It seems like every field that’s backed by science is constantly evolving and changing. As a result, even if you’re reading the headlines regularly, it’s easy to miss a few things here and there. Perhaps nowhere is science moving more quickly than in the field of medicine. Medical research is uncovering staggering discoveries about the world and how to keep people healthier.
Some of these advancements are incredibly exciting and full of promise, so if you weren’t already aware of them, you’ll likely be amazed by the progress that’s being made in the medical world. With so much going on in the world, there are plenty of things you might have missed about the medical field. Here are four things in particular that you might not know about the field of medicine.
Nowadays, you can get your CPR certification online.
If you’ve ever worked with children, for a healthcare provider, or in a workplace that interfaces with the public, you’ve probably had to get certified in CPR and First Aid. Beyond your initial CPR or First Aid certification, however, it’s important to get these certifications renewed every few years in order to stay compliant. Nowadays, you can also get an AED certificate to show that in addition to having the knowledge to perform CPR, you’re also capable of helping resuscitate someone with the aid of an AED, or automated external defibrillator. All of this takes time, and, while important, can be a lot of hoops to jump through in addition to your normal workday. As such, the news that you can get your CPR certification online is a welcome relief for many.
More people are turning to CBD.
More and more people are looking for natural ways to help assist with alleviating feelings of discomfort or an overly active mind. While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, CBD certainly fits the bill when it comes to a natural substance to assist with some of these issues. Many people who are feeling burnt out even report that they have found all natural CBD infused Ayurvedic oil to assist with their feelings of unhappiness and occasional anxiousness. Scientists and the FDA are continuing to study CBD to learn more about how it can be a natural way to treat different conditions, so in the meantime, you’ll have to listen to anecdotal information about the ways different people can benefit from CBD. That being said, you should always talk to your doctor before introducing any new substance into your diet, especially if you’re currently taking other medications that may interact with CBD or other essential oils.
The tech behind COVID-19 vaccines has far-ranging applications.
While you’ve probably heard about the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for the coronavirus that has recently been deemed 95% effective, you may not have realized how helpful the technology behind these vaccines will be in other areas of medicine. For starters, both vaccines use messenger RNA from the viruses, something that can be replicated in other vaccine research and development. Using messenger RNA could also prove helpful in the quest to address other diseases, too, such as various cancers. As a result, Modern and Pfizer’s breakthroughs may prove to be just the beginning of some good news since COVID-19.
Heart attack damage can now be treated.
Another major recent medical breakthrough involves scar tissue on the heart from heart attacks. A drug known as navitoclax can actually kill “zombie cells” which develop on the heart following a heart attack. As a result of getting rid of these problematic cells which sometimes develop after a heart attack, the heart is able to function much better on its own. Beyond improving the function of the heart, navitoclax may also help patients recover faster after they’ve faced a heart attack.