On cannabis and heart disease

SAN FRANCISCO – Officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) called on Consul General Neil Ferrer and discussed ways to strengthen economic ties between the Philippines and the U.S., especially California.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano, Consul Vanessa BagoLlona, Consul Rowena PangilinanDaquipil, Trade Commissioner in Silicon Valley Celynne Layug and Tourism Director Soleil Tropicales and PCCI board members Alegria Limjoco, past chairman of PCCI and president of the Philippine Franchising Association; Eunina Mangio, president of New York-based holding company ServCare International and owner of a chain of restaurants in the Philippines; Socorro Bautista, CEO of Blooming Ventures; and Rebecca Bucad, CEO of pharmaceutical company K2 Drug Group, Inc., Don Orozco of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara and Robinson Mangaoang, who manages an accredited Covid Testing Center for California and vice president of Global Maharlika Foundation, Inc., also joined the meeting.

During the meeting, Consul General Ferrer noted opportunities for cooperation between PCCI and the Consulate and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, including through trade promotion activities, such as the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan speaker series and Merkado Kultura, which is a pop-up market held at the

Philippine Center in San Francisco involving Filipino American SMEs that sell Philippine textiles, some food products, and other lifestyle items.

“The Consulate is looking forward to working with the PCCI to support Philippine businesses and promote Philippine products in the Bay Area and across our consular jurisdiction,” said ConGen Ferrer. Both parties also discussed various topics including trade and investment opportunities both in the Philippines and the U.S., such as franchising opportunities. They discussed initiatives to promote Philippine products, especially those that are helping create jobs among marginalized sectors, such as indigenous peoples of the Philippines.

Trade Commissioner Layug also underscored the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders, such as entrepreneurs in the Philippines, Filipino American entrepreneurs, and Filipino producers and artisans who create sustainably sourced goods.

For more information contact: PTIC Silicon Valley at siliconvalley@ dti.gov.ph or economic@ pcgsanfrancisco.org. (PCGSF Release)

ABOUT 18 percent of Americans (48.4 million) have used cannabis, which contains 540 chemical substances, at least once in 2019. The name cannabis describes all products derived from the plant cannabis sativa. The name marijuana refers to parts or products from cannabis sativa that contains large amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

There are about 3.43 million recreational users in the United States. In 2020, the most prevalent users were those 50 and older and among those 18-25. The highest pot users per year are New York (U.S.), followed by Karachi (Pakistan), New Delhi (India), and Los Angeles (U.S). In 2023, the estimated retail sales of cannabis in the United States is projected at $38.8 billion. About 30 percent of the users have marijuana use disorder. Recent studies revealed that cannabis use was associated with a 34 percent higher risk for coronary heart disease, an entity that causes heart attacks, compared to people who do not use cannabis/marijuana. The use of marijuana/cannabis products causes vascular inflammation that increases the risk for blockages in the heart arteries (main cause of heart attacks), independent of alcohol or cigarette use.

This two-part research from Stanford University in California was presented at the American College of Cardiology/World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) on March 4-6, 2023.

Cannabis products/marijuana are not benign and harmless. They have side effects that affect the brain, the heart, and other organs. They could also cause interaction with other medications. They are addictive, too.

While medical marijuana has a place in medicine, recreational marijuana is only adding more problems in a society that is already complicated. There are so many ways for people to enjoy life with family and friends, without the need for more drugs. The responsibility and moral culpability belong to the legislators in various states which have legalized recreational marijuana in the excuse of collecting more taxes.

Metformin and COVID

The latest analysis of the phase 3 COVID-OUT trial showed that the anti-diabetic drug metformin (other brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza) showed “a significant dose-related effect in lowering SARS-CoV2 viral load” in COVID-19 infection, within days of administration of metformin. This is the latest addition to the multitude of benefits from the drug metformin, including possible improved longevity among those taking them.

As posted by Medscape Medical News, the analysis revealed “important secondary outcomes including a 42% reduction in emergency room visits and in hospitalizations and/ or deaths by day 14, and a 58% reduction in hospitalizations/ death by day 28. A further sub analysis has shown a 42% reduction in long COVID compared with placebo… In this phase 3 randomized controlled trial, metformin showed prevention of severe COVID, prevention of Long COVID, and an antiviral effect, and this is consistent with other data.”

In the U.S., possibly on a global basis too, metformin as a monotherapy drug is used by 52 percent of those with diabetes T2, ranking second to insulin. There were more than 92 million prescriptions for metformin in 2020 in the U.S. In the Philippines, approximately 73.8 percent of diabetics are on metformin. There are about 10 million Filipinos who have diabetes T2, about 8.4 percent of the population; 14.2 percent of the population have pre-diabetes. China has around 172 million people with diabetes T2, among its 1.439 billion population. Metformin is also widely used in China, although some still prefer herbal medications.

COVID-19 updates: As March 6, 2023, the daily average COVID-19 cases was 33,156, with 521 deaths (per day) and 25,693 currently hospitalized, according to a U.S. COVID-19 daily tracker. Let us all be vigilant and careful, especially those vulnerable.

UPFs, colorectal cancer

A clinical investigation, among various other past studies, suggests that consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have long-term adverse effects on health, and more specifically increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Other studies also implicated UPFs and over-charred or burnt meats on high-temperature grilling as elevating the risk for pancreatic cancer.

Bad diet is arguably the greatest risk in colorectal cancer, with 54 percent of cases linked to diet and lifestyle, which are both modifiable risk factors. Alcohol, obesity, and diets high in red meats, especially processed ones (sausages, hot dogs, salamis, pepperonis, hams, etc.) are associated with elevated risk for cancer in general and colorectal malignancies in general. The Mediterranean diet, basically plant-based, high in fibers, wholegrains, nuts, vegetables (broccoli, celery, etc.), fruits, minimal red meat and carbohydrates, is associated with lower health risks and is generally healthier. A moderate amount of salad (kale, arugula, spinach, lettuces, other green leafy veggies, onions, spices, and olive oil/vinaigrette dressing) as a starter (instead of high calorie appetizers) is healthier, conducive to lesser illnesses and improved longevity. Diabetic cure?

A significant number of diabetics is due to increased insulin resistance, a condition that prevents natural insulin our body produces from entering the body cells to help in healthy sugar metabolism. Insulin is needed by our cells to metabolize glucose (sugar) to provide us fuel (energy). The popular drug, for instance, is one that reduces insulin resistance, enabling our own body insulin to enter the cells to do their job in maintaining a healthy level of blood sugar in our blood. While there is no known drug or therapy to cure diabetes for good, disciplined diet control and exercise as well as losing significant body weight have been shown to result in good blood sugar level, even after stopping insulin among those who were taking insulin before the significant weight loss regimen. Severe control of excess weight or obesity, through dieting, appears to be the “magic” therapy that is money-saving, body-shape improving, drug-eliminating, health-inducing, and longevityincreasing modern option for those with diabetes Type2. This recent clinical discovery is, indeed, most inspiring, proving that discipline and a great resolve are true wonders in our hands for most life matters, including disease prevention or control.

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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.

* * * 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 NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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