Monday, April 11, 2022

Is It Time to Adjust Our COVID Vaccines?

Potential new COVID vaccines, tips for Ramadan, and understanding phone addiction: Today, we have something for everyone.
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By Stephanie Cornwell, Editorial Assistant
Potential new COVID vaccines, tips for Ramadan, and understanding phone addiction: Today, we have something for everyone.
Today's Top Story
Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Series Be Redesigned?
The FDA recently met to discuss potential changes to the COVID vaccine series to help optimize the shot's performance against emerging variants.
 
While the current vaccine protects against severe disease, an updated set of shots could target specific variants and reduce virus transmission. The Omicron variant's ability to evade immunity better than previous variants is bringing this conversation to the forefront.
 
The panel did not conclude if a variant-specific vaccine was necessary. If it is, more data on the specific variants, the virus's seasonability, and global trends are needed to guide these potential changes.
Know More
It's not like we don't have any guidance on this. The ever-changing flu vaccine gives us a blueprint for adjusting the COVID vaccine. Once we collect enough data on COVID's genetic sequencing and antigen characteristics, as we have for influenza, creating new vaccines will be much more doable.
Feel Better
Apparently, variant-specific vaccine technology is not that far away. Pfizer and Moderna previously announced that they could have Omicron-specific vaccines soon. Pfizer once tested other variant-specific vaccines targeted at Delta and Beta variants, but they weren't needed.
READ MORE
Here's How a Registered Dietitian Navigates Ramadan
Many Muslims are currently observing Ramadan. During this holy month, people fast from food and drink from sunup to sundown. Abrar Naely, MA, RDN, LD, a Syrian-American and Muslim registered dietitian, shares tips for a nutritious Ramadan. She recommends drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep to help regulate hunger hormones. When it's time to break the fast, start with a glass of water and a couple of dates, followed by a light soup or salad, to make sure you ease into your meal and don't overeat.
READ MORE
Phone Addiction: What You Need to Know
Yes, it's true, you can be addicted to your phone. Cell phone addiction is similar to other addictions because of its effect on dopamine, the molecule that produces a pleasure response. Cell phone use stimulates the release of dopamine, which drives you to use your phone more. Apart from the burden of constantly being on your phone, this addiction can cause health issues, such as sleep disturbances, muscle stiffness, and the risk of depression and anxiety.
READ MORE
 
In an interview with Verywell, Abrar Naely, MA, RDN, LD, a Syrian-American and Muslim registered dietitian, emphasizes the importance of being mentally present during your meals.
It's also important to limit distractions. If you're usually having dinner and watching TV it's easy to get lost in mindless eating because you're not focused on your meal. When you limit distractions, you can really get to know your body better and help identify fullness cues better as well.
Abrar Naely, MA, RDN, LD
 
 
Keep Reading
  A Gentler, Better Way to Change Minds. The Atlantic
 
  Was I Really an Addict? How the Pandemic Made Me Realize I Had an Alcohol Problem. The Guardian
 
  Help Wanted: Adjunct Professor, Must Have Doctorate. Salary: $0. The New York Times
More From Verywell
This Dietitian Is Teaching People to Cook Nutritious African Dishes
READ MORE
Why You Should Not Sleep With Your Cell Phone at Night
READ MORE
Can COVID-19 Tests Detect BA.2 Variant?
READ MORE
 
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