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Racism poses a public health threat to millions of people worldwide as it continues to be a "profound" and "insidious" driver of health inequalities, according to a global review published in the Lancet.&nbsp;The review published suggests that health researchers and policymakers globally have ended up overlooking racism, xenophobia and discrimination as "fundamental influences" on public health.

The review says that Homo sapiens (modern-day human beings) are one of the most homogeneous species on Earth, more genetically similar than any other primate. "We cannot be divided into subspecies or breeds. It has become clearer over time that human genetic and physiological variation maps poorly onto the construct of racial categories," it argues against structural racism in global health.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-i-think-my-race-is-the-superior-one-white-texas-teacher-told-students-534932">'I think my race is the superior one', white Texas teacher tells students</a>

"Racism and xenophobia exist in every modern society and have profound effects on the health of disadvantaged people,"&nbsp;said the lead author, Prof Delan Devakumar of University College London.

"Until racism and xenophobia are universally recognised as significant drivers of determinants of health, the root causes of discrimination will remain in the shadows and continue to cause and exacerbate health inequities."

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-un-report-accuses-switzerland-of-racial-discrimination-522484">Gravitas: UN report accuses Switzerland of racial discrimination</a>

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The authors called for widespread recognition of racism and xenophobia as fundamental determinants of health. Once they are recognised as such, specific measures must be implemented that focus on the structural causes.

The Lancet series argues that by framing the role of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination within the context of overall determination of health, a world which, at its core, "centres antiracism, decoloniality, and equity instead of hierarchical power and separation", can be developed.&nbsp;

"Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination are important determinants of health, and public health has a responsibility to challenge and address these issues," it said.&nbsp;

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Racism poses a public health threat to millions of people worldwide as it continues to be a "profound" and "insidious" driver of health inequalities, according to a global review published in the Lancet.

Racism poses a public health threat to millions of people worldwide as it continues to be a "profound" and "insidious" driver of health inequalities, according to a global review published in the Lancet. The review published suggests that health researchers and policymakers globally have ended up overlooking racism, xenophobia and discrimination as "fundamental influences" on public health. The review says that Homo sapiens (modern-day human beings) are one of the most homogeneous species on Earth, more genetically similar than any other primate. "We cannot be divided into subspecies or breeds. It has become clearer over time that human genetic and physiological variation maps poorly onto the construct of racial categories," it argues against structural racism in global health. ALSO READ | 'I think my race is the superior one', white Texas teacher tells students "Racism and xenophobia exist in every modern society and have profound effects on the health of disadvantaged people," said the lead author, Prof Delan Devakumar of University College London. "Until racism and xenophobia are universally recognised as significant drivers of determinants of health, the root causes of discrimination will remain in the shadows and continue to cause and exacerbate health inequities." WATCH | Gravitas: UN report accuses Switzerland of racial discrimination × The authors called for widespread recognition of racism and xenophobia as fundamental determinants of health. Once they are recognised as such, specific measures must be implemented that focus on the structural causes. The Lancet series argues that by framing the role of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination within the context of overall determination of health, a world which, at its core, "centres antiracism, decoloniality, and equity instead of hierarchical power and separation", can be developed. "Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination are important determinants of health, and public health has a responsibility to challenge and address these issues," it said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Racism, xenophobia are public health threats, need to be addressed, says scientific review

A draft guidance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that patients considering Lasik&nbsp;to correct their vision should be warned that they may be left with double vision, dry eyes, difficulty driving at night, and in rare cases, persistent eye pain. The document warns that patients may still need eyeglasses after Lasik or laser eye surgery.

More than 600 individuals and professional groups have added their comments since the draft of the guidance was made public in July. The agency is now reviewing the input while preparing the final documents for wider implementation.&nbsp;

The correction of poor vision via Lasik or laser eye surgery is widely perceived as safe and commonplace. According to data compiled by London-headquartered Focus Clinics, 30 million people in the world are successfully treated with laser eye surgery.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/107-eye-operations-in-16-hours-indian-doctor-sets-new-record-458464">107 eye operations in 16 hours: Indian Doctor sets new record</a>

Even after healing, the draft says, the cornea will never be as strong as it was before the surgery.

In comments to the agency, some patients said they had life-altering complications and vision loss, while an overwhelming&nbsp;majority (about 90 per cent)&nbsp;showed satisfaction with their results.

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The professional organisation representing optometrists, who perform vision tests and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, praised the draft and recommended adding even more precautions about Lasik surgery for pregnant patients.

Why the U.S. FDA wants to warn patients before Lasik surgery?

The draft document draws its authority from the 2017 findings of a study on patients’ outcomes with Lasik. The study was conducted together by the US FDA and the National Eye Institute and the Department of Defense. It assessed visual symptoms before and after Lasik. The FDA also performed its own meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2018, the draft document says.

The first study found that three months after Lasik surgery, nearly half of patients who had no visual symptoms before the procedure had developed a new visual aberration for the first time, most commonly halos, which are starburst shapes around lights. Close to one-third reported dry eyes at three months.

The study’s authors wrote that “patients undergoing Lasik surgery should be adequately counseled about the possibility of developing new visual symptoms after surgery before undergoing this elective procedure.”&nbsp;

However, more than 90 per cent of patients said they were satisfied with the outcome.

The agency in its own analysis found that six months after surgery, 27 per cent of patients experienced dry eyes and 2 per cent had difficulties that prevented them from engaging in their usual daily activities.

Five years after surgery, according to the FDA, 17 per cent of patients still relied on eye drops, 2 per cent continued to experience visual disturbances and 8 per cent still had difficulty driving at night.

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A draft guidance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that patients considering Lasik to correct their vision should be warned that they may be left with double vision, dry eyes, difficulty driving at night, and in rare cases, persistent eye pain.

