Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • Weight Gain Risky For Obese, But Losing Over 10kg Raises Death Risk By 50%

    Weight Gain Risky For Obese, But Losing Over 10kg Raises Death Risk By 50%

    Can weight loss be always the answer to obesity? While it’s well-known that gaining weight increases the risk of heart disease and death, scientists have now found that losing a significant amount of weight can also carry its own set of dangers.

    In a recent study, researchers from the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the U.K. found that for individuals with obesity, “maintaining a stable weight, even within the obese range,” can help reduce the risk of death, particularly for those with heart disease risk factors.

    “It was perhaps unsurprising that significant weight gain was associated with higher mortality, but interesting that a similar association was found among those who lost a lot of weight,” said researcher Dr. Jufen Zhang in a news release.

    The study analyzed data from over 8,000 obese participants from the UK Biobank study, all of whom had been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. These individuals were tracked over nearly 14 years, with researchers closely monitoring changes in their weight throughout the period.

    The findings revealed that participants who gained more than 10 kg during the study had a threefold increase in the risk of cardiovascular death and nearly double the risk of dying from any cause, compared to those who maintained a stable weight.

    However, the study uncovered an even more striking finding: those who lost more than 10 kg faced a 54% higher risk of all-cause mortality. This suggests that, while weight loss is often encouraged for obese individuals, significant weight loss may have adverse effects, particularly in those already at risk for cardiovascular issues.

    “This study is the first of its kind to examine the link between weight change and all-cause mortality in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Zhang.

    While more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms behind the link between both weight loss and weight gain and increased death risk, Dr. Zhang advises that “clinicians should be cautious, especially with new drugs on the market that are promoted for rapid weight loss.”

    “While weight loss is generally recommended for obese adults, those in at-risk groups, like these individuals, should only pursue weight loss under the close guidance of their doctor,” Dr. Zhang added.

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  • Dwyane Wade Says He Felt ‘Pretty Healthy’, Didn’t Recognize Kidney Cancer Signs

    Dwyane Wade Says He Felt ‘Pretty Healthy’, Didn’t Recognize Kidney Cancer Signs

    Dwyane Wade, the retired NBA star, recently opened up about his Stage 1 kidney cancer diagnosis, revealing that he felt “pretty healthy” when he went for a checkup, only to realize that the subtle signs his body showed were early warning signals of kidney cancer.

    In a recent interview, the 41-year-old retired basketball legend revealed that he went for a check-up due to his father’s history of prostate cancer. Although Wade never suspected anything serious, he shared with his doctor the subtle signs he had been experiencing, including stomach pain and changes in his urination.

    “I didn’t think nothing of it. And so once I finally went in, I was like, OK, I just want to know everything,” Wade said in an exclusive interview with Today.

    “I talked about just having a slow stream. Sometimes when I would go to the bathroom, my urine would come out little slow. I had some cramps, some pain, a little bit at times in my stomach that I did not understand,” he added.

    Doctors performed an MRI to investigate the areas where Wade had been experiencing pain. To his surprise, the scan revealed an unexpected lesion in his kidneys. “I didn’t go in for my kidneys. I went in to check on my stomach and my prostate,” he explained.

    A lingering dull ache or pain in the side, abdomen, or lower back is a common sign of kidney cancer. Other symptoms include blood in the urine (hematuria), which may cause it to appear red or rusty, though it can also result from conditions like kidney stones. Additional signs include a lump in the side or lower back, unexplained fever, fatigue, leg swelling, and unintended weight loss.

    Wade underwent surgery and doctors then confirmed that the lesion was cancerous. “Thank God that we caught it early. This wasn’t something that was able to grow. It was about 3 centimeters on my kidney,” he said.

    After making a quick recovery, Wade is now sharing his story to encourage others, especially men, to take a proactive approach to their health. He urges people to seek medical advice if they notice changes in their bodies.

    “When people hear cancer, obviously they think it’s over,” Wade said, but he explained that his experience has been transformative. “A lot of us are not going to check ourselves out if we don’t feel nothing,” he noted, urging men to move past this mindset. “I want us to get over that. I want us to grow from that.”

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  • How To Curb Nicotine Cravings

    How To Curb Nicotine Cravings

    Quitting smoking may feel like an impossible battle, especially when the urge for nicotine becomes all-consuming. The good news is that although intense, nicotine cravings are temporary, often lasting just a few minutes before fading. With the right strategies, you can regain control and break free from smoking for good.

