"I was not happy when I read that Nigeria will have the highest contribution to the global burden of sickle cell disease by 2050 - if we continue at the present birth rate and the level of inactivity in newborn screening," says hematologist Obiageli Nnodu, M.D., the lead researcher in Nigeria for the Sickle Pan African Research Consortium (SPARCo), funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. "As a country, we can do better than that. After all, this is a disease where children die undiagnosed, and largely from preventable causes such as bacterial infections."

Sickle cell disease affects 20 million people worldwide, including at least 100,000 in the United States, mainly African Americans, but Hispanics and Asian-Americans, too. To help address the problem on a global scale, the NHLBI has been supporting programs in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 75 percent of the sickle cell disease births worldwide occur. SPARCo, with a hub in Tanzania, and additional sites in Nigeria and Ghana, works to develop an infrastructure for sickle cell disease research, health care, education, and training to take place in Africa.

"We are showing that with effective partnerships, significant advances in health and biomedical science can be achieved," says Tanzania-based Julie Makani, M.D., Ph.D., who leads the SPARCo consortium. SPARCo, in collaboration with the Sickle Africa Data Coordinating Center, led by Ambroise Wonkam, M.D., in South Africa, created Sickle In Africa, which has a growing electronic registry of more than 10,000 individuals with sickle cell disease.

"The genetic diversity of Africa's population allows scientific research that will increase our understanding of how a disease caused by a single gene can manifest in such different ways," Makani explains.

Newborn screening, as Nnodu notes, is the first step to reduce mortality and suffering for these children, and for that, they need good tests readily available at the point of care. That's why NHLBI supports research towards development of diagnostics, such as a new rapid result test that is relatively inexpensive, accurate, and can provide a timely diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The test does not require sophisticated laboratory equipment, electricity, refrigeration, or highly trained personnel - a critical advantage for countries with few resources.

On the treatment front, a large multinational NHLBI-funded clinical trial found that a daily hydroxyurea pill was safe and effective for young children living with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The NHLBI also has its sights on developing genetic therapies for the disease, as part of a newly announced NIH collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the partnership, which also addresses HIV, is to advance possible gene-based cures to clinical trials in the United States and relevant countries in sub-Saharan Africa within the next seven to 10 years.

"A person's health should not be limited by their geographic location, whether it's in rural America or sub-Saharan Africa," says Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., director of the NHLBI. "Harnessing the power of science is needed to transcend borders if we want to improve health for all."

The Annual Election Period runs from October 15 through December 7. This year's AEP brings some new challenges for enrollees, due to potential restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to ensure you can safely and securely compare plan options from the comfort of your home, including:

* Online workshops: Many insurance companies are offering online workshops to help educate individuals about 2021 Medicare Advantage plan options. Before you attend a virtual event, find out in advance how to log on to the meeting to avoid technical issues.

* Virtual meetings: Set up one-on-one meetings with licensed sales agents by phone or video chat. Be prepared with your questions to ensure you get the information you need, such as what innovative benefits are available and if vision, hearing and dental coverage are included.

* Trusted websites: Go to the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov to compare plans, benefits and an estimated cost for each plan based on an average member. If you are interested in Medicare Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription medications, you can also enter the names of prescription medications you take to ensure those medications are covered by the plan you are considering.

When researching plan information, be sure to provide only your Medicare number and other personal data to trusted sources, such as your doctor, pharmacist, hospital or health insurer, as scammers may try to steal your data. It's also important to not click links in text messages and emails about COVID-19 from unknown sources, and not to answer unsolicited phone calls offering COVID-19 tests or supplies.

Utilizing trusted resources will ensure that you select the plan that will suit your healthcare needs for the coming year. For more information, you can also go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). And, to learn about Humana's Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.Humana.com/Medicare or speak with a licensed sales agent by calling 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Type 2 diabetes does not cause an elevated risk of infection per se but a greater risk of complications and mortality that arise from COVID-19 infection. Cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and organ dysfunction, including kidney and eye, all are common issues associated with Type 2 diabetes, and have been seen to be further exacerbated by COVID-19 infection.

