Tips to Fight the Aging Process

 

Little Aches and Pains

Whether it’s an old injury that keeps flaring up or the start of arthritis, you’re more likely to feel a few aches more often as you age. Regular movement can ease pain and make your joints more flexible. Try low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and tai-chi. Heating pads or ice packs can help, too. If those don’t give you enough relief, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medicines, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Wrinkles

These show up as your skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic. But some things can make them worse, like smoking and ultraviolet rays from the sun or a tanning bed. To ease these signs of aging, protect your skin from the sun, and if you smoke, quit. Some skin products, like moisturizers or prescription retinoids, might make wrinkles less noticeable. But you’ll need to give them time to work -- most need 6 weeks to 3 months to show results. A dermatologist can help you know what would work best for you.

Dry Skin

Sun protection and quitting smoking will help this problem, too. So will watching how much alcohol you drink -- it can dehydrate you. It’s a good idea to keep showers or baths to less than 10 minutes and to use warm water instead of hot. Then put a heavy, oil-based moisturizer all over your body right away.

Loss of Muscle

Many people lose strength and endurance as they get older, but the reason isn’t really about the aging process. Many people just stop working key muscles. The phrase “use it or lose it” applies here, so see if you can start weight training to build up your strength. Regular exercise, like walking, gardening, or swimming, can help, too. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day -- you can split it into two 15-minute sessions if that works better for you.

Sleep Changes

Your need for shut-eye doesn’t change as you age, but your ability to get it can. Older people tend to have a harder time falling asleep, have shorter stretches of deep sleep, and wake up more often in the middle of the night. Coffee and alcohol can cause those issues, so cutting back on those can help. And it’s important to keep health conditions that can affect your sleep, like high blood pressure or GERD, under control. Talk with your doctor if you often have trouble sleeping.

Memory Glitches

They might feel alarming, but they’re part of the normal aging process. Your brain changes as you get older, which can affect how well you remember things. You may need to lean on a few tricks, like keeping lists, following a routine, and putting items in a set place. But some habits also help you keep your memory sharp. For example, being around friends and family often has been shown to boost your brain power. Regular exercise and eating healthy foods are key, too.

Weight Gain

As you get older, you don’t burn calories like you used to. But you can counter that slower metabolism by being more active and watching what and how much you eat. Make fruits, vegetables, and leaner protein key parts of your diet. Also, limit sugar and foods that are high in saturated fat. And keep an eye on portion sizes.

Changes in Your Sex Life

Erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and other conditions that become more likely with age can make sex a challenge. Talk with your partner about how you’re feeling and if you want to try different ways to be intimate. Over-the-counter products like vaginal lubricants can help some issues. You can also ask your doctor if there are medications you should try. But keeping yourself healthy overall will help, too. Exercise boosts blood flow and sex hormones, and it helps you feel good about yourself.

Peeing More Often

Your bladder and pelvic muscles get weaker with age. Other health problems, like an enlarged prostate, can make the issue worse. Strengthen the area with Kegel exercises -- squeeze your muscles as if you’re trying to hold in urine -- 10 to 15 times,   three times a day. Your diet makes a difference, too. Get plenty of fiber, and limit sugary, carbonated drinks and caffeine. If you’re having trouble with holding urine, leaking, a sudden, urgent need to pee, or pain when you go, see your doctor.

Being in a Rut

It’s easy to get bored if you fall into a predictable routine, especially if it doesn’t change much for years. To shake things up and keep your mind engaged, try breaking out of your daily schedule. Take some time to do something you like or learn a new skill. If you’re retired, you might think about getting a part-time job or some temporary work. It can boost your mental health and your bottom line at the same time.

Feeling Lonely

Whether your kids move out or you retire from your job, you may spend more time around fewer people as you age. To avoid feeling isolated, make it part of your daily routine to talk with friends, family, and neighbors. Volunteer for a charity or a faith-based group. Simply writing a letter can give your social life a boost. A pet can be good for companionship, too -- a daily dog walk is good exercise and a chance to meet people.