    When a person stops smoking, they may experience side effects such as nicotine cravings, irritability, frustration, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, depression, and increased appetite.

    Overcoming smoking addiction is not just about willpower, it is about understanding and managing cravings effectively. This No Smoking Day, you can kick-start your journey to a smoke-free life by recognizing the common withdrawal symptoms and learning strategies to cope with cravings.

    Here are some practical tips to manage cravings:

    Reaffirm reasons for quitting

    When cravings hit, remind yourself why you chose to quit in the first place. Cravings are temporary, but the benefits of quitting last a lifetime. By listing your reasons, you create a powerful affirmation that helps you stay focused. Whenever doubt creeps in, revisit your list.

    Avoid triggers

    Triggers are specific situations or activities that smokers associate with the habit, and they vary from person to person. They can range from stress and boredom to social events or simply seeing others smoke. Understanding your triggers is key to avoiding them. For example, if your trigger is seeing someone smoke during your break, try spending recess in a smoke-free zone to reduce temptation.

    Distract yourself

    When a nicotine craving strikes, shifting your focus can make all the difference. Simple distractions like sipping water, taking a short walk, grabbing a healthy snack, or chewing gum can help overcome the urge. For some, engaging in conversation with a friend provides a helpful diversion, as sitting idle often intensifies cravings.

    To ease irritability, find a physical activity you enjoy. This helps to ease tension and boost your mood. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or even treating yourself to a massage or a warm bath can further calm your mind and body.

    Use Substitutes:

    For some people, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be a useful tool for managing cravings by providing small, controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful toxins found in cigarettes. It is available in various forms, including gum, patches, lozenges, and mouth sprays. However, NRT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consulting a doctor can help determine whether it is the right choice for you.

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  • ‘Measles Parties’ A Deadly Gamble, Officials Warn—Get Vaccinated

    ‘Measles Parties’ A Deadly Gamble, Officials Warn—Get Vaccinated

    As measles cases surge in Texas, health officials are raising alarms over a troubling trend: parents intentionally exposing their children to the virus in so-called “measles parties” hoping to build natural immunity. While some believe this approach mimics the immunity gained from past infections, experts warn it’s a dangerous gamble that could have fatal consequences.

    Measles parties are inspired by the chickenpox gatherings of the 1970s, where unvaccinated children were deliberately exposed to the virus in hopes of developing immunity at a young age when the illness was considered milder. However, experts warn that this approach is far more dangerous when it comes to the measles virus.

    Dr. Ron Cook, chief health officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, calls measles parties “a foolish thing,” as the virus is highly unpredictable, and there is no way to determine how severe an infection will be.

    “We can’t predict who is going to do poorly with measles, be hospitalized, and potentially get pneumonia or encephalitis and or pass away from this. It is just too risky … we don’t get to pick and choose who is going to do well and not do well when you become severely ill. Please don’t do that, it’s just foolishness, it’s playing roulette,” Dr Cook said in a press conference.

    Around 30% of children who contract measles may develop complications, and the infection can lead to long-term health consequences, he warned.

    “There are severe outcomes like pneumonia or death. There is encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. Even more rare, but it can happen … years down the road after you develop measles, you can get what is called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is fatal. It is a known side effect of having measles,” Dr. Cook added.

    Texas health officials also warn that intentionally exposing children to the measles virus does not just put them at risk, it endangers other unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems, increasing the potential for severe complications and outbreaks.

    The safest way to protect against measles is to get vaccinated. Receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% protection against measles, significantly reducing the risk of infection and severe complications. Without immunity, nearly everyone exposed to measles will contract it, and once infected, there is no specific treatment to cure the disease.

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  • This Common Lifestyle Habit In Preteens May Trigger Manic Symptoms, Researchers Find

    This Common Lifestyle Habit In Preteens May Trigger Manic Symptoms, Researchers Find

    As screen time continues to surge, so do concerns about its effects on both physical and mental health. Although this lifestyle habit has adverse effects on people of all ages, a recent study has turned the spotlight on preteens, suggesting that excessive screen use through texting, watching videos, or playing video games could trigger manic symptoms in them.

    A recent large-scale study involving 9,243 children aged 10 and 11 has shed light on the potential mental health risks of excessive screen use. Published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, the research explored how heavy engagement with social media, video games, texting, and video streaming impacts young minds.

    To better understand the link between screen time and mental health, researchers of the latest study analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States. They examined the typical screen habits of thousands of preteens, investigating whether excessive use of social media, video games, and texting was associated with manic or hypomanic symptoms.