A draft guidance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that patients considering Lasik to correct their vision should be warned that they may be left with double vision, dry eyes, difficulty driving at night, and in rare cases, persistent eye pain. The document warns that patients may still need eyeglasses after Lasik or laser eye surgery. More than 600 individuals and professional groups have added their comments since the draft of the guidance was made public in July. The agency is now reviewing the input while preparing the final documents for wider implementation. The correction of poor vision via Lasik or laser eye surgery is widely perceived as safe and commonplace. According to data compiled by London-headquartered Focus Clinics, 30 million people in the world are successfully treated with laser eye surgery. ALSO READ | 107 eye operations in 16 hours: Indian Doctor sets new record Even after healing, the draft says, the cornea will never be as strong as it was before the surgery. In comments to the agency, some patients said they had life-altering complications and vision loss, while an overwhelming majority (about 90 per cent) showed satisfaction with their results. ALSO READ | Work from home causes eye problems: Survey The professional organisation representing optometrists, who perform vision tests and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, praised the draft and recommended adding even more precautions about Lasik surgery for pregnant patients. Why the U.S. FDA wants to warn patients before Lasik surgery? The draft document draws its authority from the 2017 findings of a study on patients’ outcomes with Lasik. The study was conducted together by the US FDA and the National Eye Institute and the Department of Defense. It assessed visual symptoms before and after Lasik. The FDA also performed its own meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2018, the draft document says. The first study found that three months after Lasik surgery, nearly half of patients who had no visual symptoms before the procedure had developed a new visual aberration for the first time, most commonly halos, which are starburst shapes around lights. Close to one-third reported dry eyes at three months. The study’s authors wrote that “patients undergoing Lasik surgery should be adequately counseled about the possibility of developing new visual symptoms after surgery before undergoing this elective procedure.” However, more than 90 per cent of patients said they were satisfied with the outcome. The agency in its own analysis found that six months after surgery, 27 per cent of patients experienced dry eyes and 2 per cent had difficulties that prevented them from engaging in their usual daily activities. Five years after surgery, according to the FDA, 17 per cent of patients still relied on eye drops, 2 per cent continued to experience visual disturbances and 8 per cent still had difficulty driving at night. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lasik patients should be cautioned of complications, proposes US health agency

The CBD or cannabidiol oil does not improve the pain, depression, anxiety or quality of life among the palliative care patients with advanced cancer, found a study by Brisbane-based Mater hospital and the University of Queensland.&nbsp;

The trial studied the effects of cannabidiol oil&nbsp;on the relief of pain, depression, anxiety and quality of life on 144 patients receiving palliative care for cancer. This was a&nbsp;double-blinded trial, which meant that neither the researchers nor the participants of the study knew whether they were getting medicinal cannabis or a placebo.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marijuana-magic-plant-or-menacing-drug-legal-or-illegal-its-a-highly-complex-issue-399065">Marijuana: Magic plant or menacing drug, legal or illegal? It's a 'highly' complex issue</a>

The patients also received standard care throughout the trial that was aimed to fill the gap in scientific evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis for pain relief and symptom distress due to cancer.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medical-miracle-clinical-trial-manages-to-free-14-patients-of-cancer-486370">Gravitas: Medical miracle: Clinical trial manages to free 14 patients of cancer</a>

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The findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

“The trial found there was no detectable effect of CBD on change in physical or emotional functioning, overall quality of life, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnoea or appetite loss,” lead author of the study and the director of palliative and supportive care at Mater, Prof Janet Hardy, said.

But she added that the study only examined the effect of CBD.

“The cannabis plant is very complex and contains a large number of cannabinoids and other compounds,” she said. “The two most prominent cannabinoids are CBD, which is cannabidiol, and THC, which is the one that makes you high when you smoke a joint."

CBD may also be useful for the treatment of cancer-related symptoms not examined in the study, she said, such as insomnia. Despite the lack of evidence of benefit, 36 per cent of the study participants decided to buy a medicinal cannabis product after the trial.&nbsp;

Hardy said it may be that CBD contributes to a greater feeling of general wellbeing, even if it did not improve specific symptoms.

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The CBD or cannabidiol oil does not improve the pain, depression, anxiety or quality of life among the palliative care patients with advanced cancer, found a study by Brisbane-based Mater hospital and the University of Queensland.

The CBD or cannabidiol oil does not improve the pain, depression, anxiety or quality of life among the palliative care patients with advanced cancer, found a study by Brisbane-based Mater hospital and the University of Queensland. The trial studied the effects of cannabidiol oil on the relief of pain, depression, anxiety and quality of life on 144 patients receiving palliative care for cancer. This was a double-blinded trial, which meant that neither the researchers nor the participants of the study knew whether they were getting medicinal cannabis or a placebo. ALSO READ | Marijuana: Magic plant or menacing drug, legal or illegal? It's a 'highly' complex issue The patients also received standard care throughout the trial that was aimed to fill the gap in scientific evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis for pain relief and symptom distress due to cancer. WATCH | Gravitas: Medical miracle: Clinical trial manages to free 14 patients of cancer × The findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. “The trial found there was no detectable effect of CBD on change in physical or emotional functioning, overall quality of life, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnoea or appetite loss,” lead author of the study and the director of palliative and supportive care at Mater, Prof Janet Hardy, said. But she added that the study only examined the effect of CBD. “The cannabis plant is very complex and contains a large number of cannabinoids and other compounds,” she said. “The two most prominent cannabinoids are CBD, which is cannabidiol, and THC, which is the one that makes you high when you smoke a joint." CBD may also be useful for the treatment of cancer-related symptoms not examined in the study, she said, such as insomnia. Despite the lack of evidence of benefit, 36 per cent of the study participants decided to buy a medicinal cannabis product after the trial. Hardy said it may be that CBD contributes to a greater feeling of general wellbeing, even if it did not improve specific symptoms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cannabis oil does not relieve distress in cancer patients: Study

The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath conducted a research on the transmission of Klebsiella bacteria between people and the environment. While the bugs are present in livestock, pets, and the general environment, an international team of scientists investigating the spread of a deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria has discovered these bacteria rarely reach humans through environment.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Klebsiella bacteria?&nbsp;</h2>

In the intestines, Klebsiella, a family of bacterial species live harmlessly. However, if they spread to other parts of the body, they can be quite harmful. This deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella superbug rivals MRSA, an another type of bacterial infection. The most well-known species in this family is Klebsiella pneumoniae. This particular bacteria has the potential to cause pneumonia, infections in the bloodstream, meningitis and urinary tract infections.&nbsp;

<h2>Klebsiella bacteria threat?&nbsp;</h2>

Led by Professor Ed Feil from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, the researchers investigated the prevalence of this Klebsiella. This bacteria is highly antibiotic resistance. As per the University, some strains of this bacteria are even resistant to carbapenems, an antibiotic that is only used after all other antibiotic treatments fail. Increasingly, these Klebsiella bacteria is becoming a health issue in the United Kingdom. The WHO has identified this bacteria as a pathogen that poses a serious threat to patient safety.

