General Wellness

Hello everyone,

Dr. Chuma here for a quick health segment.

Measles has been in the press a lot. I had not thought much about measles in the last 30 years of my practice since it has not been an issue and I needed a primer, so I’m sharing it with you.

Measles, also known as Rubeola,  is a viral disease. The exact origin of measles is unknown, however, just like every other infectious disease plaguing mankind, it is believed to be a result of animal domestication and overcrowding, in this case, from cattle. 

It first emerged in the Middle East between the 11th and 12th centuries. From there, it spread rapidly throughout the world, reaching Europe by the 14th and the Americas by the 17th centuries. 

Symptoms are similar to any regular cold and include fever, cough, achyness but also include a rash, sore throat and white spots in the mouth called Koplik’s Spots.

It spreads rapidly because it is highly contagious.

90% of those in a room with an infected person will become infected themselves. Whether they get the full blown disease depends on their vaccination and immunity status.

Incubation, meaning the time of infection to symptom development is 7-10 days. It is spread by droplets in the air produced by coughing and sneezing.

The symptoms of the disease last for another 7-10 days and you are contagious for up to 10 days starting as early as 4 days before a rash even appears.

Although death from this disease is rare, only 1 in 1000, almost a quarter of infected people need to be hospitalized.

Needless to say, this is a serious disease.

Thanks to aggressive vaccination campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s, the disease was pronounced “eradicated” in the US in 2000, meaning that an entire year had gone by without any transmission or outbreaks. But in the wake of the  disproven association between vaccination and autism, and the resulting anti-vaccination movement, measles is once again on the rise.

This year is the worst in over 30 years with 12 states having had measles outbreaks, the most significant occurring in Texas. As of this week, Texas alone has had over 220 confirmed cases with 2 deaths, one in a young child and the other an elderly person. Both deaths and 94% of cases overall were in unvaccinated people. 80% of cases are in kids.

There is no treatment for infection, just supportive care.

The only strategy to combat this disease is prevention, and that starts with vaccination. The MMR is a combined vaccination against measles and 2 other common viral diseases both also on the rise, Mumps and Rubella. It is a very safe and extremely effective vaccine with a 98% disease prevention rate. It is also a lifelong vaccine so boosters are very rarely necessary. Also, if you were born before 1957 when the vaccine was rolled out, you likely already had measles and also have lifelong immunity.

Even our wack-a-doodle head of Health of Human Services Robert Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, has stated that vaccination against measles is important for kids. He did qualify his statement by adding that it should be a personal decision and that cod liver oil and vitamin A should also be considered, reaffirming in my opinion, his complete incompetence to be in his position of authority. He has absolutely no education in anything involving any branch of science, let alone medicine and health.

If you are a parent or grandparent, please vaccinate your kids.

It’s a bit late for the flu vaccine but that is also important to consider for next year. We are on the tail end of the worst flu season in over 16 years. As of February 21st, 2025, the CDC reported that 19,000 people have died in the US with nearly half a million hospitalizations. Last season was the second worst season in 15 years. Why is it on the rise? Because of declining vaccination rates.

I hate prescribing any drugs and to be honest, this last year I have done a bit of diving into the world of public health, infectious diseases and vaccines. I’ve spoken to many other specialists. I’ve read many articles and a few books well known in the vaccine sceptic world and although there are many interesting historical facts and trends about how infectious diseases wax and wane, and they certainly point out that vaccines are not perfect and can have complications with many early vaccines even killing a lot of people. Yet I still come away from this issue in support of vaccination. The simple fact is that the incidence of side effects is far greater if you get sick with a disease than from the vaccine protecting you against it. 

Remember that aspirin causes more side effects and kills more people worldwide than any other drug and how many of us take that without any reservations.

Just like cancer and heart disease, prevention is the key.

Be safe and Stay Well.

Until next time.

Hello everyone,

Dr. Chuma here again for another health segment.

Today, I wanted to discuss the pros and cons of supplements.

Before I dive in, just a few comments about the flu. 13,000 adults and 57 kids have died from the flu so far in the US this season. It may be a little late, but if you are over 65 or have any other health issues, consider still getting the flu vaccine. Covid cases are down but deaths are also on the rise. We are also seeing outbreaks of other, previously eradicated illnesses like measles. There are outbreaks in Kansas and Texas where 94% and 100% of those afflicted were not vaccinated. Almost all kids. I appreciate the concerns about how many vaccines we get, and the mistrust of the pharmaceutical industry and the fact that not everyone needs every vaccine, but kids need the basics like the MMR vaccine. Please don’t put your kids or grandkids at risk. 

People take a LOT of medications and supplements. It is not unusual for someone to be on up to 4 medications to lower blood pressure, the #1 killer worldwide. These are almost always accompanied by diabetes drugs and statins to lower cholesterol. 17% of people still smoke, most don’t exercise and just about everyone eats poorly but they take a dozen supplements in some  misguided attempt to make up for their poor health and lifestyle habits. Not only do the majority of supplements not help, they can cause interactions with many medications and some even increase cancer risks. Carrots are super healthy for you but the isolated nutrient beta carotene actually increases lung cancer risk!

