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December 8, 2024, 'National Brownie Day!'

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National Brownie Day

 Brownies: that rich, decadent, purely hedonistic blend of cake and cookie that feels amazing in the mouth and leaves the taste buds craving more.


While the classic brownie still reigns supreme, now there are what seems like a million different derivations of how to make these delicious treats, but there’s one thing they all have in common. Levels of chocolate so thick and rich they should be illegal!


In fact, brownies are so popular that they can be found served as the foundation for sundaes, chopped up in milkshakes, or even made into a version of breakfast cereal.


National Brownie Day is the perfect chance to get in and indulge in all that decadent goodness that might be avoided the rest of the year. It’s an ideal opportunity to go into some serious brownie overload–and not even feel bad about it. Because it’s National Brownie Day!

Read more here

'The Weekly DoctorDoug Report'

Paradise Valley Medical Clinic,

Douglas M. Lakin, M.D.

Kaitlin A. Kraemer, PA-C

9977 N 90th Street, Suite 180, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

480.614.5800 (phone), 480.614.6322 (Fax)

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‘THE WEEKLY DOCTORDOUG REPORT’

December 8, 2024


FLU SEASON HAS BEGUN. IT IS RUNNING THE SAME AS LAST YEAR AND WILL PEAK PROBABLY AROUND CHRISTMAS AND LAST FOR A FEW MONTHS. 


COVID IS LESS THEN ½ OF WHAT IT WAS LAST YEAR. THIS IS GOOD NEWS.


RSV IS VERY VERY LOW.


  THIS IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO SO THIS SEASON.  THIS IS TYPICAL TIMING. THE CURRENT FLU SHOT IS IN THE PHARMACIES AND IN OUR OFFICE.

 

*NEW COVID VACCINE IS IN PHARMACIES. IT IS STILL A SOLID MATCH FOR THE CURRENT COVID VIRUS



RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FALL/WINTER 2024 IMMUNIZATIONS:


DATA CONTINUES TO SUPPORT BENEFIT FROM COVID VACCINATION. BENEFITS OF THE SHOT INCREASE WITH AGE AND WITH CONDITIONS THAT PREDISPOSE TO COMPLICATIONS (EMPHYSEMA/COPD, HEART FAILURE, DIABETES, IMMUNE SUPPRESSION)

 

IF YOU ARE GETTING COVID VACCINE, YOU SHOULD GET IT AS SOON AS FEASIBLE.  YOU CAN GET IT ALONE OR WITH YOUR FLU SHOT (IT IS SAFE AND PROVEN TO HAVE NO EXTRA SIDE EFFECTS WHEN TAKEN TOGETHER)

 

IF YOU ARE GETTING THE FLU VACCINE FOR THIS SEASON…GET THAT NOW, IN EARLY NOVEMBER IDEALLY.


CURRENT COVID STATUS:


THE CURRENT COVID STRAINS ARE VERY CONTAGIOUS AND PRESENT THROUGHOUT ARIZONA… WE ARE SEEING SEVERAL EACH WEEK, MOST DUE TO TRAVEL OR LARGE EVENT ATTENDANCE.

 

IF YOU GET SICK AFTER TRAVEL OR ATTENDING A BIG GATHERING… DO A COVID TEST. ALL STANDARD COVID TESTS WORK TO IDENTIFY THE CURRENT STRAINS.

 

ALL DOING WELL.  BE PROACTIVE TO PREVENT NEED FOR HOSPITALIZATION. PROTECTION IS UP TO YOU AND NOW IS A PERSONAL DECISION. DO WHAT MAKES YOU COMFORTABLE.

 

DATA 100% SHOWS THAT GOOD MASKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THEY ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT THEY DO REDUCE RISK OF EXPOSURE AND INFECTION.

 

  • I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH… IF YOU DON’T WANT COVID FROM TRAVEL… WEAR A MASK IN THE AIRPORT CROWDS AND ON THE AIRPLANE (UNTIL 10,000 FEET) … THIS IS NOT AS ESSENTIAL AS IT WAS WHEN COVID WAS MORE SEVERE… BUT IF YOU WANT TO AVOID INFECTIONS IN GENERAL DURING TRAVEL... IT’S A RECOMMENDATION.


  • EVEN SELECTIVE MASK USE WORKS WELL… SUCH AS ONLY IN CROWDED SPACES IN THE AIRPORT, AND DURING TRAVEL ‘TO’ YOUR DESTINATION, SO THAT YOU ARE NOT ILL DURING YOU VACATION/TRAVEL TIME.  LESS IMPORTANT WHEN YOU RETURN FROM VACATION.


  • GET BOOSTED IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO…PARTICULARLY OVER AGE 65 WITH HEALTH ISSUES OR OVER 75 WITHOUT HEALTH ISSUES.  EVERY 6 MONTHS IS THE RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS GROUP. 


  • IF YOU WERE BOOSTED IN MARCH/APRIL… MAXIMUM PROTECTION IS TO GET ANOTHER SHOT IN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WHEN THE NEWEST/UPDATED VERSION IS AVAILABLE.


