Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • Woman’s Skin Turns Yellow, Develops Flu-Like Symptoms Before Shocking Terminal Diagnosis

    Woman’s Skin Turns Yellow, Develops Flu-Like Symptoms Before Shocking Terminal Diagnosis

    For years, 38-year-old Laura Wharam, led an active, healthy life, believing she was in remission after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer. But when she recently developed strange flu-like symptoms and noticed her skin turning yellow, little did she imagine that it would lead to a devastating diagnosis. Her cancer has returned aggressively at stage 4, leaving her with no cure and only months to live.

    Wharam from London, in the U.K., was initially diagnosed with breast cancer that led to a double mastectomy in 2021. “We thought it was all going well from there. She was feeling super strong – she was active. But then it all changed at the start of this year,” said her partner Jake Watt.

    But Wharam began feeling unwell last month, experiencing fatigue and losing her appetite. Soon, she noticed her skin turning yellow and was rushed to the hospital, suspecting an infected appendix. Instead, what awaited her was a life-changing diagnosis.

    “It was the worst possible news. It’s such a shock to the system. I’ve cried every day since the diagnosis. It’s been such a whirlwind,” Watt recollected.

    Wharam’s cancer has now spread to other parts of her body with little treatment left. “Laura’s cancer is incurable, but she’s having chemotherapy to try to slow it down. Doctors have said the worst-case scenario is a couple of months, the best-case scenario is a couple of years,” said Watt.

    Now, the couple faces an unimaginable situation where Wharam cannot continue her work and should start thinking about her end-of-life care. In an effort to support her during this difficult time, Watt has set up a GoFundMe page.

    “She can’t work at the moment and London is expensive. We also have to start preparing for end-of-life care. We just want to alleviate that financial burden,” Watt said.

    While many are familiar with the typical signs of breast cancer, such as changes to the nipple or a lump, it’s important to remember that not all forms present these obvious symptoms. In many cases, mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

    When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body such as the bones, lungs, or brain, the symptoms can be very different. Secondary breast cancer often brings a range of general symptoms, including overwhelming tiredness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and pain. Yellowing of the skin can be a sign that cancer has spread to the liver.

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  • Common Mistake While Swimming To Blame

    Common Mistake While Swimming To Blame

    A New York lifeguard lost her eyesight after contracting a rare amoebic infection caused by a common mistake many people make while swimming. For all contact lens wearers, this is a crucial warning—always remove your lenses before entering the water to avoid serious risks.

    Maureen Cronin, a 53-year-old lifeguard and swimming instructor, can no longer continue her work after losing her eyesight to acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare infection caused by parasites burrowing into her cornea and permanently damaging her right eye.

    Since last June, Cronin had been giving swimming lessons to kids in her backyard pool, but she never removed her contact lenses during the sessions.

    “I didn’t know this [that you shouldn’t wear them] but I had my contacts in and I would take my goggles off and show them how to go underwater and how fun it was,” she said.

    The signs of infection began with an eye irritation during one of her swimming sessions, which Cronin describes as feeling like she “had a piece of sand” in her eye. However, the discomfort soon escalated into “excruciating” pain. She then consulted a doctor who prescribed eye drops, but the symptoms persisted. After several misdiagnoses, first as a corneal laceration and later with a herpes infection, she was eventually found to have acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in August of last year.

    Cronin underwent a cornea transplant the following month, but her body rejected the procedure, leaving her completely blind in her right eye. As she awaits a second transplant in hopes of restoring her vision, she feels anxious about the outcome. “It feels like it’s never-ending, and I’m nervous,” she shared.

    “AK is not well known and it is often misdiagnosed. I would say anyone who wears contact lenses shouldn’t wear them near any body of water. Don’t even wear them when it rains,” she added.

    Contact lens wearers are at the highest risk of developing acanthamoeba keratitis, making up at least 90% of cases. The infection often occurs due to a combination of factors, such as wearing contacts for too long, improperly storing them, and not cleaning the lenses or storage cases correctly. Additionally, wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering, or using contaminated contact lens-related items like cases or solutions also raises the risk.

