Category: Diseases & Conditions

Making Brain-Health Supplements Work Day to Day

The role of nutritional supplementation in supporting brain health has gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly as global populations age and the burden of neurodegenerative concerns rises. While the commercial availability of “nootropic” and brain-health supplements has expanded rapidly, their clinical efficacy depends less on ingestion and more on integration into sustained, evidence-based health practices.

Understanding the Role of Brain-Health Supplements

Cognitive performance and neuroprotection rely on complex interactions between neurotransmitters, vascular health, and cellular resilience. Science-backed nootropic supplements for brain health are typically formulated to provide nutrients and bioactive compounds that support these processes.
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)

are essential for neuronal membrane fluidity and synaptic signaling. Meta-analyses suggest that omega-3 supplementation may improve memory, learning, and executive function and help fight age-related cognitive decline

B vitamins (e.g., folate, B6, B12) regulate homocysteine metabolism; elevated homocysteine is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia risk 3.
Adaptogens such as Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng may modulate stress response pathways via the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, with preliminary evidence of improved mental fatigue and resilience 4.
Amino acids such as L-theanine appear to influence alpha brainwave activity and GABA/glutamate neurotransmission, contributing to enhanced attention and reduced stress 5.

No supplement acts as a pharmacological “quick fix.” Their role is adjunctive, best positioned within multimodal interventions that include nutrition, physical activity, sleep regulation, and stress reduction.

Creating Consistency in Supplement Use

Clinical outcomes from supplementation are contingent upon regular intake over time, as nutrient effects accumulate systemically. Strategies to enhance adherence include:

Habit stacking, in which supplement administration is paired with an established daily behavior (e.g., morning hygiene or coffee preparation).
Behavioral prompts, such as phone alarms, digital reminders, or visible placement of supplements within daily environments.
Structured organization (e.g., pill organizers) to reduce cognitive load and ensure dose accuracy.

Just like any other healthy lifestyle practice, consistent supplement use brings the best potential benefits.

Synergistic Role of Lifestyle Factors

Supplements function optimally when biological systems are primed through foundational health practices:

Nutrition: Diets rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and unsaturated fatty acids—such as the Mediterranean diet—are associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease 7.
Hydration: Mild dehydration impairs attention, executive function, and short-term memory, with rehydration reversing deficits 8.
Sleep: Adequate sleep is critical for synaptic homeostasis, memory consolidation, and clearance of neurotoxic metabolites via the glymphatic system 9.
Exercise: Regular aerobic activity upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampus, and improves executive function 10.

Personalizing Supplementation Strategies

Supplement selection should align with the individual’s demographic, clinical background, and cognitive objectives:

Students and early-career professionals: supplementation may focus on attentional control and working memory.
High-stress populations: adaptogens and amino acids may mitigate stress-induced cognitive fatigue.
Older adults: neuroprotective compounds such as omega-3s, B vitamins, and polyphenols may support healthy aging.

The heterogeneity of formulations underscores the importance of aligning supplementation with individual risk factors and evidence-based outcomes rather than generalized claims.

Monitoring Efficacy and Adherence

Unlike pharmacological agents, supplement outcomes are often subtle and gradual. Clinicians and individuals may benefit from:

Journaling or ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of mood, energy, and cognitive performance.
Standardized cognitive assessments, where feasible, to detect changes in working memory, attention, or executive function.
Self-monitoring tools (e.g., digital health apps, wearables) that capture sleep, stress, and focus patterns.

Longitudinal self-reporting aids motivation while also generating real-world data on supplement efficacy.

Addressing Common Barriers

Supplement adherence disruptions commonly include travel, workload, or simple forgetfulness. Practical mitigation strategies involve portable pill containers, weekly dose batching, and prioritization of essential interventions during periods of high demand. Evidence from behavioral science indicates that environmental design—structuring cues and reducing barriers—improves long-term adherence 11.

Conclusion

Brain-health supplements may contribute to cognitive resilience, but their benefits are maximized only when integrated into a broader framework of healthy living. Sustained adherence, combined with nutrition, hydration, exercise, and sleep, provides the biological substrate for these compounds to act effectively.