  • FLU SEASON IS BEGINNING… FLU SHOTS IN SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER FOR OUR NEXT, UPCOMING FLU SEASON


  • VERY LITTLE RSV IN THE VALLEY. IF YOU HAVE HAD AN RSV VACCINE, CURRENT RECOMMENDATION IS THAT YOU DON’T NEED ANOTHER FOR TWO YEARS.



IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A COLD OR RESPIRATORY INFECTION RIGHT NOW…. YOU MAY WELL HAVE COVID. PLEASE DO A COVID TEST TO CHECK AT HOME.  

 

ALMOST ALL DOING WELL, BUT WE ARE SEEING A FEW PEOPLE NEED THE HOSPITAL TO RECOVER. 

 

THE CURRENT COVID VACCINE IS AVAILABLE.

 

  IT IS KEEPING PEOPLE FROM HAVING A MORE DIFFICULT TIME WITH INFECTION AND KEEPING PEOPLE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.

 

I RECOMMEND THE COVID BOOSTER GENERALLY FOR THOSE OVER 65. BUT……

 

  • I HIGHLY RECOMMEND A BOOSTER FOR THOSE 80 & OLDER.


  • I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOOSTER FOR THOSE OVER 65 WITH HEART FAILURE, SIGNIFICANT LUNG CONDITIONS, AND DIABETES.

 

CONSIDER BOOSTING WITH THE NEW COVID VACCINE TO REDUCE RISK OF COVID AND TO REDUCE COVID SYMPTOM SEVERITY. NEW COVID VACCINE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER.

 

VACCINATIONS THIS FALL: 

  • COVID SHOT…GET UPDATED VERSION
  • FLU SHOT (SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER MOST IDEAL)
  • RSV SHOT (..CAN CONSIDER TAKING IN THE FALL IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN YET)

 

DO NOT GET ALL SHOTS AT THE SAME TIME.  RSV SHOULD BE TAKEN ALONE.




Read Dr. Lakin's Full Report Here

TOP PODCAST DONE WEEKLY

BY DR. MICHAEL OSTERHOLM

(UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA)  

 

He is a world-renowned epidemiologist who was credited with first elucidating TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME in the 1980’s.

He provides comprehensive and understandable/actionable ideas related to COVID.

 

Dr. Osterholm Update: COVID-19 Podcast

December 5, 2024




'A Tunnel of Uncertainty'


In "A Tunnel of Uncertainty," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss several of Trump's recent HHS nominations, the latest respiratory virus data, and two recent studies on long COVID. Dr. Osterholm also provides an update on the unfolding H5N1 situation and shares another "This Week in Public Health History" segment.

CLICK HERE FOR DR. OSTERHOLM'S PODCAST

According to Dr. Osterholm……



  •  GET YOUR LATEST AVAILABLE BOOSTER IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD COVID OR IT’S BEEN LONGER THAN 4 MONTHS SINCE YOU HAD COVID YOURSELF


  •  A GOOD MASK, N95 OF KN95, DOES HELP REDUCE TRANSMISSION…. USE IT AT HIGH-RISK LOCATIONS


  • GOOD VENTILATION IN ROOMS/HOME/BUSINESSES IS A GREAT WAY TO PREVENT TRANSMISSION


  • VACCINE, VACCINE, VACCINE…THIS IS OUR PROTECTION. ALL VACCINES ARE EFFECTIVE AND WITH TIME WE ARE SEEING THAT


  • BOOST, BOOST, BOOST…THIS WILL BE NECESSARY TO PREVENT RECURRING SURGE AND TO RAISE ANTIBODY LEVELS IN THOSE ALREADY SET WITH THE PRIMARY COVID VACCINE SERIES.


  • ANTIGEN TESTING IS USEFUL, BUT OF LIMITED VALUE. DON’T DEPEND ON IT…BUT USE IT.


Know that unvaccinated remain a source of potential infection. Avoiding unvaccinated persons will reduce your risk of COVID.

Flu, COVID, and RSV: What You Need to Know This Week

 Experts have warned of the “triple threat”—influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—as we head into winter.


In the week ending on Nov. 23, respiratory illnesses remain low, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


While flu activity is increasing slightly among children, cases are still lower than they were at the same time last year. The same is true for COVID cases. The levels of COVID viral activity in wastewater have remained low after a summer surge.


Flu season typically peaks between December and March, and flu activity can sometimes extend into May. While there’s no distinct COVID peak season, cases peaked in late December 2023 into early January 2024. So far, winter peaks for both COVID and flu have yet to arrive this year.


Here’s a breakdown of the most recent trends for the flu, COVID, and RSV.

Read more here. . .

Doctors aren’t yet sure what the illness is that killed 143 people within 2 weeks

Dr. Michael Osterholm says he believes doctors will know soon what caused 143 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo to die over a period of two weeks after experiencing flu-like symptoms and says evidence indicates that it is not spreading rapidly.

Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home

COVID-⁠19 Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.


 COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.


Your order of COVID tests is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping.



Want to know when your tests are coming? Sign up to receive email alerts when you order!