<h2>What does the study say?&nbsp;</h2>

Up until now it was not clear whether the bacteria is able to pass through between clinical and non-clinical environments that is between hospitals and farms. In the study the researchers team collected 6,548 samples over a 15 month period from different locations in and around the Italian city of Pavia. Pavia is the place where this pathogen is a major issue in hospitals. The researchers analysed the samples using whole genome sequencing techniques. It was done to detect and identify any Klebsiella bacteria present in the samples.

For this, the team took swab samples of the patients in hospitals. They also took swab samples of healthy ‘carriers’ in the community and took samples from farms, puddles, domestic animals and even house flies and other insects to detect where the bacteria was present. They discovered 3,482 isolates, including 15 distinct Klebsiella species, with K. pneumoniae present in 50% of the positive samples.

<h2>What are the findings?&nbsp;</h2>

The researchers discovered that there was very little overlap between the bacteria found in hospitals and those found in the environment. Professor Ed Feil, who led the study, said Klebsiella infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, so whereas one used to be able to treat most urinary tract infections easily, now it is more common that patients are getting infections that keep coming back and causing problems.

“We found it was present everywhere, but were surprised that the strains found in hospital were different to those found in the environment, indicating there’s very little transfer between the two habitats: humans nearly always catch this from other humans," he said.&nbsp;

“This confirms the best way to control infection for these bacteria remains stringent hospital hygiene, and that there is less chance that outbreaks may be caused by contact with animals or the environment than previously feared, at least in a high-resource country like Italy.”

Dr Harry Thorpe, from the University of Oslo (Norway) and first author of the paper, said the fear was that farmers might get these bacteria from their livestock or soil and that we could get infected by contaminated salad or get sick if we swim in lakes that are infected.

However, he said the research "did not give any evidence of this, however, we did find resistant klebsiella in pets, such as cats and dogs. Vets and owners should be aware of this, as these animals could pose a risk for spreading the bacteria." &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath conducted a research on the transmission of Klebsiella bacteria between people and the environment. While the bugs are present in livestock, pets, and the general environment, an international team of scientists investigating the spread of a deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria has discovered these bacteria rarely reach humans through environment.

The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath conducted a research on the transmission of Klebsiella bacteria between people and the environment. While the bugs are present in livestock, pets, and the general environment, an international team of scientists investigating the spread of a deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria has discovered these bacteria rarely reach humans through environment. What is Klebsiella bacteria? In the intestines, Klebsiella, a family of bacterial species live harmlessly. However, if they spread to other parts of the body, they can be quite harmful. This deadly drug-resistant Klebsiella superbug rivals MRSA, an another type of bacterial infection. The most well-known species in this family is Klebsiella pneumoniae. This particular bacteria has the potential to cause pneumonia, infections in the bloodstream, meningitis and urinary tract infections. Klebsiella bacteria threat? Led by Professor Ed Feil from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, the researchers investigated the prevalence of this Klebsiella. This bacteria is highly antibiotic resistance. As per the University, some strains of this bacteria are even resistant to carbapenems, an antibiotic that is only used after all other antibiotic treatments fail. Increasingly, these Klebsiella bacteria is becoming a health issue in the United Kingdom. The WHO has identified this bacteria as a pathogen that poses a serious threat to patient safety. What does the study say? Up until now it was not clear whether the bacteria is able to pass through between clinical and non-clinical environments that is between hospitals and farms. In the study the researchers team collected 6,548 samples over a 15 month period from different locations in and around the Italian city of Pavia. Pavia is the place where this pathogen is a major issue in hospitals. The researchers analysed the samples using whole genome sequencing techniques. It was done to detect and identify any Klebsiella bacteria present in the samples. For this, the team took swab samples of the patients in hospitals. They also took swab samples of healthy ‘carriers’ in the community and took samples from farms, puddles, domestic animals and even house flies and other insects to detect where the bacteria was present. They discovered 3,482 isolates, including 15 distinct Klebsiella species, with K. pneumoniae present in 50% of the positive samples. What are the findings? The researchers discovered that there was very little overlap between the bacteria found in hospitals and those found in the environment. Professor Ed Feil, who led the study, said Klebsiella infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, so whereas one used to be able to treat most urinary tract infections easily, now it is more common that patients are getting infections that keep coming back and causing problems. “We found it was present everywhere, but were surprised that the strains found in hospital were different to those found in the environment, indicating there’s very little transfer between the two habitats: humans nearly always catch this from other humans," he said. “This confirms the best way to control infection for these bacteria remains stringent hospital hygiene, and that there is less chance that outbreaks may be caused by contact with animals or the environment than previously feared, at least in a high-resource country like Italy.” Dr Harry Thorpe, from the University of Oslo (Norway) and first author of the paper, said the fear was that farmers might get these bacteria from their livestock or soil and that we could get infected by contaminated salad or get sick if we swim in lakes that are infected. However, he said the research "did not give any evidence of this, however, we did find resistant klebsiella in pets, such as cats and dogs. Vets and owners should be aware of this, as these animals could pose a risk for spreading the bacteria."

