In a powerful testament to the importance of early detection, two Emirati mothers have shared their harrowing yet inspiring journeys of battling breast cancer during critical phases of their lives. Maryam Rashid Al Habsi, a mother of eight, was 29 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with an 8-centimeter invasive ductal carcinoma. Initially attributing the swelling to her pregnancy, Maryam’s diagnosis came as a shock. ‘It was devastating, but I put my trust in God,’ she recalled. A multidisciplinary team of specialists, including oncologists, obstetricians, and gynecologists, devised a treatment plan that prioritized both her health and her unborn child’s safety. Limited imaging options during pregnancy meant relying on ultrasounds and minimal radiation scans. Maryam began chemotherapy in her third trimester, delivering a healthy baby boy at 35 weeks. Post-delivery, she underwent a mastectomy, radiation therapy, and long-term hormone therapy to prevent recurrence. Despite battling depression and body image issues, Maryam credits counseling and faith for her recovery. ‘Early detection saved my life,’ she emphasized. For Moza Alshehi, a mother of six, the first sign of cancer was not a lump but severe knee pain. Initially dismissed as a muscle strain, further tests revealed HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma that had spread to her bones, lungs, and skull. ‘When the doctor said I needed surgery immediately, I realized the gravity of the situation,’ Moza shared. She chose to stay in the UAE for treatment, undergoing a combination of chemotherapy and targeted drugs. After seven months, scans showed no visible cancer, and Moza was declared cancer-free. Both women now advocate for regular screenings, stressing that early detection can save lives. ‘Don’t wait for symptoms,’ Moza urged. ‘Early detection gave me a second chance at life.’ As Breast Cancer Awareness Month concludes, their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the critical role of timely medical intervention.
分类： health
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Texas attorney general sues Tylenol makers over autism claims
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Tylenol, accusing them of concealing potential risks the drug poses to children’s brain development. The legal action targets Johnson & Johnson, the former distributor of the drug, and Kenvue, its current producer. Paxton, a Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, claims the companies prioritized profits over public safety, stating they ‘betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks.’ The lawsuit follows Trump’s recent promotion of an unproven link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism in children. Kenvue has refuted these allegations, asserting there is no credible evidence connecting acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to autism. The company expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, which could impact the health of women and children. Medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, support the safety of acetaminophen, emphasizing its importance as one of the few pain relief options for pregnant women. The lawsuit seeks to compel the companies to cease marketing Tylenol as safe for pregnant women. This case mirrors a 2022 lawsuit by parents of children with autism and ADHD, which was dismissed due to inconclusive evidence. The controversy has sparked debate among public health officials, with the FDA clarifying that no causal relationship between Tylenol and autism has been established.
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Bird flu hits migrating cranes hard in Germany as the virus flares up
In a tragic turn of events, the serene village of Linum, located just outside Berlin and renowned as a haven for birdwatchers, has become the epicenter of a devastating bird flu outbreak. Over the past week, volunteers have recovered nearly 2,000 dead cranes, marking a significant blow to the migrating bird population. Linum, typically a bustling rest stop for thousands of cranes migrating between the Baltic and Nordic regions and southern Europe, has seen its tranquil ponds and fields transformed into a grim scene of avian mortality.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Germany’s national animal health authority, has reported 30 outbreaks of bird flu at poultry farms and among wild birds since early September. As a precautionary measure, over 500,000 chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys have been culled. The current outbreak has particularly affected the majestic gray-and-white cranes, a species that has not previously experienced such severe impacts from bird flu on this migration route. Norbert Schneeweiss, an expert with Brandenburg state’s environment office, noted that while there was an outbreak among cranes in Hungary two years ago, the scale of the current crisis is unprecedented.
Volunteers, clad in full-body protective gear, have been tirelessly working to collect the lifeless bodies of the cranes from the water and reeds surrounding Linum. The task is both physically demanding and emotionally taxing. Lara Weinmann, one of the volunteers, expressed the emotional toll of the work, stating, ‘We try to convince ourselves that we’re doing something good for conservation and that it’s important. But of course, it does affect you.’
Efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus include reducing the attractiveness of the area to migrating birds by limiting water flow, thereby shrinking the resting area. However, Schneeweiss emphasized that resting places are scarce in Central Europe, making it challenging to deter the birds from stopping in Linum. The usual guided tours for bird enthusiasts have been canceled, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
While the outbreak appears to be under control locally, with the number of dead cranes slowing and no other wild birds yet showing symptoms, the broader implications of the virus are concerning. Although bird flu infections in humans are relatively rare, scientists fear that the virus could evolve to spread more easily among people, especially as it continues to affect other species, including some mammals.
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Pink About It: Starting conversations, changing lives
Breast cancer continues to be the most prevalent cancer among women globally, with projections indicating a staggering 40% increase in cases by 2050. This alarming trend underscores the critical importance of awareness, timely screening, and education in combating the disease. Early detection remains the cornerstone of effective treatment, offering the best chance for a cure and a healthy future. Medical experts emphasize the life-saving potential of regular screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, which can identify abnormalities before they escalate into serious conditions. Dr. Pranay Taori, a Specialist in Medical Oncology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, highlights that early-stage cancers are often more manageable, with better treatment outcomes. He urges individuals to prioritize routine screenings based on age and risk factors, encouraging friends and family to do the same. Beyond detection, modern surgical advancements provide hope and improved quality of life for patients. Dr. Afsal Muhammed, a Specialist in Surgical Oncology, explains that contemporary techniques focus on patient comfort and long-term health, offering options like breast-conserving surgery and reconstruction. Emotional and psychological support also plays a vital role in the journey. Dr. Pranab Karipody Prabhakaran, a Consultant in Medical Oncology, reassures patients that they are not alone, with access to support groups, counselling, and community resources. Lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, further contribute to reducing risk. Dr. Nilusha Vadhwania, a Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, emphasizes the cumulative benefits of consistent healthy habits. Personalized screening plans, tailored to individual risk factors, are essential for proactive health management. Dr. Anitha Sophia Biju advises consulting healthcare providers for age and risk-based guidelines. Community support networks also offer strength and encouragement to patients and their families. Dr. Preetha Vinoj underscores the power of shared experiences in fostering hope and resilience. The journey through breast cancer is marked by courage, conversation, and connection, transforming fear into triumph. The colour pink symbolizes not just awareness but a promise of support, compassion, and renewal. Together, we can inspire new beginnings and celebrate every step forward.
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How a Diwali cracker gun in India went from social media craze to blinding children
In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations across northern India, a disturbing trend has emerged: a surge in severe eye injuries caused by improvised devices known as ‘carbide guns.’ These rudimentary contraptions, made from calcium carbide in plastic pipes, produce loud blasts and fiery sparks, mimicking gunfire. However, their unpredictable nature has led to devastating consequences, particularly among children and young adults. Aarish, a 15-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, is one of hundreds of victims. After a carbide gun exploded near his face, he lost vision in his left eye and underwent emergency surgery. Despite his physical pain, Aarish’s primary concern is missing work, as he repairs televisions to support his family. His story reflects a broader issue of child labor in India, where millions of children work despite legal restrictions. The carbide gun phenomenon gained traction after viral social media videos showcased their use as firecrackers. Priced at just 150-200 rupees ($1.70-$2), these devices became a popular yet dangerous Diwali novelty. Hospitals in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have reported over 370 cases of eye injuries, with at least 55 requiring surgery. Dr. Kavitha Kumar of Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal described the injuries as ranging from mild chemical burns to severe corneal damage, with some patients facing temporary or permanent vision loss. Dr. Partha Biswas, president of the All India Ophthalmological Society, has called for an urgent nationwide ban on carbide guns, emphasizing their potential to cause permanent blindness and disability. Despite regulations on calcium carbide, its widespread use in fruit ripening and other activities has made it easily accessible. Authorities have arrested several sellers, and some states have banned the devices, but experts argue that stricter enforcement and public awareness are needed to prevent future tragedies. As families like Aarish’s and Alzain’s grapple with the aftermath, the incident underscores the urgent need for action to protect public health during festive celebrations.