Stay on Top of Your Health

Most older adults have at least one health problem, like heart disease or diabetes. If you do, it’s important to go for regular checkups, keep your prescriptions filled, and follow all your doctor’s instructions. Checkups are key even if you don’t have a health condition so you can spot any issues early and get tips for staying healthy.

The Truth about Testerone

 

If your sex drive isn't what it used to be, you probably have low testosterone.

It's normal to have a lower sex drive and fewer spontaneous erections as you age. But little or no libido can be a sign that you have low testosterone. Research suggests that almost 40% of men ages 45 and older seen in a doctor’s office may have low testosterone.

Because the symptoms of low testosterone can be vague and because men don't always mention their symptoms to their doctors, the actual number of men with low testosterone levels may be higher.

Low testosterone is a normal part of aging.

A decline in testosterone levels is normal with aging. Low testosterone levels are levels that are considerably lower than what's normal for your age. That's not a normal part of aging. It can affect your quality of life and health. And it can be remedied.

Which can be a sign of low testosterone?

Low testosterone can alter some typical masculine features in men. Painful breasts or breast enlargement may suggest low testosterone in men. Other signs are losing body hair and having to shave less frequently. Also, your testicles may be smaller when testosterone is low, and it may be difficult to get or keep an erection. Hot flashes are most often seen in men who have very low testosterone.

Low testosterone can cause frail bones.

Testosterone doesn't just relate to sex. It helps build bone, and low testosterone can lead to frail bones and osteoporosis. Testosterone may also help keep muscles strong. It helps produce red blood cells, boosts mood, and aids thinking. Low testosterone may cause anemia, depression, and trouble concentrating.

How can you tell if your testosterone is lower than normal?

Many men with low testosterone don't have symptoms. Only a blood test can tell what your testosterone levels are. The Endocrine Society considers 300 to 1,200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) normal and less than 300 low. Doctors usually use a blood test and a number of symptoms to make a diagnosis and determine whether treatment is needed.

Low testosterone can make you go bald.

From puberty, when a boy starts to get a beard and pubic hair, testosterone affects hair growth in men. But it doesn't affect growth on all parts of the body the same way. Low testosterone can cause you to lose body or facial hair, but it doesn't cause male pattern baldness. Genetics have more to do with that.

Increasing testosterone cures erectile dysfunction.

Low testosterone can be a cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) -- the inability to get or keep an erection -- and testosterone therapy may help treat it. But in some cases, testosterone treatment does not improve ED symptoms because there are other causes. For example, diseases of the nerves and blood vessels can also affect the penis and cause ED. If you have ED, talk to your doctor.

Symptoms of low testosterone usually show up in a man's early 40s.

Beginning in a man's 40s, his testosterone levels start to fall about 1% a year.  This is a normal decline that occurs as men age. Men whose testosterone levels are below normal may or may not have symptoms of low testosterone. When they do, your doctor may recommend treatment with testosterone therapy.

If you are obese you have a greater risk of having a low testosterone level.

Obesity does increase your risk of having a lower testosterone level. If your blood tests show  a low testosterone level and you have symptoms, your doctor will likely do more testing before prescribing any treatments.

There is no medical treatment available to raise your testosterone.

Testosterone replacement therapy has been used since the 1940s. Injections, usually given every few weeks, are one of the oldest ways to increase testosterone. Gels are used widely in the U.S. They are applied daily to the shoulder, abdomen, or upper arm. The general goal of treatment is to raise the blood testosterone level only into the mid-normal range -- about 400-700 ng/dL. Other methods include patches, oral adhesive tablets and TESTOPEL (testosterone pellets), which is a pellet that is injected subcutaneously and can last 3-6 months.

Taking "bodybuilder" steroids increases your testosterone.

Anabolic steroids, often used by athletes and weightlifters, mimic the body's natural testosterone in bulking up muscles. But using them can actually lower testosterone. Excess anabolic steroids may also increase aggression in men, cause severe acne or trembling, shrink testicles and sperm count, and cause baldness.

