Health Journal Online

Tag: Syndrome

  • Families Struggling With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Receive Assistance From Local Support Groups

    Families Struggling With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Receive Assistance From Local Support Groups

    Local support groups are assisting families who are struggling with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) due to the unique challenges that they are facing.

    In a statement, Texas Tech physician Dr. Ana Montanez said that one child lost for any reason is still “one too many.” The medical professional said that SIDS can be difficult for them to work through with families.

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

    Montanez added that historically, SIDS has been recognized as a syndrome that is associated with children dying unexpectedly in their sleep or unknowingly without symptoms, simply dying while sleeping. This has been expanded to include infants under the age of one who have died unexpectedly for reasons that could not be medically explained.

    The physician said that there was no exact way to prevent SIDS, but noted that there are steps that can be taken to lower the risk. It was noted that one of the most important factors to consider is a child’s sleep positioning, according to KCBD.

    Montanez said that the first thing parents or caretakers should do is put infants to sleep on their backs. She added that when they are awake, infants can be placed on their tummies without any adverse effects on their health.

    Another important factor to consider is that children need a safe sleep environment. Montanez noted that from a newborn baby’s perspective, the entire world is new, and everything they go through is a new sensory experience. It is important to keep the environment dark and quiet, and for the temperature to be appropriate when they go to sleep.

    Other factors that should be taken into consideration include smoking, which should be avoided around newborns. Another is letting kids sleep on their own and ensuring that there is no chance they could suffocate while sleeping, Fox34 reported.

    Providing Needed Support

    The medical professional noted that because it is impossible to reduce the risks of SIDS to zero, everyone should try to support each other as best they can. This is where local support groups come in, including Isabel Espinosa, the chapter leader of The Compassionate Friends in Lubbock.

    Espinosa’s daughter died in a car crash, an incident that changed how she viewed the world. She said that when the tragedy happened, she sank, noting she needed to find a chapter or a grief support group that was more specialized towards her loss.

    The situation comes after Mississippi health officials in August this year declared a public health emergency as the rate of mortality among young infants hit a decade-long high. State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said at the time that too many families were losing their babies before their first birthday, as per People.



    Originally published on parentherald.com

    © {{Year}} ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

    Source link

  • What is CKM Syndrome? Severity, Symptoms, and Other Details About the Condition Affecting 90% of Adult Americans

    What is CKM Syndrome? Severity, Symptoms, and Other Details About the Condition Affecting 90% of Adult Americans

    Doctors in the United States are sounding the alarm as a recently recognised health condition called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome now affects nearly all American adults. The American Heart Association (AHA) reported in October 2025 that around 240 million adults have at least one health issue linked to CKM, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease.

    What has shocked experts is that 88% of surveyed adults said they had never heard of CKM syndrome. Health officials fear this lack of awareness could make the condition worse nationwide.

    What is CKM Syndrome?

    CKM syndrome, short for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, is a medical condition describing how heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic problems like diabetes interact. The AHA officially named the condition in October 2023 to help doctors address these illnesses as one rather than separate issues.

    Hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic and Mass General Brigham describe CKM as a ‘full-circle disorder’ because poor function in one system can cause damage in another. This constant cycle can lead to serious long-term health decline.

    According to the AHA, damage in one area can trigger worsening conditions across all three systems, putting people at major risk for CKM.

    Is CKM Syndrome Deadly?

    CKM syndrome itself does not kill directly but raises the chance of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure — the main causes of death in the US. Johns Hopkins Medicine found that people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, one of the main results of CKM.

    The AHA warns that when multiple risk factors exist together, they multiply the danger levels. Cardiologist Dr Nidhi Kumar told CBS New York that chronic illnesses tied to CKM are now among the leading causes of death and disability across the country.

    CKM Syndrome Symptoms

    CKM symptoms vary because they develop through several systems. The Cleveland Clinic lists common warning signs such as:

    • High blood pressure
    • Abnormal cholesterol levels
    • High blood sugar or insulin resistance
    • Weight gain or obesity
    • Fatigue and poor kidney function
    • Swelling of hands, feet, or face
    • Shortness of breath or chest pressure

    Doctors classify CKM in five stages, ranging from no visible risk (Stage 0) to severe, symptomatic heart disease (Stage 4).

    Who Are Most Vulnerable?

    Data from the AHA and American Kidney Fund show that older adults face the greatest risk. Black Americans and those aged 20–44 also show high vulnerability due to obesity and diabetes. Sedentary habits, poor diets, and family history increase the chance of developing CKM.

    The AHA noted that these groups face higher rates of serious illness and require early screening to prevent complications.

    Is CKM Syndrome Curable?

    CKM syndrome cannot be cured, but it can be managed or reversed with early action. The AHA said three in four adults could reverse CKM through medical care and lifestyle adjustments.