Ultimately, supplement use should be considered not as a discrete intervention, but as one element in a multidimensional approach to cognitive health across the lifespan.

References

Yurko-Mauro K, Alexander DD, Van Elswyk ME. Docosahexaenoic acid and adult memory: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0120391. PubMed
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fact Sheet for Consumers. NIH ODS
Mayo Clinic. Alzheimer’s disease: Can vitamins and supplements help? Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea). Cleveland Clinic
Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, et al. Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2362. PubMed
Jimmy B, Jose J. Patient medication adherence: measures in daily practice. Oman Med J. 2011;26(3):155–159. PubMed
Valls-Pedret C, Sala-Vila A, Serra-Mir M, et al. Mediterranean diet and age-related cognitive decline: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(7):1094–1103. PMC
Masento NA, Golightly M, Field DT, Butler LT, van Reekum CM. Effects of hydration status on cognitive performance and mood. Br J Nutr. 2014;111(10):1841–1852. PMC
Xie L, Kang H, Xu Q, et al. Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain. Science. 2013;342(6156):373–377. NIH
Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, et al. Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2011;108(7):3017–3022. PMC
Michie S, van Stralen MM, West R. The behaviour change wheel: a new method for characterising and designing behaviour change interventions. Implement Sci. 2011;6:42. PubMed

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September 22, 2025

Dr. Robin Miller is On a Mission to Put Prevention Back into Individuals’ Hands

The last half-century has brought major leaps in medical technology. Sophisticated scans, cutting-edge tests, and an ever-expanding menu of supplements have transformed how illness is detected and treated. Yet, paradoxically, many argue that the ‘art’ of medicine, the attentive listening, the focus on whole-body wellness, has slipped into the shadows. For countless patients, technology now speaks louder than the human touch.

Dr. Robin H. Miller, an integrative medicine physician and author, believes that this imbalance has come at a cost. “Our medical system is broken,” she says. “It was flawed before the pandemic and only grew worse after COVID. Too many patients have fallen through the cracks.” Her conclusion is simple, but urgent: individuals must become their own partners in health. Doctors and hospitals are critical when crises strike, but prevention and daily wellness rest in each person’s hands.

It is this conviction that people themselves hold the power to stay well that drives Miller’s work today. And it is the reason she decided to do something unconventional: create a series of books that makes medicine accessible, relatable, and even enjoyable.

Miller’s path to this mission began in the halls of a hospital, where she trained in preventative cardiology. Helping families break cycles of heart disease inspired her, but a move to Oregon and the realities of standard practice soon tempered that optimism. Ten-minute appointments, rushed conversations, and quick fixes left her questioning whether she was truly helping people.

So she pivoted. Miller pursued an integrative medicine fellowship and launched Triune Integrative Medicine, a clinic centered on hour-long visits, deep listening, and wellness-focused care. The results spoke for themselves. “Most of the time, patients will tell you what’s wrong if you listen,” she explains. That philosophy not only improved outcomes but also rekindled her passion for medicine.

Her work extended beyond the clinic. As host of NBC5’s Focus on Health, she reached thousands each week. She also developed a course, The Scientific Guide to Health and Happiness. And even turned to writing, first traditional guides, and later a creative series.

Miller knew from experience that patients often tune out traditional medical advice. “Adults don’t always listen to their doctors. They listen to friends, family, or social media,” she says. To bridge that gap, she returned to a childhood classic: Dick and Jane.

Her new series, ‘A Healthy Journey with Dick and Jane,’ translates complex health concepts into simple, illustrated stories. Using humor, bite-sized explanations, and even AI-generated visuals, the books invite readers to explore topics like heart health, gut health, brain function, and more, without the intimidation of jargon or the pressure of clinical authority.

The series includes Mind Your Health, The Beat Goes On, Gut Instinct, Solid Ground, Skin Health, and Health 101: A Healthy Journey with Dick and Jane. The upcoming one will be on menopause, demystifying one of the most misunderstood stages of women’s health.

By weaving evidence-based advice into the familiar rhythms of Dick and Jane storytelling, Miller lowers the barrier to entry. “Health isn’t complicated,” she insists. “But you have to do it. You have to be motivated, and sometimes that means making it fun.”