Hospitals are MORE RISKY than farms, Here's why

<h2>Why 14 November as World Diabetes Day?&nbsp;</h2>

14 November was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as World Diabetes Day in 2007, a day that started a global awareness campaign focusing on the disease. It was led by World Health Organization (WHO) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with a focused theme on type-2 diabetes, which is rapidly increasing in adults worldwide.

The day of 14 November was chosen as World Diabetes Day to commemorate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of Insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. This year's theme, ‘Access to Diabetes Education’, strengthens the larger multi-year theme of 'access to care'.

<h2>What is Diabetes and its types?</h2>

Diabetes is a non-communicable chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. It is also known as diabetes mellitus, and, if left untreated can cause many health complications. It can cause serious long-term complications like cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, damage to the nerves, damage to the eyes, and cognitive impairment.&nbsp;

As per the data of WHO, in 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 years and older had diabetes and in 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths. And 48% of all deaths due to diabetes occurred before the age of 70 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dietary-supplements-for-heart-health-dont-work-study-532000">Study shows that dietary supplements are ineffective for heart health</a>

There are two&nbsp;main types of diabetes from which a person can be diagnosed: 
&nbsp;

Type 1 diabetes: It is characterised by a lack of insulin production in the body. According to WHO, in 2017 there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes and the majority of them were from high-income countries. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known yet.

Symptoms can include excessive excretion of urine, thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly.

Type 2 diabetes: Formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, is caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It often results from excess body weight and physical inactivity. Earlier, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring frequently in children.&nbsp;

Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes but are often less evident. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after its onset, causing complications to rise to higher levels.

<h2>Foods to avoid on diabetes:</h2>

1. Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, cola&nbsp; 
2. White bread, rice and pasta 
3. Fruit-flavoured yoghurt 
4. Flavoured coffee drinks 
5. Packaged snack food&nbsp;

<h2>Diagnosis and Treatment:</h2>

Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing of blood glucose. Treatment of diabetes involves diet and physical activity along with lowering of blood glucose that damages blood vessels:

People with type 1 diabetes require insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin, blood pressure control, and foot care (patient self-care by maintaining foot hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear, seeking professional care for ulcer management, and regular examination of feet by health professionals).

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Why 14 November as World Diabetes Day? 14 November was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as World Diabetes Day in 2007, a day that started a global awareness campaign focusing on the disease.

Why 14 November as World Diabetes Day? 14 November was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as World Diabetes Day in 2007, a day that started a global awareness campaign focusing on the disease. It was led by World Health Organization (WHO) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with a focused theme on type-2 diabetes, which is rapidly increasing in adults worldwide. The day of 14 November was chosen as World Diabetes Day to commemorate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of Insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. This year's theme, ‘Access to Diabetes Education’, strengthens the larger multi-year theme of 'access to care'. What is Diabetes and its types? Diabetes is a non-communicable chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. It is also known as diabetes mellitus, and, if left untreated can cause many health complications. It can cause serious long-term complications like cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, damage to the nerves, damage to the eyes, and cognitive impairment. As per the data of WHO, in 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 years and older had diabetes and in 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths. And 48% of all deaths due to diabetes occurred before the age of 70 years. Also Read | Study shows that dietary supplements are ineffective for heart health There are two main types of diabetes from which a person can be diagnosed: Type 1 diabetes: It is characterised by a lack of insulin production in the body. According to WHO, in 2017 there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes and the majority of them were from high-income countries. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known yet. Symptoms can include excessive excretion of urine, thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly. Type 2 diabetes: Formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, is caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It often results from excess body weight and physical inactivity. Earlier, this type of diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring frequently in children. Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes but are often less evident. As a result, the disease may be diagnosed several years after its onset, causing complications to rise to higher levels. Foods to avoid on diabetes: 1. Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, cola 2. White bread, rice and pasta 3. Fruit-flavoured yoghurt 4. Flavoured coffee drinks 5. Packaged snack food Diagnosis and Treatment: Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing of blood glucose. Treatment of diabetes involves diet and physical activity along with lowering of blood glucose that damages blood vessels: People with type 1 diabetes require insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with oral medication, but may also require insulin, blood pressure control, and foot care (patient self-care by maintaining foot hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear, seeking professional care for ulcer management, and regular examination of feet by health professionals). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Diabetes Day 2022: What you need to know about the condition

In the world of chronic life-threatening diseases, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 50 per cent of cancers can be treated successfully. Rest are designated as incurable ones.&nbsp;

But a recent experimental study done on 16 cancer patients by a California-based Pact Pharma may have given a silver lining as far as the treatment of incurable cancer is concerned. This small clinical trial has shown that researchers can use Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene editing technology&nbsp;to alter immune cells so that they will recognise proteins attached to a person’s tumorous cells,&nbsp;to get rid of them successfully. These&nbsp;cells can then be safely set loose in the body to find and destroy their targeted tumourous developments in the body.&nbsp;

In the study, people with untreatable cancers had their immune systems redesigned to attack their own tumours. The results have been called a "leap forward" and a "powerful" demonstration of the potential of such technology.&nbsp;

The experiment involved individual-specific treatment

Each patient had a treatment developed just for them, which targeted the specific weak spots in their tumour.&nbsp;

However, the treatment has been deemed 'expensive and time-consuming'.&nbsp;

The treatment involves boosted levels of T-cells

The work focuses on parts of the human immune system called T-cells. They may be understood as the soldiers that remain always on guard to combat the pathogens or disease-causing particles present in the body.&nbsp;

Often, cancers can be tricky for the T-cells to spot and hunt down because they are the body's own corrupted cells, not alien cells or particles from outside.&nbsp;

The therapy experimented upon 16 cancer patients boosted the level of these cancer-spotting T-cells. They were tailored to each patient since each cancerous development of body cells is different from one another.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/report-more-accurate-test-for-cervical-cancer-developed-by-scientists-in-uk-austria-526789">More accurate test for cervical cancer developed by scientists in UK, Austria</a>

The researchers edited the genetic composition of these T-cells by using the gene-editing technology CRISPR. After putting these edited T-cells into the patient, the tumourous cells were hunted down by the body's own T-cells, a landmark development in itself.

