Worried About Monkeypox? Here is How to Find Out More
AHEC is sponsoring a webinar on Monkeypox Thursday.
As the World Health Organization declares Monkeypox a global emergency, there are many questions for healthcare providers.
This webinar will update providers on the current monkeypox outbreak and response efforts in North Carolina. Providers will have an opportunity to hear information and ask questions to NC DHHS leaders regarding access to testing, treatment, and vaccines and other issues related to this outbreak.
For information and how to register click here.
Melanoma Monday: Be Safe While You Enjoy A Day at the Beach!
RALEIGH -- All summer NCMS is bringing you tips to enjoy the great Carolina outdoors. Melanoma Mondays run weekly until Autumn with information from your fellow NCMS members. Today it’s Dr. Jolene Jewell, MD from Greensboro Dermatology Associates in Greensboro with how to survive a day at the beach with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
Have fun and stay at the beach!
July is winding down and you may be planning a trip to the beach before school kicks off. A fun day in the surf comes with plenty of risk to your skin. Dr. Jolene Jewell has 3 tips to keep you skin looking it’s best:
- Find cover! There are many beach canopy options to provide shade while at the beach. Not all of them are created equal, however. When shopping make sure you look for umbrellas, canopies, or other sources of shade that have a UPF 50+ rating
- Choose the right sunscreen and don't forget about your scalp. Consider a wash-on sunscreen such as Klenskin. These products can be used for your hair as well. That provides an extra protection for your scalp.
- Be prepared for bites! Be sure to pack some over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone for the beach. With it you are prepared for any sand flea, sea lice, or no-see-um bites. It is safe to treat most bites with hydrocortisone twice daily as needed.
Dr. Jewell is available to talk skin care with you at her practice in Greensboro. To contact her click here.
President Joe Biden has COVID. Should Seniors be Worried?
RALEIGH -- President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he tested positive for COVID-19. He says he has mild symptoms and is isolating at the White House and continuing to work. At 79 years old, the president falls into a high risk category for any disease. He is vaccinated and has had two boosters and the prognosis is that he will be fine.
What about other senior citizens?
AARP has put together a Frequently Asked Questions piece for older Americans as we face rising COVID numbers again. The advice remains the same: Be vigilant about your health.
The full article, with information on the latest strain, is available by clicking here.
Detected at the Cellular Level: New Technology May Make Finding Lung Cancer Easier, Faster
RALEIGH -- Lung cancer is on of the most common cancer types around the world and it is often treatable in the early stages. That is why detecting it as early as possible is a goal of experts.
A recent study published by Nature Communications is looking at a new method for detecting lung cancer at the cellular level. The study still has many limitations, but technology is advancing.
The full article with more comprehensive data is available by clicking here.
North Carolina Medical Society Announces Dr. Charul Haugan New Board Member
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Medical Society is happy to announce the addition of Dr. Charul Haugan, MD, FACEP to the Board of Directors representing region two.
Current Board President Dr. Michael Utecht, MD, FACEP says Dr. Haugan “is a proven leader with more than 20 years of clinical Emergency Medicine and administrative experience in the UNC healthcare system. She has an engaging personality, endless smile, and thoughtful approach to problem solving. All welcome additions to the NCMS team! We look forward to her contributions in advancing the NCMS mission.”
He adds, “The Board is very excited to have Charul as its newest member.”
Dr. Haugan is the Medical Director of Clinical Optimization at UNC HCS, a role she has had since 2019. She is also Physician Co-Lead of the UNC HSC Emergency Services Group, Chair of the UNC HCS Sepsis Care Optimization Committee, member of the North Carolina Medical Society, a NCMS Medical Team Task Force Member, and a Governor’s Appointee to the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council.
Strong Emotions, Contrary Opinions on Race Among Physicians
Medscape: Physicians' Views on Racial Disparities Issues Report 2022 Shows Strong Emotions, Contrary Opinions.
The United States is now divided on many important issues and physicians are part of the conversation. Medscape asked opinions on 10 important social issues that Americans feel strongly about.
More than 2300 physicians in nearly 30 specialties shared their opinions. Here is what Medscape found out.
Of the 10 issues in the survey, racial disparities came in third in physician's importance ratings behind healthcare access and substance/opioid abuse.
Dr. Eva Shelton of Brigham and Women's Hospital says "Inequality when it comes to access to care and treatment by providers often leads to misdiagnosis, delays in treatment, and mistrust from marginalized communities of the healthcare system."
Shelton adds that in regions where physicians tend to emphasize the importance of racial disparities, attitudes and approaches may vary.
"Medical centers with a large diverse population have established strategies to break down these barriers," Shelton says.
About 1 in 5 physicians currently see racial disparities at play in how employees are treated in their workplace.
Shelton says addressing racial disparities in healthcare comes down to changing the way physicians approach people in general. It affects life in and out of the hospital.
Attitudes about the social significance of racial disparities don't seem substantially different by age group.