Which medication may increase your testosterone? 

Finasertide, used to treat male pattern baldness, can increase testosterone blood levels. Other drugs can lower testosterone. These include corticosteroids such as prednisone, used for inflammatory conditions, and long-acting narcotics, like oxycodone and morphine. Drugs used to treat advanced prostate cancer can also lower testosterone levels.

Taking testosterone can make sleep apnea worse.

Testosterone replacement therapy may make some medical conditions worse, such as sleep apnea, which causes pauses in breathing during sleep. It is not recommended for men with severe sleep apnea, severe benign prostatic hypertrophy, or lower urinary tract infections. Other illnesses that don't mix with testosterone therapy include prostate cancer, male breast cancer, and congestive heart failure that is uncontrolled or poorly controlled.

Alcoholism can lower testosterone.

Alcohol is directly toxic to the testicles, where testosterone is produced, and it seems to affect the release of other hormones related to men's sexual function and fertility. Shrunken testicles are a common sign of low testosterone in alcoholic men with liver disease, as well as lower libido and sexual potency. Enlarged breasts are common in heavy drinkers because alcohol may help convert testosterone into the female hormone estrogen.

Which does testosterone replacement improve?

Testosterone therapy does more than give your libido a lift. Studies show that it may improve thinking and energy and that it does improve mood. It may also increase muscle strength and mass, as well as help treat osteoporosis. It may even make you more alert, but it won't help you play the piano.

Most men with low testosterone don't get treatment.

Up to 9 out of 10 men who have symptoms of low testosterone may not get treatment. They may attribute their symptoms to other conditions or think they're a normal part of aging. If you have symptoms and believe they are having an impact on your quality of life and well-being, talk to your doctor.

Surprising Things that Raise Your Blood Pressure

 

The Bigger Picture

You've probably heard to watch the amount of salt you eat, especially if you're concerned about your blood pressure. That's because it makes your body hold on to water, putting extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. Salt -- and worry, and anger -- aren't the only things that can raise your blood pressure. Although temporary "spikes" aren't necessarily a problem, numbers that remain high over time can cause serious damage.

Added Sugar

It may be even more important than salt in raising your blood pressure, especially in a processed form like high-fructose corn syrup. People with more added sugars in their diet see a significant rise in both their upper and lower numbers. Just one 24-ounce soft drink causes an average 15-point bump in systolic pressure (the top number, or the pressure during a heartbeat) and 9 in diastolic (the bottom number, or the pressure between beats).

Loneliness

This isn't just about the number of friends you have -- it's about feeling connected. And being stressed or depressed doesn't fully explain the effect. It also gets worse with time: Over 4 years, the upper blood pressure of the loneliest people in a study went up more than 14 points. The researchers think an ongoing fear of rejection and disappointment and feeling more alert about your safety and security may change how your body works.

Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea have higher odds of getting high blood pressure and other heart problems. When your breathing is repeatedly interrupted while you're sleeping, your nervous system releases chemicals that raise your blood pressure. Plus, you're getting less oxygen, which could damage blood vessel walls and make it harder for your body to regulate your blood pressure down the road.

Not Enough Potassium

Your kidneys need a balance of sodium and potassium to keep the right amount of fluid in your blood. So even if you're eating a low-salt diet, you could still have higher blood pressure if you're not also eating enough fruits, veggies, beans, low-fat dairy, or fish. While you may think of bananas as the go-to source, broccoli, water chestnuts, spinach, and other leafy greens are better to get potassium if you're watching your weight.

Pain

Sudden, or acute, pain ramps up your nervous system and raises your blood pressure. You can see this effect when you put one hand in ice water, press on your cheek or fingernail, or get an electric shock to your finger.

Herbal Supplements

Do you take ginkgo, ginseng, guarana, ephedra, bitter orange, or St. John's wort? These and others can raise your blood pressure or change how medications work, including drugs to control high blood pressure.