The trial involved people with colon, breast or lung cancers that had failed to respond to other treatments.

The study was designed to test the safety and feasibility of the technology and showed the modified cells were finding their way into the tumour.

The disease continued to get worse in 11 patients but stabilised in the other five. However, it will take larger studies to work out the correct dose and how effective it really is.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medical-miracle-clinical-trial-manages-to-free-14-patients-of-cancer-486370">Gravitas: Medical miracle: Clinical trial manages to free 14 patients of cancer</a>

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"This is a leap forward in developing a personalised treatment for cancer," said Dr Antoni Ribas, one of the researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, who tested the approach.

The results of the study were presented at a meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer and published simultaneously in the journal 'Nature'.&nbsp;

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In the world of chronic life-threatening diseases, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 50 per cent of cancers can be treated successfully.

In the world of chronic life-threatening diseases, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 50 per cent of cancers can be treated successfully. Rest are designated as incurable ones. But a recent experimental study done on 16 cancer patients by a California-based Pact Pharma may have given a silver lining as far as the treatment of incurable cancer is concerned. This small clinical trial has shown that researchers can use Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene editing technology to alter immune cells so that they will recognise proteins attached to a person’s tumorous cells, to get rid of them successfully. These cells can then be safely set loose in the body to find and destroy their targeted tumourous developments in the body. In the study, people with untreatable cancers had their immune systems redesigned to attack their own tumours. The results have been called a "leap forward" and a "powerful" demonstration of the potential of such technology. The experiment involved individual-specific treatment Each patient had a treatment developed just for them, which targeted the specific weak spots in their tumour. However, the treatment has been deemed 'expensive and time-consuming'. The treatment involves boosted levels of T-cells The work focuses on parts of the human immune system called T-cells. They may be understood as the soldiers that remain always on guard to combat the pathogens or disease-causing particles present in the body. Often, cancers can be tricky for the T-cells to spot and hunt down because they are the body's own corrupted cells, not alien cells or particles from outside. The therapy experimented upon 16 cancer patients boosted the level of these cancer-spotting T-cells. They were tailored to each patient since each cancerous development of body cells is different from one another. ALSO READ | More accurate test for cervical cancer developed by scientists in UK, Austria The researchers edited the genetic composition of these T-cells by using the gene-editing technology CRISPR. After putting these edited T-cells into the patient, the tumourous cells were hunted down by the body's own T-cells, a landmark development in itself. The trial involved people with colon, breast or lung cancers that had failed to respond to other treatments. The study was designed to test the safety and feasibility of the technology and showed the modified cells were finding their way into the tumour. The disease continued to get worse in 11 patients but stabilised in the other five. However, it will take larger studies to work out the correct dose and how effective it really is. WATCH | Gravitas: Medical miracle: Clinical trial manages to free 14 patients of cancer × "This is a leap forward in developing a personalised treatment for cancer," said Dr Antoni Ribas, one of the researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, who tested the approach. The results of the study were presented at a meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer and published simultaneously in the journal 'Nature'. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Personalised treatments pave way for 'leap forward' in curing cancer

As per a new study, teenagers who vape are starting younger and using e-cigarettes more intensely, even though the number&nbsp;of such teenagers is declining. The study published Monday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open says that the number of teenagers who used e-cigarettes within five minutes of waking up had shot up to 10.3 per cent from 2017 through 2021, a number which stood considerably lower at one per cent between the years 2014 and 2017.

“This increase in intensity may reflect increasing use of nicotine for self-medication in response to increases in adolescent depression, anxiety, tic disorders, and suicidality that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the researchers from San Francisco and Massachusetts General Hospital wrote in the study.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-juul-e-cigarettes-americans-rally-behind-candy-flavoured-disposable-e-cigs-507554">After Juul e-cigarettes, Americans rally behind 'candy' flavoured disposable e-cigs</a>

The study further said that school-based prevention and treatment efforts suffered due to the pandemic. The efforts to address the nicotine addiction in those adolescents who missed a year of contact with adults also need to be intensified, it&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

Self-reported data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Youth Tobacco Surveys and Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System was used for the study, which included a total of 151,573 participants. All of them were from either the middle or high school in the United States.

According to the results, between 2014 and 2021, the age when such use began decreased. However, the number of times e-cigarettes were used increased from about nine or fewer days a month to 10 or more. The mean age of survey respondents was 14.5 years old.

The proportion of adolescents whose first-ever use of a tobacco product was an e-cigarette increased from 27.2 per cent in 2014 to 78.3 per cent in 2019. &nbsp;The figure didn't change much in 2021 either.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-imposes-blanket-ban-on-sale-of-flavoured-e-cigarettes-but-exports-will-continue-526168">China imposes blanket ban on sale of flavoured e-cigarettes but exports will continue</a>

When compared with traditional cigarette smokers, the number of e-cigarette users who smoked within first five minutes of waking up each day also increased. “The changes detected in this survey&nbsp;may reflect the higher levels of nicotine delivery and addiction liability of modern e-cigarettes that use protonated nicotine to make nicotine easier to inhale,” the researchers wrote.

The researchers stressed upon the "clinical need to address youth addiction to these new high-nicotine products". They also raised fears that most teenagers don't even know that their e-cigarette contains nicotine.&nbsp;

The US Food and Drug Administration had banned flavoured cartridge-based e-cigarettes in 2020, barring tobacco or menthol. But according to the study, disposable flavored e-cigarettes became increasingly popular among adolescents after the ban. The researchers have called upon clinicians to be prepared to address youth addiction.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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As per a new study, teenagers who vape are starting younger and using e-cigarettes more intensely, even though the number of such teenagers is declining. The study published Monday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open says that the number of teenagers who used e-cigarettes within five minutes of waking up had shot up to 10.