Black and African American physicians significantly more often report that they or their families have been affected by racial disparities.
A 2020 study in Family Medicine found that physicians of color were routinely exposed to discrimination and microaggressions from their patients, colleagues, and institutions.
A substantially larger majority of physicians things that Americans are treated differently, based on race, than agree that race affects how healthcare providers treat them.
The leading response by physicians who are concerned about racial disparities is to donate money, and another study shows the profession is very generous with volunteerism and teaching.
Eating Healthy and Keeping Costs Down
RALEIGH -- As food prices continue to rise, Americans are looking for more and more ways to eat healthy meals and stay on a budget.
CNN composed 6 inexpensive ways to eat healthy. They include meal prep, creativity in the kitchen, and stocking your freezer. All of them are better than to-go options that are often heavy on sodium and carbs.
The full story is here. Just in time for dinner tonight.
NCMS Board Member Dr. Claude Jarrett talks Healthcare Policy and Medicaid Expansion
RALEIGH -- North Carolina Medical Society Board Member Dr. Claude Jarrett took time to speak on a podcast with Connie Wilson about the recent legislative session. Jarret is an orthopedic surgeon practicing at Wilmington Health. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Jarrett also participates in grant funded research projects addressing rotator cuff injuries, shoulder arthritis, and upper extremity fractures.
In his conversation with Wilson he covers a broad range of topics with particular interest and insight into healthcare policy, Medicaid Expansion and Specialty Care.
Listen to his conversation by clicking here.
NC Opioid Deaths Rising, NC Families Deciding Where National Settlement Money Will Go
RALEIGH -- North Carolina reported 326 suspected opioid overdoses in June compared to 288 in June 2021. Suspected overdose deaths are up 9% between this January and June compared to the same period last year. The numbers have families looking at how millions in national opioid settlement funding will be spent.
The News & Observer reports that Johnston County will get more than $8 million dollars over the next 16 years. To help devise a spending plan, it's bringing together addicts, their loved ones, and others to the table.
It is the same story across the state. Attorney General Josh Stein says the state will receive nearly $20 million to fight the growing opioid crisis. How that money is spent is now being decided and non-elected officials are calling for more treatment and rehab programs. Faith-based groups are looking at housing and vocational options. It all comes with a lot of paperwork and takes a lot of time.
The full story is available by clicking here.
The North Carolina Medical Society is continuing to work with groups across the state to help end the problem. Look for more information on our efforts in the coming weeks.
Who Do You Spend Time With?
From adolescence to old age we change who we spend our time with. Family, children, spouses, and co-workers take big chunks of our time at different parts of our lives.
Our World in Data has a chart that shows how as we grow older we spend more time alone. After 60 you see that family, children, and co-workers drop substantially. Does that mean people are more lonely?
The article says people are alone, but not necessarily lonely after 60.
To read the results of the survey click here.
Somebody Could Have a Really Great Weekend Ahead of Them!
This Friday you could be a multi-millionaire! The Mega Millions jackpot has ballooned to $630 million after there were no winners to match Tuesday’s winning six numbers.
The numbers were 2, 31, 32, 37, 70 plus the gold Mega Ball 25, according to the lottery’s website.
The cash prize is estimated to be $360 million.
Strong ticket sales helped push Tuesday’s prize to its historical rank, which was about $317 million in cash, according to the lottery’s website.
There were four big winners Tuesday who drew the first five numbers, winning $1 million each. Fifty-two winners matched the first four numbers and the Mega Ball, the lottery said.
If you win please remember the North Carolina Medical Society when you start spreading that wealth around!
AMA President Testifies Before Congress On the Dobbs Decision and Impact on Physicians
WASHINGTON -- American Medical Association (AMA) President Jack Resneck Jr., M.D. testified before Congress to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Tuesday on Oversight and Investigations as part of its hearing, “Roe Reversal: The Impacts of Taking Away the Constitutional Right to an Abortion.”
According to a release from the AMA, Resneck discussed the ramifications of the Dobbs decision on physicians and patients. His comments included a warning that the recent Dobbs v. Jackson decision would allow government intrusion into the medical exam room, and the criminalization of medical care." Resneck also stated that because of this Supreme Court decision, " now, physicians in many states are reporting chaos and confusion. Physicians have been placed in an impossible situation, trying to meet their ethical duties to place patients’ health and well-being first, while attempting to comply with vague, restrictive, complex, and conflicting state laws that interfere in the practice of medicine and jeopardize the health of our patients. Physicians are worried about prosecution of their patients and themselves in the midst of significant legal uncertainty and this is dangerous for our patients."
“We have only begun to assess the full impact of the Dobbs decision on our physicians and their patients. At this point, we have more questions than answers. The AMA is committed to its longtime opposition to criminalizing medical practice and will continue to challenge criminal or civil penalties on patients who receive reproductive health services, as well as physicians, other health professionals, health systems, and patient advocates for aiding, assisting, supporting, or providing reproductive health services or referrals to patients. We will also continue to protect the patient-physician relationship and access to evidence-based reproductive health care, including abortion.”