    The results showed that those with excess screen time were at a greater chance of developing “inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity – behaviors characteristic of manic episodes, a key feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders.”

    “Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time for the development of bipolar-spectrum disorders. Given that earlier onset of symptoms is linked with more severe and chronic outcomes, it’s important to understand what might contribute to the onset or worsening of manic symptoms in teenagers,” said Dr. Jason Nagata, first author of the study in a news release.

    The researchers also noted that American adolescents now spend an average of over eight hours a day on screens, double the pre-pandemic average, coinciding with a rise in mental health concerns.

    “This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early. Future research can help us better understand the behaviors and brain mechanisms linking screen use with manic symptoms to help inform prevention and intervention efforts,” said co-author Kyle Ganson.

    Although screen time offers educational benefits, Dr. Nagata cautions that parents should be mindful of potential risks and know the importance of balancing its use to protect mental health. “Families can develop a media plan which could include screen-free times before bedtime,” Dr. Nagata added.

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  • RFK Jr. Pushes Unproven Measles Treatments Amid Surge; Experts Urge Vaccination

    RFK Jr. Pushes Unproven Measles Treatments Amid Surge; Experts Urge Vaccination

    As measles cases spike in Texas, affecting 159 people, hospitalizing 22, and claiming the life of a school-aged child, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed “deep concern” about the outbreak while promoting an unconventional treatment protocol.

    “As the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I am deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreak,” Kennedy Jr. said in a statement.

    In a Fox News interview, Kennedy Jr. praised measles treatment using vitamin A, the steroid budesonide, the antibiotic clarithromycin, and cod liver oil, claiming they yield “good results.” However, health experts warn that it should not replace vaccination and caution against relying on it entirely.

    Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It starts with fever, cough, and red, watery eyes before a telltale rash appears. While most cases resolve on their own, complications like pneumonia, blindness, and brain inflammation can be severe, especially for unvaccinated individuals.

    Kennedy Jr. acknowledged that vaccines not only protect individual children from measles but also contribute to community immunity, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. However, in an opinion piece on Fox Nation, Kennedy Jr. said the decision to vaccinate kids will be a personal choice. Meanwhile, he emphasized the importance of good nutrition and the consumption of vitamins such as A, B12, C, D, and E as the “best defense against” chronic and infectious illnesses.

    He also pointed to a 2010 study showing that two doses of vitamin A treatment reduced measles mortality by 62%. The same study found that the measles vaccine is highly effective, with one dose preventing 85–95% of cases and two doses up to 98%.

    Since vaccines remain the only proven way to prevent outbreaks, some doctors worry that promoting unconventional therapies during a surge could undermine vaccination efforts and fuel misinformation online.

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reaffirmed last week that vaccination remains the strongest defense against measles, as no specific antiviral treatment exists. However, the agency acknowledged that supportive care, including vitamin A administration under the guidance of a physician may help in managing the infection.

    “Relying on vitamin A instead of the vaccine is not only dangerous and ineffective, but it puts children at serious risk,” Dr. Sue Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told The Washington Post.

    Experts like Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security believes that supplementation with vitamin A helps in cases where there are deficiencies but it “really doesn’t have much of a role in the current discussion on the West Texas measles epidemic because it becomes a distraction about what we really need to focus on, which is vaccinating our kids.”

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  • Can Time Of Week Affect Your Risk Of Death From Surgery? Here’s Worst Day For Operation

    Can Time Of Week Affect Your Risk Of Death From Surgery? Here’s Worst Day For Operation

    If you’re scheduled for surgery, here’s an interesting study you should know about: Researchers have found that the risk of death from surgery can depend on the time of week it’s scheduled, identifying the worst day for an operation.

    The study published in JAMA Network highlights an important trend known as the “weekend effect,” in relation to surgeries. Researchers found that patients undergoing planned surgeries on Friday, just before the weekend, face a significantly higher risk of death, complications, and readmission compared to those scheduled after the weekend.

    “Hospitals and health care systems have variations in operational structure and organization during the transition from weekdays to weekends. The weekend effect refers to the potential for worse patient outcomes during the weekends, compared with weekdays. In surgery, this concept may also apply to those undergoing surgery immediately before the weekend, who receive postoperative care during the weekend,” the researchers wrote.

    The findings were based on an analysis of large-scale data from 429,691 adult patients in Ontario, Canada, who underwent one of 25 common surgical procedures between 2007 and 2019, with a one-year follow-up.