While doctors still do not have enough evidence to explain all of the ways the virus affects the body, reports from all over the world have identified connections between inflammation and blood coagulation abnormalities and dangerous outcomes from the virus.

However, what many have not discussed is the possibility that quarantines, stay-at-home orders and remote working -- necessary to prevent the spreading of the virus -- may also present additional risk for those who already experience a sedentary lifestyle. A study by the National Institutes of Health shows that people who spend significant amounts of time not being active are subject to a 112 percent greater risk of potential complications, including Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome Coronavirus, and therefore, presents not only risks to those with Type 2 diabetes, but to those already at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a key cause of Type 2 diabetes and one that the CDC has long been concerned about as a growing problem in the United States -- even before the current pandemic -- and the lifestyle changes which tend toward activities which lean toward weight gain rather than weight loss.

Health experts are therefore emphasizing the importance of maintaining metabolic health by managing potential risk factors associated with the disease, all while maintaining social distancing and engaging in safe behaviors connected to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

A variety of tools have become available in recent years that utilize modern technology, including app-driven diet, exercise and behavior modification plans, but the precision required in order to mitigate diabetes risk has been limited. One recently introduced system, BEATdiabetes, consists of a unique smartphone and/or tablet app comprising a digital version of a successful diabetes weight management program by the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Mass. It provides a suite of life management tools that provide users with personalized coaching driven by a unique, AI-based digital platform that responds to the specific needs of the user.

"Even in the best of times, people at risk for Type 2 diabetes must be extra vigilant in order to manage their weight, their blood pressure and other potential risk factors," says Faz Chowdury, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Nemaura Medical, Inc., which developed the system. "It can be a daunting task that requires constant maintenance - especially when trying to manage it alone."

In addition, the company has developed the sugarBEAT non-invasive continuous glucose monitor, that adheres to the skin (not pierces it), tracking a user's glycemic levels throughout the day and providing valuable coaching in response. Nemaura Medical believes that regular use of the system can improve the health of people with Type 2 diabetes who need extra help managing it, prevent diabetes to those at very high risk, such as pre-diabetes, and may even reverse diabetes in some patients.

While COVID-19 may pose additional risk for people with Type 2 diabetes, it is especially important to identify solutions to manage Type 2 diabetes while protecting yourself from the virus.

Strategies for self-care include paying attention to sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, but channeling the power of quantum energy offers an additional opportunity for self-care and self-healing.

Quantum energy and frequencies have a long history of use in alternative medicine, and some individuals have developed class-based wellness practices that are designed to channel quantum energy.

Devaya Smith, a self-described energy psychologist in Taos, New Mexico, for instance, uses the power of quantum energy to teach individuals to connect with themselves in a way that relieves tension and restores peace of mind.

Quantum energy technology also has been adopted into self-care products for use in the safety and comfort of home.

Products developed by Leela Quantum Tech are designed to promote physical and mental health by channeling quantum energy. According to the company website, the health benefits of its products include increased energy, relief from pain and muscle soreness, improved concentration, increased resistance to stress, and greater ability to relax and live in the moment.

As the Leela Quantum Tech website explains, "[You will be able to] Dive deeper into your own self. Realize your potential. Support your health."

"Our products can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be," says Leela Quantum Tech president Philipp von Holtzendorff-Fehling.

"You can improve your physical and mental fitness as well as positively influence your environment," he explains.

Leela Quantum Tech products have been scientifically certified by two independent institutes, and the variety of personal products make self-care easy. Hats, shirts, and hoodies infused with quantum energy and high-quality silver fabrics are designed to keep you relaxed and comfortable. In addition, coasters charged with quantum energy cushion your favorite beverage and are engineered to promote peace of mind and positive feelings.

Other products include energy-infused cards and capsules that can be kept and carried in a pocket, as well as bracelets and necklaces.

And don't forget your furry friends. Pets can enjoy the restorative benefits of quantum energy with infused collars.

Visit leelaq.com for more information about quantum energy products for more information about the potential and benefits of quantum energy.

The good news is that clinical trials for heart disease are underway, studying cutting-edge treatments for heart failure that may be a good option for these patients.