The wellness industry is booming, but Miller sees danger in the noise. Every online search brings conflicting answers. Every company promises a miracle supplement or device. The overload leaves people confused, frustrated, and often paralyzed.

Miller’s counterpoint is clarity. Her books focus on timeless basics, moving your body, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, prioritizing sleep, reducing stress, and cultivating community. No fad diets. No magic pills. Just sustainable habits that empower individuals to prevent disease before it starts.

And importantly, her approach emphasizes individuality. “Everyone is unique. What works for one person may not work for another,” she says. “The goal is to give people options and help them discover their own path.”

For Miller, the book series is not the final word, but the beginning of a movement. It is a way of changing the mindset from dependency on a faltering system to personal agency in health. She sees it as a model for how society at large can approach not just medicine, but any area where institutional trust is eroding.

In a time when medicine often feels more mechanical than human, Miller’s message is refreshingly direct: “We already have the tools to heal, we just need to use them.”

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September 21, 2025
Photos Of Alison Hammond’s Dramatic Weight Loss: British TV Presenter Looks Unrecognisable

TV favourite Alison Hammond flaunted her shocking transformation after losing more than 13 stones in recent years.

The ‘This Morning’ star looked extra confident and cheerful on the set of The Great British Bake Off, wearing a plain white T-shirt, a colourful skirt, and a denim jacket that highlighted her slimmer figure.

Hammond, aged 50, weighed 28 stone at her heaviest. But after receiving a pre-diabetic diagnosis, the TV host decided to live a healthier lifestyle and managed to lose at least 13 stones.

How Did She Lose the Weight?

In a recent interview with Heat, Hammond gushed about how she managed to lower the scales.

‘I’ve got a personal trainer – she’s amazing, she trains me when I can train,’ she shared.

‘If I’m working, I don’t train, I’ll go for a walk. But when I’m at home, I’ll go and have a session with her in the morning, just an hour. It might be four days a week.’

For her diet, the host said that she starts her day with a ginger shot to boost her immune system before consuming a Full English breakfast, complete with eggs, sausages and bacon.

During the days when she is working, her usual lunch is Caribbean food like rice, chicken and peas. But if she is staying at home, she would bake herself some lasagne.

Lighter and Happier

A source also told the Daily Mirror that Hammond is ‘happier than ever.’ She also opted for natural weight loss and refused to undergo any drastic diet. Instead, she opted to work with a personal trainer and eat anything she likes ‘in moderation.’

She previously tried weight intervention methods to lose the extra pounds when she had a gastric band fitted back in 2007, but she had it removed three years later after her body opted against it.

According to the source, ‘She’s worked so hard since she first started in TV and work has always been her biggest priority after Aidan, but that’s changed now. She’s got a better balance. Her own needs and her love life are much more of a priority – and it shows.’

Her new positive outlook comes with the revelation about her relationship with her 28-year-old boyfriend, David Putman, who reportedly has her feeling ‘on top of the world.’

She also admitted in an interview with Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents Evening where she appeared with her son Aidan that he gives great relationship advice and is a major part of the success of her love life.

The fans also noticed both the physical and non-physical transformations from Hammond’s latest pictures.

One of her social media followers said, ‘Wow did not even recognise you Alison you look fantastic,’ whilst another said, ‘You look amazing and love watching you on TV, such a breath of fresh air.’

Another fan also commented on Hammond’s lighter disposition, saying: ‘Love her so much she always brings a smile to my face. She also looks so happy and healthy and stunning lately.’

Meanwhile, another one claimed that her new look is inspiring. ‘Such an inspirational weight loss journey. Hard work pays off, and you look incredible,’ the commenter said.

Check out Hammond’s amazing weight transformation.

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Alison Hammon weight loss journey
Facebook/Alison Hammond

Originally published on IBTimes UK

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September 20, 2025
US Vaccine Panel To Hold High-stakes Policy Meeting

A US panel stacked with figures sympathetic to the anti-vaccine movement will on Thursday take on federal immunization recommendations in a highly politicized meeting that could upend longstanding medical advice.