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Versetti Family Office advances discussion on longevity innovation at Global Summit
The 6th Annual Timepie Longevity Summit, a premier global gathering of longevity experts, researchers, and investors, recently concluded with a focus on the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship in advancing human lifespan and healthspan. Angel Versetti, Founder and CEO of the Versetti Family Office, emerged as a key voice at the event, addressing critical challenges and opportunities in the longevity industry. In his keynote speech, Versetti highlighted the structural and operational barriers hindering the scaling of early-stage longevity startups and underscored the necessity of fostering synergy between scientific innovation and commercial application. He introduced the Versetti Family Office’s venture-builder model, which aims to address these challenges by unlocking capital and supporting startups dedicated to lifespan-extending discoveries. Versetti also emphasized China’s growing role in the longevity ecosystem, citing its world-class life sciences IP and contract research organizations (CROs) as key drivers of global progress. He expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations with Chinese universities and labs. During a media interaction, Versetti shared insights on promising longevity interventions while cautioning against unverified or marketing-driven treatments. He drew parallels between modern longevity pioneers like Bryan Johnson and historical figures such as Alexander Bogdanov, who tragically died from self-experimentation. Versetti also stressed the importance of global collaboration in longevity science, warning that geopolitical polarization could impede collective progress. He praised the Timepie Longevity Forum for fostering inclusive dialogue among experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, Singapore, and China. The Versetti Family Office’s participation at the summit reaffirms its commitment to advancing longevity science through responsible innovation, strategic investments, and active engagement in global research discussions.
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Trump says he had ‘perfect’ MRI at Walter Reed hospital
President Donald Trump recently disclosed that he underwent an MRI scan during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier this month. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to a week-long trip in Asia, Trump described the results as ‘perfect.’ The 79-year-old president, one of the oldest in U.S. history, did not specify the reason for the scan but emphasized the positive outcome. His physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stated that the MRI was part of a ‘scheduled follow-up evaluation’ within Trump’s ongoing health maintenance plan, which included advanced imaging, laboratory testing, and preventative assessments. Dr. Barbabella affirmed that Trump ‘continues to demonstrate excellent overall health.’ Earlier this year, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign condition common in older individuals, which causes blood to pool in the lower limbs due to impaired vein function. The White House clarified that recent bruising on Trump’s hands, visible in photographs, was unrelated to this condition and resulted from frequent handshaking. MRI scans, which use strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of soft tissues, are a standard diagnostic tool, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
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Longevity seekers are taking NAD+ supplements. Do they work?
As the quest for longevity gains momentum, NAD+ supplements have emerged as a popular yet controversial therapy. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule crucial for cellular repair and energy production, naturally declines with age. Proponents argue that boosting NAD+ levels through infusions or supplements could slow aging, but scientists remain cautious, citing a lack of conclusive evidence in humans.
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High-risk groups better protected against shingles
In a significant move to enhance public health, the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted approval for Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine developed by GSK, to prevent shingles in adults aged 18 and above who are at heightened risk due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. This decision addresses a critical gap in healthcare, as shingles affects approximately six million people annually in China, with severe cases leading to debilitating pain and long-term complications. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), manifests as a painful rash and can result in post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition that persists for weeks, months, or even years. The approval of Shingrix marks a pivotal step in safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems. Sanjay Gurunathan, GSK’s senior vice-president of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases R&D, emphasized the importance of this milestone in expanding access to preventive healthcare. Sherman Yu, vice-president and general manager of GSK China, highlighted the vaccine’s role in strengthening China’s adult immunization system and advancing public health literacy. GSK remains committed to its mission of disease prevention and treatment, aligning with the Healthy China 2030 initiative through collaborative efforts across sectors.
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UAE: Fit, young adults may have hidden heart issues, doctors say
The sudden death of 18-year-old Vaishnav Krishnakumar in Dubai has sparked widespread concern among families and medical professionals. While such cases are rare, doctors in the UAE are warning of a growing trend of cardiac arrests among young, seemingly healthy individuals. This alarming phenomenon is attributed to a combination of stress, poor lifestyle habits, and undiagnosed heart conditions.