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  • Vietnam Reaches Medical Milestone With First Robotic Brain Surgery on Child with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

    Vietnam Reaches Medical Milestone With First Robotic Brain Surgery on Child with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

    The global medical robotics market is undergoing exponential growth. According to Frontiers, the sector was valued at approximately US$27.7 billion in 2023, with projections reaching US$127 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 16.5%.

    Adoption is most prominent in North America and Europe. In 2023, Europe alone had over 3,500 surgical robotic systems and performed more than 280,000 robotic surgeries, according to MarketGrowthReports.

    That future has now reached Southeast Asia. In July, 2025, Vinmec Central Park International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City performed Vietnam’s first robotic-guided brain surgery on a pediatric patient with drug-resistant epilepsy, signaling a breakthrough for the region’s neurosurgical capabilities.

    A Precision-Based Intervention in Pediatric Epilepsy

    The patient, B.Q.K., a 9-year-old boy from Hanoi, had suffered from epilepsy since 2021. Despite undergoing multiple treatment regimens across Vietnam and abroad, his condition remained refractory, sometimes experiencing dozens of seizures per day. For five years, his family had been searching for a definitive treatment.

    That breakthrough came in 2025. On June 17, 2025, under the leadership of Dr. Truong Van Tri, with support from Japanese epilepsy specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shunsuke Nakae, the surgical team successfully applied stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) using the AutoGuide™ robotic guidance system. This marks the first-ever use of robotic SEEG for a pediatric patient in Vietnam.

    Vinmec made the life-changing breakthrough possible for the young boy.

    The AutoGuide™ robot enabled precise electrode implantation into high-risk brain areas. These included the orbitofrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus—regions dense with blood vessels and neural pathways. Using 3.0 Tesla MRI and multi-channel EEG, doctors visualized brain activity, mapped the seizure focus, and performed a minimally invasive resection.

    “For the first time, we achieved a near-perfect outcome in pediatric epilepsy surgery thanks to AutoGuide™. This is a critical milestone, especially for young patients who are highly vulnerable to major brain surgery,”said Dr. Tri.

    The patient reported no neurological deficits post-surgery and has since resumed normal activities. His seizure frequency decreased by over 95%, reflecting both the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

    Technology-Driven Medical Excellence

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30% of epilepsy patients are drug-resistant, with surgery often being their best option. Yet in children, localizing the seizure-causing brain zone is especially difficult, as conventional EEG, PET, or MRI frequently yield inconclusive results.

    Robotic SEEG addresses these limitations by offering real-time, sub-millimeter accuracy, reduced invasiveness, and faster recovery times. With this breakthrough, Vinmec Central Park becomes one of the few hospitals in Asia capable of performing robotic pediatric SEEG. Recognized as Vietnam’s leading private hospital system for international patients, the robotic epilepsy surgery also reflects Vinmec’s broader strategy of developing centers of excellence.

    Vietnam’s neurological care is progressing, bringing national standards closer to global benchmarks.

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  • Kidney Stone Treatment | National Kidney Foundation

    Kidney Stone Treatment | National Kidney Foundation

    Patients may experience some blood in their urine and discomfort as stone fragments pass.

    Multiple sessions may be needed to clear your kidney stone(s) completely, and follow-up imaging is usually performed to make sure your kidney stones have been broken up enough and passed.

    Most people can usually resume daily activities within one to two days. Drinking plenty of water helps pass the stone fragments, and oral pain medication can relieve any discomfort.

    Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

    Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PER-kyoo-TAY-nee-us nef-roh-lith-OT-oh-mee ) (PCNL) is minimally invasive surgery where your doctor will remove a kidney stone through a small incision in your back. Your surgeon will use a nephroscope (a miniature fiberoptic camera) and other small instruments threaded through the incision to either remove the kidney stone or use sound waves to break up the stone. 

    This surgery is typically used to remove very large kidney stones, irregularly shaped kidney stones or for people who cannot have an ureteroscopy or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

    Will I be hospitalized?

    Yes. A PCNL requires general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes 2-4 hours. You will need a short (2 or 3 day)  stay at the hospital. You may be off work for a week or so.