President Donald Trump’s top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., handpicked the voting members of the medical advisory group that is expected to consider whether to alter the standard childhood vaccine schedule — a move public health experts warn could have dire consequences.

The specific questions that will come to a vote during the two-day meeting in Atlanta aren’t public, but it’s expected discussion will include delaying childhood shots including against the highly contagious disease Hepatitis B.

The Covid-19 vaccine is also on the agenda, as well as the combination MMRV shot that covers measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella shot, which is offered as an alternative to separate MMR and chicken pox injections.

They’re expected to discuss the small increase in risk of febrile seizures that could result from the combined MMRV jab.

Earlier this year anti-vaccine advocate Kennedy fired all 17 members of the influential Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and replaced them with members whose vaccine skepticism tracks more closely with his own.

Their first meeting promoted anti-vax themes and raised questions about long-settled medical debates.

The revised committee and its agenda has many members of the medical, scientific and policy communities concerned that ideology rather than science will guide the future of public health in the United States.

“Vaccines have added decades of life to our life expectancy. They have helped Americans live healthier lives. There’s so much here that’s riding,” said epidemiologist Syra Madad.

She told AFP shifting the childhood vaccine schedule “is like pulling bricks out of the foundation of public health.”

“It risks collapse, and creates real consequences for every community in America.”

Experts including Madad say the votes could prompt unnecessary confusion and concern among parents.

Revised recommendations could also restrict federal funding of vaccines for low-income families, or shift requirements for private insurers.

Kennedy has spent decades promoting vaccine misinformation, including the widely debunked claim that the MMR shot causes autism.

He has also taken aim at the Hepatitis B shot. Since 2005 ACIP has recommended administering the first dose to most newborns within 24 hours of birth, to prevent any maternal transmission of the disease, which can cause severe liver damage.

But because Hepatitis B is also spread sexually and through needles, Kennedy and his allies have questioned why newborns need protection from it.

Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said that notion is “a play on people’s ignorance.”

“RFK doesn’t get rewarded when he prevents perinatal Hepatitis B, he gets rewarded when he panders to the anti-vax movement,” Adalja told AFP.

The committee is also expected to consider this season’s Covid-19 shot, including who should get it and who should pay for it.

The meeting comes one day after the ex-chief of the US disease prevention agency told senators she was fired for refusing to promise Kennedy she would approve ACIP recommendations to childhood vaccine schedules not backed by scientific evidence.

Her ouster triggered a series of high-profile resignations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Meanwhile some states are taking matters into their own hands.

Four Western states governed by Democrats on Wednesday delivered their own detailed guidance on seasonal shots, recommending most people get a Covid-19 and flu shot.

That missive mirrors the advice of national medical institutions.

Those efforts are “a great way to make sure that the access is still there,” said Madad, but “I am worried about the patchwork that it’s causing across the United States.”

“I’m just concerned and frustrated at the state of affairs that we’re in right now.”

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September 19, 2025
10 Best Daily Supplements for Reducing Stress and Boosting Energy in 2025

Let’s face it, life in 2025 is busy, exhausting, and sometimes stressful. Nearly 40% of UK adults report feeling highly stressed, according to recent surveys, leaving many searching for ways to stay energised without endless coffee. A handful of trending daily supplements can help. From calming adaptogens to energy-boosting vitamins, here are ten options worth exploring.

1. Ashwagandha: Calm Your Mind, Boost Your Energy

Ashwagandha is a very popular adaptogenic herb that regulates cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. Clinical trials show it can reduce cortisol by up to 28% over 60 days, improving sleep quality and daytime energy. Check it out at Medical News Today.

2. Magnesium: The Muscle and Mind Ally

Magnesium supports over 300 bodily processes, including nerve function and energy production. Around 75% of adults in the UK and US don’t get enough, which can leave you tired and irritable. Supplementation can ease muscle tension and promote a calmer state of mind.

3. B-Complex Vitamins: Fuel for Mood and Vitality

B12 and B6 are essential for energy metabolism and neurotransmitter production. Up to 15% of adults over 50 have low B12, which can make you feel foggy or stressed. A B-complex supplement supports energy, focus, and emotional resilience. Check availability at Vitaquest.