Dr. Resneck’s full testimony can be found at the following link (PDF).
Dr. Anthony Fauci says he expects to see out President Joe Biden’s current term
WASHINGTON -- Dr. Anthony Fauci says he will likely step down before the end of President Joe Biden's first term. The 81 year old director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases did not set a specific date, however.
Fauci has spent years responding to rumors of his retirement. After serving as the top medical adviser to two presidents he now says the end is near.
The "New York Times" says his decision comes and goes in direct proportion to how much criticism he is getting. He now says he has a time frame in mind for the end of his long government career.
If he follows through with his most recent comments he will leave by January 2025, the end of Biden’s current term.
To read the full article click here.
Do not try this at home!
A musician in South Africa is sharing one of the craziest videos on the internet right now. It shows a man trying to "fly" through a car. Honestly, there are so many questions! How did that car get up on bricks? Why would someone try this? What is the point?
Have you seen this yet? What do you think?
https://twitter.com/_Mashudu_M/status/1548576419172982784
Thank You to Our NCMS PAC Investors!
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Medical Society Political Action Committee (NCMS PAC) would like to thank some of our investors! We are incredibly grateful for the investment into your profession and patients.
Contact Hannah Rice ([email protected]) to learn more about how you can make a difference.
Jugta Kahai, MD, FAAP
David J. Koenig, MD
Bryan R. Neuwirth, MD, DDS
David A. Rinehart, MD
Richard D. Crane, MD
Karen L. Smith, MD, FAAFP
Melanoma Monday: Have Fun at the Lake and Keep Your Skin Safe
All summer NCMS is bringing you tips to enjoy the great Carolina outdoors. Melanoma Mondays run weekly until Autumn with information from your fellow NCMS members. Today it’s Dr. Raj Varma, MD, FAAD, FACMS from UNC Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Chapel Hill with how to survive a day on the lake with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
Dr. Raj Varma, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Have fun and stay safe on the water!
It is July and it is HOT! Many people are seeking refuge by spending a day at the lake. Dr. Raj Varma has 3 tips to keep you skin looking it's best:
- Wear SPF 50 or greater. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen if you are going to the lake, beach, pool, or other outdoor activity. The best kind of sunscreen is the one you will actually use. Find one with a good texture that you like and use it!
- Wear a hat and sun glasses. When you leave home, don't forget to wear your broad-brimmed hat AND sunglasses. Those UV rays from the sun can reflect off the water!
- Reapply, Reapply, Reapply! Don't forget to reapply sunscreen if it gets washed off. Especially watch your kids... they tend to wipe their faces often when getting out of the water and then lose that sun protection.
Dr. Varma is available to talk skin care with you at his practice in Chapel Hill. To contact him click here.
A Review and Look Ahead at NC's Healthy Opportunities Pilots Virtual Meeting Planned
RALEIGH -- On Thursday July 28, 2022 at 10:00am ET, the Duke-Margolis Center and North Carolina Institute of Medicine will convene a virtual public meeting. “North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots: A Medicaid Managed Care Program to Address Social Needs—Implementation Lessons and Policy Recommendations from Planning, Capacity-building, and Early Implementation” will cover a lot of topics. The meeting will feature policymakers, researchers, evaluators, implementation leaders, and frontline providers discussing their experiences with, and thoughts on the future of, the Healthy Opportunities Pilots program.
The meeting also looks to disseminate practical cross-cutting themes from researching the planning, capacity-building, and early implementation periods of the program, including successes, lessons learned, challenges encountered, and innovative solutions for overcoming challenges. A draft agenda for the meeting is currently available for download and additional event information will be distributed in the days to come.
Don't miss your opportunity to join this virtual public meeting. For more information about the event and to register, please click here.
NCMS and Payer Requirements: Task Force Looks for Ways to Decrease Administrative Burden and Maintain Quality Patient Care
RALEIGH -- This week the NCMS Payer Task Force continues its discussions of recommendations designed to respond to payer requirements that compromise patient care and increase administrative burden.
The Task Force includes representatives from numerous specialty practice areas.
The group has identified the growing burden associated with prior authorization as top priority. Additional issues include step therapy, recoupments, and retroactive denials.
The goal is to recommend advocacy efforts targeting these issues to the NCMS Board of Directors for inclusion in the NCMS’ 2023 advocacy priorities.
Celebrate the Future Clinician Leaders Class of 2022!
RALEIGH -- Congratulations are in order for the Future Clinician Leaders Class (FCLC) of 2022 for their phenomenal project work! They are an outstanding group ready to tackle healthcare in North Carolina. The NCMS Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership (KIPL) is very proud of our graduates!
