Many younger and healthier individuals may have contracted the COVID-19 virus without even knowing it. In fact, it possible to become infected and infect others without appearing at all sick! This is mostly as a result of a strong immune system, which protects individuals from the most damaging effects of COVID-19. If any symptoms are recognized, or a positive test is conducted, isolation will help reduce the risk of further infections and aid us in quelling the spread of the disease.

After a major loss, such as the death of a spouse or child, many people that are directly affected can suffer detrimental effects on their physical or mental health, or both. In today’s episode, Dr. Power talks about some of the dangers of grief, and shares how those grieving can find the comfort and support they need. Tune in today!

Protecting yourself against the serious health issues that high blood pressure can cause is especially important with COVID-19, and today’s episode focuses on the link between blood pressure medication and susceptibility to the virus. Dr. Power explains that it’s not necessarily the medication, but the damage to the arteries in patients with high blood pressure that may make them more susceptible to contracting the virus. He also has some tips for maintaining healthy blood pressure, so tune in to find out more!

Several factors may affect the composition of the gut microbiome, including dietary fiber. In today’s episode, Dr. Power talks about this fiber, made up of the indigestible complex carbohydrate infrastructures of fruits and vegetables, and how the bacteria deep within our gut have adapted over time to consume it. In doing so, they produce metabolic byproducts that are beneficial for our body and brain, so make sure to eat your five a day! Tune in to find out more.

The popularly broadcast image of the COVID virus, does not accurately replicate what the actual virus cells look like. For one, viruses exist on a scale that is almost unimaginably small. So small that highly expensive, dedicated machines are used in order to capture images of the cells. The COVID-19 cells are actually characterized by a large, horn-like protrusion which enables penetration of our cells before replication can occur.

The effects of the COVID-19 virus can be exacerbated by other diseases and pre-existing medical issues in an individual. Damaged cells are less resilient and lead to more widespread infection in the body. While we wait for a vaccine to be developed, there have been certain cases in which off-the-shelf medication has provided some benefits to those at risk. Tune in to hear all about it!

Global data on COVID infections has shown that men are disproportionally at risk. In today’s show, Dr. Power explains that male androgens are to blame because they increase the activity of a cell wall membrane enzyme, thus allowing the virus to take hold more easily. This is confirmed by another fact we learn, that men on anti-androgen medication for cancer are less at risk!

This pandemic is disrupting our society and many are wondering when we will start finding effective drugs so that we can move on. Thankfully, synthetic cortisone that is decades old, cheap, and widely available called dexamethasone is working wonders. Other drugs are under test and will most likely come from the immune cells of survivors. Hard-working clinicians are trying everything they can so let’s not lose hope!

While most of us have heard that COVID attacks the respiratory system, systemic infections have also been known to upset the digestive system. In today’s show, we learn about some of the unusual cases of COVID, and the good sense in assuming that if you have a digestive upset, you could be infected.

The benefits of exercise on the brain are more and more commonly understood in today's world. But what does the research actually say on the subject? There is an ever-increasing amount of data that backs up these positions with the latest area of study utilizing brain scans. As we learn more and the information becomes more widespread, many people in the aging sectors of the population, will be able to benefit and live healthier and longer lives.