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  • Common Artificial Sweetener In Diet Sodas May Raise Risk Of Heart Attacks, Strokes

    Common Artificial Sweetener In Diet Sodas May Raise Risk Of Heart Attacks, Strokes

    Are you considering sugar substitutes as a safer alternative to sugar? Think again. Recent research has found that a common artificial sweetener used in diet sodas and other zero-sugar food items may actually increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    In a recent study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, researchers evaluated mice fed aspartame, a common sugar substitute, for 12 weeks and compared them with mice without a sweetener-infused diet. The amount of aspartame the mice consumed (daily doses of food containing 0.15%) was equivalent to about three cans of diet soda per day for humans.

    The results revealed that mice fed with aspartame had increased inflammation and “larger and more fatty plaques” in their arteries, two main factors that could raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

    The researchers also noted that the mice’s blood had an insulin surge after aspartame entered their system. They then determined that elevated insulin levels may be the key link between aspartame and cardiovascular health.

    “Aspartame triggers increased insulin levels in animals, which in turn contributes to atherosclerosis—buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which can lead to higher levels of inflammation and an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke over time,” the researchers noted in a news release.

    The study identified a specific immune signal, CX3CL1 that gets activated under insulin stimulation as the key factor for inflammation and plaque buildup.

    “Because blood flow through the artery is strong and robust, most chemicals would be quickly washed away as the heart pumps. Surprisingly, not CX3CL1. It stays glued to the surface of the inner lining of blood vessels. There, it acts like a bait, catching immune cells as they pass by,” said senior author Yihai Cao.

    Cao believes that the same immune signal, CX3CL1, could be a potential target for treating other chronic conditions that involve blood vessel inflammation, like stroke, arthritis, and diabetes. Developing agents that block the functions of this immune signal could provide a new way to treat and prevent common and deadly diseases in humans.

    “Artificial sweeteners have penetrated almost all kinds of food, so we have to know the long-term health impact,” Cao cautioned.

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  • Man Hospitalized With Fever, Recurrent Falls Diagnosed With Rare Infection Linked To Lake Swimming In Iowa

    Man Hospitalized With Fever, Recurrent Falls Diagnosed With Rare Infection Linked To Lake Swimming In Iowa

    A 77-year-old man’s mysterious symptoms, fever, and frequent falls due to fatigue left doctors puzzled for days until they diagnosed him with a potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease, linked to his vacation swimming in an Iowa lake.

    According to the case published in CMAJ, the unidentified patient was admitted to a Winnipeg hospital with fever, cough, and multiple sudden falls due to fatigue. Tests showed an elevated blood cell count, indicating an infection, along with high levels of creatine kinase, suggesting potential kidney damage. Further testing revealed that the patient had developed severe pneumonia.

    The patient was initially treated for five days with antibiotics piperacillin-tazobactam, a broad-spectrum antibiotics for pneumonia but his condition did not improve. Doctors then performed a bronchoscopy but could not identify the specific bacteria from the sample.

    Although doctors initially requested Legionella testing of the bronchoalveolar lavage culture, the laboratory declined due to a lack of clinical justification. However, after the doctors highlighted the patient’s risk factors including recent travel, exposure to stagnant water, and pneumonia unresponsive to standard antibiotics, the lab proceeded with the test.

    While the bronchoalveolar lavage culture tested negative, a urine test confirmed the presence of Legionella. The negative culture result was likely due to recent antibiotic use.

    Once Legionnaires’ disease was confirmed, doctors prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics levofloxacin (750 mg daily). By the fourth day of treatment, the patient had improved significantly and no longer needed supplemental oxygen, allowing him to be discharged from the hospital to continue his recovery at home.

    Legionnaires’ disease develops within 10 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria, which enters the body through inhalation from water or soil. Outbreaks have been linked to various water sources, including hot tubs, whirlpools, cooling towers in air conditioning systems, hot water tanks, heaters, decorative fountains, swimming pools, birthing pools, and drinking water.

