Health Latest Updates on Diseases, Nutrition, and Healthcare

Meet the teens who lost weight with drugs like Ozempic

3Apr

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Meet the teens who lost weight with drugs like Ozempic

Demi, a 16-year-old from Michigan, found herself in a challenging situation. Despite being an active participant in high school sports, her weight refused to budge. The continuous bullying and struggle with body image led her down a path of depression. Desperate for a solution, she turned to a new ally - weight-loss drugs. "I'd look in the mirror and cry,” Demi confessed. "I truly hated my body." In March 2023, Demi discovered a potential solution to her weight problems - a diabetes medication called semaglutide. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for young individuals aged 12 and above, semaglutide is an active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. These drugs, traditionally used for Type 2 diabetes, have shown promising results in weight loss. However, it's importan...

Study says Chocolate may help weight loss, prevent Alzheimer’s

2Apr

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Study says Chocolate may help weight loss, prevent Alzheimer’s

Research indicates that chocolate might assist in weight loss and Alzheimer's prevention, thanks to a chemical compound known as theobromine, according to a study. Theobromine, a natural compound found in cocoa beans, is the star player in chocolate's health benefits. This compound is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and shows potential in protecting the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. Theobromine's health benefits extend beyond brain protection. It also shows potential in improving memory, enhancing cognitive function, and countering the effects of high cholesterol levels on cognition. "Theobromine has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, the ability to prevent neuronal damage, and enhancements in motor memory and cognitive regulatory functions" - Study authors It may ...

Ophthalmologists provide complex eye care, When to see and what to expect

1Apr

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Ophthalmologists provide complex eye care, When to see and what to expect

Our eyes not only allow us to perceive the world around us but can also provide indicators of our overall health. Certain conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, can often be detected through an eye examination. Furthermore, diseases like glaucoma can remain asymptomatic in the initial stages, making regular eye exams essential for early detection and treatment. Ophthalmologists are medical specialists trained in both the medical and surgical management of eye diseases. Their extensive training includes four years of medical school followed by a four-year ophthalmology residency. They often work in tandem with optometrists and opticians as part of an eye care team. The world of eye care can be confusing, especially with the similar sounding titles of the professionals involved....

Researchers identify new way to disrupt Immune Cells that trigger Allergic Asthma

31Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Researchers identify new way to disrupt Immune Cells that trigger Allergic Asthma

A team of researchers at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms of allergic asthma and potentially discovered a new treatment approach. Allergic asthma is a subtype of asthma where the symptoms are triggered by exposure to allergens. The primary cells responsible for driving allergic asthma are Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). These immune cells, residing in the lungs, skin, and other tissues, become hyperactive in the presence of allergens, leading to proinflammatory signals that call additional immune cells into the lungs. This cascade of events results in excessive inflammation and a tightening of the airways, making it difficult for asthma patients to breathe. ILC2s are crucial driv...

Study says Alcohol increases the risk of Heart Disease in Women

30Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Study says Alcohol increases the risk of Heart Disease in Women

A research conducted by the American College of Cardiology recently indicated that women who consume more than eight alcoholic beverages a week have a higher risk of developing heart disease. The study was conducted at the Kaiser Permanente healthcare organization in Northern California. Data was collected from over 432,000 individuals aged between 18 and 65, all of whom had no previous history of heart disease or stroke. For the purpose of the study, a low intake level was defined as 1-2 drinks a week, a moderate intake as 3-14 drinks a week for men and 3-7 drinks a week for women, and a high intake level as 15 or more drinks a week for men and 8 or more drinks for women. During the four-year follow-up period, it was found that 3,108 individuals developed coronary heart disease. ...

New Study suggests Eggs may not be bad for your Heart

29Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

New Study suggests Eggs may not be bad for your Heart

A small-scale study unveiled that consuming 12 fortified eggs weekly did not increase cholesterol levels over a four-month period, compared to those who consumed less than two eggs per week. Despite the high cholesterol content of eggs, this study hints at the possibility that they might be a healthy addition to one's diet, even for individuals at risk of heart disease. The research, to be presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session, involved 140 participants aged 50 and above. These individuals either had cardiovascular disease or were at high risk of developing the same. The participants were randomly assigned to consume either 12 fortified eggs per week or less than two eggs per week, of any kind. Fortified eggs contain fewer saturated fats and addi...

Bird Flu Outbreak Detected Among Dairy Cattle in the U.S.

26Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Bird Flu Outbreak Detected Among Dairy Cattle in the U.S.

In recent weeks, dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas have been found to carry the bird flu virus. This was determined after US officials - from the Texas Animal Health Commission - confirmed that the detected virus is the Type A H5N1 strain. This strain has a long history of causing outbreaks in birds and occasionally infecting humans. The virus seems to be affecting older dairy cows in these states, as well as in New Mexico. The common symptoms among the infected livestock include decreased milk production and a lack of appetite. This is a clear indication of illness, which led to the discovery of the bird flu outbreak. It is important to note that these symptoms are not typical in healthy dairy cows and are cause for concern. The bird flu outbreak comes a week after a similar incid...

Understanding the Link Between Sleep Disorders and Suicide Tendencies

24Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

Understanding the Link Between Sleep Disorders and Suicide Tendencies

We've all encountered the crankiness that comes with a restless night — yet a prolonged phase of poor sleep health could lead to far graver consequences than that. Some health experts caution that individuals who suffer from chronic sleep issues are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. Research indicates that 42% of Americans have expressed worries about their mental health, and 18% confess they've grappled with suicidal thoughts at some point this past year. Suicide is an intricate issue with several overlapping risk factors. There isn't a single cause of suicide — it is a convergence of health factors, along with other psychosocial and environmental variables that can amplify the probability of someone taking their own life. These can encompass social and environmental fact...

First Reported Incident of Measles in Lake County

23Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

First Reported Incident of Measles in Lake County

Measles, a contagious disease once believed to be largely eradicated, has made an alarming return in certain parts of the United States. Lake County, Illinois, has recently reported its first case of measles. The disease's reappearance has raised concerns among health officials and the public alike. On the afternoon of March 23, 2024, the Lake County Health Department confirmed the first case of measles in a local resident. The case is believed to be linked to the ongoing outbreak in Chicago, which has reported 17 cases this year. Since 2010, approximately 65 measles cases have been reported in Illinois. Two public locations were identified where the infected individual had spent time. These locations include Consume Restaurant in Lake Zurich and the emergency room at Advocat...

The First Successful Pig Kidney Transplant in a Human Recipient

23Mar

By Varun KumarNo Comments

Health

The First Successful Pig Kidney Transplant in a Human Recipient

In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, a pig kidney has been successfully transplanted into a human recipient for the first time. This landmark procedure signals an exciting new chapter in organ transplantation. The transplant procedure took place in a controlled laboratory setting, with a team of highly skilled medical professionals carefully monitoring the process. The recipient of the kidney was a brain-dead patient whose family consented to the experimental procedure. The patient, Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation who had been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, is recovering well and expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The organ used in this transplant was not an ordinary pig kidney. It was genetic...