4. Rhodiola Rosea: The Stress-Busting Superstar

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen that enhances focus and combats fatigue. Clinical trials report a 20–25% improvement in fatigue scores among stressed adults taking it regularly. Professionals often rely on Rhodiola during periods of high workload. Explore products at BBC Good Food.

5. Vitamin D3 + K2: Shine Even in Winter

Around 40% of the UK population is vitamin D deficient, especially in darker months. Pairing D3 with K2 improves calcium absorption, supports bone health, and helps maintain energy and mood when sunlight is scarce.

6. L-Theanine: Chill Without Losing Focus

L-Theanine, an amino acid in green tea, promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Studies suggest it can lower stress scores by up to 30% while improving attention and focus. Ideal for busy professionals or students.

7. CoQ10: Power Your Cells

Coenzyme Q10 fuels the mitochondria in your cells, your natural energy factories. Levels drop by around 50% by age 40, leaving many feeling sluggish. Supplementing can restore vitality and protect against oxidative stress.

8. Ginseng: Energy with a Mental Edge

Ginseng improves stamina and cognitive performance. Research shows it can boost energy by 12–15% for adults with mild fatigue.

9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Brain Boosters

Omega-3s from fish oil improve brain function and reduce inflammation. Daily intake of 1,000mg of EPA and DHA can improve mood in 60% of participants experiencing mild stress.

10. Adaptogenic Blends: All-in-One Support

Blends like Huel Daily Greens combine vitamins, minerals, and herbs for stress and energy support. Users report increased energy and improved focus within two weeks, making them ideal for a busy lifestyle.

Take Charge of Your Stress and Energy

Managing stress and energy in 2025 requires more than luck, it demands consistency. Incorporating these supplements into your daily routine, alongside good sleep and balanced meals, can enhance resilience, focus, and overall vitality. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting new supplements to ensure they fit your personal needs.

Originally published on IBTimes UK

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September 18, 2025
Breathe Easy Therapy Services Expands with New Space Designed for Mental, Physical, and Emotional Care

When Cynthia Piccini purchased a new building for both of her businesses, Breathe Easy Therapy Services and Breathe Easy Wellness, in January, it was not just a business decision; it was a declaration. A declaration that mental health deserves space. That healing is multifaceted with proactive care.

“We needed a space where therapy and wellness could truly work hand-in-hand,” says Piccini, a marriage and family therapist. “So I designed one.”

The newly opened building, which officially launched in June and houses both of her businesses, reflects this vision. Visitors step into a central waiting area, then enter a serene square layout that seamlessly connects wellness and therapy. There’s a yoga studio, meditation room, massage space, salt cave, and across the hall, a suite of therapy offices. “You don’t know why someone’s here,” Piccini notes. “It might be for breathwork. It might be for trauma therapy. But it’s all part of the same conversation.”

This integrative approach responds to a significant need. According to Mental Health America, over 28 million adults in the U.S. with a mental illness do not receive treatment. And many of those who do only seek care when in crisis. “We want to change that,” Piccini emphasizes. “Therapy doesn’t have to be about fixing a problem. It can be about learning more about yourself, gaining tools, building relationships, or simply feeling good.”

That’s why Breathe Easy Therapy Services offers far more than traditional therapy. Recent events include a “Relax, Reset, Recharge” day for educators, with group yoga, massage, skincare, and breathwork sessions. The main goal is to help teachers enter the school year grounded and emotionally equipped.

Other offerings include a hybrid chronic illness support group, children’s yoga, a 55+ yoga class, and an upcoming premarital workshop led by Piccini herself. “We are teaching people how to have healthy conflict in a relationship,” she said. “No one teaches you that.”

And it’s not just the offerings that make the business unique; it’s the philosophy. “We are not here to replace therapy,” Piccini says. “We are here to expand it.” Breathwork, yoga, mindfulness, and massage are not just add-ons. They are interventions, especially when therapy sessions happen just once a week. These wellness practices fill in the gaps, giving clients tools they can use daily.

