The mumps cases in vaccinated individuals are mild. Therefore, most cases go unrecognized because few individuals have the classic chipmunk face or suffer complications like testicular swelling or brain inflammation that trigger diagnostic investigations.

Most people have never seen a case of measles, mumps or rubella nor have they seen the side effects of these viruses because our vaccination rates are high, writes Dr. Sally Robinson in her regular column.

Undergoing physical and mental stimulation that creates the stress response in the brain for a short period of time (minutes to hours) has been shown to improve physical, mental and emotional health. “Do hard things,” Dr. Samuel Mathis writes. “Do something that will challenge you.”

A recent study from the “Journal of Nutrition” showed that the addition of pecans can dramatically improve your cholesterol levels. Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel discuss the benefits in their Medical Discovery News column. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should eat that extra piece of pecan pie.

"COVID-19 orphanhood confronts us at a time nearing resource exhaustion across multiple systems,” said Dr. Michael Goodman of the University of Texas Medical Branch. “The consequences of orphanhood linger throughout the course of a lifetime, affecting the futures of families, communities and societies. We determine how long our communities will suffer the effects of COVID-19 by urgently determining the quality and force of our concern for orphaned young people.”

“We are going to have to live with COVID for a while, and I believe that people should be able to establish a new ‘normal’ and enjoy their lives,” said Dr. M. Kristen Peek, interim dean of the School of Public and Population Health at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. “The Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show is an important part of Houston that people go and enjoy — just do it safely.” After reviewing the rodeo’s eight-page document containing its COVID health protocols, Peek said the added precautions looked appropriate. She said she is looking forward to attending the rodeo with her family. “We will definitely be masked,” she said.

As of now, nearly all health authorities agree—it is too soon to determine when a fourth dose may be recommended to a broader proportion of the American public. Dr. Pei-Yong Shi, a molecular biology professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch currently leading clinical COVID-19 vaccine research, said more data will be needed to suggest a fourth dose for the entire general population. “We still don’t know the durability of the neutralization after the third dose,” Dr. Shi said. “Studies are ongoing to monitor the durability of the neutralization and real-world vaccine effectiveness in the clinics.” Men’s Health and Good Housekeeping also ran this article.

For as many health care leaders who may dwell in ivory towers, disconnected from their people, there are just as many who have been exemplary leaders before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “Indeed, I do know the most genuine servant leader of all time: Ben Raimer, MD, president of University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas,” wrote Cissy Yoes, director of health policy and legislative affairs for UTMB. “I have worked for and with Dr. Raimer for over 25 years through many leadership roles. He has never had ivory tower syndrome and has always been an involved, inspirational, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-help leader. He brings out the best in everyone. He does not seek the limelight. He is sincere, compassionate and one of the smartest people I know. An excellent doctor and astute businessman.”