Also, their success would not be possible without our partners. A big THANK YOU to our sponsor NWAHEC as well as these five practices who have been teaming up with the students for their project work. Their help was invaluable to this year’s class of emerging student leaders in healthcare in North Carolina. If you would like to reach out to these partners here is a list:
- Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers
- Sentara Albemarle Medical Center
If you are interested in joining the next cohort apply now by clicking here.
Here is a look at the final project presentation:
https://youtu.be/nB9ii6jSnrU
Gov. Roy Cooper says he hopes to see agreement on Medicaid expansion soon
WASHINGTON -- Governor Roy Cooper was outside the White House Wednesday proclaiming he hopes to see an agreement on Medicaid expansion soon. The News & Observer reports that Republican lawmakers, however, are saying it may take more time to hammer out a deal.
Cooper was in the nation's capital to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and was there the same day North Carolina was named the top state in the country for businesses.
The state remains one of just 12 to not adopt Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
To read the full story click here.
Try a New Recipe, But Make it a Playlist!
Bob Dylan famously said: The times, they are a-changin'. That now applies to how you try new recipes!
Noah Conk, a San Francisco-based designer, created a three hour, 51 song Spotify playlist for his recipe for kimchi fried rice! Each song title describes the ingredients, measurements and instruction.
Some of the songs are pretty obvious, but Conk was also able to find obscure songs like "Unsalted Butter" by The Long Winters and "Medium Heat" by Rain & Chocolate.
The list is already a hit on Spotify, with thousands of likes.
If you'd like give it a try tonight, click here for the full story from NPR that includes a link to the very long playlist. Enjoy!
988 Suicide Prevention Hotline Launches Saturday
RALEIGH -- Getting help during a mental health crisis will soon be as easy as dialing 9-8-8.
North Carolina and the rest of the country are just days away from making mental health and suicide prevention easier to access.
988 replaces the longer 1-800 number tied to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline on Saturday.
The change is coming just in time. A report from WRAL shows calls to the Suicide Hotline nearing 40 thousand per year. As of last month, the state has had more than 20 thousand calls. Last year the hotline received more than 35 thousand and experts expect the 988 number to increase those calls by 30 percent.
The hotline accepts calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis.
NCHHS is using a $3 million federal grant to staff up the state’s call center in Greenville. They’re hiring more crisis counselors to respond by phone and text message.
Many answers to your questions can be found by clicking here.
Do You TikTok? For One Doctor, 1.6 Million People are Learning and Having Fun
Do you know Dr. Glaucomflecken? That is the name that has hundreds of thousands of people flocking to hear Dr. Will Flanary on the popular app TikTok.
In his posts on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, Flanary mocks everyone, equally. He refers to ER docs as those who love adrenaline and bike helmets, considers Orthopedic doctors bros who are into the gym, and reserves specila fun for med students.
The Pope House: Black History Just Blocks from NCMS
RALEIGH -- The Pope House Museum in Raleigh is offering a unique look at history. It offers a glimpse into the life of one of Raleigh's most intriguing citizens, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, who was the only African-American man to run for mayor of a Southern capital in the midst of the Jim Crow era.
Built in 1901, it is located in downtown Raleigh mere blocks away from the capitol building and the North Carolina Medical Society.
The house features original furnishings and many historical artifacts that give a look at a remarkable man and his family.
Dating to the 1860s, the Pope House Museum Collection totals over 3,000 artifacts. It includes Dr. Pope's father's freedman papers to his voter registration card to his original doctor's bag from the Spanish-American War, the collection boasts a wide range of material culture.
It offers summer programs, field trips, and tours.
Click here for information on how you can see the house and learn more.
Gov. Roy Cooper Appoints Chris Paterson to CPCC Board of Trustees
RALEIGH -- Governor Roy Cooper has announced several appointments to North Carolina boards and commissions including Chris Paterson, CEO of our partner company Carolina Complete Health.
Will NC Expand Medicaid Next Year? Senate Leader says it is a good possibility
RALEIGH, NC -- Senate President Pro-Tem Phil Berger is speaking out on the legislative short session which ended July 1. In an interview with WRAL, Berger covered a wide range of subjects on everything from the January 6 hearings, the budget, abortion, and Medicaid expansion.
The North Carolina Senate’s top leader put the chances of expanding Medicaid in the state at 75 percent or better. The Sheriff's Association also spoke out in favor of expanding Medicaid saying it will decrease crime. Other groups, including NCMS offering support for expansion.
When asked about abortion, Berger said he could not predict what new restrictions Republicans would seek if given a super majority.
The full story and NC Capitol Wrap can be listened to by clicking here.
Picture this! Your fur-ever friend on our social media!
Today is All American Pet Photo Day!
Pets provide physical and emotional benefits and provide companionship to people who are living alone or the elderly. Some therapy animals are used in hospitals to make children happier and in nursing homes to enhance physical, social, cognitive, and emotional well-being and functioning.
