Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • Woman Suffocates, Dies During Cryotherapy Session at the Gym Due to Nitrogen Leak

    Woman Suffocates, Dies During Cryotherapy Session at the Gym Due to Nitrogen Leak

    A 29-year-old woman has died and another is in intensive care after a nitrogen leak during a cryotherapy session at a Paris gym led to a fatal case of suffocation, prompting a criminal investigation.

    Cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extreme cold for therapeutic purposes, typically involves nitrogen gas to achieve ultra-low temperatures. Safety concerns have persisted for years, with organizations like the European Industrial Gases Association warning in 2018 of asphyxiation risks tied to improper nitrogen use.

    Emergency services responded to an incident at the On Air gym in east-central Paris shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time on April 14, the Guardian reported. Two women were found in cardiorespiratory arrest, believed to be caused by a nitrogen leak in a cryotherapy chamber that had been repaired earlier that day.

    The 29-year-old victim, an employee of the gym, was declared dead on the scene. The second woman, aged 34, was listed in critical condition.

    Three others were hospitalized after attempting resuscitation, and 150 people were evacuated from the building. The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the incident, involving both police and workplace safety inspectors.

    An autopsy and toxicology report are pending to confirm the exact cause of death. Authorities are also scrutinizing the maintenance and safety protocols surrounding the repaired cryotherapy chamber.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • ‘I Shudder to Think What Could Have Happened to Me’

    ‘I Shudder to Think What Could Have Happened to Me’

    Beyoncé‘s mom, Tina Knowles, has opened up about her private battle with breast cancer and shared and urgent message for other women.

    The author, who recently published her book “Matriarch,” spoke with People about the harrowing time in her life. In the interview, she reveals that she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in July 2024.

    “I struggled with whether I would share that journey [in the book] because I’m very private. But I decided to share it because I think it’s a lot of lessons in it for other women,” Knowles told People. “And I think as women, sometimes we get so busy and we get so wrapped up and running around, but you must go get your test. Because if I had not gotten my test early, I mean, I shudder to think what could have happened to me.”

    In “Matriarch,” Knowles has revealed how her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, reacted to the news of her cancer diagnosis. She writes that Beyoncé “took it well, staying positive, and I could already feel her mind racing, focusing on this as a task to tackle with precision.” Meanwhile, Solange voiced her support for her mother.

    Knowles has since undergone surgery to remove the tumor and insists that she is now “doing great.”

    “Cancer-free and incredibly blessed that God allowed me to find it early,” Knowles told the outlet.

    The business woman encouraged other women to get scanned for the disease.

    “Matriarch” is out now and has already been picked for Oprah’s next book club pick.

    Originally published on Music Times

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  • The Rare Surgery That Saved Their Lives

    The Rare Surgery That Saved Their Lives

    Born twice? It sounds impossible, but that’s exactly the story of miracle baby Rafferty Isaac in the U.K. At just 20 weeks, he was temporarily removed while in the womb so doctors could perform life-saving surgery on his mother, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After the complex five-hour procedure, Rafferty was placed back into the womb to finish growing and was “born again” at full term in January.

    Rafferty’s mother, 32-year-old Lucy Isaac, was just 12 weeks pregnant when she received the devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The cancerous cells needed to be removed urgently, as delaying treatment until after childbirth would allow the disease to spread, threatening the life. But by then, Lucy had already entered her second trimester, so doctors ruled out the possibility of performing standard keyhole surgery.

    That’s when a team of surgeons at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford proposed a bold, life-saving solution: an extraordinary and rare procedure that involved temporarily removing Lucy’s womb, still carrying her unborn baby, from her abdomen to reach the cancerous cells hidden behind it, before carefully repositioning it to allow her pregnancy to continue. The surgery was risky to both mother and child and was carried out very rarely.

    However, trusting the expertise of her medical team, Lucy agreed to the high-risk surgery in October. During the operation, doctors successfully removed the tumors, which had already progressed to grade two, and began invading the tissues surrounding her ovaries.

    During the procedure, Lucy’s womb was outside for two hours, carefully wrapped in a sterile, warm saline pack to replicate the conditions inside the body and maintain the proper temperature. Throughout the operation, two medics closely monitored the child’s heart rate and temperature to ensure his safety.