    Of the 429,691 patients studied, nearly 46.5% had surgery before the weekend and researchers noted that they were more likely to experience negative outcomes, including complications, readmissions, and death compared to the pre-weekend group.

    The risk of mortality increased by 9% at 30 days, 10% at 90 days, and a striking 12% at one year for patients who underwent surgery just before the weekend.

    The study suggests that negative outcomes may be linked to differences in hospital staffing and fewer specialists available on weekends, which could impact post-surgery care. To improve outcomes, researchers recommend future studies focusing on ensuring high-quality care for all patients, regardless of when their surgery is scheduled.

    However, interestingly, the researchers noted a contrasting trend regarding unplanned, urgent surgeries. While scheduled or elective procedures performed before the weekend were linked to worse postoperative outcomes, urgent, unplanned surgeries tended to show slightly better outcomes when performed before the weekend.

    “Our findings underscore the need for a critical examination of current surgical scheduling practices and resource allocation. One approach for consideration is the optimization of perioperative care pathways to mitigate adverse outcomes,” the researchers noted.

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  • No Safe Way To Eat It

    No Safe Way To Eat It

    When you have a curious toddler around, every corner of your home seems to pose a potential danger. From choking on small objects to accidental ingestion or poisoning, parents are constantly on alert. But what if danger is lurking in the form of something as innocent as a popular snack?

    A pediatrician is now sounding the alarm about popcorn, labeling it a dangerous choking hazard for young children and urging parents to reconsider serving it to their little ones.

    According to Dr. Niamh Lynch, a pediatrician popular on social media for her valuable health advice, there is no safe way to feed popcorn to kids. In a recent TikTok video, she bluntly stated, “What do I recommend as the safest way to feed a toddler popcorn? I don’t. It’s really dangerous.”

    The warning might come as a shocking revelation for many, especially since popcorn is a staple snack at so many kids’ parties, movie nights, and family gatherings.

    In the video, Dr. Lynch explained how popcorn poses a serious choking hazard for toddlers. She explained that popcorn can easily be inhaled into a child’s tiny airways, which are about the width of a little finger. Using diagrams, she showed how easily a toddler’s airway can become obstructed.

    Dr. Lynch also stressed that it’s not just whole pieces of popcorn that are dangerous; even small popcorn “particles” can pose a significant risk.

    “If they are aspirated or breathed in, they can settle down in the lungs and cause significant infection. So if a toddler aspirates into the airway, unfortunately it can cause them to pass away – and if they inhale little particles it can cause a really serious infection. So no, popcorn is too dangerous and it’s not recommended by pediatricians,” she said in the video.

    The U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention also cautions against serving popcorn for kids. “Avoid serving children under 4 years old popcorn, spoonful of nut butter, whole grapes and cheese cubes, as these are common choking hazards. Always supervise children while they eat,” the CDC warns.

    To prevent choking, the CDC advises parents and caregivers to always keep children upright while eating, as this position helps reduce the risk of food blocking their airways. They also recommend avoiding feeding children in strollers, where it is difficult to monitor their eating habits. Mealtimes should be calm and focused. Also, caregivers should always closely watch what children put in their mouths.



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  • What You Need to Know

    What You Need to Know

    Getting a tattoo can be a painful experience, leading many to seek out tattoo numbing creams for relief. However, concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these products often arise. Understanding the difference between FDA approval and OTC Monograph compliance is crucial for consumers. Additionally, knowing which ingredients to look for and how to use these creams safely can help ensure a more comfortable tattooing process.

    FDA Approval vs. OTC Monograph Compliance

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products. However, not all over-the-counter (OTC) products are directly “FDA-approved.” Instead, many fall under the OTC Monograph system, which acts as a kind of pre-approved recipe book for OTC drugs. Products that comply with an OTC Monograph do not require individual FDA approval but must adhere strictly to established guidelines for active ingredients, dosages, labeling, and usage instructions.

    On the other hand, FDA approval involves a more rigorous process, including clinical trials and a comprehensive review of safety and effectiveness. While this offers a higher level of assurance, OTC Monograph compliance still indicates that a product meets recognized safety standards for its category.

    Tattoo Numbing Creams Compliant with OTC Monograph

    Several tattoo numbing creams comply with the OTC Monograph, making them safer choices for consumers. Adellina Tattoo Numbing Cream tops the list, known for its effective pain relief during tattoo sessions. Other notable products include Hush Gel and Numb Master, which also adhere to the established guidelines. These creams typically contain active ingredients like lidocaine, which is recognized under the OTC Monograph for its local anesthetic effects.