    What are the risks?

    The risks of PNCL include infection, bleeding, kidney damage, blood clots and other complications. Operations like a PCNL in the abdomen or belly carry a small risk of injury to other nearby organs, such as the bowel, the ureter, the liver or the bladder.

    What follow-up is needed?

    You will probably stay in the hospital 1-3 days after the PCNL so your doctor can monitor your healing and recovery. Follow up imaging will probably be done to make sure all of your kidney stones have been removed.

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  • Scientific Consensus on a Healthy Diet 

    Scientific Consensus on a Healthy Diet 

    The leading risk factor for death in the United States is the American diet.

    About a decade ago, the American Heart Association (AHA) expressed concern that its “2020 target of improving cardiovascular health by 20% by 2020 will not be reached if current trends continue.” By 2006, most people were already not smoking and had nearly achieved their goal for exercise. But when it came to healthy diet score, only about 1 percent got a 4 or 5 out of its diet quality score of 0 to 5, as you can see below and at 0:35 in my video, Friday Favorites: The Scientific Consensus on a Healthy Diet. And that’s with such “ideal” criteria as drinking less than four and a half cups of soda a week.

    In the last decade, the AHA saw a bump in the prevalence of the ideal healthy diet score to about 1 percent of Americans reaching those kinds of basic criteria, but, given its “aggressive” goal of reaching a “20% target” by 2020, it hoped to turn that 1 percent into about 1.2 percent. (Really, as you can see here and at 1:01 in my video.)

    So, how’d we do? According to the 2019 update, it seems we’ve slipped down to as low as one in a thousand, and American teens scored a big fat zero. No wonder, perhaps, that “for all mortality-based metrics, the US rank declined…to 27th or 28th among 34 OECD [industrialized] countries. Citizens living in countries with a substantially lower gross domestic product and health expenditure per capita…have lower mortality rates than those in the United States.” Slovenia, for example, beat the United States, ranking 24th in life expectancy. More recently, the United States’s life expectancy slipped further, down to 43rd in the world, although the United States spent the most ($3.0 trillion) on health care…”

    What is the leading risk factor for death in the United States? As seen below and at 2:04 in my video, it is the standard American diet. Those trillions in health care spending aren’t addressing the root cause of disease, disability, and death. 

    Here are some of the lung cancer death curves, below and at 2:08 in my video:

    It took decades to finally turn the corner, but it’s so nice to finally see those drops. When will we see the same with diet?

    “Approximately 80% of chronic disease and premature death could be prevented by not smoking, being physically active, and adhering to a healthful dietary pattern.” What exactly is meant by “healthy diet”? “Unfortunately, media messages surrounding nutrition are often inconsistent, confusing, and do not enable the public to make positive changes in health behaviors….Certainly, there is pressure within today’s competitive journalism market for sensationalism. There may even be a disincentive to present the facts in the context of the total body of information consumers need to act on dietary recommendations.” And there’s an incentive to sell more magazines and newspapers. The paper I’m quoting was written in 1997, before the lure of clickbait headlines. In fact, about three-quarters of a century ago, it was noted: “It is unfortunate that the subject of nutrition seems to have a special appeal to the credulous, the social zealot and, in the commercial field, the unscrupulous….The combination is one calculated to strike despair in the hearts of the sober, objective scientist.”

    Indeed, the most important health care problem we face may be “our poor lifestyle choices based on misinformation.” It is like the climate change deniers: “Analogous to outspoken cynics denying climate change and influencing public opinion, healthy lifestyle and dietary advice are overshadowed by critics, diet books, the food industry, and misguided information in the media.” Maybe we need an entity like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)—but for nutrition.

    These days, “no single expert, regardless of academic stature or reputation, has the prominence to overcome the obstacles created by confusing media messages and deliver the fundamental principles of healthy living effectively to the public.”

    What if there were “a global coalition consisting of a variety of nutrition experts, who collectively represent the views held by the majority of scientists, physicians, and health practitioners” that could “serve as the guiding resource of sound nutrition information for improved health and prevention of disease”?