One such treatment being studied uses a patient's own cells to promote healing of the heart after a heart attack that has progressed to heart failure. The CardiAMP cell therapy is designed for patients suffering from heart failure who feel tired and breathless despite taking regular medications, and who have had to limit their everyday activities as a result.

Previously published studies of this type of cell therapy have shown meaningful and sustained improvements in quality of life and heart function for patients with few risks.

"Heart failure patients who continue to have symptoms despite a course of optimal medications often seek a minimally invasive treatment as an alternative to open heart surgery. We look forward to studying the potential of this cell therapy to improve heart function and quality of life," said Dr. Natasha Altman, cardiologist and principal investigator of the CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial at UC Health University of Colorado Hospital.

For the treatment, doctors extract cells from a patient's own bone marrow, process them at the point of care and deliver them to the damaged area of the heart in a minimally invasive cardiac catheterization procedure. Researchers emphasize that the bone marrow cells do not turn into new heart tissue cells; instead, they are designed to stimulate the body's natural healing process in the heart.

Pete Hagerstrom, a 73-year-old from Colorado Springs who had a previous quadruple bypass to treat his heart failure, was the first patient in his state enrolled in the ongoing FDA-approved clinical study of the therapy.

Participants who qualify for the study are randomly placed into a treatment group or a control group. While Mr. Hagerstrom will not know until the end of the study if he received the cell therapy, he feels better after participating in the trial.

"Everything is easier. I can walk three miles in about 45 minutes, and it takes a lot less time to garden and shovel snow."

The CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial will include up to 260 patients at 40 medical centers nationwide.

Unlike similar studies, this trial tests a patient's bone marrow before treatment, in order to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment.

Patients may be candidates for the CardiAMP Heart Failure Trial if they have heart failure as a result of an earlier heart attack and have symptoms that are classified as New York Heart Association Class II or III.

For more information about the CardiAMP Heart Failure trial, visit www.biocardia.com, www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02438306, or ask your cardiologist.

According to a recent article in the journal Health Affairs, effective vaccination requires four elements: generating demand for the vaccine, allocating the vaccine, distributing the vaccine, and verifying coverage.

The National League for Nursing, the premier organization for nursing education leaders, emphasizes the importance of educating health professionals and the public about the vaccine.

Vaccines in general work by encouraging the body to generate antibodies to protect against an invading infection. The risks of these mild symptoms however, such as pain at the site of injection or symptoms resembling a mild case of the flu, are greatly outweighed by the protection offered by the vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available from multiple pharmaceutical companies. Some require two doses to be fully effective, but other vaccines in development require only one dose. The safety of the public is a top priority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed v-safe, a smartphone-based tool that uses text messages and online surveys to follow individuals after they are vaccinated. The tool allows users to report symptoms and side effects quickly and easily, and to receive guidance on what to do for any side effects that occur.

The National League for Nursing also emphasizes the importance of vaccine uptake in Black, Latino, and Native American communities, many of which are medically underserved in the best of times. Nurses and nurse educators can do their part to increase trust and vaccine acceptance in these communities,

"Efforts to promote vaccine uptake in the Black community must directly confront and address the deep historical traumas that have created high levels of distrust in the COVID-19 vaccine, and the government and healthcare system overall," according to a survey on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Black and Latino communities conducted by Langer Research Associates.

Latino communities have experienced an especially high burden of COVID-19 infections but the survey data suggests that resistance to vaccination is lower in these communities compared to Black communities.

Overall, equity and access are key to protecting the public, and messaging about the importance of getting a vaccine as soon as it is available should be "open, honest, and comprehensive," according to the National League for Nursing.

For more information about how nurses and nurse educators are taking the lead in educating the public about the safety and importance of COVID-19 vaccination, visit NLN.org.

When it comes to supplements, more bioavailability is better because the ingredients in the supplement products can be more rapidly absorbed by the body. Pure Craft CBD has demonstrated almost 90 percent absorbability because of the nanoparticles used in production, according to the company. Nanoparticles help keep CBD stable as it is consumed, so it is absorbed at a consistent concentration rate.