The tests available for order:

  • Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
  • Can be taken at home or other locations. Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
  • Can be used for testing even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Can be used for testing whether you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines or not
  • Are also referred to as self-tests or over the counter (OTC) tests
Read More Here

Some COVID tests arriving with past-due expiration date


Find Out If Your Test Has An Extended Expiration Date Here 


US to Begin Bulk Milk Testing to Find Bird Flu Amid Dairy Herd Outbreaks


The U.S. Department of Agriculture is set to mandate bulk milk tank testing nationwide to address bird flu outbreaks in dairy herds.


In an announcement Friday, USDA said it issued a new federal order that milk samples be collected and shared with the federal agency for testing. Officials said this will facilitate comprehensive surveillance for H5N1, which has been circulating in U.S. dairy cattle since it was first detected in March.


USDA has previously said the nation's pasteurized milk supply is safe, with the heating process killing off dangerous pathogens. But public health officials have warned against drinking raw milk, which is not pasteurized and therefore might transmit the virus.


Over 700 dairy herds across the U.S. have tested positive for bird flu across 15 states, federal data shows. The majority, over 500 herds, have been in California, the nation's largest dairy producing state.


The first round of testing under the USDA order is set to begin Dec. 16.

Read more here. . .

After you received your COVID or any other vaccination outside our office, please let us know!

We would like to document this information into your chart.




What we need:

  1. Your name
  2. Name & date of vaccination received
  3. Brand name
  4. Lot number if available
  5. Which dose you have received


Email Us Your Vaccine Info Here

We Are Here to Take Care of Your Healthcare Needs.

We Are Here to Serve!

 

Our office is using techniques to reduce exposure to a minimum during your visit. These include: 

  • Multiple Super-HEPA filters to filter out potential virus and

particles in the office.


  • High Level UV light air cleansing in the office to eliminate

bacteria and viruses in the air.

  

OUR OFFICE SCHEDULE  

DOORS OPEN     

7AM - 4PM Monday through Thursday

7AM - 11AM Friday

 

IN OFFICE

APPOINTMENTS: MONDAY – THURSDAY

7AM – 11:15AM & 1PM – 3:30PM

 

APPOINTMENTS: FRIDAY

7AM – 10:30 AM

 

DR. LAKIN WILL CONTINUE ‘TELEHEALTH’ VISITS WITH FaceTime, WhatsApp or ZOOM WHEN NEEDED.


Dr. Lakin's Info For COVID-19 Kit &

Recommended Treatments



SUMMARY OF A COVID KIT & CHECK LIST:

 

This is what you should have at home to prepare for possible COVID, to monitor yourself if you were to get infected:

DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER: MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

CLICK HERE

PULSE OXIMETER:  TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. MANY BRANDS ARE FINE...HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:

CLICK HERE

OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT:

 

  • TYLENOL, ADVIL, OR ALEVE
  • Sudafed 30mg tablets
  • Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
  • Robitussin DM syrup
  • Imodium AD



Read More Here

'Holiday Mint Brownies'

Holiday mint brownies, also called peppermint patty brownies, are a decadent dessert with a dense chewy brownie, a creamy peppermint frosting in the middle, and then topped with a layer of glazed chocolate.


Ingredients


Brownie


   1/2 cup butter, softened

   2 cup sugar

   3/4 cup baking cocoa

   1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled

   4 eggs

   1 cup all-purpose flour

   1/2 tsp salt

   1/2 tsp peppermint extract


Peppermint Frosting


   6 tbsp butter, softened

   3 cups powdered sugar

   1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

   3 tbsp water

   green food coloring


Chocolate Glaze


   12 oz chocolate chips

   4 tbsp butter


Instructions


  •    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  •    Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan.


Brownies


  •    Beat together softened butter and sugar until creamy.
  •    Add cocoa and melter butter, and beat until blended.
  •    Add eggs, flour, salt, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
  •    Spread batter into baking dish.
  •    Bake for 35-38 minutes. Do NOT overcook or edges will be hard.*
  •    Let cool completely.


Peppermint Frosting


  •    Beat powdered sugar and softened butter until creamy.
  •    Add water one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition until desired consistency.
  •    Add food coloring a couple of drops at a time, beating after each addition until desired color is achieved.
  •    Spread on top of cooled brownies.
  •    Refrigerate for 30 minutes.


Chocolate Glaze


  •    Put chocolate chips and butter in microwave safe bowl.
  •    Melt in microwave 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each segment util chocolate is melted and shiny.
  •    Do not over-melt, or chocolate will dry out and lose its shine and will not spread onto frosting.
  •    Cool slightly, then spread onto peppermint frosting.
  •    Refrigerate until chocolate is set.


Finishing Touches


  •    Once your brownie layers are finished, set them on the counter until they are room temperature.*
  •    Slice into squares and serve.
  •    *If you cut the brownies while they are still cold, the chocolate glaze will crack.
  •    *If you over bake the brownies, they edges will become hard. If this happens, just cut the edges off the brownies–you will still have plenty to serve your guests.



And Let the Holidays Begin... Stay Safe!