    The initial signs of the infection include headache, muscle aches, and a high fever. Within three days, additional signs may appear, including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, gastrointestinal issues, and confusion. Though it primarily affects the lungs, it can sometimes lead to infections in other parts of the body, such as wounds or the heart. If left untreated it can lead to life-threatening complications including septic shock, and lung and kidney failure.

    A milder form of the infection from the same bacteria causes Pontiac fever, with similar symptoms but doesn’t affect the lungs and generally resolves in a few days.

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  • Rare Water Allergy Causes Excruciating Pain For Woman—From Drinking To Showering, She Shares Her Daily Struggle

    Rare Water Allergy Causes Excruciating Pain For Woman—From Drinking To Showering, She Shares Her Daily Struggle

    You may never realize how often water touches our lives until you have a disorder like the 25-year-old young mother from the U.K. who describes simple daily activities such as washing hands, drinking water, or taking a bath as “excruciatingly painful”.

    An extremely rare condition called aquagenic urticaria makes the life of Kendall Bryce, from Durham, UK, a real struggle. As a young mother of one, pregnant with her second child, she finds it difficult to take care of herself and or her child while battling the condition.

    “I’ve never been able to give my one-year-old son a bath. My mom has to do it for me. And I even feel my throat burning when I drink water,” she said.

    “It really is a daily struggle. I can only have a bath or take a shower twice a week because of how excruciating the pain is, so I constantly worry I stink,” said Bryce.

    Bryce’s condition began when she was just 15 when she started noticing hives after she took a bath. But little did she realize that was the beginning of her battle with water allergy until she was diagnosed with the condition four years back.

    “The GP didn’t have a clue what to do. It’s just such a rare condition, so not many people have it and not many people know about it,” Bryce recalled, still living with the constant pain. The pain is so severe that her body sometimes goes into shock.

    “My life is dictated by the weather as I have to avoid rain — and even hot humid days. I check the forecast every day and stay home if it’s raining or going to rain, but if I get caught out by surprise, my body reacts and it’s really painful,” she added.

    There is currently no cure for water allergy, but treatment options are available to manage the symptoms. Treatments include the use of oral antihistamines, topical medications like creams or emulsions, phototherapy using artificial UV light, and sometimes other medications like asthma drugs, anabolic steroids, or SSRIs.

    While pregnant, Bryce’s treatment options are however limited. “They’ve tried lots of different medications but I kept reacting. I still haven’t found something that helps,” Bryce said. However, she hopes that by sharing her story, she might connect with someone who knows how to treat her condition.

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  • Craving Sugary Treat After Meals? Here’s Why You Always Have Room For Dessert

    Craving Sugary Treat After Meals? Here’s Why You Always Have Room For Dessert

    Do you ever find yourself craving something sweet even after a big meal? Or wonder how you still have room for dessert despite feeling full? Researchers now suggest that the phenomenon known as “dessert stomach” is linked to the brain.

    In a recent study, researchers investigated the phenomenon in mice and found that they ate sugar even when they were full. While analyzing the brains, they discovered that a group of nerve cells called POMC neurons triggered the craving for sugar.

    When the mice ate sugar, these neurons released ß-endorphin, a natural opiate that made them feel rewarded and caused them to eat more, even if they were full. This effect was specific to sugar, not other foods. When the researchers blocked this pathway, the mice stopped eating extra sugar, but only when they were full. The inhibition of the ß-endorphin did not affect the hungry mice.

    The researchers also found that the activation of endorphins began even before the mice started eating sugar, as soon as they sensed it. Interestingly, the opiate was also released in the brains of mice that had never eaten sugar before.

    “As soon as the first sugar solution entered the mice’s mouths, ß-endorphin was released in the “dessert stomach region”, which was further strengthened by additional sugar consumption,” the researchers explained.