    Enter the True Health Initiative, which “was conceived for that very purpose.” A nonprofit coalition of hundreds of experts from dozens of countries has agreed to a consensus statement on the fundamentals of healthy living. See www.truehealthinitiative.org.

    Spoiler alert: The healthiest diet is one generally comprised mostly of minimally processed plants.



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  • New Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatment Boosts Fertility Preservation Without Sacrificing Survival

    New Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatment Boosts Fertility Preservation Without Sacrificing Survival

    Young adults diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma may no longer have to choose between survival and future parenthood. A major international study, published in The Lancet Oncology, shows that a new chemotherapy regimen, BrECADD, significantly improves fertility outcomes compared to the long-used eBEACOPP protocol — without compromising recovery rates. Led by researchers from University Hospital Cologne and the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG), the findings are poised to shift standard treatment guidelines for younger patients hoping to have children after cancer.

    The results were published in The Lancet Oncology under the title “Fertility in patients with advanced-stage classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated with BrECADD versus eBEACOPP: a secondary analysis of the multicentre, randomised, parallel, open-label, phase 3 HD21 Trial.”

    A Fertility-Friendly Option for Young Cancer Patients

    Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, is one of the most common cancers affecting adolescents and young adults. While current therapies are effective in achieving remission, they often come at a high cost: permanent infertility, particularly for male patients.

    The HD21 trial compared two treatments: the standard eBEACOPP regimen and the newer, experimental BrECADD protocol. Among more than 1,500 participants across nine countries, those treated with BrECADD showed significantly better hormonal recovery three years after treatment.

    Specifically, 95% of women and 86% of men in the BrECADD group had regained normal hormone levels—compared to just 73% of women and 40% of men in the eBEACOPP group. The study also recorded higher numbers of pregnancies and births among those who received BrECADD.

    “For young adults with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, BrECADD offers a better chance at building a family after beating cancer—without compromising survival,” said Dr. Justin Ferdinandus, Study Physician with the GHSG and first author of the study. “It’s a win-win.”

    A New Standard of Care

    BrECADD is already being adopted as the new standard first-line treatment at University Hospital Cologne and has been integrated into the current Onkopedia guideline for treating Hodgkin’s lymphoma in patients who desire fertility preservation.

    “The HD21 study is fundamentally changing clinical practice,” said Dr. Karolin Behringer, Study Physician and senior author of the paper. “Our data clearly support BrECADD as the preferred option for younger patients—especially those who want children in the future.”

    The study tracked hormone recovery through blood serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a key marker of fertility in both men and women. Researchers also collected data on actual pregnancies and live births, providing real-world evidence of BrECADD’s long-term benefits beyond the lab.

    Backed by Global Collaboration

    The HD21 trial was a randomized, phase III clinical study involving 233 medical centers in nine countries, encompassing patients up to age 60. The study was supported by Takeda Oncology and represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to evaluate fertility outcomes after cancer treatment.

    “This marks a pivotal moment in oncology and survivorship care,” said Dr. Ferdinandus. “We’re not just saving lives—we’re helping patients live the kind of life they dreamed about before cancer.”

    What This Means for Patients

    The findings are particularly meaningful for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, who often face difficult decisions about fertility preservation at the time of diagnosis. With BrECADD, fewer may need to resort to invasive or costly fertility preservation procedures before starting treatment.

    For men especially, the study indicates a substantial increase in the likelihood of fathering biological children post-treatment—an area where eBEACOPP was notably limited.

    The researchers hope these findings will encourage oncologists worldwide to consider BrECADD as a frontline option for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in fertility-conscious patients.

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  • Unlock the Secret to a Smooth, Supple Complexion: How to Exfoliate like a Pro

    Unlock the Secret to a Smooth, Supple Complexion: How to Exfoliate like a Pro

    Introduction to Exfoliation

    Exfoliating is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and when done correctly, it can leave your skin feeling smooth, supple, and looking radiant. However, with so many different methods and products available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we will delve into the world of exfoliation, exploring the different types, techniques, and products available, as well as providing expert tips on how to exfoliate like a pro.