Now pets are social media stars! We want to see yours. Is yours a 'dog-tor' or living the 'pug-life'? Is she a 'cathlete' or a 'Catticus Finch'? Let us know.
Visit our social media pages and post a photo of your bestie! Use #NCMS, #AllAmericanPetPhotoDay.
Melanoma Monday: Healthy Life, Healthy Skin
CHARLOTTE -- Good skin care is part of making healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Gilly Munavalli, MD, MHS, FACMS of Dermatology, Laser, and Vein Specialists in Charlotte says to protect your skin even when you are exercising.
"Exercise is an important part of living a healthy life," Munavalli says, "To decrease the risk of developing skin cancers, including Melanoma, exercise during off hours. It is best before 11am and after 6pm to avoid the most intense UV radiation."
Running is a common outdoor activity in summer and is likely done in full sun. Runnersworld.com agrees with Munavalli on the best hours to exercise outdoors. It also suggests other sun-smart strategies including wearing a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen and shop for ones that are sweat-resistant.
Tennis players are also in full sun in the summer and are reminded to wear sunscreen and to reapply often. Pro Naomi Osaka said she only recently started wearing sunscreen and wants to remind people of color that it is important for them to protect themselves as well. She even has introduced her own line of skin care products.
For the average person it is important to be remember your atmosphere, prepare, and keep yourself protected. Dr. Munavalli says about 15,000 people die every year from Melanoma in the US and most of those deaths are preventable. Only 1 in 9 people who are diagnosed with Melanoma die from it. Munavalli says "self exams and regular, annual visits to your dermatologist are the best way to catch these early."
To talk to Dr. Munavalli about this and learn more click here.
NC AHEC Offering Free Courses for Community Health Workers
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Medical Society is excited to let you know that the NC AHEC Community Health Worker Program is offering FREE online courses.
THE NC AHEC Community Health Worker Program supports the development of a qualified and sustainable workforce that is well equipped to advance health equity. It is also partnering with Advanced Medical Homes as part of Medicaid Managed Care. It serves as an anchor partner of the NC CHW Initiative which is led by the NC Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health. It also collaborates with the NC CHW Association, NC Division of Health Benefits, and other stakeholders to make sure training topics align with CHW Culture and priority learning needs.
Register NOW for 90-minute, self-guided courses. They are for community health workers, lay health workers, outreach workers, frontline public health workers, plus supervisors, colleagues and allies of the CHW workforce. CUEs and Contact Hours are offered. The courses are FREE to all, but registration is required.
Click here for more information and to register.
Political Pulse July 8, 2022: Whew! Short Session is Over. What Happened?
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina General Assembly had a busy final week. Most of the work for the 2022 legislative short session ended on Friday, July 1. The adjournment resolution reconvenes the legislature on July 26 for two days and allows the General Assembly to return once each month for the remainder of the year.
What does that mean for healthcare in North Carolina? Well, as North Carolina Medical Society CEO Chip Baggett explains, "our members were right in the midst of everything, now it's touch and go from here on out. I'm not sure what it's going to be, but we'll be there for it."
His breakdown of the short session simplifies what happened so far, the latest on Medicaid expansion, and what NCMS members can expect over the coming months.
NCMS Member Edward Pickens, MD: When is it time for your kids to move to adult doctor?
RALEIGH -- North Carolina Medical Society Member Edward Pickens, MD has advice for when it is time to transition children from pediatricians to a doctor who provides care for adults. He was featured in an article from UNC Health.
Dr. Pickens says the teen years are a practice run for a child to manage their own healthcare. “It doesn’t have to be an abrupt transition," he says, "but it’s important for adolescents to start taking responsibility for their health.”
Pickens adds that pediatricians may have frank discussions with growing patients on topics many teens tune out when the advice comes from their parents.
Doctors are allowed to accept a minor’s consent for treatment of certain conditions, mostly involving sexual and mental health, though laws vary by state.
There are no hard and fast rules for when a child must transition to an adult provider, but practices usually have their own standard procedures and ages vary.
For the full story and more of Dr. Pickens advice click here.
Racial, Ethnic Minority Communities Face Unique Mental Health Struggles
RALEIGH -- The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health sets aside July to bring awareness to the mental health struggles of racial and ethnic minorities.
This month the HHS Office of Minority Health is promoting tools and resources addressing the stigma about mental health. OMH is encouraging state, tribal and local leaders, community-based organizations, faith leaders, and healthcare providers to use July as a time to focus on erasing stigma.
OMH has provided you with sharable social media messages and graphics as well as an online catalog of resources. Click here for all you need to know.
UNC Researcher: “It’s impossible to know if vaping decreases cancer risk"
CHAPEL HILL - Not all electronic cigarette devices are created equal. That is the findings of a new peer-reviewed paper from UNC School of Medicine researchers.
Toxicologist Ilona Jaspers, PhD led the research and published the findings in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. They found some fourth-generation models – such as Juul devices – are associated with unique changes in markers of immune responses inside our airways.