    Recommended steps include balanced meals, regular exercise, and careful monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Dr Sanchez urged people to check their health numbers regularly since early intervention can stop further damage.

    How To Prevent CKM Syndrome

    Experts say prevention depends on healthy daily habits. Eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while cutting salt, sugar, and processed food helps protect vital organs. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight further reduce risks.

    Doctors also stress routine screenings for cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney function. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can ease pressure on the heart and metabolic systems.

    The AHA stated that most adults can control CKM through diet, exercise, and medical guidance — a reminder that prevention remains the strongest defence against this widespread condition.

    Originally published on IBTimes UK

    Source link

  • What Is “Pine Mouth Syndrome”? 

    What Is “Pine Mouth Syndrome”? 

    Why do some pine nuts cause a bad taste in your mouth that can last for weeks?

    The reason I make pesto with walnuts instead of the more traditional pine nuts isn’t only because walnuts are probably healthier with 20 times more polyphenols, but also because of a mysterious phenomenon known as PMS. Not that PMS. Pine mouth syndrome is characterized by what has become my favorite word of the week: cacogeusia, meaning a bad taste in your mouth. You can get cacogeusia from heavy metal toxicity, seafood toxins, certain nutritional and neurologic disorders, or the wrong kind of pine nuts. “Termed ‘Pine Mouth’ by the public, cases present in a roughly similar fashion: a persistent metallic or bitter taste beginning 1–3 days following ingestion of pine nuts lasting for up to 2 weeks.”

    As I discuss in my video Pine Mouth Syndrome: Prolonged Bitter Taste from Certain Pine Nuts, thousands of cases have been reported, and it doesn’t seem to matter if the pine nuts are raw or cooked. Could the cause be an unidentified toxin present in some varieties of non-edible pine nuts? Indeed, “out of more than 100 species of the Pinus genus, [only] 30 are considered to be edible by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.”

    Researchers analyzed pine nut samples from consumers who had fallen ill and found that, indeed, they all contained nuts from Chinese white pine, which is not reported to be edible. That tree is typically used only for lumber. You can see photos of inedible and edible pine nuts below and at 1:36 in my video.

    More photos can be seen here and at 1:40.

    We don’t know it’s the Chinese white pine nuts, though, until we put it to the test. Researchers gave study participants six to eight Chinese white pine nuts. Most hadn’t ever heard of pine mouth syndrome, and they all developed symptoms. We still don’t know exactly what it is in those nuts that causes such a bizarre reaction. We know to stay away from those kinds of pine nuts.

    So, what kinds of pine nuts are on shelves in the United States? All kinds, apparently, “including those associated with pine mouth.” You can see more examples below and at 2:19 in my video.

    Unsurprisingly, hundreds of cases of PMS have been reported in the United States. Most of the implicated nuts “were predominantly reported to be labeled from or originating from Asia, and in most cases China,” as seen here and at 2:30 in my video.

    The European Union demanded that China stop sending them toxic nuts, which they did beginning in 2011. “This export restriction likely resulted in a global export restriction of these species to the US as well,” given the decline in cases going into 2012, as shown below and at 2:47. 

    Rare cases still occur, though, as evidenced by an active Facebook group entitled “Damn you, Pine Nuts.” The primary reason I made this video is to allay fears should this ever happen to you. “There are no proven therapies for PMS. The only treatment is to cease ingesting implicated nuts and to wait for symptoms to abate.” Thankfully, pine mouth syndrome appears to be benign and goes away on its own.



    Source link

  • What Is Cushing Syndrome? Amy Schumer Says Online Comments About Her ‘Puffier’ Face Led To Diagnosis

    What Is Cushing Syndrome? Amy Schumer Says Online Comments About Her ‘Puffier’ Face Led To Diagnosis

    Amy Schumer has opened up about how comments on social media helped her with the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. In a candid podcast interview, the 43-year-old actress revealed that after receiving online feedback about her “puffier” appearance, she realized that she had a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the body.

    The Emmy winning actress and comedian who gained widespread recognition with her stand-up comedy said she received comments about her “moon face” while she appeared in February last year for promoting her Hulu series “Life & Beth”.

    “It was like a year ago and the internet really came for me after doing a bunch of press and I was like, ‘OK, everybody like, relax,’” Schumer told host Alex Cooper.

    “But then, like, doctors were chiming in in the comments and they were like, ‘No, no, we think like, something’s really up. Like, your face looks so crazy that we think something’s up,’ she said.

    Schumer said she was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome at the end of the same month.

    Know signs of Cushing syndrome:

    Recognizing the signs of Cushing syndrome is crucial for early detection and treatment. Symptoms can include unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face, a round “moon face,” and a hump of fat on the upper back. Other signs include thinning skin, easy bruising, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Mood changes such as depression or anxiety, along with memory issues or difficulty concentrating, may also signal the condition.