Thyroid Problems

When this gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, your heart rate slows, and your arteries get less stretchy. Low hormone levels also might raise your LDL "bad" cholesterol, another thing that can stiffen arteries. Blood moves through hard vessels faster, pushing on the walls and raising the pressure. Though not as common, too much thyroid hormone can make your heart beat harder and faster, which will also bump up your numbers.

You Have to Pee

Systolic pressure went up an average of about 4 points, and diastolic, 3 points, in a study of middle-aged women who hadn't gone to the bathroom for at least 3 hours. Men and women of different ages saw similar effects. High blood pressure becomes more likely as you age, so you need to get accurate readings. An empty bladder could be one way to help do that.

NSAIDs

All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can raise your numbers -- whether you're healthy or you already have high blood pressure. Though the average rise is only a few points, there's a wide range, which means it could affect some people much more than others.

Your Doctor's Office

You might see a difference if you compare readings during an appointment to the numbers you get at home. Named for the traditional garb of medical professionals, the "white coat effect" is the rise in blood pressure -- up to 10 points higher for systolic (the upper number) and 5 for diastolic (the lower number) -- that can happen simply because of where you are. The bump is likely due to nerves or anxiety.

Decongestants

Ingredients like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can narrow your blood vessels. That means the same amount of blood has to squeeze through a smaller space, like a crowd pushing through a hallway. These drugs can also make blood pressure medications less effective. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose over-the-counter products for sinus problems and colds that are safer if you have high blood pressure.

Dehydration

When your body’s cells don't have enough water, your blood vessels tighten up. This happens because your brain sends a signal to your pituitary gland to release a chemical that shrinks them. And your kidneys make less pee, to hang on to the fluid you do have, which also triggers tiny blood vessels in your heart and brain to squeeze more.

Hormonal Birth Control

Pills, injections, and other birth control devices use hormones that narrow blood vessels, so it's possible your blood pressure will go up. It's more likely to be a problem for women who are older than 35, overweight, or smokers. You may want to keep an eye on your blood pressure, checking every 6-12 months. A lower dose of estrogen may keep your numbers closer to normal.

Talking

It happens whether you're young or old and no matter where you are. The higher your resting blood pressure, the higher the numbers go when you start speaking. And the effect lasts for a few minutes. It seems the subject and emotional content of what you're saying matters more than the fact that you're moving your mouth.

Antidepressants

Medicines that target brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin -- including venlafaxine (Effexor), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) -- can change not only your mood but also your blood pressure. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might raise it if you're also taking lithium or other drugs that affect serotonin.

Reasons You're Not Losing Belly Fat

 

You're Into the Wrong Foods

Unhealthy eating is the biggest driver of big bellies. Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados.

Even a moderate cutback on carbs (grains, pasta, sugars) can help, too.

You're Just Too Into Food

That under-skin belly fat (called subcutaneous) and the fat under your abdominal muscles and around vital organs (called visceral) need to go. Visceral fat makes cardiovascular disease and diabetes more likely. It can also lead to high blood pressure and more. Eating too much is at least partly to blame for that flab. Limiting your portions can keep visceral fat down.

You're Smoking

We all know the dangers of smoking. Add this to the list: One study showed that it leads to more abdominal and visceral fat. So if you needed one more reason to quit, you have one.

You're Stressed

When the stress hormone cortisol goes through your body, fat takes residence in your belly. Talk to your doctor about how to handle your stress. Exercise can help ease it. Meditate. Do yoga. Put together a good support system. Talk to a mental health professional if you need it.

You're Not Exercising Enough

Nobody said shedding belly fat was going to be easy. If your gut is stretching the tape measure too much -- for men, that's more than 40 inches around the waist, and women, more than 35 -- you need moderate physical activity (like walking) for at least 150 minutes a week, or vigorous (running) for 75, and strength training at least twice a week. Check with your doctor first before starting any exercise program.

You're Doing the Wrong Exercises

Those sit-ups aren’t enough. You also need weight training to build muscle. More muscle means more calorie burning.