The FDA banned Juul products in the US, but a court blocked that ban last month.
Electronic cigarettes have increased in popularity over the past decade. Some people use them to quit smoking, considering them a safer alternative.
“It’s impossible to know if vaping decreases cancer risk or many other long-term conditions,” Jaspers said. “It took 60 years of research to show that smoking causes cancer.” E-cigarettes have been around for about 15 years.
Researchers remain concerned that e-cigarettes are prevalent among teenagers who are not able to buy cigarettes.
Several studies show that inhaling chemical-laden nicotine aerosols suppresses immune responses in the respiratory tracts of smokers and e-cigarette users.
Third-generation devices include vape pens and box mods. Fourth generation include nicotine-salt-containing e-cigarettes, such as Juul products, and disposable e-cigarettes, which have become increasingly popular following restrictions on the sale of Juul products.
For the full story from UNC click here.
Melanoma Monday: Survive the 4th with Beautiful Skin!
All summer NCMS is bringing you tips to enjoy the great Carolina outdoors. Melanoma Mondays run weekly until Autumn with information from your fellow NCMS members. Today it’s Dr. Sarah Cash from WNC Dermatology in Asheville with how to survive the 4th of July with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
Sarah Cash, MD
WNC Dermatology
Asheville, NC
Have fun and stay safe today!
- Seek shade! The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, look for a place of refuge in the shade.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand. Those spots reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure that all skin not covered by clothing is protected. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
You can contact Dr. Cash with more questions by clicking here.
Not a NCMS Member yet? Click here to join!
Look for more advice next Monday and have a great 4th of July weekend!
On Point: Restricting abortion will not stop people from seeking abortion - by Dr. Amy Bryant
On Point submissions are individual member viewpoints and not North Carolina Medical Society policy.
I always ask my 3rd year medical students when they start Ob/Gyn: “What are you most excited about?” They invariably say “delivering a baby.” At the end of their rotation, they write essays about what has impacted them most. Someone, usually more than one, writes about how unexpectedly difficult pregnancy could actually be. They learn the truth that has become clear to me over almost 2 decades in Ob/Gyn: pregnancy is not always a joyous condition.
The Dobbs decision overturning Roe vs. Wade, which has protected the right to privacy between a patient and her doctor for almost half a century, turns the ability to make laws regarding abortion back to states. In North Carolina, the right to abortion exists for now, but could be rolled back if the state legislature decides to ban or restrict abortion. If this happens, there will be unintended consequences for women’s health. Pregnancy is not always a joyous condition, and in some cases can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, not to mention poorer outcomes for existing children, greater poverty, and less educational attainment (see turnaway_study_brief_web.pdf (ansirh.org)_
North Carolina has unacceptably high levels of maternal mortality, particularly among the most marginalized women populations. Racism and structural inequity are two of the drivers that deprive many Black, Indigenous and other people of color access to quality healthcare, including abortion, prenatal, and maternity care. These communities have higher rates of maternal and infant death and are more likely to be investigated, prosecuted, and punished for their pregnancy outcomes. The impacts of restricting abortion will fall hardest on people who already face discriminatory obstacles to health care—particularly Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, young people, undocumented people, and those having difficulty making financial ends meet.
Restricting abortion will not stop people from seeking abortion. Evidence of this has been seen around the world. When faced with obstacles to getting a safe abortion under the guidance of a trained physician, people will travel or seek other means of obtaining abortion. When a pregnant woman experiences a medical emergency, without consulting a medical expert, it may be impossible to tell whether they are experiencing an induced or spontaneous abortion, which could, under the new federal law, put a patient in jeopardy of criminal referral. Furthermore, physicians will need to make decisions not based on what is best for the patient, but on considerations of criminal liability. This is not an optimal way to practice medicine.
Every person and every pregnancy is different, and not every patient decides to continue a pregnancy. Our patients’ lives are complex, and full, and nuanced and beautiful. As physicians, we have the responsibility to care for our patients with dignity, respect and support, using shared decision making to come to the outcome that best serves each patient, who is the expert in her own preferences and values, without undue interference by outside parties.
Amy Bryant is North Carolina Ob/Gyn and a NC Ob/Gyn Society At-Large Member from Durham
Billion dollar plan leaves key issues unresolved, NCMS continues to push for Medicaid expansion
RALEIGH -- Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the new state budget does not dive very deep into healthcare issues. Both chambers of the General Assembly approved a $27.9 billion dollar state spending plan Thursday. It still faces review by the governor. It features few big health initiatives.
