HEALTH - Page 11

Until recently, life for most people with sickle cell disease was a constant battle. The years were filled with pain, affecting every aspect of life—school, relationships, and work. But then, a new era dawned: a life after sickle cell disease. This is the story of two Americans whose lives were transformed by the advent of newly approved gene therapies. They share their journey with AFP, hoping others will find solace in these groundbreaking treatments. A new technology known as CRISPR/Cas9

March 14th marks World Kidney Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and the prevention of kidney diseases. In 2024, amidst ongoing health challenges and increasing rates of chronic conditions, the significance of this day is more profound than ever. This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All,” underscores the fundamental need for universal access to kidney health care. Kidney diseases, a global health challenge affecting millions of people worldwide, pose a significant burden on

Since its arrival in South America in 2022, the highly contagious H5N1 bird flu strain has exhibited unprecedented spread among both wild birds and marine mammals. This heightened transmission poses an increased risk of evolving into a more substantial threat to human populations. Influenza researcher talk about the virus and how it fits into a pattern scientists have long been warning of, as climate change throws ecosystems out of whack, enabling disease to thrive. The latest H5N1 outbreak has killed

Every year on May 31st, the World Health Organization (WHO) spearheads No Tobacco Day, a global campaign raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. This year’s theme focuses on the often-overlooked yet significant health threat of secondhand smoke. This smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a mixture of smoke that comes directly from the cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. This invisible culprit contains over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 known to

Often overshadowed by its flashier cousin sodium, potassium is a crucial mineral that plays a starring role in many bodily functions. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough of it. This article will explore why incorporating potassium-rich foods into your diet is smart for your overall health. Potassium: The Silent Hero Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that helps conduct electricity within cells. It’s essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, muscle and nerve function, and fluid balance. Together with sodium, it

Our bodies adjust to new temperatures and humidity as the seasons change. Often, this adjustment can leave us feeling dehydrated, even if we don’t realize it. We may not consume enough fluids to compensate for the increased water loss through sweating or drier air. Dehydration can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. It can also worsen skin problems and impact our overall well-being. So, how can we stay hydrated during these transitional periods? The Power of

On Thursday, the health agency of the European Union expressed concern about a concerning increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) throughout the continent, suggesting that this might only represent the visible part of the issue. The reported cases of gonorrhoea surged by 48 percent, reaching 70,881 in the EU and EEA area, in comparison to the previous year. Additionally, instances of syphilis rose by 34 percent, totaling over 35,391 cases. It said the rise was primarily driven by Spain and

A German man who asserts to have undergone 217 COVID-19 vaccinations underwent scrutiny from researchers. Surprisingly, his immune system demonstrated full functionality, contrary to concerns that repeated vaccinations might overwhelm his innate immunity. This intriguing case has prompted the need for additional investigation, with the findings published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. The 62-year-old from Magdeburg in central Germany deliberately and for private reasons received dozens of vaccines over 29 months. He did this outside a clinical study context

Birth control pills that have been available for decades through prescription are going to become over-the-counter later this month, widening access to contraception at a time when abortion rights have been drastically curtailed. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first oral contraceptive pill to be sold without a doctor’s prescription, paving the way for Americans to buy it as quickly as they pick up aspirin in stores. The FDA’s decision to approve the drug, called Opill, is a

While many in the medical field are well aware of how factors such as housing, income, and education can interact with an individual’s ability to prevent and treat health problems, far fewer consider lack of adequate sleep to be one of those issues. Getting enough sleep is critical for our bodies to maintain basic health processes, yet millions of people don’t get enough of it. This is not by accident; our modern lifestyle has much to do with it. The