    When a similar trial was conducted in humans, researchers used brain scans on volunteers after they received a sugar solution through a tube. They found that the same region of the brain responded to sugar in humans where there are many opiate receptors close to satiety neurons.

    “From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense: sugar is rare in nature but provides quick energy. The brain is programmed to control the intake of sugar whenever it is available,” explained Henning Fenselau, research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research and head of the study.

    The researchers hope their findings could be valuable for treating obesity. “There are already drugs that block opiate receptors in the brain, but the weight loss is less than with appetite-suppressant injections. We believe that a combination with them or with other therapies could be very useful. However, we need to investigate this further,” Fenselau added.

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  • Measles Outbreak in Texas County With Low Vaccination Rate Multiplies, More Cases ‘Likely’

    Measles Outbreak in Texas County With Low Vaccination Rate Multiplies, More Cases ‘Likely’

    Measles is ripping through Gaines County, Texas—cases have more than tripled, and health officials warn the worst is yet to come. The highly contagious virus is spreading fast, with more infections “likely” in the days ahead.

    The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed 48 cases as of this week, up from just 14 last Friday.

    “Thirteen of the patients have been hospitalized,” the agency stated in a press release. All of the cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

    “The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles,” DSHS advised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective at preventing infection.

    Health officials attribute the outbreak to low vaccination rates. Only 82% of kindergartners in Gaines County public schools are up to date on their shots, well below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. The county also has an 18% exemption rate for vaccines due to religious or personal beliefs.

    “We’re trying to get out the message about how important vaccination is,” Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District told CNN. He stressed those exposed or symptomatic should get tested at the mobile screening unit in Seminole, Texas.

    “Measles is a serious yet preventable disease,” added Dr. Jamie Felberg of the South Plains Public Health District. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is the most effective way to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and the community.”

    “Additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,” DSHS warned.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • Measles Outbreak in Texas County With Low Vaccination Rate Multiplies, More Cases ‘Likely’

    Measles Outbreak in Texas County With Low Vaccination Rate Multiplies, More Cases ‘Likely’

    Measles is ripping through Gaines County, Texas—cases have more than tripled, and health officials warn the worst is yet to come. The highly contagious virus is spreading fast, with more infections “likely” in the days ahead.

    The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed 48 cases as of this week, up from just 14 last Friday.

    “Thirteen of the patients have been hospitalized,” the agency stated in a press release. All of the cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

    “The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles,” DSHS advised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective at preventing infection.

    Health officials attribute the outbreak to low vaccination rates. Only 82% of kindergartners in Gaines County public schools are up to date on their shots, well below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. The county also has an 18% exemption rate for vaccines due to religious or personal beliefs.

    “We’re trying to get out the message about how important vaccination is,” Zach Holbrooks, executive director of the South Plains Public Health District told CNN. He stressed those exposed or symptomatic should get tested at the mobile screening unit in Seminole, Texas.

    “Measles is a serious yet preventable disease,” added Dr. Jamie Felberg of the South Plains Public Health District. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is the most effective way to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and the community.”

    “Additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and the surrounding communities,” DSHS warned.

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  • Louisiana Health Department Orders Employees to Stop Promoting Mass Vaccinations As it Accuses CDC of Being ‘Woefully Out of Touch’

    The Louisiana Department of Health has ordered its employees to stop promoting mass vaccinations, criticizing the CDC as “woefully out of touch” with public health concerns.

    Louisiana has historically promoted vaccinations for preventable diseases through public health initiatives, community events and partnerships. However, under the leadership of Gov. Jeff Landry and Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham, the state has shifted its stance on vaccines, CNN reported.

    Abraham, a former Republican congressman, has expressed skepticism about mass vaccination efforts and framed vaccine mandates as an infringement on personal autonomy.

    On Thursday, Abraham issued a memo directing Louisiana health workers to cease mass vaccination promotion, emphasizing that vaccines should be treated with “nuance” rather than broad public campaigns.