"What sets Pure Craft CBD apart from other companies is its dedication to purity," says founder and CEO Jason Navarrete.

"Pure Craft products are 90 percent bioavailable, where most [similar] companies offer products that are no more than 18 percent bioavailable. That's why Pure Craft's slogan is 'Pure Till The Last Drop,'" he says.

Pure Craft follows a "seed to sale," model.

The company's business starts in partnership with informed and educated cannabis farmers, and includes warehouses for the high-tech cultivation of cannabis, as well as manufacturing sites, distribution facilities, and retail outlets.

Pure Craft CBD is derived from a single strain of cannabis and all the oil is processed in a single facility to help ensure consistent, predictable, effective products. Each batch of oil undergoes in-house and third party testing to ensure purity. In addition, all Pure Craft products come with third-party lab COAs (Certificates of Analysis) so consumers know exactly what they are getting.

Pure Craft products contain no binders, fillers, dyes, or unknown substances. The current product line features 16 items including nanotized water-soluble soft gels and nanotized CBD-infused vegan gummies. In addition, a water-soluble nanotized CBD with melatonin is designed to help with sleep. Other products in the pipeline include a full line of nanotized water-soluble tinctures from 600 to 3,000 mg in flavors of peppermint, tropical, strawberry mojito, orange cream, blueberry, and vanilla.

Visit purecraftcbd.com for more company details and product information.

A new ingestible oral spray from established oral care company TheraBreath gives you a combination of vitamins and minerals designed to boost your immune system and help protect you and your family against colds, flu, and other airborne viruses. The spray is packaged in a small bottle that is easy to take anywhere and use on the go.

"The immunity spray fills an untapped niche of oral products that provide an overall health benefit," says CEO and founder, Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist with an additional degree in bacteriology.

"For many years, folks have overlooked the fact that their mouth and throat are the doorways to the rest of their body," he explains.

"TheraBreath Immunity Support Spray is an easy way for everyone to improve their body's natural immunity."

The spray is based on solid science, and is designed to be a simple and efficient way to improve oral and overall health. Just spray and swallow, and you can enjoy the benefits of a traditional vitamin supplement in a Cherry Lemonade flavor that appeals to all ages.

TheraBreath contains no artificial colors or dyes, but contains natural Acerola and Elderberry extracts, which have strong antioxidant properties and are often used in immunity-boosting products.

Other key ingredients include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Copper, all of which can help strengthen your body's immune system and natural defenses against illness.

The spray is certified vegan and gluten-free, as well as NSF-certified to ensure that it contains the ingredients listed on the supplemental facts label.

TheraBreath Immunity Support Spray is safe for young and old, and it is easy to carry in a backpack or purse for periodic use throughout the day.

The spray works with any of the other items in the TheraBreath product line, which includes mouthwash, toothpaste, lozenges, and vitamins to promote oral health and tackle the challenging conditions of chronic bad breath and dry mouth. And all products comes with a money-back guarantee.

For more information, visit therabreath.com

Curiosity starts with self-education and self- reflection to better understand our beliefs as well as talking to others about ethnicity and racism.

Courage is necessary to confront our own unacknowledged biases and recognize where some of them come from, including our upbringing or involvement in various groups, or from society at large.

Finally, one of the most profound ways of changing attitudes about others is engaging in close relationships with people from other ethnicities. Building and maintaining relationships with individuals of differing backgrounds allows recognition of our common humanity and shared struggles.

However, experts point out that being aware of, acknowledging, and changing deeply-ingrained racist ways of thinking is difficult and takes time and effort.

The human mind resists change to protect our self-esteem from uncomfortable truths, and our minds unconsciously work diligently to avoid uncovering painful and distressing knowledge about ourselves. Even making change we know will make us feel better, such as exercising more, can be hard to initiate and sustain.

"Often, changes to how we think or do things require a shift in how we view ourselves, our needs, and our relationships," says Deeba Ashraf, MD, member of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA). "And changing attitudes about race can be especially hard because these attitudes are usually learned when we are very young."