Some highlights are:
- $52 million for in-home personal care workers and nursing home employees to bring salaries closer to $15/hour
- $8 million to UNC School of Medicine for staff and faculty sufficient to increase medical class by 40 students
- $3 million to the Rural Health Loan Assistance Repayment Program for providers in rural areas
- $1.85 million to the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services for pilot program on treatment of opioid use disorder
- $1.3 million for the new 9-8-8 suicide/crisis hotline launching July 16
- $14.8 million from the opioid lawsuit settlement for local mental health managers to buy medication-assisted treatments, research, and housing support
- $7.7 million from the JUUL lawsuit settlement to help young people quit smoking
- $3 million for crisis pregnancy centers
What remains unresolved:
- Medicaid expansion which would provide roughly 600,000 North Carolinians healthcare. The expansion is jointly funded by the state and federal government.
The North Carolina Medical Society has remained firm in it's support of Medicaid expansion and has worked tirelessly with other specialty society leadership to get the plan approved. NCMS CEO Chip Baggett has met with House and Senate leaders to discuss ways for both sides to come together.
State legislators have recessed until later this month without a resolution on the Medicaid expansion framework. The adjournment resolution has them coming back every month for the rest of the year.
Always a Good Time to be in North Carolina!
This weekend there are festivals across the state to celebrate Independence Day. The North Carolina Medical Society has some ways you and your family can have fun. Take a look!
7/1 – Valdese Independence Day Celebration – Valdese
7/1 – “Pre”-July 4th Celebration – Marshville
7/1-7/2 – Christmas in July Festival – West Jefferson
7/1-7/2 – Graham County Heritage Festival – Robbinsville
7/1-7/3 – Belhaven’s 4th of July Celebration – Belhaven
7/1-7/3 – 4th of July Powwow – Cherokee
7/1-7/3 – Everybody’s Favorite Barbecue and Hot Sauce Festival: Gastonia – Gastonia
7/1-7/3 – Ocean City Jazz Festival – North Topsail Beach
7/1-7/4 – NC 4th of July Festival – Southport
7/2 – Troyfest – Troy
7/2 – Square to Square Independence Day Street Festival – Clayton
7/2 – Castalia 4th of July Celebration – Castalia
7/2 – Red, White and Boom! – Kings Mountain
7/2 – Yadkinville 4th of July Celebration – Yadkinville
7/2-7/4 (Closed 7/3) – EnoFest – Durham
7/2-7/3 – Art on the Greene II – Banner Elk
7/2-7/3 – Sweet Corn Festival at Darnell Farms – Bryson City
7/2 - 7/4 NC 4th of July Festival - Southport
7/3 – Garner Independence Day Celebration – Garner
7/3-7/4 – Harrisburg July 4th Celebration – Harrisburg
7/4 – Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration – Cary
7/4 – 4th of July Independence Day Celebration – Mebane
7/4 – Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green – Cashiers
7/4 – Yankee Doodle Dandy Day – Sapphire
7/4 – Fun Fourth Festival – Greensboro
7/4 – Fabulous 4th of July Celebration – Edenton
7/4 – City of Greenville Indepedence Day Celebration – Greenville
7/4 – Lillington 4th of July Celebration – Lillington
7/4 – Fourth of July Fireworks and Picnic – Creedmoor
7/4 – North Carolina’s Freedom Fest – Bryson City
7/4 – Manteo Fourth of July – Manteo
7/4 – Knightdale July 4th Celebration – Knightdale
7/4 – Corolla Indepedence Day Celebration – Corolla
News from Raleigh: Medicaid Expansion and State Budget
It has been a busy week in Raleigh and the North Carolina Medical Society has been hard at work! House Speaker Tim Moore introduced a new standalone proposal that NCMS strongly supports. CEO Chip Baggett has been meeting with lawmakers all week and continues to press for this important legislation to be passed as soon as possible. He was joined this week by several NCMS members to help sway House and Senate members.
NCMS is working to encourage a path forward for Medicaid expansion, but the proposal remains in the Senate Rules Committee.
Leaders of the House and Senate say they have reached a deal on the state budget. It does NOT contain provisions to expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income residents through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. The issue remains on the table in the final days of this year's session.
Celebrate World Social Media Day
First there was mail, then the telegraph and telephone, then the fax was being used by everyone. Now it is all about social media and today is World Social Media Day!
World Social Media Day was launched by Mashable on June 30, 2010. It is to recognize social media’s impact on global communication. Almost everyone uses social media to connect with people all over the world in a simple and fast way. Here are some numbers from nationalday.com
WORLD SOCIAL MEDIA BY THE NUMBERS
3.5 billion – The number of people using social media worldwide.
68% – The proportion of U.S. adults who use Facebook.
3 hours – Time spent by your average person each day on social media or messaging
500 million – The number of people using Instagram Stories each day.
60 billion – WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger messages sent each day.
35 minutes – The average user spends on Facebook each day.
270 million – The estimated number of fake Facebook profiles.
707 – Number of followers the average Twitter user has.
300 hours – Video footage uploaded to YouTube every minute.
95 million – Photos uploaded to Instagram each day.
And here are some suggestions for today:
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Post, post, post!
Social media is only as good as the posts on it, so use this occasion to add your voice to the party! Post a selfie, a Tweet, or go live on Instagram or Facebook.