For the majority of supplements, claims of benefit have just not been shown. This includes the flood of supplements to help with brain health and prevention of cognitive decline. Not one of these products has shown any real benefit. In fact, one of the more popular ones which advertises a lot on TV was sued over false claims. They lost, had to pay a huge fine but are still allowed to advertise on TV. Sales remain strong despite no actual benefit.

Unfortunately, supplements are not regulated at all. There used to be some oversight but since 1994, when Congress passed the Dietary Health and Supplementation Act, all supplements have been characterized as food and not pharmaceuticals. This act was passed after considerable lobbying by the supplement industry which makes over $20 billion annually. Companies do not have to show any safety data or even report adverse effects before they introduce a supplement to the market. They can claim whatever health benefits they want without any studies or proof. Watchdog groups have done tests showing that many supplements have significantly less, if any, of what the label says is in it. In addition, many contain products and ingredients not listed on the label. Some studies have even shown that what is in the bottle amounts to ground up houseplants and many are contaminated with heavy metals and even actual pharmaceutical drugs.

Not all supplements are bad. The quality ones are tested for contaminants as well as active ingredients by reputable independent research labs like Consumer Labs and NSF. Look for their logos before buying.

There is a common repeated idea that the food we consume today is significantly less nutritious than it was in the past. Although this is certainly true, it is not as dire as some supplement companies would have us believe. Overall, there has been about a 10% drop in nutritional content in our fruits and vegetables. There are some more significant examples like magnesium and B12 but whole fruits and vegetables are still very nutritious.

On the other side of things, animal products contain 65x fewer vitamins and minerals than plants and their fat content has increased dramatically over the years, a result of breeding, genetic manipulation and feeding animals poor quality foods. For example, the fat content of chicken has quadrupled in the last 30 years. 

All this having been said, there are particular conditions and deficiencies for which some well researched and tested supplements are of benefit, and there are some supplements most of us should consider taking, especially Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone and is essential not only for healthy bones but also for a healthy immune system. It’s created when cholesterol in the skin is converted into a precursor of vitamin D as a result of adequate sun exposure but we just don’t get enough sun to make enough, even in the summer months. Other than fortified foods like some cereals and beverages, there is no food which is an adequate source of Vitamin D.

B12 is a vitamin important for proper nerve function and red blood cell production. It is actually made by bacteria in the soil. As a result of all the chemicals used, these bacteria have died off and again, a significant number of people are deficient. Small amounts of these microbes are on plants but we wash them away. Ruminant animals have these bacteria in their intestines so meat can also be a source, but again, the numbers are dwindling since most are fed grains rather than feeding on grasses.

Omega 3 fatty acids (O3s) are essential because we do not make them and they are crucial for brain health. In fact, 40% of the brain is made up of O3s. They also improve heart health and support our immune system. Although cold water fish like salmon, herring and sardines contain O3s, you would need to eat them more than 3 times a week to get adequate amounts. The fish do not make O3s but consume them as algae, a much healthier source since fish are contaminated with various chemicals, heavy metals and plastics. Great plant sources include walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds and even leafy greens.

Fiber is the single most common nutrient deficiency in the human diet and 95% of Americans don’t reach even the extremely low minimum requirements. And fiber only comes from plants. There is no fiber in animal products. Although fiber supplements give you big poop, they do not feed the bacteria in our intestines which is key to overall health. 70% of our immune system resides in our intestines and feeding the healthy microbes fiber from plants is the single most important health measure you can adopt.

There are a few other supplements that are important to consider. For example, if you take a statin for cholesterol, you should take CoQ10, an important compound involved in cellular energy production. Levels naturally decrease with age but they are zapped by statins. A good multivitamin may cover some deficiencies, just do your homework about quality.

In the world of wellness, there are boulders and there are pebbles. If you don’t address the boulders, moving the pebbles is irrelevant. The boulders are:

1. a whole food, plant based diet free of processed foods, sugars and minimizing animal products, 
2. regular movement and exercise, 
3. good sleep, 
4. stress management and
5. love and social interaction. 

Addressing those boulders gets us 95% of the way to good health. The pebbles like supplements, and other esoteric hacks like cold showers, saunas or time restricted eating don’t compensate. Focus on the boulders and stress less about the pebbles.

Be Well and Stay Safe.

Supplements

Hello everyone,

Dr. Chuma here again for another health segment.

Today, I wanted to discuss the pros and cons of supplements.

Before I dive in, just a few comments about the flu. 13,000 adults and 57 kids have died from the flu so far in the US this season. It may be a little late, but if you are over 65 or have any other health issues, consider still getting the flu vaccine. Covid cases are down but deaths are also on the rise. We are also seeing outbreaks of other, previously eradicated illnesses like measles. There are outbreaks in Kansas and Texas where 94% and 100% of those afflicted were not vaccinated. Almost all kids. I appreciate the concerns about how many vaccines we get, and the mistrust of the pharmaceutical industry and the fact that not everyone needs every vaccine, but kids need the basics like the MMR vaccine. Please don’t put your kids or grandkids at risk. 

