Overcoming the isolation blues; what antibody tests are reliable?

Q: I'm lonely and blue after three months of isolation. What can I do to regain a more connected feeling? I'm 68, I live by myself and am not working. -- Karen G., New York City

A: You're not alone in feeling depressed and lonely. Around 35.7 million Americans live by themselves, and since the start of the pandemic, many have had no real social contact. Older folks may be most affected by isolation -- depending on their perceived RealAge! A new study of folks 58-72 found that COVID-related loneliness can trigger depression, anxiety and trauma symptoms, but only among those seniors who felt they were older than their chronological age. Folks who felt their RealAge was younger than their years had no psychiatric symptoms related to loneliness. So, it makes sense to take a look at how you might achieve a younger RealAge and tamp down feelings of depression and loneliness.

No. 1 Volunteer -- virtually, if necessary. Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that over the four years of the study, those who volunteered for at least two hours per week had a substantially reduced risk of developing physical limitations or dying. Volunteers also were more physically active and had an improved sense of well-being. So, contact local charities and community groups to see what you can do for them, then go to aarp.com and search for "volunteer online."

No. 2 Stress reduction techniques can help overcome the emotional impact of loneliness and create a younger RealAge. Try yoga, tai chi, mindful meditation and massage therapy. Go to sharecare.com for articles, instructions and videos.

No. 3 Physical activity promotes a younger RealAge and improves your mood. These days there are a lot of virtual bike rides (Google "Seagull Century"), runs and walks (check out Avera Marshall Race Against Breast Cancer, virtual Ride and Stride). Also, Google "free online exercise classes."

No. 4 Upgrade your diet. A younger RealAge requires the right fuel -- no red or processed meats or added sugars; seven to nine servings daily of fruits and veggies; only lean or plant-based protein; and drink water, coffee or tea.

 

Q: I think I had COVID-19 and want to get an antibody test. What ones are reliable? -- Maggie T., Portland, Oregon

A: Many folks who had COVID-like symptoms were never tested for the disease, and it's estimated that at least 25% of folks who get it are asymptomatic. That's why there is such a clamor to find out who has antibodies -- which may confer protection from the disease. Consumer Labs has tested a slew of antibody test kits and determined that the kits out there vary in their ability to identify folks with antibodies (a true positive rate) and to know who does NOT have antibodies (a true negative rate).

When they looked at the 15 tests that have government approval (do not ever use one that FDA.gov hasn't approved), they found they range from a 83.3% to 100% accuracy in identifying antibodies and from 94.4% to 100% accuracy in spotting people without antibodies. Consumer Labs says: "The best performing products are Abbott Alinity, Abbott Architect, Roche Elecsys, Siemens ADVIA Centaur, and Siemens ADVIA Allica. They each provide 100% ID of antibodies and, respectively, 99%, 99.6%, 99%, 99.8%, and 99.8% accuracy in saying that no antibodies are present. These tests are offered in many hospitals and commercial laboratories, including the two largest commercial labs in the U.S., Quest Diagnostics (uses Abbott Architect and another test) and LabCorp (uses Roche Elecsys)." Your doctor can order these specific tests.

 

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at

youdocsdaily(at sign)sharecare.com.

 

(c)2020 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

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