What We’re Reading: 02/12/21

A few highlights from around the web that made it into our feeds this week.

How COVID Affects Your Heart, According to a Cardiologist

Much of the Covid conversation still circles around how the infection affects the lungs, but we now know that the virus is far more than just a respiratory illness. When it comes to the heart, there are several key ways Covid impacts the cardiovascular system, like arrhythmias, inflammation, and even heart failure syndrome.

One thing Dr. Jenn Haythe hears frequently is a focus on the connection between heart disease and Covid deaths, but she wants people to know, “If you've had heart surgery, or a valve replacement, that doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to die of Covid. What it does mean, though, is that you may have some risk factors that could lead to more severe Covid.” This is a concise breakdown of heart disease and Covid risk. (From people.com)

The Virus Is Evolving. But So Are Your Antibodies.

Have you ever really thought about how absolutely incredible your immune system is? Whether you have or have not, take this moment to marvel. The coronavirus continues to mutate and more contagious strains will spread, but our immune systems are not standing still. They work independently and with vaccines, constantly gathering information and adapting to what the body needs. A wonderful exploration of how our immune systems prepare for viral invasion, clear infections, and mount protective defenses. An epic, indeed. (From theatlantic.com)

People With Intellectual Disabilities Are Often Overlooked In Pandemic Response

Early studies have shown that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a higher likelihood of dying from the coronavirus than those without disabilities. While the higher risk is likely because of a higher prevalence of preexisting conditions, there is no federal program or agency tracking Covid deaths in the thousands of facilities nationwide. Over 300,000 people with disabilities live in facilities or group homes, yet the rate of Covid outbreak and deaths remains overlooked and untracked.

The general collective focus on nursing homes makes sense. We’ve seen over 121,000 Covid deaths in nursing homes since the beginning of the pandemic, but where is the attention on other vulnerable populations? More importantly, Nicole Jorwic, senior director of public policy with The Arc of the United States, a nonprofit that serves people with disabilities asks, "How do we know how big the problem is if we're not capturing it?" (From npr.org)

Last but not least, a documentary film everyone should watch—

Why Doctors Write: Finding Humanity in Medicine

This one requires either a rental or purchase to watch in full on vimeo, but we can’t recommend it enough—now more than ever.

“Why Doctors Write: Finding Humanity in Medicine explores the impact of writing, the arts, and the humanities in a place not usually associated with them ‒ the world of medicine. In an age of technology, physician burnout, and depersonalized patient care, clinicians have turned to these tools to care for themselves and colleagues, and to renew their connection to patients. Why Doctors Write goes in search of the practitioners who are finding humanity again in medicine.”

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