In June I informed readers that a novel treatment for cholesterol was "on the horizon".  Since then both medications mentioned are now available for the proper indications.  I stated the following in June's article:

 

 

Bottom Line:  2% of hospitalized pneumonia patients died. Bacterial isolates were confirmed in only 11% and 1/2 of these were from pneumococcus (this is what we vaccinate for with Pneumovax and Prevnar vaccines). 1/4 of patients required the intensive care unit for care. The clinical diagnosis increased in incidence with each passing decade and is 3 times as likely in the 80 yeas plus group. 

Perhaps the biggest advance diagnostically for pneumonia is our rapid viral testing now available in hospitals.  This report is confirming that when we can identify an infectious cause that viruses are what are most commonly identified.  Despite this information 62% of clinical cases remain culture or pathogen negative as to the specific cause. Clinically antibiotics against bacteria are prescribed and as reported 98% of admitted patients survive. I am working on getting viral testing for acute respiratory illnesses available at the office. I feel this would be an incredibly helpful tool to have. 

Bottom Line:  It appears having 6-7 friends along with support from spouses and relatives keeps us alive longer. Participants reporting social contact with 6 or 7 friends on a weekly basis had a 24% lower mortality risk than did those in contact with 0 or 1 friend.

This was interesting and unexpected information for me to find. Besides having more friends if you have spouse or relative who interacted with you regularly your survival was benefited similarly (but not quite as much as having 6-7 friends).  If you don't have 6-7 close friends science suggests for your health you better start finding them!