That said, if you can only do one exercise, choose aerobic exercise (like walking or running). It works best for burning fat. Make it a habit, and slowly ratchet up the intensity to get the results you’re after.

You Like Beer

It's not just beer and the carbs in beer that make that beer belly pop. All alcohol has calories. If you take in too many calories -- especially if you're not exercising and eating well -- you're going to pack on the pounds. If you drink, remember to do it in moderation.

Sports and Energy Drinks Fill Your Fridge

Sports drinks can have a lot of sugar. That brings calories. If you drink too many of these, you're setting yourself up for weight gain that might end up around your beltline. Cut back on sugary, high-calorie drinks. That means energy drinks and non-diet sodas, too.

You're Not Drinking Enough Water

Studies show that drinking more water can help you lose weight. Choosing H2O instead of sweetened drinks means fewer calories. That can help you trim that belly fat. It’s also the only beverage that can hydrate without adding sugars or other compounds.

Genetics

Yes, your family tree affects your chances of obesity. It also has a say in where you store fat. Still, there is hope. Striking the right balance between how many calories you take in (your diet) and how many you burn (through exercise) can help keep you from gaining weight, despite your genes.

You're Not Sleeping Well

Those nighttime raids on the fridge are diet killers. Not only that, if you're not sleeping, you're jump-starting stress hormones. Those encourage your body to keep fat.

Learn good sleep-time habits, like:

• Put down the phone.

• Turn off the laptop.

• Go to bed at the same time each night.

• Avoid alcohol before bed.

• Get your exercise.

You're Obsessed With the Scale

Here's some good news: You might be losing that belly fat and not even realize it. If you're eating well and exercising right, remember that how your clothes fit -- measured by your waist size -- is more important than what the scale says. If that waistband is less snug, you may have replaced some belly fat with muscle.

Protein from Plants a Recipe for Longevity

 

By Dennis Thompson

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, July 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Swapping out tofu for your morning eggs or using beans instead of ground beef in your chili could help you live longer, a new study reports.

Getting your daily protein from plants instead of animals appears to reduce your overall risk of early death, researchers found.

Every 3% of a person's daily energy intake coming from plant protein instead of animal protein reduced a person's risk of premature death by 10%, the results showed.

The results were particularly strong when people swapped plant protein for eggs (24% lower risk in men and 21% lower risk in women) or red meat (13% lower risk in men, 15% in women).

Taking red meat out of your diet can be beneficial, but only if you swap for a healthy substitute, said lead researcher Jiaqi Huang, a postdoctoral fellow at the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

"For example, replacement of 3% energy from egg protein or red meat protein with plant protein such as whole grains or cereals resulted in a protective association for overall mortality," Huang said. "On the other hand, replacement of 3% energy from egg protein or red meat protein with other foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages may or may not result in a reduction in mortality."

For this study, Huang's team analyzed dietary data from more than 237,000 men and 179,000 women gathered between 1995 and 2011 as part of a long-term study on eating patterns and health.

Protein made up about 15% of people's daily diet, with 40% coming from plants and 60% from animals, the researchers found.

During 16 years of follow-up, a pattern emerged where plant protein intake appeared to reduce risk of early death. Every 10 grams of plant-for-animal protein swapping per 1,000 calories resulted in a 12% lower risk of death for men and 14% for women, the findings showed.

According to senior researcher Dr. Demetrius Albanes, a senior investigator with the cancer institute, "Our data provide evidence to support the favorable role for plant-based diets in the prevention of cardiovascular disease mortality, and that modifications in choices of protein sources may influence health outcomes and longevity."

There are many reasons why choosing plant protein over animal protein could help extend your life, the researchers and experts said.

Meat protein tends to come with higher levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and other nutrients that aren't very good for your health, said Connie Diekman, a food and nutrition consultant in St. Louis and a past president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"For example, one ounce of red meat mixed with whole wheat pasta and veggies would provide much less saturated fat than a 9-ounce steak," Diekman said.

