UVC light is a popular disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces. It has been used for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria (like tuberculosis) and various viruses. UVC lights are now sold as “germicidal lamps” against bacteria, viruses, and to some extent, molds. UVC light destroys the outer protein coating of the viruses, resulting in the deactivation, or inactivation, of the virus, like the SARS-Cov2 virus of COVID-19.
Precaution must be taken when using UVC lamps at home. UVC light must be used in a room with no person or pets because it could cause injuries to the skin and the eyes with prolonged exposure. It could also damage living plants. The remote control switch must be turned on after the door is closed.
The UVC light with ozone dissipates with a distinct odor and flows to nooks and corners not reached by the UVC light, to sterilize them. Ozone is irritating when inhaled. This could be used in basements and laundry rooms/storage rooms. Allow an hour or so for the ozone smell to disappear before entering these rooms.
A very effective way to destroy the COVID-19 virus and other airborne viruses (Flu viruses, included) and germs, even on surfaces, UVC light is now available as Far-UVC light (222 nm), developed by Professor David Brenner of Columbia University. Far-UVC light, unlike regular UVC light, is not dangerous to the skin, eyes, animals, and plants. This could conceivably be installed in hospitals, stores, theatres, and all public areas and mass transit, not to mention people’s homes. Far-UVC could soon make the world safer and healthier.
OSA and CPAP
Contrary to many ads on TV, which advertises nasal clips, oral gadgets, etc., the only truly effective device to manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure), following a sleep study. OSA increases the risk for heart attack, diabetes T2, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer because of the severe lack of oxygen in the person with sleep apnea who holds their breath for a prolonged period of time while asleep, sometimes dozens of times in a minute, 24/7, for years.
The CPAP keeps the airways open and delivers oxygen evenly, and continuously while the person is asleep, providing a healthy and restful sleep, and waking up refreshed and energized. Persons with untreated OSA have restless sleep, some are snorers and wake up feeling tired, with low energy the whole day, and some are groggy, with lack of concentration. These individuals need to see their physician for a sleep study, even if they don’t snore. CPAP does wonders and could save lives.
Pulse Oximeter
People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), who hold their breaths for prolonged periods of time while asleep and develop dangerous hypoxemia (low blood oxygen saturation being circulated to all vital organs) need an oximeter to determine how serious the condition is. All our vital organs need normal (optimal) blood oxygen levels to remain healthy. Other conditions like COPD among smokers and those with gastric reflux disease, those with pulmonary illnesses, heart ailment, or other medical issues, who are advised to monitor their oxygen saturation level (SpO2), could also benefit from an oximeter.
One such device I have personally tested myself with great satisfaction is the EMAY Sleep02 PRO Wrist Pulse Oximeter (with a rechargeable battery) I ordered on amazon.com. It has a 1 ½ inch-LCD display screen and is worn around the wrist like a watch, with a connected SpO2 “sensor” probe where a finger is inserted to continuously measure in real-time the oxygen saturation and pulse rate, and the data are saved in its built-in 20-hour recorder for analysis by the physician. A most valuable health tool with prompt customer support.
Misguided politicians
One of the reasons we have a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is the misinformation, ignorance or plain stupidity and misguidance by our government officials.
Remember Florida Governor Ron DeSantis berating the students with him on a stage for wearing masks, wanting to be politically correct, and boasting to the world that he, as Governor, had “controlled” COVID-19 so well (compared to other Governors) that masks were no longer needed. There were other similar unhealthy pronouncements by other leaders.
And now comes Florida’s Surgeon General Jope Ladapo, an outspoken skeptic of the COVID-19 vaccines, who did not order the vaccines for kids five and under because of his personal convoluted decision. And DeSantis obviously agreed.
These are not epidemiologists; they are arrogant, misinformed politicians making grossly erroneous medical decisions, putting the lives of children at stake. We have already lost more than a million lives to COVID in the United States. How many more do these people want to spare?
Remember the five radio talk show hosts who were anti-vaccines for COVID-19, who were vehemently against the vaccines, advising their audiences not to get vaccinated? They all got infected and died. Before they died, they announced their regrets and apologies and told people to get the vaccines. Without any doubt, they have “killed” countless lives around the U.S. because of their anti-vax marketing.
COVID-19 is a pandemic, a medical matter, not politics, and should be left to epidemiologists and other experts in medicine – not to politicians, whose only interest is to be politically correct not to lose votes, and to hold on to their offices. They will say anything to get votes, even to the ultimate detriment of their constituents.
In spite of 2 boosters
Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), who is fully vaccinated (with two boosters) has tested positive for COVID-19. He obviously was infected by a different strain not fully covered by his vaccines. Lesson: In spite of full vaccination, we must still be careful, with masks on and doing social distancing. Nothing to lose, except the virus.
As of Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 10:20 (CST), there were 545,202,217 COVID-19 cases and 6,342,280 deaths worldwide; 88,054,080 cases (100T+ new cases), with 1,038,385 deaths in the United States; and 3,697,200 cases (409 new cases) and 60,467 deaths in the Philippines. There is still an average of more than 100,000 cases of COVID-19, with 313 deaths in the U.S. in the past 14 days.
The pandemic is not over yet. Let us not fool and endanger ourselves and let our guard down, even if we already had the second booster. New strains are out there, and sadly, more new ones in the future because only 67 percent of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. More than 100 million Americans are unvaccinated and most likely carriers and spreaders of the COVID-19 virus.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: [email protected].