As per a new study, teenagers who vape are starting younger and using e-cigarettes more intensely, even though the number of such teenagers is declining. The study published Monday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open says that the number of teenagers who used e-cigarettes within five minutes of waking up had shot up to 10.3 per cent from 2017 through 2021, a number which stood considerably lower at one per cent between the years 2014 and 2017. “This increase in intensity may reflect increasing use of nicotine for self-medication in response to increases in adolescent depression, anxiety, tic disorders, and suicidality that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the researchers from San Francisco and Massachusetts General Hospital wrote in the study. Also Read | After Juul e-cigarettes, Americans rally behind 'candy' flavoured disposable e-cigs The study further said that school-based prevention and treatment efforts suffered due to the pandemic. The efforts to address the nicotine addiction in those adolescents who missed a year of contact with adults also need to be intensified, it added. Self-reported data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Youth Tobacco Surveys and Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System was used for the study, which included a total of 151,573 participants. All of them were from either the middle or high school in the United States. According to the results, between 2014 and 2021, the age when such use began decreased. However, the number of times e-cigarettes were used increased from about nine or fewer days a month to 10 or more. The mean age of survey respondents was 14.5 years old. The proportion of adolescents whose first-ever use of a tobacco product was an e-cigarette increased from 27.2 per cent in 2014 to 78.3 per cent in 2019. The figure didn't change much in 2021 either. Also Read | China imposes blanket ban on sale of flavoured e-cigarettes but exports will continue When compared with traditional cigarette smokers, the number of e-cigarette users who smoked within first five minutes of waking up each day also increased. “The changes detected in this survey may reflect the higher levels of nicotine delivery and addiction liability of modern e-cigarettes that use protonated nicotine to make nicotine easier to inhale,” the researchers wrote. The researchers stressed upon the "clinical need to address youth addiction to these new high-nicotine products". They also raised fears that most teenagers don't even know that their e-cigarette contains nicotine. The US Food and Drug Administration had banned flavoured cartridge-based e-cigarettes in 2020, barring tobacco or menthol. But according to the study, disposable flavored e-cigarettes became increasingly popular among adolescents after the ban. The researchers have called upon clinicians to be prepared to address youth addiction. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaping age in the US decreasing, intensity of use shooting up, new study says

Smoking tobacco products such as cigarettes&nbsp;causes&nbsp;a number of health hazards, like lung cancer and a range of heart diseases. As the world moved on to the information age in the past decade, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, emerged as a potentially safer alternative. However, recent studies conclusively point out that e-cigarettes come wrapped with their own health risks.

A team of researchers led by the University of California’s Dr&nbsp;Matthew Springer, and funded by the California-based National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that both tobacco cigarette smokers and e-cigarette smokers had signs of increased inflammation in blood vessels and higher risk of blood clots. The research had a volunteer base of 120 adults aged 21 to 50, of whom 42 regularly used e-cigarettes, 28 smoked tobacco cigarettes, and 50 used neither.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fda-considering-ban-on-flavoured-e-cigarettes-165425">US FDA considering ban on flavoured e-cigarette</a>

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The researchers further compared blood vessels in non-smokers by using ultrasound to measure blood-vessel function and found that the blood vessels of both tobacco cigarette smokers and e-cigarette smokers were less expandable.&nbsp; 
 
As a sign of ‘impaired blood vessel function’, the serum from e-cigarette users caused the cells to become more permeable or leaky than serum from tobacco smokers or non-smokers, the research revealed.&nbsp;

“These findings suggest that using the two products together, as many people do, could increase their health risks compared to using them individually,” Dr. Matthew Springer, who led the research, said in a statement to the journal ‘Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology’&nbsp;published on October 26.

Most people in the study used earlier models of e-cigarettes, rather than currently popular ones. More work is needed to understand the health effects of different e-cigarette models, the study said.&nbsp;

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Smoking tobacco products such as cigarettes causes a number of health hazards, like lung cancer and a range of heart diseases. As the world moved on to the information age in the past decade, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, emerged as a potentially safer alternative.

Smoking tobacco products such as cigarettes causes a number of health hazards, like lung cancer and a range of heart diseases. As the world moved on to the information age in the past decade, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, emerged as a potentially safer alternative. However, recent studies conclusively point out that e-cigarettes come wrapped with their own health risks. A team of researchers led by the University of California’s Dr Matthew Springer, and funded by the California-based National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that both tobacco cigarette smokers and e-cigarette smokers had signs of increased inflammation in blood vessels and higher risk of blood clots. The research had a volunteer base of 120 adults aged 21 to 50, of whom 42 regularly used e-cigarettes, 28 smoked tobacco cigarettes, and 50 used neither. WATCH | US FDA considering ban on flavoured e-cigarette × The researchers further compared blood vessels in non-smokers by using ultrasound to measure blood-vessel function and found that the blood vessels of both tobacco cigarette smokers and e-cigarette smokers were less expandable. As a sign of ‘impaired blood vessel function’, the serum from e-cigarette users caused the cells to become more permeable or leaky than serum from tobacco smokers or non-smokers, the research revealed. “These findings suggest that using the two products together, as many people do, could increase their health risks compared to using them individually,” Dr. Matthew Springer, who led the research, said in a statement to the journal ‘Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology’ published on October 26. Most people in the study used earlier models of e-cigarettes, rather than currently popular ones. More work is needed to understand the health effects of different e-cigarette models, the study said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

E-cigarettes not safe, make blood vessels permeable, impair function, reveals new research

Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly, and also animals.