    Causes of high cortisol:

    High cortisol levels can result from several causes including the use of glucocorticoid medications prescribed for autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. In some cases, it could be caused by pituitary tumors, which produce excessive Adrenocorticotropic hormone, (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates cortisol production. Also Adrenal tumors, often benign, can also produce too much cortisol, though in rare cases, they can be cancerous.

    Complications:

    If left untreated, the condition can be potentially fatal, as the condition causes hypercortisolism, a dangerous imbalance of cortisol in the body. This can lead to a range of severe health issues, including chronic infections, blood clots, heart attacks, and even depression. Also, those with untreated Cushing syndrome may experience significant weight gain, memory problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a higher risk of broken bones. The condition can also lead to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or impaired fasting glucose.

    Source link

  • Strange ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ In Spain, Infants Resembling ‘Wookiees’ After Parents Use Hair Loss Remedy: Report

    Strange ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ In Spain, Infants Resembling ‘Wookiees’ After Parents Use Hair Loss Remedy: Report

    A strange condition known as “Werewolf Syndrome” has left nearly a dozen babies in Spain covered in hair, with extreme cases even resembling the iconic Wookiees from Star Wars. The rare disorder, officially called Hypertrichosis, is believed to be triggered by the parents’ use of a hair loss remedy, according to a recent report.

    Hypertrichosis occurs when individuals have excessive hair growth anywhere on the body. While some people are born with it due to genetic mutations (congenital hypertrichosis), others can develop it later in life (acquired hypertrichosis). The condition can be triggered by factors like certain medications, autoimmune disorders, or even malnutrition. Antibiotics such as streptomycin, anti-inflammatory drugs like benoxaprofen and corticosteroids, or the use of antiseptics with hexachlorobenzene are also known triggers.

    According to the report from El Economista, a Spanish news outlet, Navarra Pharmacovigilance Centre, detected 11 babies with Hypertrichosis or “Werewolf Syndrome,” after being exposed to minoxidil, a hair loss medication used by their parents. The drug is believed to have transferred from adults to infants through direct skin contact or by the babies sucking on contaminated surfaces, which may have affected their systems.

    “The skin of young children is more permeable due to the thinner layer of their stratum corneum, as they have a greater surface area/body weight ratio. For this reason, they are more easily able to absorb drugs administered topically systemically,” Navarra Pharmacovigilance Centre explained in the El Economista report as translated by Google.

    The patients were tested for exposure to other medications and investigated for other possible triggers. The symptoms reportedly subsided after stopping contact with the medication.

    Minoxidil, available in both solution and foam forms, is commonly used to promote hair growth, especially in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators, which work by improving blood flow to hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.

    Although generally safe, minoxidil can cause some side effects, including burning, stinging, or redness at the application site. In rare cases, the medication could be absorbed through the skin and may cause more serious effects such as unwanted facial or body hair, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling in the hands or feet, unusual weight gain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.

    Source link

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness In Elderly Might Be Linked To Pre-Dementia Syndrome

    Excessive Daytime Sleepiness In Elderly Might Be Linked To Pre-Dementia Syndrome

    Struggling to sleep or feeling overly sleepy during the day may be more than just a sign of fatigue; they could indicate serious health risks. A recent study revealed that elderly adults who have excessive daytime sleepiness are at risk of developing motoric cognitive risk syndrome that can lead to dementia.

    Motoric cognitive risk syndrome can be considered a precursor of dementia marked by slow gait or memory issues, two characteristic features of dementia but not fully developed mobility disability or dementia. Individuals diagnosed with motoric cognitive risk syndrome might need to undergo a treatment plan that includes dietary changes, lifestyle interventions, and medications to slow cognitive decline.

    The researchers of the latest study found that older people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm to get things done were more likely to develop the syndrome compared to those who do have sleep issues.

    “Our findings emphasize the need for screening for sleep issues. There’s potential that people could get help with their sleep issues and prevent cognitive decline later in life,” said study author Dr. Victoire Leroy in a news release.

    To understand the link, the researchers followed up 445 people with an average age of 76 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. Through questionnaires, they assessed sleep patterns, including difficulties falling asleep, waking during the night, and daytime sleepiness. The questions also addressed the participants’ enthusiasm levels and memory problems. The researchers assessed the participants’ walking speed using a treadmill at the beginning of the study and annually for an average of three years.

    Analysis showed that 35.5% of people who have excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of enthusiasm developed the syndrome, compared to 6.7% of the people who did not have these conditions.

    After adjusting for other factors that could influence the risk of the syndrome, researchers found that individuals with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm were more than three times as likely to develop motoric cognitive risk syndrome compared to those without these sleep-related issues.

    “More research needs to be done to look at the relationship between sleep issues and cognitive decline and the role played by motoric cognitive risk syndrome. We also need studies to explain the mechanisms that link these sleep disturbances to motoric cognitive risk syndrome and cognitive decline,” Leroy said.

    Source link