    Key Ingredients for Effective Numbing

    The effectiveness of a tattoo numbing cream largely depends on its active ingredients. Commonly used components include:

    • Lidocaine (4-5%): A topical anesthetic that blocks nerve signals in the skin, reducing pain and discomfort. It is the most prevalent ingredient in OTC-compliant numbing creams due to its fast-acting and reliable effects.
    • Benzocaine: Another anesthetic that provides surface-level numbing, often used in combination with lidocaine for enhanced efficacy.
    • Tetracaine: Known for its longer-lasting effects, this ingredient is sometimes included to extend the duration of numbness.
    • Epinephrine: Occasionally added to constrict blood vessels, reducing bleeding and prolonging the numbing effect.

    These ingredients work by inhibiting sodium channels in nerve endings, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. For the best results, a cream containing a combination of these components is recommended.

    Safety Tips and Considerations

    Using tattoo numbing creams comes with certain precautions. Here are some key tips:

    1. Patch Test: Apply a small amount on your skin 24 hours before your tattoo session to check for any adverse reactions.
    2. Follow Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding application time and dosage. Excessive use can cause serious side effects, including heart irregularities and seizures.
    3. Avoid Broken Skin: Do not apply numbing cream to damaged or inflamed skin, as this can increase absorption and risk of toxicity.
    4. Consult Your Tattoo Artist: Some tattoo artists may prefer not to use numbing creams as they can affect skin texture. Discuss this in advance.

    Choosing the Right Numbing Cream

    When selecting a tattoo numbing cream, consider the following tips:

    • Check Active Ingredients: Opt for creams with at least 4% lidocaine for effective pain relief.
    • Look for OTC Compliance: Products that comply with the OTC Monograph offer a safer choice.
    • Read Reviews: User reviews can provide insight into a product’s real-world effectiveness.
    • Expiration Date: Ensure the product is within its expiry date for maximum effectiveness.

    In conclusion, while tattoo numbing creams can offer significant relief, understanding their safety, effectiveness, and proper use is crucial. By choosing OTC Monograph-compliant products like Adellina Tattoo Numbing Cream and following safety guidelines, you can make your tattoo experience more comfortable and worry-free.

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  • Trump Applauds 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor After Slashing Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research

    Trump Applauds 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor After Slashing Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research

    President Donald Trump honored and applauded a young cancer survivor during his recent joint address to Congress despite his numerous attempts to cut funding for healthcare, including pediatric cancer research.

    DJ Daniel, 13, was introduced to the audience by the 47th president on Tuesday night, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

    “Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police,” Trump announced. “His name is DJ Daniel is 13 years old, and he has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But in 2018, DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer. The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago.”

    Daniel and his father have been trying to actualize Daniel’s dream of becoming a real police officer, Trump explained. Since they began, the child has become an honorary member of local police departments, reported ABC News.

    “Tonight, DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all,” Trump said. “I am asking our new Secret Service Director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.”

    Last month, the Trump administration attempted to enact cuts worth $4 billion for funding towards cancer research at universities, cancer centers and hospitals. He attempted to impose a policy under which indirect costs for research grants distributed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be capped at 15 percent.

    Universities and research centers responded to this initiative with a lawsuit claiming that cutting this funding represented “flagrantly unlawful action” and “will devastate medical research at America’s universities.” US District Court Judge Angel Kelley ordered the administration to hold off on the cuts.

    “Once again, President Trump and Elon Musk are acting in direct violation of the law. In this case, they are causing irreparable damage to ongoing research to develop cures and treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, ALS, Diabetes, Mental Health disorders, opioid abuse, genetic diseases, rare diseases, and other diseases and conditions affecting American families,” said Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro. “The Trump Administration is attempting to steal critical funds promised to scientific research institutions funded by the NIH, despite an explicit legal prohibition against this action.”

    “The reduction in research and care funding is a devastating setback for the pediatric cancer community, one that threatens all the progress we’ve made. This unfortunate turn of events only reinforces the urgent need for us to continue advancing care, supporting cutting-edge research, and improving conditions for pediatric cancer patients and their families,” Danielle Fragalla, the Chief Executive Officer of Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, said.

    “At the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, our work has never been more critical. Through our institutional priorities—Powering Research, Equitable Care, and Survivorship & Mental Health—we are committed to driving innovating solutions that not only improve outcomes but also ensure that every child and family has access to the support they need.”

    Originally published by Latin Times.

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