Pollution has made the air of India's capital New Delhi and the surrounding regions unbreathable. The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults elderly, and also animals. Describing the conditions in one word, Dr Arvind Kumar of Medanta hospital called it a "disaster". The government and related agencies are trying to mitigate the effects by implementing several measures, but the quality of air has gotten worse in the past few days, with experts saying that it might deteriorate further. To discuss the situation in-depth, and understand how it will put a long-term impact on our health, WION spoke to Dr Arvind Kumar, who is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram. The levels of air pollution in Delhi and rest of the north India today are at a disastrous level, Dr Kumar said while speaking to WION in a virtual interaction. Dr Kumar said, "No one can escape the ill effects of pollution. The quality of the air is disastrous and horrible." "Last year, we used the term 'medical emergency', but now the situation has gone worse than a medical emergency," Dr Kumar said. Currently, desperate measures have been put in by the administration to improve the situation, but the air in different parts of the northern Indian region remains toxic. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday (November 6) stood at 339 at 4pm IST. It dropped from 381 a day ago. On Friday, it was 447. When it comes to Air Quality Index (AQI), it is considered "good" between zero and 50, between 51 and 100 is "satisfactory", 101 and 200 is "moderate", 201 and 300 is "poor", 301 and 400 is "very poor", and 401 and 500 is "severe". Massive impact on our health Dr Kumar said that "when you are exposed to such levels, the first impact is on the surface" of your body. Eyes, nose, lips, mouth, throat, skin, hair...these are exposed to the toxic air. Dr Kumar said that people report issues like redness, burning sensation, watering and itchiness in the eyes. He mentioned, itching in the nose, soreness in the throat, metallic taste in the mouth, dry hair, dry skin, rashes in the skin, and itchy skin also happens. Dr Kumar explained that an adult breathes 25,000 times in a day and every time, about 250cc to 350cc of air goes inside, around 10,000 litres in a day. Therefore, with the air we breathe, tonnes of toxins go into our system, and that toxins get deposited inside and they have short as well as long-term effects. Impact of air pollution Immediate impact Dr Kumar said that on the breathing passage, the immediate effect is in the form of swelling in the windpipe, in the lining of the lungs. And when these "toxins get absorbed through the lungs into the blood", they can go everywhere, from the brain to the toe, "causing swelling" everywhere. He said that in such scenarios, there is swelling in the brain, which is why we often get headaches when there's extreme pollution and it causes "hyperexcitability in children". "There's swelling in the heart, there's swelling in the blood vessels... so people are having pre-mature hypertension. A lot of them have high heart rates, which is called tachycardia," Dr Kumar said, adding that people are having different problems in other organs also. Short-term problems Dr Kumar said that people also suffer from short-term effects like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma and pneumonia caused in the lungs. "You have all kinds of hyperexcitability, low IQ and other problems caused in the brain. You have pre-mature hypertension, irregular heartbeat, high heartbeat, etc in the heart. And other organs are also affected," he said. Long-term problems He noted that in long term, air pollution leads to "disastrous effects". In the brain, there is a 5%-10% higher incidence of brain attacks in adults. There is a 5%-10% higher incidence of heart attacks in adults. There are also problems occurring like hypertension and a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the lungs. Dr Kumar said that there are diseases like COPD and emphysema. And lung cancer is being reported more and more in non-smokers from polluted areas across the country and also in the global scenario. 'Air pollution leads to deaths' Dr Kumar said that from head to toe, diseases are being reported due to air pollution. Also, disabilities and premature deaths are caused by it. Dr Kumar said that the number of deaths caused by air pollution annually "far exceeds" the number of deaths caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), TB, malaria, HIV and some other diseases combined. However, this major and avoidable cause of death gets little attention from people as well as the government, said the doctor adding that other causes get much more attention just because they are more "visible and direct". The effects of air pollution are invisible and indirect, he said, explaining that there's nothing like "air pollution caused heart attack". "So when a person dies of a heart attack, you will say he/she died of heart attack, but that attack was caused by air pollution, this fact doesn't get highlighted," he said. He said also said that he is trying to highlight the point and inform people that air pollution is the primary cause of a lot of diseases we are dying of today, even though the visible cause is something else. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION

As the air quality in India's capital New Delhi and surrounding regions remain severe due to pollution, people lean towards buying air purifiers that can be very expensive also.

As the air quality in India's capital New Delhi and surrounding regions remain severe due to pollution, people lean towards buying air purifiers that can be very expensive also. Air purifier companies give assurances that they can effectively filter out the toxin pollutants from the air. The companies also say that it can trap and remove fungi, dust mites, mould spores, and certain types of bacteria also. Demandhave increased recently, but should we consider buying it? To know the details, WION spoke to Dr Arvind Kumar, who is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram. Dr Kumar said that air pollution is a "public problem". A problem which impacts 1.38 billion people in the nation, but the air purifier is a "personal or a private solution". ALSO READ | Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION The air purifier is a system that sucks in the air, which is later released after being filtered. It works just like an air conditioner. The windows, doors, and vents are supposed to be closed at all times to make the air purifiers efficient. It has to be a sealed closed room. You should have an air purifier with the capacity to handle the volume of air in your room. The filter is a mechanical process and if you have very high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the filter gets blocked. PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Air purifier can become an 'air dirtifyer' Dr Kumar mentioned that the filter of an air purifier needs to be cleaned or changed at frequent intervals. But 99.9% of people are not told and do not do it. He noted that in several cases, this "air purifier" becomes an "air dirtifyer". Dr Kumar asked, can you remain locked inside a sealed room 24//7? Can the entire Indian population be locked inside rooms fitted with air purifiers? He said that if the answer is yes, then an air purifier is a solution, otherwise no. He concluded by saying that the solution is to "strike at the sources of air pollution, preventing the air from getting polluted". "The use of face masks, smog towers, etc are only cosmetic solutions. They serve no purpose as far as the masses are concerned," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi air pollution: Should you even consider buying air purifiers? Senior Indian doctor explains risks

Breast cancer awareness programmes are extremely important as it is largely preventable and treatable if detected early. Some reports have mentioned that breast cancer development may be influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and individual variables.