    Understanding the Importance of Exfoliation

    Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and prevent clogged pores and acne. It also allows for better penetration of skincare products, making them more effective. There are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves using a physical agent, such as a scrub or brush, to remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliation uses alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together.

    Choosing the Right Exfoliant

    With so many different exfoliants available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. When selecting an exfoliant, consider your skin type and concerns. If you have sensitive skin, look for a gentle, fragrance-free exfoliant that won’t irritate your skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizing exfoliant that will help to hydrate and nourish your skin. For oily skin, look for an exfoliant that contains salicylic acid, which will help to control oil production and reduce the appearance of pores.

    Physical Exfoliation Methods

    Physical exfoliation methods include using a scrub, brush, or sponge to remove dead skin cells. These methods can be effective, but they can also be harsh on the skin if not used correctly. When using a physical exfoliant, be sure to massage it onto your skin in circular motions, avoiding sensitive areas such as the skin around your eyes and mouth. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

    Chemical Exfoliation Methods

    Chemical exfoliation methods involve using AHAs or BHAs to dissolve dead skin cells. These methods can be more effective than physical exfoliation, as they penetrate deeper into the skin and can provide longer-lasting results. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are all popular chemical exfoliants that can be found in a variety of skincare products. When using a chemical exfoliant, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and start with a low concentration to avoid irritating your skin.

    The Benefits of Exfoliating

    Exfoliating provides numerous benefits for the skin, including improved skin texture, reduced appearance of pores, and prevention of clogged pores and acne. It also allows for better penetration of skincare products, making them more effective. Regular exfoliation can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother, more radiant appearance.

    Tips for Exfoliating Like a Pro

    To exfoliate like a pro, follow these tips:

    • Exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and concerns.

    • Use a gentle exfoliant that won’t irritate your skin.

    • Massage the exfoliant onto your skin in circular motions, avoiding sensitive areas.

    • Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

    • Follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish your skin.

    • Be consistent and patient, as exfoliation is a process that takes time to show results.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    When exfoliating, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include:

    • Over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation and dryness.

    • Using too harsh of an exfoliant, which can cause micro-tearing and damage to the skin.

    • Not following up with a moisturizer, which can leave the skin feeling dry and tight.

    • Exfoliating too frequently, which can lead to irritation and sensitivity.

    Conclusion

    Exfoliating is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and when done correctly, it can leave your skin feeling smooth, supple, and looking radiant. By understanding the different types of exfoliation, choosing the right exfoliant, and following expert tips, you can unlock the secret to a smooth, supple complexion. Remember to be consistent and patient, as exfoliation is a process that takes time to show results. With regular exfoliation and a little practice, you can achieve the glowing, healthy-looking skin you’ve always wanted.

    FAQs

    Q: How often should I exfoliate?
    A: The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and concerns. Generally, exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended.
    Q: What type of exfoliant is best for my skin type?
    A: If you have sensitive skin, look for a gentle, fragrance-free exfoliant. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizing exfoliant. For oily skin, look for an exfoliant that contains salicylic acid.
    Q: Can I exfoliate every day?
    A: No, exfoliating every day can lead to irritation and dryness. It’s recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and concerns.
    Q: How long does it take to see results from exfoliating?
    A: The results from exfoliating can be seen after a few weeks of consistent use. However, it’s important to be patient and remember that exfoliation is a process that takes time to show results.
    Q: Can I use a physical and chemical exfoliant together?
    A: Yes, you can use a physical and chemical exfoliant together, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully and start with a low concentration to avoid irritating your skin.
    Q: What are the benefits of exfoliating?
    A: The benefits of exfoliating include improved skin texture, reduced appearance of pores, and prevention of clogged pores and acne. It also allows for better penetration of skincare products, making them more effective.
    Q: Can exfoliating help with acne?
    A: Yes, exfoliating can help with acne by removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. However, it’s important to use a gentle exfoliant and follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish the skin.
    Q: Can exfoliating help with fine lines and wrinkles?
    A: Yes, regular exfoliation can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother, more radiant appearance.