People take a LOT of medications and supplements. It is not unusual for someone to be on up to 4 medications to lower blood pressure, the #1 killer worldwide. These are almost always accompanied by diabetes drugs and statins to lower cholesterol. 17% of people still smoke, most don’t exercise and just about everyone eats poorly but they take a dozen supplements in some  misguided attempt to make up for their poor health and lifestyle habits. Not only do the majority of supplements not help, they can cause interactions with many medications and some even increase cancer risks. Carrots are super healthy for you but the isolated nutrient beta carotene actually increases lung cancer risk!

For the majority of supplements, claims of benefit have just not been shown. This includes the flood of supplements to help with brain health and prevention of cognitive decline. Not one of these products has shown any real benefit. In fact, one of the more popular ones which advertises a lot on TV was sued over false claims. They lost, had to pay a huge fine but are still allowed to advertise on TV. Sales remain strong despite no actual benefit.

Unfortunately, supplements are not regulated at all. There used to be some oversight but since 1994, when Congress passed the Dietary Health and Supplementation Act, all supplements have been characterized as food and not pharmaceuticals. This act was passed after considerable lobbying by the supplement industry which makes over $20 billion annually. Companies do not have to show any safety data or even report adverse effects before they introduce a supplement to the market. They can claim whatever health benefits they want without any studies or proof. Watchdog groups have done tests showing that many supplements have significantly less, if any, of what the label says is in it. In addition, many contain products and ingredients not listed on the label. Some studies have even shown that what is in the bottle amounts to ground up houseplants and many are contaminated with heavy metals and even actual pharmaceutical drugs.

Not all supplements are bad. The quality ones are tested for contaminants as well as active ingredients by reputable independent research labs like Consumer Labs and NSF. Look for their logos before buying.

There is a common repeated idea that the food we consume today is significantly less nutritious than it was in the past. Although this is certainly true, it is not as dire as some supplement companies would have us believe. Overall, there has been about a 10% drop in nutritional content in our fruits and vegetables. There are some more significant examples like magnesium and B12 but whole fruits and vegetables are still very nutritious.

On the other side of things, animal products contain 65x fewer vitamins and minerals than plants and their fat content has increased dramatically over the years, a result of breeding, genetic manipulation and feeding animals poor quality foods. For example, the fat content of chicken has quadrupled in the last 30 years. 

All this having been said, there are particular conditions and deficiencies for which some well researched and tested supplements are of benefit, and there are some supplements most of us should consider taking, especially Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone and is essential not only for healthy bones but also for a healthy immune system. It’s created when cholesterol in the skin is converted into a precursor of vitamin D as a result of adequate sun exposure but we just don’t get enough sun to make enough, even in the summer months. Other than fortified foods like some cereals and beverages, there is no food which is an adequate source of Vitamin D.

B12 is a vitamin important for proper nerve function and red blood cell production. It is actually made by bacteria in the soil. As a result of all the chemicals used, these bacteria have died off and again, a significant number of people are deficient. Small amounts of these microbes are on plants but we wash them away. Ruminant animals have these bacteria in their intestines so meat can also be a source, but again, the numbers are dwindling since most are fed grains rather than feeding on grasses.

Omega 3 fatty acids (O3s) are essential because we do not make them and they are crucial for brain health. In fact, 40% of the brain is made up of O3s. They also improve heart health and support our immune system. Although cold water fish like salmon, herring and sardines contain O3s, you would need to eat them more than 3 times a week to get adequate amounts. The fish do not make O3s but consume them as algae, a much healthier source since fish are contaminated with various chemicals, heavy metals and plastics. Great plant sources include walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds and even leafy greens.

Fiber is the single most common nutrient deficiency in the human diet and 95% of Americans don’t reach even the extremely low minimum requirements. And fiber only comes from plants. There is no fiber in animal products. Although fiber supplements give you big poop, they do not feed the bacteria in our intestines which is key to overall health. 70% of our immune system resides in our intestines and feeding the healthy microbes fiber from plants is the single most important health measure you can adopt.

There are a few other supplements that are important to consider. For example, if you take a statin for cholesterol, you should take CoQ10, an important compound involved in cellular energy production. Levels naturally decrease with age but they are zapped by statins. A good multivitamin may cover some deficiencies, just do your homework about quality.

In the world of wellness, there are boulders and there are pebbles. If you don’t address the boulders, moving the pebbles is irrelevant. The boulders are:

1. a whole food, plant based diet free of processed foods, sugars and minimizing animal products, 
2. regular movement and exercise, 
3. good sleep, 
4. stress management and
5. love and social interaction. 

Addressing those boulders gets us 95% of the way to good health. The pebbles like supplements, and other esoteric hacks like cold showers, saunas or time restricted eating don’t compensate. Focus on the boulders and stress less about the pebbles.

Be Well and Stay Safe.