Beverly J. Stoute, a child and adolescent psychoanalyst and psychiatrist, says children develop awareness of and curiosity about racial differences early. "As children grow, parents, teachers, media representations, and interactions with different groups can either powerfully facilitate or thwart children's openness to racial and ethnic differences," said Dr. Stoute, also a member of APsaA.

There are many ways we try to protect ourselves from painful feelings or unwanted truths about our own beliefs. One way is by asserting that unpleasant truths are not real, otherwise known as denial. Another way is to imagine these "horrible truths" only exist in others and not in ourselves. This is called projection and it involves attributing qualities like laziness or criminality to a particular group; while overlooking how these traits might apply to ourselves, or those in our own group.

Hence, "group identity," also presents a challenge to changing attitudes about racism. Being part of a group can offer a sense of connection and protection, and in some cases, prestige. Many group identity attitudes are passed on from generation to generation, but also part of ongoing relationships with others who share the same ideas. Trying to change an entrenched attitude can result in group members feeling threatened or fearing a loss of group membership, according to APsaA experts.

Yet, when people can break through these unconscious ways of protecting their self-image, they may recognize the costs of racism and look at the loss and pain it inflicts on oneself and others. It may be possible to reevaluate one's own ideas of what is healthy and growth-oriented. This process can be difficult, but managing the discomfort these efforts provoke can motivate a desire to change, psychoanalysts say.

"I am reminded of a quote from James Baldwin, 'People can cry much easier than they can change'," says Ebony Dennis, PsyD, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst who is also an APsaA member. "Changing attitudes about racism will take time and effort, and occasionally some hurt feelings. But it is through these growing pains that real, lasting change happens."

1. Don't wait. Find a way to exercise safely now. With many gyms closed or restricted due to COVID-19, a lot of people have either sidelined their exercise programs, or have transitioned to outdoor options like walking, jogging, or biking. If you're ready to fire up your exercise regimen without freezing outside, then join millions of other Americans by participating in free online workouts that will engage and inspire you to exercise. Growing numbers of participants nationwide claim that streaming workouts have been a "lifesaver." They provide a daily regimen, a sense of community and accomplishment, as well as real health improvement benefits.

2. Search for classes tailored to your goals, fitness level, and health status. There are countless numbers of streaming workouts available to meet most every need. Research shows that aerobics and resistance training are best to prevent heart disease or improve heart health. But it is important to do more than one or two types of exercise. Adding variety will benefit your fitness even more, according to Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT and Associate Vice President of Digital Fitness Solutions with American Specialty Health Fitness. "Exercises for flexibility and balance, such as yoga, tai chi, and dance, can improve your ability to do other types of exercise," says Bjornaraa. "In addition, they're fun and great for stress relief, and the mix of exercises can reduce risk of injury."

Ready to begin? First, make sure you know your heart risk factors so you can find an exercise program that's right for you. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or other health issues, make a pledge to call your doctor to discuss your heart health goals and what types and level of exercise might be safest for you.

3. Select online classes and instructors that motivate you. Data shows that 50 percent of sedentary people who start a new exercise program drop out after 6 months. An instructor who inspires and motivates you is key to your success. Top motivating factors include enthusiasm and encouragement, a "real" personality, and challenging exercises. Finding a class time that suits your schedule also increases your chances of sticking with a program. Explore options like those offered through the Silver&Fit® program, which premieres 54 free, public Facebook Live and YouTube exercise classes per week, catered to older adults. These half-hour classes include cardio, strength/bodyweight, yoga, dance, tai chi, mixed formats, and flexibility and balance, all available at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The classes premiere Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. You can even check out their roster of elite instructors on their website at www.SilverandFit.com.

"Anyone can participate in the free Silver&Fit senior exercise classes on Facebook and YouTube, and what better time than Heart Month to get started?" adds Dr. Bjornaraa.

Silver&Fit class participant Ethel George says, "Great workout! Thank you Silver&Fit for keeping us safe, healthy, and sane during these tough times."

To view the workouts, visit www.facebook.com/SilverandFit or www.youtube.com/SilverandFit.