  • Should you take pills or use patches for pain relief?

    Should you take pills or use patches for pain relief?

    A man sits at a desk with a laptop computer on it, and holds his neck as if in pain.

    We all want effective pain remedies, and pills and patches are common options. Both are available with prescription or nonprescription active ingredients. But which is best to relieve discomfort: a pill or a patch?

    How they work

    Pain pills and pain patches deliver medication in different ways.

    When you take a pain pill, its active ingredients are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, broken down in the liver, and sent to the bloodstream for quick distribution throughout the body.

    Patches are placed on the skin (see “Common pain patches”). The active ingredients work locally, and they are absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly and to a lesser degree than the active ingredients in pain pills.

    Common pain patches

    You’re probably familiar with common pain pills such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil). But do you know your options for pain relief patches? Here are some common types.

    • Menthol, 4% lidocaine, or capsaicin patches, sold over the counter, are typically used for muscle soreness or mild joint pain.
    • 5% lidocaine patches are available by prescription for localized pain, such as minor injuries or long-lasting nerve pain from shingles.

    Differing downsides

    Pain pills and patches have their own sets of potential problems.

    For example, pain pills

    • might be hard to swallow for some people
    • might not be absorbed well, due to digestive health or diet issues
    • might interact with another drug being processed in the liver, causing dangerously high or low levels of either drug
    • might cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, ulcers, or stomach bleeding, depending on the drug.

    In contrast, pain patches

    • are slower to start working, which isn’t ideal for sudden or immediate (acute) pain
    • might cause skin irritation at the site where you apply it
    • might not be available with the active ingredient you need.

    Benefits

    Pain pills and patches have their own distinct benefits.

    For example, because pain patches work slowly, they provide a steady stream of medication over an extended period. That can be helpful for chronic pain or long-term recovery from an injury.

    “Patches are also convenient for people with swallowing difficulties or those who have a hard time remembering to take pills. And because patches are absorbed through the skin, you avoid the gastrointestinal side effects and potential interactions,” says Dr. Sanjeet Narang, a pain medicine specialist and director of the Arnold-Warfield Pain Center at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

    In contrast, pain pills work quickly. That’s important if you need rapid relief of your pain, like a sudden pounding headache or a backache from doing too much yardwork. For rapid relief, an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is the best approach. Following surgery or for various chronic pain conditions, over-the-counter pills might not be enough: prescription pills such as gabapentin (Neurontin) or even opioids such as oxycodone (OxyContin) may be required.

    Which one is right for you?

    Dr. Narang says that pills are typically preferred for acute pain requiring rapid relief, but both pills and patches work for chronic pain. “The ones we prescribe or recommend depend on your needs. And in some cases, we’ll advise patients to use a combination approach of both patches and pills,” he says. Creams or ointments you rub on your skin are another option, which we will discuss at length in a future article.

    Another important consideration is medication risk. For example, regular, long-term use of NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and cause ulcers or stomach bleeding. Even short-term use of NSAIDs slightly increases the risks for heart attack and stroke. And opioids can be addicting and even life-threatening if you take too many.

    So, talk to your doctor before trying something new, even if it’s just an over-the-counter pain pill or patch you see in the drugstore; it might have a risk you don’t know about.

    And if you ever experience sudden, extreme pain — such as the sudden onset of the worst headache of your life, or sudden chest or abdominal pain — don’t diagnose yourself. Call 911 or your doctor.


    Image: © PeopleImages/Getty Images

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  • Poll Suggests Republicans Do The Unthinkable to Keep House Majority Through Midterms

    Poll Suggests Republicans Do The Unthinkable to Keep House Majority Through Midterms

    A new poll suggests that Republicans key to keeping the House majority may lie in embracing an Obama-era policy, as voters worry about healthcare coverage, according to a new poll.

    Originally passed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, individuals who purchase health insurance themselves are eligible for healthcare premium tax credits. However, that credit is set to expire this year.

    According to a new poll by Fabrizio Ward, if Republicans were to extend that tax credit, it could help them better compete with Democrats, who are currently leading by three points over the typical Republican, and by seven points with motivated voters.