Breathe Easy also reduces the mental barrier to care. “Many people are still hesitant to ‘go to therapy,’” she explains. “But they will go to a yoga class. They will get a massage. And through that, they start to feel better. They start to open up to the idea that healing can take many forms.”

The business has grown with intention. Every staff member, from the yoga instructors to the therapists, was handpicked for their dedication to healing. “I don’t hire for resumes alone,” Piccini says. “I hire for energy.”

Looking ahead, Cynthia sees this building as just the beginning. “I would love to open more,” she says. “Each one can serve as a sanctuary, where people don’t come to fix themselves, but to understand themselves.”

The expansion of Breathe Easy Therapy Services is more than a new address. It’s a new chapter in how we think about mental wellness. Therapy doesn’t start when something breaks. It starts the moment someone takes a breath and chooses to care.

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September 17, 2025
Hospital Under Fire After Doctors Blame Parents for Child’s Condition — Later Revealed as Cancer

A toddler’s heartbreaking death exposes NHS failings as doctors wrongly accused parents of causing a facial lump, delaying cancer diagnosis by months in a case reigniting debates on child protection protocols and medical accountability.

Delilah-Rai Reid-Floyd, just 19 months old, passed away on 9 August 2023 after a pea-sized mass discovered in January ballooned into aggressive soft tissue cancer, with her mother Kayleigh Reid alleging neglect through misdiagnosis and three-month waits.

As investigations unfold into Russells Hall Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, families demand swifter scans and less hasty abuse assumptions to prevent such tragedies in the UK’s overburdened health system.

Mum Spots Lump Sparking Urgent GP Referral

Kayleigh Reid noticed a pea-sized lump on her daughter Delilah-Rai’s face while bathing her on 30 January 2023, prompting an immediate doctor’s visit the next day. The GP referred the one-year-old to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, suspecting non-accidental injury without initial scans, a move that left the family reeling from unfounded blame.

This hasty assumption sidelined potential tumour checks, as Delilah-Rai awaited transfer to Birmingham Children’s Hospital amid growing parental distress.

Doctors Misdiagnose Growth as Injury

At Russells Hall on 9 May 2023, a CT scan revealed a paranasal cystic lesion, leading to an ENT specialist referral, but a three-month wait for Birmingham Children’s Hospital stalled progress until July.

A biopsy on 16 July 2023 initially diagnosed desmoid fibromatosis as non-cancerous on 30 July, cancelling scheduled surgery on 5 August, only for tests to confirm aggressive soft tissue cancer days later.

Kayleigh Reid later stated, ‘With so many delays and misdiagnoses throughout, I believe the NHS neglected her and didn’t give her the care she deserved.’

Cancer Ravages Toddler as Condition Declines

Delilah-Rai’s condition deteriorated swiftly post-diagnosis, with the tumour spreading aggressively, and she passed away peacefully at home on 9 August 2023, days after her 19-month milestone.

The ‘sweetest’ and ‘cheekiest’ girl, known for her loving nature, endured unnecessary pain from postponed interventions, as her mother believes earlier action could have improved survival odds. X post from The Sun Health on 13 September 2025 captured public outrage: ‘Girl, 1, dies of cancer after docs ‘assumed facial lump was caused by parents’.

Hospitals Launch Internal Reviews

Both The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust initiated reviews on 12 September 2025, vowing to share findings with the family and implement learnings to avoid future errors.

Diane Wale, chief executive at Dudley Group, expressed, ‘On behalf of the Trust, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Delilah’s family. We will look into the issues raised and speak with Delilah’s family to better understand the circumstances surrounding this sad loss.’ Kayleigh Reid is pursuing legal action against the trusts, supported by a GoFundMe raising funds for awareness.

Mother’s Campaign Raises Alarm Delays, Missteps

Kayleigh, reflecting on her ‘very very loving’ daughter, aims to spotlight desmoid fibromatosis and soft tissue cancers affecting young children, urging faster diagnostics amid 1,800 annual UK under-five cases. She affirmed, ‘Going forward I wish to raise more awareness for this cruel disease, but I also want the NHS held accountable for their part they played in my daughter’s passing.’

