems that support, rather than hinder, personal interactions. Tools that streamline administrative tasks and free up time for patient care can help doctors focus on the relational aspects of their work. Patient-Centered Design: Create technologies that prioritize patient needs and experiences. This includes user-friendly platforms for patients to access their health information and communicate with their providers. Holistic Data Integration: Use data to provide a more comprehensive view of the patient, integrating physical, emotional, and social health aspects to better inform treatment decisions and foster a more holistic approach to care. Empathy and Communication Training: Incorporate training in empathy and communication skills into medical education and professional development. Feedback Mechanisms: Implement systems that allow for regular feedback from patients and healthcare providers to continually improve the balance between technology and human interaction. The advancement of technology in medicine holds great promise, but it should not come at the cost of losing the essence of healing. By designing systems that support the doctor-patient relationship and emphasizing the importance of humanity in healthcare, we can strive to reclaim the art of healing and ensure that the practice of medicine remains a deeply personal and compassionate endeavor.