In Today’s Note:

• Less White Blood Cells Makes You a Better Athlete 🥇

• Years of Knowing The Dangers of Lead Pipes, Cities Still Use Them💧

• For $5 Your Depression Could Go Away With This Pill💊

• The One Drug Maker That Hugely Impacted the U.S Drug Shortage 💉

“Let's build wellness rather than treat disease.”

Less White Blood Cells Makes You a Better Athlete 🥇

1/White Cell Counts at Rest are Lower in Athletes Participating in Selected Endurance-Type Sports

Researchers analyzed blood tests from elite athletes engaged in various sports over a 10-year period. Notably, athletes in endurance-based sports like cycling and triathlon exhibited substantially lower total white cell and neutrophil counts, with around 16% of test results falling below the normal reference range, compared to team or skill-based sports like water polo, cricket, and volleyball. This suggests that the lower white cell counts in aerobic sports might represent an adaptive response rather than underlying pathology.

2/Impact of Metabolic and Mechanical Stress on Cell Counts

The study further explored the influence of perceived metabolic and mechanical stress on the distribution of cell counts in athletes. While scaling each sport from 1 to 5 based on these stress factors, researchers found that metabolic stress had a more significant impact on cell counts than mechanical stress. The findings support the idea that the observed lower white cell counts in athletes participating in endurance-type sports are likely a result of the unique physiological adaptations required for these activities.

Your City Could Still be Using Lead Pipes💧

1/The Prevalence of Lead Pipes and its Dangers

In various cities across the country, including Providence, Rhode Island, lead pipes have been found to carry drinking water, posing a significant risk to public health. Lead is a potent neurotoxin, especially dangerous for young children, as it can impair brain development and lower IQ. Despite being aware of this hazard, utilities have been leaving lead pipes in the ground during water main work, and in some cases, only removing sections of the pipe, leading to increased lead levels in tap water.

2/Providence's Struggle and Efforts to Address the Issue

Providence has faced a long-standing struggle with lead pipes in its water system. While some efforts have been made to remove lead pipes, partial replacements and divided ownership of the pipes have hindered progress. Residents have been left with a two-tiered system, where those who can afford it get safe water, while others face continued exposure to lead. However, there has been progress, with changes in policy and the allocation of federal funds to replace lead pipes entirely, leading to improved water quality and safer conditions for future generations. The fight for lead-free water in Providence has been ongoing, driven by health and environmental groups, pushing for decisive action to eliminate the risks associated with lead in drinking water.

For $5 Your Depression Could Go Away 💊

1/Low-Cost Ketamine Shows Promise as an Affordable Depression Treatment

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Black Dog Institute have successfully tested a generic version of ketamine for treating severe depression at a significantly lower cost. Compared to the expensive FDA-approved S-ketamine nasal spray, this low-cost ketamine is estimated to cost around $5 per dose, reducing overall treatment expenses by over 60%. In a double-blind trial involving 179 individuals with treatment-resistant depression, 20% of those who received generic ketamine achieved 100% remission within one month, making it a promising and affordable option for those who cannot afford expensive treatments.

2/Generic Ketamine Offers Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Depression affects millions worldwide, and the high cost of existing ketamine treatments poses a significant barrier for many. The breakthrough low-cost ketamine developed by UNSW and Black Dog Institute researchers offers hope to those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. With 20% of participants achieving complete remission and even past electroconvulsive therapy patients showing improvements, this affordable option could revolutionize depression treatment and provide a much-needed solution for a widespread mental health issue.

The One Drug Maker That Hugely Impacted the U.S Drug Shortage 💉

1/Ongoing Drug Shortage Crisis in the U.S. Contributed to Akorn's Closure

The closure of Akorn, a generic drug manufacturer, is part of a larger drug shortage crisis in the U.S. caused by fewer manufacturers producing cheaper generic drugs. The remaining companies face scarce profits, and the global supply chain is overly complicated, leading to potential shortages of lifesaving medications for patients, including cancer patients needing chemotherapy drugs and those in intensive care units or emergency rooms requiring essential generic intravenous medications.

2/Increase in New Drug Shortages and Impact on Patients

Between 2021 and 2022, new drug shortages in the U.S. increased by nearly 30%, affecting 295 products. As of June, there were more than 300 active drug shortages, the highest number in nearly a decade. Patients, especially those with critical medical conditions, are struggling to access medications, and the situation is expected to worsen as other U.S. generic drug manufacturers face financial difficulties and potential closures.

3/Challenges in Generic Drug Manufacturing and the Dependence on Foreign Suppliers

Generic drug manufacturers in the U.S. are facing intense competition, declining profits, and economic challenges, leading to a decrease in manufacturing capacity. With the closure of Akorn, one of the two suppliers of essential medications like liquid albuterol, the U.S. is becoming more dependent on foreign drugmakers, particularly in China, India, and the European Union. However, concerns about meeting FDA quality standards and potential national security risks are arising from this reliance on overseas manufacturing.

Disclaimer: This health newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily of the publisher or editor. Any information presented should be carefully evaluated and discussed with a healthcare provider before making any changes to medical or lifestyle choices.