    Rafferty’s birth as a healthy, full-term baby in January, weighing 6lb 5oz, was not just a medical triumph but a deeply emotional milestone for the Isaac family. Just two years earlier, Lucy’s husband, Adam, 42, had undergone a kidney transplant. “To finally hold Rafferty in our arms after everything we have been through was the most amazing moment,” Adam told the Daily Mail.

    In the weeks after the delivery, Lucy returned to John Radcliffe Hospital with her miracle baby to express their gratitude to the medical team. “It felt as if I had met him previously. It was a rare and a very emotional experience for me,” said surgeon Hooman Soleymani Majd, who led the team.

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  • ‘Usually Only Seen in Elite Bodybuilders’

    ‘Usually Only Seen in Elite Bodybuilders’

    A TikTok video featuring a ChatGPT response has gone viral after it declared President Donald Trump‘s reported physical results “virtually impossible,” and compared them to those of elite-level bodybuilders.

    In a viral TikTok video posted by @coughbuddy, ChatGPT is shown analyzing Trump’s alleged physical stats—specifically, a 215-pound weight at 6’3″—and responding that such figures are “virtually impossible” for someone of his build and age.



    “That combination creates a bit of a biological paradox: a sedentary 78-year-old man with average age-related muscle loss and 4.8% body fat is virtually impossible,” ChatGPT’s response read.

    The TikTok user was prompted to ask ChatGPT about his results after the AI program provided an image of a muscular man when asked to create a “physical image” based on Trump’s numbers.



    The AI assistant noted that those proportions are “usually only seen in elite bodybuilders at peak conditioning,” prompting a wave of skepticism and humor online.

    Trump’s physical fitness and medical records have often been a source of public speculation. The president underwent his latest physical on April 11, sparking rumors and ridicule after users questioned some results. Aside from Trump’s fat percentage and weight, the president’s height particularly drew questions online after Trump reportedly grew an inch.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • RFK Jr. Is Giving Families ‘False Hope’ By Claiming He’ll Figure Out Cause of Autism by September, Former FDA Vaccine Head Warns

    RFK Jr. Is Giving Families ‘False Hope’ By Claiming He’ll Figure Out Cause of Autism by September, Former FDA Vaccine Head Warns

    Dr. Peter Marks, the former top vaccine official at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for giving what he called “false hope” to families by claiming that the Trump administration will identify the cause of autism by September.

    Marks, who resigned earlier this month amid mounting frustration with Kennedy’s promotion of vaccine misinformation, appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation to challenge Kennedy’s recent assertion that a massive federal research initiative would soon pinpoint and eliminate the root causes of autism.


    Kennedy announced the effort through the National Institutes of Health. “By September we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we will be able to eliminate those exposures,” he promised.

    “Giving people false hope is something you should never do,” Marks said in response to Kennedy’s announcement.

    “I don’t see any possible way [to get the answer that quickly],” Marks continued. “Autism is an incredibly complicated issue.”

    Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has implied that vaccines may be among the environmental toxins driving autism rates. However, Marks dismissed that notion, citing the overwhelming body of research showing no link between vaccines and autism. “We’ve studied them in so many millions of children,” he said.

    The controversy comes amid a deadly resurgence of measles in the US, with three unvaccinated individuals—including two young girls from Seminole, Texas—dying in recent weeks. Measles had been declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, but new outbreaks have developed in certain under-vaccinated communities.

    Kennedy has offered only tepid support for the measles vaccine, telling CBS that “people should get the measles vaccine” but reiterating his opposition to mandates. He has also promoted unproven alternatives like vitamins and cod-liver oil.

    Marks blamed the recent pediatric measles deaths on Kennedy and his staff, describing it as “the epitome of an absolute needless death.”

    “These kids should get vaccinated—that’s how you prevent people from dying of measles,” Marks emphasized.

    In his resignation letter, Marks criticized Kennedy for spreading misinformation and undermining public trust in safe and effective vaccines.

    “Truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary,” Marks wrote. “He wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • ‘Tell That to a Diabetic’

    ‘Tell That to a Diabetic’

    As Dr. Mehmet Oz was sworn in as head of the Medicare and Medicaid Services, he encouraged Americans to reduce drug spending by simply staying healthy.

    “It is your patriotic duty — I’ll say it again — the patriotic duty of all Americans to take care of themselves,” Oz said during the ceremony on Friday. “It’s important for serving in the military but also important because healthy people don’t consume healthcare resources.”