    Though the tax credit was initially passed during the Obama administration and amended under the Biden administration with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the tax credit has bipartisan support.

    When asked about creating tax credits to help make it more affordable for families to buy health insurance, 79% of all participants supported the idea. Voters of President Donald Trump supported the proposal by 68%, while swing voters and those who voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris supported it by 78% and 91% respectively.

    A Republican who supports extending the tax credit could sway voters in their favor, extending their lead over Democrats six points on a generic ballot, and four points for motivated voters, according to the poll. But if Republicans allow the credit to expire, they face falling behind Democrats by 15 points.

    The poll also found that the majority of voters want Americans to have healthcare coverage. When the poll added that potentially 5 million Americans could lose coverage if the tax credit expires, 73% of all participants said Congress should extend the tax credit, with 56% of Trump voters and 69% of swing voters agreeing with the sentiment.

    Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which passed Congress earlier this month, includes steep cuts to Medicaid. In the next decade, the Congressional Budget Office estimates up to 11.8 million Americans could lose coverage, CBS News reported.

    The cuts were met with intense backlash from Democrats and even caution from some Republicans. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, healthcare coverage is expected to be a major talking point among candidates and constituents.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • Cleaning Products, Air Fresheners, and Lung Function 

    Cleaning Products, Air Fresheners, and Lung Function 

    There is a reason the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prohibits not only smoking but also scented or fragranced products in its buildings.

    In a recent review entitled “Damaging Effects of Household Cleaning Products on the Lungs,” researchers noted: “Adverse respiratory effects of cleaning products were first observed in populations experiencing high levels of exposure at the workplace, such as cleaners and health-care workers, with a primary focus on asthma.” Occupational use of disinfectants has also been linked to a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, such as emphysema.

    As I discuss in my video Friday Favorites: The Effects of Cleaning Products and Air Fresheners on Lung Function, we now know that, in addition to workplace exposures, “exposure to household cleaning products has also emerged as a risk factor for respiratory disorders in childhood,” as well potentially being “an important risk factor for adult asthma.” Common household cleaning spray use accounts for as many as one in seven adult asthma cases. The thought is that inhaling chemical irritants may cause injury to the airways, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. What can we do about it?

    Well, it may be limited to sprays. Researchers found that cleaning products that were not sprayed were not associated with asthma. It’s also possible that environmentally friendly cleaning products “may represent a safer alternative,” though they may still present some risk.

    Ideally, safer cleaning products should be available. Unfortunately, the research suggesting harm has “seldom been heeded by manufacturers, vendors, and commercial cleaning companies.” I wonder how much of that is because “most of the workers exposed to cleaning products are women”—both occupationally and, perhaps, domestically.

    One of the problems may be the fragrance chemicals. One in three Americans surveyed “reported health problems, such as migraine headaches and respiratory difficulties, when exposed to fragranced products.” And, for about half of them, the problems were so bad they actually lost work over it, either “workdays or a job due to fragranced product exposure in the workplace.”

    “Results from this study reveal that over one-third of Americans suffer adverse health effects, such as respiratory difficulties and migraine headaches, from exposure to fragranced products. Of those individuals, half reported that the effects can be disabling. Yet over 99% of Americans are exposed to fragranced products at least once a week, from their own or others’ use.”

    The effect on asthmatics may be even worse, affecting closer to two-thirds of Americans. One compound that may be of particular concern is called 1,4-dichlorobenzene, also known as para-dichlorobenzene, which is found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl deodorants, and mothballs. It breaks down in the body into a compound called 2,5-dichlorophenol, which we pee out, giving researchers a reliable measure of our dichlorobenzene exposure. Not only may it make respiratory problems worse for those already suffering from compromised airways, but exposure to dichlorobenzene “at [blood] levels found in the U.S. general population, may result in reduced pulmonary [lung] function” in people who start out with normal breathing. What’s worse, higher exposures “were associated with greater prevalence of CVD [cardiovascular disease] and all cancers combined,” another reason to avoid it. We’d better read labels, right?