    The policy, which was not initially communicated to the public, aligns with a growing conservative push against vaccine mandates and mass immunization programs.

    “Government should admit the limitations of its role in people’s lives and pull back its tentacles from the practice of medicine. The path to regaining public trust lies in acknowledging past missteps, refocusing on unbiased data collection, and providing transparent, balanced information for people to make their own health decisions. By demonstrating genuine integrity and respect for personal autonomy, public health agencies can begin to mend the rifts they’ve created,” Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman wrote in a published letter.

    Abraham and Coleman added that vaccination recommendations, particularly for the COVID-19 vaccine, by the CDC have become “woefully out of touch with reality and with most parents.”

    Louisiana, which already struggles with low vaccination rates, is experiencing a significant flu outbreak, and health experts warn that the new directive could further reduce immunization rates and increase the spread of preventable diseases.

    In response, New Orleans’ independent health department has rejected the state’s stance, vowing to continue mass vaccination efforts.

    Public health experts, including Dr. Jennifer Avegno of the New Orleans Health Department and Dr. Paul Offit of the Vaccine Education Center, warn that reduced vaccine promotion will likely lead to declining immunization rates and worsening disease outbreaks.

    Originally published by Latin Times.

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  • Want To Lose Weight? Nutritionist Shares Foods That Naturally Mimic Ozempic

    Want To Lose Weight? Nutritionist Shares Foods That Naturally Mimic Ozempic

    Are you planning to shed pounds but prefer going the natural, healthy route? You don’t always need Ozempic or GLP-1 medications for weight loss; the right food choices may be all you need. A nutritionist shares tips on foods that naturally mimic Ozempic by helping you feel full longer and slowing digestion.

    Luisana Carrero, a nutritionist from Houston, regularly shares simple and sustainable nutrition and workout tips on her Instagram handle, Luisana_nutritioncoach, helping people transform their bodies. In a recent post, she discusses 8 high-quality foods that naturally mimic the effects of Ozempic by boosting satiety, balancing blood sugar, reducing cravings, and helping make fat loss easier.

    “Incorporate these foods into your diet to control hunger, stay satisfied longer, and lose fat,” she wrote. Here are the foods to include:

    1. Greek Yogurt:

    Carrero suggests that the combination of protein and probiotics makes Greek yogurt a top choice. It helps reduce calorie intake while supporting gut health, and adding berries and nuts creates a tasty, balanced snack.

    Scientific evidence also supports the weight loss benefits of Greek yogurt. Research shows that yogurt consumption is inversely associated with the incidence of overweight or obesity. A 2014 study evaluating 8,516 participants found that those who consumed more than 7 servings of yogurt per week were less likely to be obese than those who ate 2 or fewer servings.

    2. Sweet Potatoes:

    As a slow-digesting and nutrient-rich carbohydrate, sweet potatoes help improve satiety. “Bake them at 400°F for 30-45 minutes and pair with your favorite protein,” Carrero wrote.

    3. Berries:

    With their low glycemic impact and calorie content, berries are a favorable food choice. They transform boring meals into tasty snacks and can be eaten fresh or added to items like yogurt and oatmeal.

    4. Avocados:

    Another tasty complement to salads and toasts, avocados offer a great combination of healthy fats and fiber that help regulate appetite hormones. In addition to supporting weight loss, this nutrient-rich fruit, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, promotes overall health.

    5. Oats:

    Oats help release gut hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which help reduce food intake. This easy breakfast food also can reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar and reduce constipation.

    6. Veggies:

    Carrero recommends including high-fiber veggies such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts in the daily diet as they are packed with vitamins & minerals.

    7. Lean Beef:

    Rich in protein and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), lean beef supports fat loss in multiple ways. Protein not only helps build and repair muscle but also increases calorie burn during digestion.

    8. Eggs:

    Using eggs and egg whites can help improve satiety by regulating hunger-controlling hormones like GLP-1 and CCK (cholecystokinin). These hormones signal the brain to reduce appetite, helping you feel full longer and preventing overeating.



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