    “The best way to reduce drug spending is to use less drugs, because you don’t need them because you’re healthy,” he continued. “And it feels a lot better as well.”

    Critics disparaged the former TV doctor and Senate candidate for what many characterized as a tone-deaf suggestion detached from the reality of chronic illness, disability and structural inequalities that limit access to the resources self-care requires.

    “Tell that to a diabetic!” one user wrote on X, echoing hundreds of frustrated replies. Others accused Oz of promoting a fantasy in which good health is simply a matter of willpower or patriotism.


    “So don’t get sick is what you are saying?” asked one commenter, with another quipping, “Why didn’t we think of that?” Another rephrased his words, “Simply put, the best way to reduce drug spending is to just DIE.”

    Many pointed to Oz’s controversial history of promoting claims and healthcare products that are not supported by scientific research, calling him a “snake oil salesman,” or asking “what vitamin is he selling now?”

    “So, is he suggesting replacing fish oil and kale for my heart meds?” another user inquired sarcastically.


    Oz’s comment has sparked outrage particularly among patients with lifelong or genetically inherited illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune conditions, for whom daily medication is a necessity, not a choice.

    Originally published on Latin Times



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  • What Repeated Antibiotic Use Could Be Doing To Your Child’s Health

    What Repeated Antibiotic Use Could Be Doing To Your Child’s Health

    Antibiotics have long been hailed as life-saving medications, helping the body fight everything from mild colds to life-threatening infections like pneumonia. However, researchers now caution that repeated use of antibiotics, especially during early childhood, may come at a cost.

    In a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers tried to investigate how antibiotic use might be connected to the development of chronic health conditions in children. To do this, they analyzed health records from more than one million babies in the United Kingdom, tracking diagnoses of various long-term pediatric conditions up to the age of 12.

    The researchers found that frequent antibiotic exposure in children could disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbes, setting the stage for a range of allergic conditions later in life, including asthma, food allergies, and hay fever. The study also noted a connection between antibiotic use and the risk for intellectual disabilities, but researchers cautioned that further studies are needed to confirm these associations.

    “Antibiotics play a critical role in combatting bacterial infections, but physicians should be judicious when prescribing antibiotics to children under 2, as frequent use may affect long-term health outcomes,” said Daniel Horton, the lead author of the study in a news release.

    However, the study also found that not all pediatric health conditions were linked to antibiotic use. For example, there was no significant association between antibiotics and the risk of developing autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Similarly, the researchers found no strong links to neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

    The link between antibiotics use and health risk was also found to be course depended, meaning, more courses of antibiotics children took, the stronger the risk. Even when comparing siblings where one took antibiotics early and the other did not the results were similar, which makes the findings more reliable.

    “Antibiotics are important and sometimes life-saving medicines, but not all infections in young kids need to be treated with antibiotics. Parents should continue to consult with their children’s doctors on the best course of care,” said Horton, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers School of Public Health.

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  • How To Walk For A Steady Beat

    How To Walk For A Steady Beat

    Walking is considered one of the best forms of exercise for heart health. Researchers now say, it’s not just how much you walk but the pace at which you stride also counts when it comes to heart rhythms.

    A recent study published in the journal Heart suggests that not just walking but walking briskly and for sustained periods, may significantly lower the risk of developing heart rhythm disorders. These include atrial fibrillation, a common condition that causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat; tachycardia, where the heart beats too fast; and bradycardia, where it slows down more than it should.

    In a large-scale study that looked at the walking pace and heart rhythm disorders of 420,925 participants of the UK Biobank, researchers found that people who walked at an average pace (3–4 miles per hour) or brisk pace (over 4 miles per hour) had up to a 43% lower risk of developing heart rhythm issues compared to slow walkers (under 3 miles per hour). Specifically, brisk walkers saw a 46% drop in risk for atrial fibrillation and a 39% lower risk for other arrhythmias.

    Participants who walked briskly were generally younger, more likely to be White and male, and had healthier lifestyles. They also displayed lower risk factors such as smaller waists, reduced body weight, better grip strength, and lower levels of metabolic risk factors, including blood fats, fasting glucose, and inflammation.

    The researchers also noted that 36% of the association between walking pace and heart rhythm abnormalities was influenced by metabolic and inflammatory factors. The association between walking pace and heart health was strongest among women, those under 60, non-obese individuals, those with high blood pressure, and those with two or more long-term conditions.