    Surprisingly, “no law in the US requires the disclosure of all ingredients in fragranced consumer products.” In fact, for laundry supplies, cleaning products, and air fresheners, manufacturers “do not need to list the presence of a ‘fragrance’ on either the label or MSDS,” the material safety data sheet. We won’t know until we smell it.

    I support the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ban. Not only is “the use of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, or other tobacco products)…prohibited at all times,” but “scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC.” I wish rideshare services like Uber and Lyft would have a similar policy. I’d even be happy with just a fragrance-free option. About one in five of more than a thousand Americans surveyed said they “would enter a business but then leave as quickly as possible if they smelled air fresheners or some fragranced product,” so it’s in the best interest of businesses, too. “Over 50% of the population would prefer that workplaces, health care facilities and professionals, hotels, and airplanes were fragrance-free.”



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  • A Safe Solution for Menopausal Symptoms

    A Safe Solution for Menopausal Symptoms

    Millions of women in the US remain untreated for debilitating menopausal symptoms, according to a recent report from the AARP Public Policy Institute. While over 2 million women enter menopause annually, an estimated 8 to 10 million women experience severe symptoms for seven years or more due to the loss of estrogen, affecting their quality of life.

    Yet confusion and misinformation about menopause treatments still persist, preventing access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As a result, the AARP findings suggest that only a small percentage of women who could benefit from effective menopause treatments are receiving them.

    This report mirrors dozens of others documenting women’s increased mortality rates due to the hormone conundrum.

    A 2013 study indicated that “over 50,000 women may have lost their lives due to inaccessibility of the estrogen replacement their bodies needed.” Additional studies from 2013 to 2024 have also documented the mortality toll of estrogen avoidance.

    Emphasizing a growing concern over these setbacks, the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) website states:

    “There is a pressing need to develop more effective treatment options to manage challenging menopausal symptoms and increase awareness about the health impacts associated with menopause including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes – among women, health care providers, and society at large.”

    The SWHR urges medical practitioners, employers, and policy leaders to:

    • “review the state of the science regarding menopause and the effects of estrogen depletion on women’s health,”
    • “raise awareness and improve the quality of life for women undergoing menopause,” and
    • “promote science-based health care policies around menopause to improve patient outcomes.”

    One visionary industry leader is already answering that clarion call and trailblazing the way forward.

    CarolAnn Tutera, CEO and president of Tutera® Medical/SottoPelle®, addressed these issues over 30 years ago when she and her late husband, Gino Tutera, MD, began treating patients for menopause using natural bioidentical hormone pellet therapy. Backed by 85 years of scientific research, their groundbreaking developments and innovative dosing method paved the way for pellet practices globally.

    As the first woman who launched an entire industry bringing this therapy to the forefront, CarolAnn is the reason it is practiced today. “Hormones serve as the control panel for every organ and function of the body and brain,” she said. “Subcutaneous bioidentical pellets are the safest and most effective form of HRT available.”

    The SottoPelle Method® uses plant-based bioidentical hormone pellets that match the molecular structure of human hormones. Gently slipped under the skin, pellets provide 24-7 delivery for optimal effectiveness and typically last four to six months.

    CarolAnn notes that the medical industry often fails to distinguish synthetic pharmaceutical hormones from the natural bioidentical kind. And therein lies the cause of the hormone debacle.

    “This misunderstanding poses a deterrent to safe approaches,” she said. “Many providers are convinced that all estrogen is dangerous because they’re only aware of pharmacological forms that can trigger harmful side effects.”

    Always ahead of her time, CarolAnn remains a trailblazer in the role hormones serve in brain and mental health. Her company has been using pellet therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases since 2013. Since estrogen regulates cognitive function, she correlates it with the spike of Alzheimer’s and dementia in menopausal women. She is now collaborating with other researchers on studies showing the impact of pellet therapy on brain function.

    Identifying safe, effective treatments can eliminate barriers preventing women from accessing care that may help prevent major disease. CarolAnn continues her passionate commitment to make pellet therapy available to women and men so everyone can stay healthy and age gracefully.

    For more information, visit Sottopelletherapy.com.

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