Birmingham Trust spokesperson added, ‘The Trust would like to offer Delilah-Rai’s family our deepest sympathies… An internal review is now under way.’ This case, resurfacing on 12 September 2025, underscores urgent calls for reformed referral timelines, with experts noting abuse suspicions can eclipse medical urgency in 20% of paediatric assessments.

Families like the Reids highlight how such oversights compound grief, pushing for mandatory rapid imaging in lump cases. As probes progress, Kayleigh’s resolve ensures Delilah-Rai’s story drives systemic change, preventing other parents from enduring similar heartbreak in Britain’s strained NHS landscape.

Originally published on IBTimes UK

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September 16, 2025
Heat Risks Force World Marathons And Race Walks To Start Earlier

The marathons and 35km race walks at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will start half an hour earlier because of health risks posed by unseasonably hot weather, organisers said Thursday.

The energy-sapping race walks are scheduled to open the championships on Saturday morning, with the women’s marathon on Sunday and the men’s on Monday.

Temperatures have been as high as 33C this week and, with the heatwave set to continue into next week, organisers have been forced to move the road race starts to 7:30 am.

“Due to expected elevated heat conditions that could pose a health and safety risk to competing athletes, all road events on the first three days … will start 30 minutes earlier than scheduled,” said a joint statement from the organisers and World Athletics.

“The start time for the road events had originally been set at 08:00 am in consideration of climate conditions, operational aspects, and maximising spectator attendance.”

World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe admitted in Tokyo on Tuesday that the high temperatures would be an issue for athletes.

Marathon and race walk events at the pandemic-delayed 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which were held from July 23 to August 8, were moved to the cooler northern city of Sapporo because of heat concerns.

However, this time round they have remained in Tokyo where the temperatures in mid-September “have remained at those of mid-summer”, the statement noted.

“(The decision) has been communicated to the athletes as early as possible to allow them to prepare and adjust to the new start time.”

Fears over the heat in Doha at the 2019 world championships resulted in the marathons beginning at midnight with the walks half an hour earlier.

Japan’s average temperature between June and August was 2.36C above “the standard value”, making it the hottest summer since records began in 1898, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

It was the third consecutive summer of record high temperatures, the agency noted.

Coe said after Tuesday’s meeting of the World Athletics Council the future risks of global warming had been discussed.

“These are not transient, they’re here to stay,” he said.

“Governments have not stepped up to the plate and sport is going to have to take some unilateral judgments and decisions here.

“And we have reflected in the past, if we are committed to athlete welfare, then we should probably be openly committed to that,” he added.

In-stadium competition start times on each of the first three days remain unchanged.

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September 13, 2025
Trial Of Doctor Accused Of Poisoning 30 Patients Begins In France

A French doctor accused of intentionally poisoning 30 child and adult patients, 12 of whom died, went on trial Monday, saying before the hearing he was not responsible for the “distress” of his alleged victims and their families.

Frederic Pechier, 53, worked as an anaesthetist at two clinics in the eastern city of Besancon when patients went into cardiac arrest in suspicious circumstances between 2008 to 2017. Twelve could not be resuscitated.

He is accused of triggering heart attacks in patients so he could show off his resuscitation skills and discredit co-workers.

Pechier’s youngest alleged victim, a four-year-old identified as Teddy, survived two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil operation in 2016. The doctor’s oldest alleged victim was 89.

The trial caps an eight-year investigation that stunned the medical community. Pechier has denied the charges.

Pechier was greeted on his arrival at the court by several relatives, including one who shouted: “Come on, Fredo.”

“It’s necessary to lay all the cards on the table,” Pechier told broadcaster RTL earlier Monday, adding that he had “strong arguments” in his defence.

Asked about the suffering of the families who will attend the trial, set to last until December, Pechier replied: “I understand it completely, but on the other hand, I am not responsible for their distress.”

Pechier, a father of three, faces life imprisonment if convicted. He is not currently in custody but under judicial supervision, an alternative to pre-trial detention.

Pechier has not practised medicine since 2017, even though in 2023, he was authorised to work provided he does not come into contact with patients.