On the other hand, plant proteins come with loads of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, said Kayla Jaeckel, a registered dietitian and diabetes care manager with Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

The researchers also added that there might be something specific about the amino acids formed from the breakdown of animal-based protein that could cause arteries to grow harder or inflammation to occur. Animal protein also could affect the health of people's gut bacteria.

One weakness of the study is that it relied on people's memories, as they were asked to remember what they'd eaten and fill out a questionnaire, Diekman said.

"This provides a glimpse at diet intake but doesn't show patterns, and patterns are key," Diekman said. "Combining an egg with brown rice and veggies provides a very different nutrient intake than eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy."

These findings also run counter to other recent studies that have shown eggs are healthier than folks believed for decades, Jaeckel said.

"I think eggs can be part of a healthy and balanced diet. I wouldn't want eggs to be painted in a negative light, because I feel like there's always been flip-flopping with them," Jaeckel added.

Diekman said, "My take on the study, and what I would tell clients, is that evidence continues to grow to support the importance of consuming more plant foods and less animal foods, while also boosting vegetable, whole grain and fruit intake. We can enjoy our favorite, heavy egg or meat dish but probably not every day, and preferably in balance with lots of plant foods."

source: https://www.webmd.com

People Under 20 Less Likely to Get Coronavirus

 

By Ralph Ellis

Young people don't contract the coronavirus nearly as often as older people, a new study says, and they don't show symptoms as often.

The study published Tuesday in Nature found that people under age 20 are half as likely to get COVID-19 as the rest of the population. Young people also don't show symptoms as often, especially compared to much older people. Only 21% of people aged 10-19 showed any symptoms of the coronavirus, compared to 69% of people over 70.

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine based computer simulations on information about coronavirus transmission from Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

The findings appear to back up observations of the CDC, which says in the U.S. adults get the coronavirus at a much higher rate than children and usually have more severe symptoms.

The study might help officials around the world decide to reopen schools.

The researchers simulated outbreaks of the flu and of COVID-19 and compared how school closures would affect transmission of the diseases. In the simulations as well as in real life, closing schools has helped curb the flu, the study says. But the simulations found that closing schools had a limited effect on curbing COVID-19. "For COVID-19, there was much less of an effect of school closures," said Rosaling Eggo, an infectious disease modeler who co-led the study, according to Reuters.

The median age of a population made a big difference in the expected number of cases. "There were more clinical cases per capita projected in cities with older populations and more sub-clinical projected in cities with younger populations," the study said.

Source: www. webmd.com

No Trick Halloween Must Be Different during COVID

 

By Curt Holman

Sept. 24, 2020 -- For many parents and their children, the best part of Halloween is dressing the kids up as monsters, princesses, or superheroes and trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Eloise Hardesty of Marietta, GA, is no exception.

“Eloise is 4½ and has been talking about this Halloween for about 11 months,” says her father, Chris Hardesty. “She’s been excited to dress as Elsa [from Disney’s Frozen] for nearly a year.”

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has complicated Eloise’s plans. The coronavirus outbreak has cost more than 200,000 lives in the United States in 2020, and communities around the country question the safety of Halloween activities like knocking on doors for candy.

How to Clean Your Halloween Pumpkin

Get your ordinary pumpkin ready to become a Halloween jack-o'-lantern with these quick, easy cleaning tips.

Hardesty says Eloise has adjusted some of her expectations. “Because so many things have been unusual since early spring, I think that she’ll accept changes to the way we do trick-or-treating. She knows that she’ll need to wear one of the masks she uses whenever she goes out.

“But I am hesitant for her to collect candy from the neighborhood,” Hardesty adds, saying that he and his wife have not yet made a plan for Oct. 31.

Halloween fans may be particularly disappointed to limit their activities this year, as Oct. 31 falls on a Saturday, during a full moon on the night that daylight saving time ends. Turning back clocks means that this Halloween night will be an extra hour longer.

