MEDICINE

The only medicine that can help two-year-old Haoyang's rare genetic condition is not sold anywhere in China and closed borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic mean he cannot travel for treatment. Instead, his desperate father, Xu Wei, has set up a home laboratory to create a remedy for the boy himself. Haoyang has Menkes Syndrome, a genetic disorder that impacts how copper -- which is crucial for brain and nervous system development -- is processed in the body.

A common painkiller used to treat fever and pain is now being investigated by medical experts for possible risks to developing fetuses in pregnant women, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/23/health/acetaminophen-pregnancy-wellness/index.html" target="_blank">CNN reported.</a>

A team of researchers is calling for clinical trials among hospitalized COVID-19 patients after finding that a drug used to treat cholesterol reduces coronavirus infection by 70% in lab studies, a new report finds

The University of Houston College of Medicine will open a low-cost direct primary care clinic with a $1 million gift from The Cullen Trust for Health Care. The clinic will be located on the campus of Memorial Herman Southwest Hospital.

It is called the Serve America Movement and it has now applied for recognition as a political party in Texas. Former Houston Mayoral candidate Bill King is the Party’s Founding State Chair and says his party is seeking those who want nothing to do with radical fringe politics. “All the polling shows the vast majority of Americans are in the middle of the political spectrum,” he said. “It’s only the people who are on the ideological fringes, which is unfortunately what controls the primary election, that drives this narrative that somehow we’re a divided people.” Former GOP Congressman David Jolly is the Executive Chairman of the party and says the SAM party is a logical destination for people who want to see progress over hyper partisanship. “We’re the only big tent party in the United States of America today,” he said. “We want moderates, progressives, conservatives, provided you are committed to the basic problem solving construct that government should reflect, that you’re committed to transparency and accountability, that’s SAM.” See much more about this new party sinking national roots, including Texas on this week’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB0iGMaejmM" target="_blank"><b>Houston Newsmakers EXTRA</b></a><b>.</b>

In the ever-increasing struggle to find reasonable prescription drug prices, a new Texas company is helping consumers save money on the meds they need most.

Dr. Kanika Bowen-Jallow is breaking barriers every day.

HOUSTON – A Houston doctor helped restore a Florida man’s quality of life after he suffered from a rare condition while being treated for COVID-19. Macroglossia, a medical term for an enlarged tongue, it is extremely rare and uncomfortable. Jones, who lives in Lake City, Florida, was hospitalized for three weeks because of the coronavirus. During that time, his tongue became enlarged, making it hard to talk or eat. Jones can now talk and eat again, though the pressure of the enlarged tongue forced him to remove four bottom teeth.

HOUSTON – The Harris County Medical Society is concerned the coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on the well-being of doctors causing physician burnout. “We have to deal with it because they also help people and they need to be in the best shape possible to help people who are sick,” said Dr. Ronald Walters, the medical society’s president. “The uncertainty, the increased hours, loss of financial stability and personal risks we are experiencing this year have increased burnout,” Walters wrote. While the issue of physician burnout is not new, Walters said another wave of COVID-19 cases could make it worse. If the stress of the job becomes too much, his message is simple: “If you think you might need help, please call.”The physician wellness program is available at 713-524-4267.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – Dr. Serge Gregoire with Mind Body Solutions shares how chronic stress can lead to more health issues and why your diet is a key factor in staying healthy. He recommends consuming good healthy fats (like avocados, fish, eggs and nuts), and avoiding junk food to help your body support your adrenal glands. For more information or to schedule a health exam, call 281- 616-3816 or visit them online at https://nutrition-houston.com/.

The ships were deployed in late March to help assist frontline hospital workers and provide care on the ships, should hospitals overflow with patients. Comfort arrived in New York City on March 30, a day after it left Virginia, according to Business Insider. Comfort left New York City after treating 182 patients, 70% of whom had COVID-19, according to NavyTimes. Comfort is available in case it is needed for future help, according to NavyTimes, while USNI News reported the same is true for Mercy. (Getty Images)The USNS Comfort departs for its home port of Norfolk, Virginia on April 30, 2020 in New York City.

There is no research or data to suggest ibuprofen is dangerous for someone with COVID-19 to use. While officials don’t know the exact source of COVID-19, they know the first infections were linked to a live animal market. So far, there’s no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through semen or vaginal fluids, according to Planned Parenthood. Therefore, it would be easy to get COVID-19 if you have in-person sexual contact with someone who has it. If not, click here to let us know what you’d like to find out about the novel coronavirus.

How long do experts forecast for a COVID-19 vaccine to be created? Moderna, one of the U.S. companies working on a vaccine, said it could have a vaccine ready for a phase one clinical trial in people within three months. Phase I vaccine trials - This is the first attempt to try out the vaccine in a small group of adults -- usually 20 to 80 subjects. Phase II vaccine trials - The vaccine is tested on a larger group of individuals to assess the safety of the vaccine and method of delivery. Phase III vaccine trials - If the vaccine passed the first two phases, it’s then tested on tens of thousands of people to make sure there are few adverse side effects and the vaccine is effective.