“I’ve been waiting for this for 17 years,” said Amandine Iehlen, whose 53-year-old father died of cardiac arrest during kidney surgery in 2008.

An autopsy revealed an overdose of lidocaine, a local anaesthetic.

Prosecutor Etienne Manteaux has said the case is “unprecedented in French legal history”.

An investigation was opened in 2017 after suspicious cardiac arrests during operations on patients considered low-risk.

Pechier is suspected of tampering with his colleagues’ paracetamol bags or anaesthesia pouches to create operating room emergencies where he could intervene to show off his resuscitating talents.

“What he is accused of is poisoning healthy patients in order to harm colleagues with whom he was in conflict,” Manteaux said.

“Frederic Pechier was the first responder when cardiac arrest occurred,” he added. “He always had a solution.”

Pechier has blamed “medical errors” by his colleagues for most of the poisonings.

Some colleagues described Pechier as a “star anaesthetist”, while others said he came across as arrogant and manipulative.

One co-worker claimed Pechier was “certain he was the best” and liked to “think of himself as Zorro”.

Over the course of the inquiry, investigators examined more than 70 reports of “serious adverse events”, medical jargon for unexpected complications or deaths among patients.

The cases of 30 patients who suffered cardiac arrest during surgery at the Saint-Vincent Clinic and the Franche-Comte Polyclinic made it to trial.

He has criticised the investigation. “What happened to the other cases? They were not retained because Pechier was not involved in them,” he said.

His defence team will argue for acquittal.

“It’s very easy to accuse people, it’s harder to prove things,” one of his lawyers, Randall Schwerdorffer, told reporters.

More than 150 civil parties will be represented at the trial.

For the first two weeks, the court will examine Pechier’s most recent cases, those that aroused the investigators’ suspicions and led to the anaesthetist being placed under investigation in 2017.

Afterwards each of the poisonings attributed to the doctor will be examined.

“It’s going to be a legal marathon, but we’re ready,” Stephane Giuranna, a lawyer for several civil parties, told AFP.

“All roads lead to Pechier.”

‘I just want people to listen for once,’ Frederic Pechier said in an interview

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September 11, 2025
Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 16, CDC Warns of More Cases
A salmonella outbreak tied to frozen meals from the meal delivery service Metabolic Meals has sickened at least 16 people in 10 states, according to a CDC alert issued on September 5.

Seven people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported so far.

According to USA Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging customers not to eat specific meals delivered during the week of July 28, which may be contaminated.

The CDC believes the number of sick people may grow, as it often takes weeks for infections to be reported and confirmed.

The affected products include:
- Four Cheese Tortellini with Pesto Sauce and Grilled Chicken – Lot Code: 25199 (Best by: Aug. 7, 2025)
- Low Carb Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables – Lot Code: 25202 (Best by: Aug. 5, 2025)
- Black Garlic & Ranch Chicken Tenders with Roasted Vegetables – Lot Code: 25205 (Best by: Aug. 8, 2025)
- Sliced Top Sirloin with Roasted Peanut Sauce and Summer Vegetables – Lot Code: 25203 (Best by: Aug. 6, 2025)
- Additional affected lot codes: 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, and 25205
Consumers Urged to Discard Specific Metabolic Meals Over Illness Risk

If you have any of these meals in your freezer or fridge, do not eat them, the CDC says. Instead, throw them away or call Metabolic Meals at 855-355-6325.

Be sure to wash your hands, kitchen surfaces, and any items the food may have touched with hot, soapy water.

The illnesses have been reported in these states:
- Arkansas (1), California (3), Connecticut (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (1), Minnesota (2), Missouri (3), Texas (1), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (1).
In a statement, the CDC said Metabolic Meals is working with investigators and has already contacted customers who received the possibly contaminated meals.

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually appear between 6 hours to 6 days after infection and often last about a week,. ABC News said

While most people recover on their own, young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems may need medical care.

According to the CDC, 1.35 million salmonella infections happen every year in the U.S., mostly from contaminated food.

The investigation is ongoing. Consumers are urged to stay alert for more updates and check their homes for the listed products.

Originally published on vcpost.com
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September 10, 2025