Trick-or-treating may seem safer than some group activities that have been discouraged during the coronavirus outbreak. It generally involves masks, takes place outdoors, and can allow social distancing and touch-free interactions. But many medical experts suggest that it offers more risks than some parents may realize.

On Sept. 8, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health banned trick-or-treating, haunted houses, large parties, and other Halloween activities outright, pointing to the challenges of social distancing. The following day, the department modified the policy to make them “not recommended.”

On Sept. 21, the CDC updated its considerations for holiday celebrations during the pandemic. Intended to supplement local regulations, not replace them, the document designates activities as lower risk, moderate risk, or high risk, pointing out that, “Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses.”

Higher-risk activities identified by the CDC include “traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door,” as well as “trunk-or-treating,” in which “treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.”

Changing Their Plans

Hardesty already has concerns about the candy bowl. “I usually let kids pick out what they want from a big bowl. I don't want them rummaging around -- or even getting close to -- a common bowl this year because I see many kids playing around here and not wearing masks. In my mind, if someone isn't wearing a mask, they probably aren't following good hand-washing guidelines.”

The CDC considers modified forms of trick-or-treating to be “moderately” risky, such as taking part “in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard).”

Bita Nasseri, MD, of Beverly Hills, CA, advises parents to scale down their trick-or-treating plans. “It would be best to have a smaller group of parents and children travel through the neighborhood to trick-or-treat,” she says. “Creating small pods of families will limit exposure to multiple people and will help make trick-or-treating safer.”

Although COVID-19 is an airborne illness, Nasseri says surfaces and packages can still transmit the virus, especially during the cold and flu season. “There is always a risk of exposure to candy wraps that can host unwanted germs for up to 72 hours.”

Kelly Cawcutt, MD, of the University of Nebraska, acknowledges this risk as well. “I am more concerned about COVID-19 exposure and self-contamination risks during trick-or-treating, compared to transmission of virus strictly from the wrappers,” she says. “The reality is, if the wrapper is contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, you came in close contact with someone who has it. That contact is the highest risk.”

Cawcutt recommends precautions such as washing hands or using hand sanitizer before opening candy, and washing hands after opening the wrapper but before eating it. “For passing out candy, do not let children reach into the bowl.”

Some parents are already thinking of creative ways to distribute candy from a safe distance. “There are inventive candy slides and other options I have seen online to keep kids 6 feet away from others, but still able to get candy without contact,” Cawcutt says.

Nasseri proposes that parents carry their own candy and hand a piece to their children for every house they visit. That can ensure that no one outside a given household handles the treats.

In addition, the CDC says Halloween costume masks should not be used in place of cloth masks: for instance, a plastic Black Panther mask should not be considered as safe as a cloth mask. The only safe masks have two or more layers of breathable fabric that cover your mouth and nose, leaving no gaps around the face.

The CDC also cautions: “Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe.”

Cloth masks are particularly important, given that Halloween can often involve people yelling “Trick or treat!” or screaming at jump-scares in movies or haunted house attractions, which can increase the chance of getting the virus when unmasked. “Avoid singing, chanting, or shouting, especially when not wearing a mask and within 6 feet of others,” the CDC says.

Health officials also discourage visiting indoor haunted houses this year, but the CDC says it is moderately risky to go to an “open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised.”

Keeping a Distance

CDC and other experts suggest that families embrace “distant” activities. Ramp up your jack-o’-lantern carving and spooky outdoor decorations. Have virtual costume contests or encourage drive-by activities in your neighborhood.

Plan indoor or even backyard movie nights, tailoring choices by the age of your family members: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas for small children, the original Poltergeist for tweens and up, etc. You can even use apps like Discord, Twitch, and others so people in different homes can comment on the same movie at the same time.

Finally, as the weather gets colder, don’t let concerns over COVID-19 make you neglect your usual precautions for other seasonal illnesses. “October is well into the fall cold and flu season,” Nasseri says. “Not only do we not want the spread of COVID, we also don’t want the spread of the flu and cross-reactivity of signs and symptoms.”

Getting sick is no treat.

Source: https://www.webmd.com