Ask A Black Doctor

Ask A Black Doctor

Join Dr. Bukhosi Dube and Ambush as they discuss issues surrounding the current pandemic, vaccines and distribution, dispel myths, provide facts, and address concerns. We’ll also be providing updates about COVID-19 vaccines and discuss how we can build a better culture around Black health. Artwork: Alexander Wright Music: Ceaz

Episodes

January 6, 2023 29 mins
COVID-19 Vaccine & Damar Hamlin: Social media posts linking Damar Hamlin's collapse to the COVID-19 vaccine are unsubstantiated. His vaccination status is unknown, and doctors suggest commotio cordis (blunt chest trauma) as a possible cause for his cardiac arrest, not a heart attack.

Commotio Cordis vs. Heart Attack: Commotio cordis is a sudden cardiac arrest from chest trauma at a specific heartbeat moment, requ...
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Q1: Are respiratory viruses still a concern post-holiday season? Yes, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 circulate. Flu and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising, stressing hospital capacity, while RSV has declined. Q2: Why are high hospitalizations problematic? Hospitals are at capacity, exacerbated by staff shortages due to illness. This leads to long ER waits and potential lack of regular rooms. Q3: How can people reduce...
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RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory virus spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing. While usually mild, it can be severe for children under two, premature infants, those with cardiopulmonary disease, adults 65+, and immunocompromised individuals. 25-40% of first-infected children show bronchiolitis or pneumonia, but only 2% need hospitalization. Symptoms, appearing 4-6 days post-infection, in...
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RSV, a common respiratory virus, spreads via droplets from coughs/sneezes. Most children have mild illness, but young children, especially those under two, premature infants, and those with cardiopulmonary disease, are more susceptible. Adults 65+ and immunocompromised individuals are also at higher risk. 25-40% of first-infected children get bronchiolitis or pneumonia, but only 2% require hospitalization. Symptoms appear 4-6 ...
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Bivalent Vaccine Key Facts: Moderna and Pfizer's updated boosters target current subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5) and the original COVID-19 strain. The FDA deemed them safe and effective after extensive trials, similar to annual flu vaccine updates. No prior boosters are needed. These vaccines are free, with no insurance or residency proof required. Side effects are similar to monovalent mRNA vaccines. Pfizer's booster is for ages...
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Featuring Dr. Roberta Hunte, Dr. Mariotta Gary-Smith & Sherly Paul.
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Featuring Dr. Roberta Hunte & Sherly Paul. As mentioned in the episode Trust Black Women Loretta Ross Undivided Rights
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August 12, 2022 34 mins
Oregon schools prioritize limiting virus spread. For 2022-23, schools will follow health and safety recommendations and requirements, including vaccination, masks, physical distancing, ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when sick. Vaccination (6 months+) and masks in indoor settings are key for safety. Monkeypox risk in schools is low; those diagnosed should stay home. Anyone can get monkeypox, though it's currently sp...
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July 29, 2022 31 mins
As of July 27, 2022, Oregon reported 53 hMPXV cases since June 16, part of a global outbreak affecting 65 countries. CDC urges healthcare providers to watch for rash illnesses consistent with hMPXV, regardless of patient history. While anyone can be affected, the current outbreak largely impacts gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so OHA prioritizes empowering the LGBTQIA+ community with information, testing, p...
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As of July 13, 2022, 11 hMPXV cases were reported in Oregon, part of a global outbreak affecting over 11,000 cases in 65 countries. CDC urges healthcare providers to watch for rash illnesses consistent with hMPXV, regardless of patient background. The virus spreads via prolonged, close contact, often skin-to-skin. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that progresses from flat patches to fluid-filled bumps...
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Featuring Dr. Roberta Hunte, PhD, Dr. Kim Heller, Dr. Mariotta Gary-Smith and Ngozi Olemgbe
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Vaccines for children under 5 (Pfizer-BioNTech: 3 doses, 6 months to under 5 years; Moderna: 2 doses, 6 months to under 6 years) are now authorized and proven safe/effective by clinical trials, FDA, CDC, and other review groups. While severe COVID-19 is less common in children, hospitalization rates soared during Omicron. Vaccination protects against infection, sickness, and Long COVID. Common side effects include redness/pain...
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Juneteenth, "Freedom Day," is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S., marking June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers announced freedom in Galveston, Texas. It's considered "America's second Independence Day."

This year, Oregon celebrates its 50th Juneteenth as an official state holiday. The in-person celebration provides healing and a chance to highlight the REACH program's achiev...
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June 13, 2022 36 mins
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June 10, 2022 41 mins
OHA COVID-19 vaccine site: covidvaccine.oregon.gov; OHA Facebook; Safe+Strong; Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz; REACH webpage and Facebook.

Q1: Best COVID-19 practices?

Vaccination and boosters protect against severe disease. Monitor local virus spread. High-risk individuals should minimize indoor gatherings, wear high-quality masks, and plan for testing and treatment.


Q2: Booster eligibility ...
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    COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising, with test positivity up from 7% (April 20) to 12.3% (May 23), and daily cases more than doubling. Most cases are unreported. Hospitalizations are increasing but OHA is optimistic they won't overwhelm the system, projecting a peak of 321 around June 10, far less than Delta and Omicron waves. Vaccination and boosting remain the best protection. Monitor local trends; Multnomah Count...
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    May 27, 2022 27 mins
    Even mild COVID-19 increases the risk of cardiovascular problems for at least a year. Researchers found a 72% increased risk of heart failure, even in those under 65, nonsmokers, and those without risk factors like obesity or diabetes. COVID can also cause myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and stress cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorder affecting blood pumping). A "cytokine storm," where the immune system attacks health...
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    May 20, 2022 37 mins
    Nutrition significantly impacts COVID-19 risk and severity. A study of 593,000 adults showed eating more fruits, vegetables, and legumes reduced COVID-19 risk by 9% and severe COVID by 41%. While no specific diet prevents COVID-19, healthy eating is crucial. Focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, lean animal proteins, and water. Minimize processed foods.

    For eating out, vaccination and boosting are ...
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    Long-term COVID, also known as post-COVID syndrome or PASC, refers to conditions experienced 28+ days after COVID-19 infection. Symptoms affect 10-30% of patients, even those with mild or no initial illness. It has potentially impacted 23 million Americans.

    Prevention: Vaccination and boosting are key. High-risk individuals should consider N95 masks.

    When to see a doctor: Don't ignore persistent symptoms like...
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    The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and depression due to social isolation, economic hardship, loss, or contracting the virus. A study of 154,000 COVID-19 patients found they were 39% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and 35% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety.

    To improve mental health during the pandemic, engage in enjoyable exercise, e...
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