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Try new platforms
There are so many social media sites out there waiting for you to discover them. Before you know it, you could be making TikTok videos, sharing your greatest travel adventures on Instagram, or joining in fun trending topics on Twitter. Give some platforms a try and see if you like them.
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Take it offline
Social media can bring people together, but sometimes it's most special when your Internet friends become your IRL friends. In honor of Social Media Day, hang out with a friend you usually just talk to on social media out in the real world! Go on a walk, get a drink, or catch a flick. Just don't forget to take a pic to put on social media after!
AND FOLLOW NCMS!!!!
The North Carolina Medical Society posts daily with important updates, fun tips, and ways to make your day brighter and your business better. Like, comment, and share!!!!
Political Pulse June 28, 2022, reaction to Medicaid Expansion in NC
RALEIGH, NC -- The North Carolina Medical Society is leading the way to change! A standalone Medicaid expansion bill was introduced Tuesday. SB408 is supported by Speaker Tim Moore who called out NCMS for its continued support and aid in getting this important legislation passed.
NCMS supported the bill with testimony from CEO Chip Baggett. Also, Dr. Rachel Keever, Dr. Bryant Murphy, and Dr. Michael Utecht dropped everything and rushed to Raleigh in case the House Rules Committee had questions.
This Political Pulse is those three doctors discussing this important legislation.
Click here to contact your Senator and let them know you stand with NCMS and support Medicaid expansion.
Time for Action: NCMS Helping Move Standalone Medicaid Expansion Bill Forward
The North Carolina Medical Society is leading the way to change! A standalone Medicaid expansion bill was introduced on Tuesday. SB408 is supported by Speaker Tim Moore who called out NCMS for its continued support and aid in getting this important legislation passed.
NCMS supported the bill with testimony from CEO Chip Baggett. Also, Dr. Rachel Keever, Dr. Bryant Murphy, and Dr. Michael Utecht dropped everything and rushed to Raleigh in case the House Rules Committee had questions. Click here to hear their remarks on the legislation.
Now it is your turn. NCMS members need to advocate for this important legislation right now.
Click here to contact your Senator and let them know you stand with NCMS and support Medicaid expansion.
Summer is Here! Melanoma Mondays are here to keep your skin safe!
All summer NCMS will bring you tips to enjoy the great Carolina outdoors while staying safe from the sun's rays. Melanoma Mondays will run each week until Autumn with information from your fellow NCMS members. Today it's Dr. Matilda Nicholas from Duke Dermatology with ways to get the season started. Enjoy!
Have fun in the sun and be safe this summer! Here's how:
- Protect yourself from the sun! Use a sunscreen containing zinc oxide and reapply every two hours and more often if swimming or sweating. Apply a solid layer! A golf ball size amount of cream is about right for your body. Even sunscreen isn't enough for southern sun! Wear broad brimmed hats (4 inches ideally), sun protective clothing such as swim shirts and sun sleeves, and seek shade, especially during peak hours of sun between 10am and 4pm.
- Pay attention to your skin! If you see any new, growing, bleeding, or changing growths on your skin, or something that looks different from all of your other spots, see a dermatologist right away.
- Summer sun, salt water, and chlorine can dry out your skin. Be sure to shower after swimming and use lots of moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and comfortable.
You can contact Dr. Nicholas with more questions by clicking here.
Not a NCMS Member yet? Click here to join!
Look for more advice next Monday!
NCMS Response to SCOTUS Roe v. Wade decision
Statement from North Carolina Medical Society CEO Chip Baggett on Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe V. Wade:
Today the United States Supreme Court voted to eliminate the constitutional right to an abortion, overruling the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, leaving the question of abortion’s legality to the states. The North Carolina Medical Society position remains that an abortion is a personal health and medical decision to be made by a qualified doctor and patient.
The NCMS full position on abortion is available by clicking here:
Take the Pledge! NCMS, AMA Join Forces to Fight Diabetes
Take a stand (for free)!
DiabetesFreeNC is a statewide initiate to help prevent Type 2 Diabetes. It lets physicians and care teams support their family, friends, and patients who have prediabetes with a free or low cost, evidence based National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Add your name to the growing list of North Carolina clinicians who are taking a stand against diabetes. Then tell your colleagues and friends. It costs you nothing to join this movement.
Learn more about the initiative and take the pledge by clicking here.
NCDHHS Introduces Hope4Healers Helpline for Health Care Professionals
The Hope4Healers Helpline is a new initiative in partnership with the North Carolina Psychological Foundation. It provides mental health and resilience supports for health care professionals, emergency medical specialists, child care professionals, educators, disaster and first responders, other staff who work in health care and educational settings, and their families throughout the state who are experiencing stress from being on the front lies of the state’s COVID-19 response.
Hope4Healers is also available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for people to reach out for support from a licensed mental health professional.
If you need help call 919-226-2002 today.