    Another notable finding was that spending more time walking at a brisk or average pace was associated with a 27% lower risk of heart rhythm abnormalities, while slow walking showed no such benefit in reducing the risk.

    “This study is the first to explore the pathways underpinning the association between walking pace and arrhythmias, and to provide evidence that metabolic and inflammatory factors may have a role: walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia,” the researchers wrote.

    The researchers caution that, as an observational study, it cannot prove cause and effect. They also note some limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and a study population that did not represent a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds.

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  • Fake Ozempic Found in US Drug Supply Chain

    Fake Ozempic Found in US Drug Supply Chain

    Amid the soaring demand for GLP-1 drugs used to treat diabetes and support weight loss, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning for consumers using Ozempic. The agency is urging users to carefully inspect their medication labels after discovering that hundreds of counterfeit Ozempic injections have entered circulation outside of the authorized U.S. supply chain.

    The FDA alert follows confirmation from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and the weight loss drug Wegovy, that counterfeit 1-milligram Ozempic pens had infiltrated the U.S. market. In response, the FDA seized the identified fake products on April 9, 2025.

    “The agency advises wholesalers, retail pharmacies, health care practitioners and patients to check the product they have received and not distribute, use, or sell products labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057 as pictured below. Some counterfeit products may still be available for purchase,” the FDA said in a news release, which included images of the counterfeit labels for reference.

    In an update issued Monday, the agency further warned to be on alert for additional suspicious packaging, specifically “lots labeled PAR0362 and serial numbers starting with the first eight digits 51746517.”

    Six adverse events linked to the affected lot have been already reported, though none appear to be directly caused by the counterfeit product itself. All six incidents were reported by Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, as part of their ongoing monitoring efforts.

    The FDA highlighted its dedication to combating counterfeit medications, stating that it “takes reports of possible counterfeit products seriously.” The agency is working closely with Novo Nordisk to “identify, investigate, and remove further suspected counterfeit semaglutide injectable products found in the U.S.” as part of an ongoing investigation.

    Meanwhile, healthcare professionals and consumers are asked to report any side effects or adverse reactions linked to Ozempic through its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Reports can be submitted online or by faxing a completed form to 1-800-FDA-0178. Additionally, anyone who suspects counterfeit or tampered medicines, especially online sellers, should contact their local FDA consumer complaint coordinator or report the activity directly through the FDA’s criminal activity portal.

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  • Is Brown Rice Healthier? Study Finds It Contains 40% More Carcinogenic Arsenic

    Is Brown Rice Healthier? Study Finds It Contains 40% More Carcinogenic Arsenic

    Thinking of switching to brown rice for its added nutrients? You may want to think again.

    While the bran layer does pack in more vitamins and minerals, researchers now warn that brown rice contains up to 40% more carcinogenic arsenic than white rice.

    In a recent study published in the journal Risk Analysis, researchers from Michigan State University conducted a comparative analysis of brown and white rice, factoring in cost, popularity, health benefits, and potential risks.

    Their findings revealed a surprising hidden danger: brown rice contained 24% more total arsenic and about 40% more inorganic arsenic (known carcinogen), raising fresh concerns about its reputation as the healthier choice.

    In their comparative analysis, researchers highlighted that brown rice offers notable nutritional benefits, including higher levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It has been associated with reduced risks of cancer, lower cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, and support for heart health, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

    However, these health benefits come with significant trade-offs. Brown rice tends to be more expensive, and less appealing in taste and texture for some consumers, and most importantly, it carries a higher risk of arsenic exposure, linked to genetic damage and an increased risk of cancer.

    Meanwhile, white rice presents a more affordable and widely accepted option, appealing to a broader range of consumers across different cultures. Its processing removes much of the arsenic-laden outer layers, resulting in significantly lower levels of both total and inorganic arsenic. However, this also strips away key nutrients, leading to reduced levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial compounds compared to brown rice.

    The researchers also noted that since young children consume considerably more food relative to their body weight than adults, brown rice consumption in young children can increase their foodborne arsenic exposures. Given this concern, they recommend that parents consider balancing brown and white rice in young children’s diets to minimize potential health risks while still providing nutritional benefits.

    “However, there are no acute public health risks indicated for the general American population from rice-related arsenic exposures. Risk–benefit analyses are needed to assess relative risks of arsenic exposure in brown rice compared with the nutritional benefits, in comparison to white rice,” the researchers concluded.

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