Breast cancer awareness programmes are extremely important as it is largely preventable and treatable if detected early. Some reports have mentioned that breast cancer development may be influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and individual variables. The risk of developing breast cancer may be related to strong family history, early periods, late menopause, etc. Instead of going through the painful procedure after it is detected in stage 3 and stage 4, women should look out for early signs and start the medication early. To understand the subject in-depth, WION spoke to Dr Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson, Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India. Dr Kataria said that women should be aware of their own breast size and structure. If there's any change in what they perceive as normal should be addressed. The changes can be: -increase in the size of the breast -decrease in the size, -a lump they noticed, -change in the position of the nipple, -some discharge which is not during lactation but otherwise afterwards, -bleeding, etc. Dr Kataria said that these are the "early signs which shouldn't be ignored because the lump may be very small, and it's painless, so women normally try not to go for an investigation or go to the doctor unless it becomes intolerable". So they should not let themselves get into that stage. "A painless lump, a painless discharge, or any change in the breast architecture or nipple should be taken care of," said Dr Tejinder Kataria. How does breast cancer affect/might affect breastfeeding in future moms? Dr Kataria said that if the breast cancer has been treated and as we know that one of the treatments is surgery, women opt for breast removal because most of the women would go for investigation in advanced stage breast cancer so that breast won't be there for feeding. She added, "But the other breast should be there, and if the women become pregnant in future after the breast cancer treatment, they are able to feed. And it does not in any way compromise lactation, breastfeeding, or produce any complication in the child." Dr Kataria also noted that the "woman should wait for at least two years after the treatment is over". She said that after a gap, all the side effects of the chemotherapy or the treamment that is given to her, or medicines that she has been taking are not in her body to affect the future child. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Breast cancer awareness: Expert tells WION the early signs that should alert women

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue and spreads to other parts of the body to produce new tumours as cells grow uncontrolled and improperly (Metastasis).

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue and spreads to other parts of the body to produce new tumours as cells grow uncontrolled and improperly (Metastasis). Although it rarely happens in men, breast cancer primarily affects women. In India, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It accounts for 26.3% of all female cancers. Around 60% of breast cancer cases in India are discovered at an advanced stage, despite the fact that it is generally preventable and treated if discovered early. To know more about breast cancer and the importance of its awareness in India, WION spoke to Dr Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson, Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India. During an online conversation, Dr Kataria said that the population in India is spread out over a big area of around a 3.2million square kilometres, and out of that 35% - 40% of patients that's amongst women, the cancer is breast cancer. She said that approximately 200,000 women per year, and is expected to be 250,000 by 2025, will be diagnosed with breast cancer. And of these, 60% of the women come to us in stage 3 and stage 4. In stage 3 and stage 4, the cure rates are between 40% to 60%, whereas in stage 1 and stage 2, (or early breast cancer when we can pick it up via breast mammography and or breast cancer awareness programmes), the cure rates are 85% to 95%. "So it makes sense that we make people aware that for breast cancer, they should go in for investigation or they should go in for an examination, a self-breast examination should be done, and mammography needs to be made aware of to people so that we pick early breast cancers," said Dr Kataria. "It will reduce not only the emotional and financial burden on the family, but also give us better cure rates and also better outcomes for the women," she further said, adding that a breast cancer awareness programme is a must for such a big country like India. The right approach to spread awareness at the grassroots level Dr Kataria said that to reach the grassroots level, "we need to integrate the breast cancer awareness programmes into our primary health centres, mohalla clinics, or dispensaries. So when a woman goes for her regular examination, especially at the time of childbirth they would always go to the hospital and would go to the doctor." "So we should rope in the gynaecologists because normally the breast cancer surgeons have been traditionally males so the women are not very forthcoming about their symptoms. But with their gynaecologists, they are very open and share their body structure and any complaints they have," she added. Dr Kataria suggested the implementation of respective school education so that adolescents should be made aware of what breast cancer is and how their body form may change. They should not be ashamed of it. Dr Kataria also added that the stigma and shame that is generally associated with cancer do not allow the women to open up about their symptoms. "We need to work, even the media and the communications that have to go out from various agencies should highlight these things," she said. "So this has to be an integrated programme from top to bottom to the grassroot level, where at every level we need to make the trainers and train the trainers, who can teach the women how to self-breast examine themselves and make the facilities avalable to them," Dr Kataria said. "We need to look at these things to know how to create systems, where the women feel empowered to come in and get themselves examined. It should be an annual check, starting at an age of 40 years," Dr Kataria said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Expert tells WION the importance of breast cancer awareness, especially in a country like India

There's a growing concern as cases of relatively younger people suffering from heart problems are increasing day by day globally. Have you ever wondered at what age you should start taking care of your heart to avoid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)?

There's a growing concern as cases of relatively younger people suffering from heart problems are increasing day by day globally. Have you ever wondered at what age you should start taking care of your heart to avoid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)? As we know that CVDs are not bound to age. Elderly as well as young people can also suffer from heart attacks and strokes. Hence, it is important to take good care of your heart no matter what your age is. World health body noted that most CVDs can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco use, etc. But heart-related issues happen in kids, who don't have the above-mentioned habits like tobacco and alcohol use. So how to address such a situation? ALSO READ | Exclusive: Why have heart problems become prevalent in young people? Dr Praveen Chandra, Indian cardiologist and the chairman, of interventional cardiology, heart institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India told WION that he doesn't want to "scare anybody" but, it is said that process of cholesterol deposition starts as soon as the "child is born". He said, "That is why the family has to take care of the children. It basically means leading a balanced life, more physical activities." Dr Chandra pointed out that a majority of kids are not playing these days and not going to the playgrounds. And at the age of 20-25 years, they want to hit the gym and the body doesn't know the endurance. And even then, then will do it for a short while and leave it. It should be a continuous process in life from the very beginning. We should maintain some kind of discipline, and avoid junk food (processed food)," Dr Chandra concluded. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Leading Indian cardiologist tells preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases Dr Rasheed Ahmed, a consultant in interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur, told WION that in India, heart problems "occur 10 years earlier than in the population of Europe and America, so we need to take care of the heart problems at an early age". "Nowadays, heart attacks are common in the younger population also so that's why it is necessary to take care of your heart at an early stage," Dr Ahmed added. Watch this report: × What are the early signs and symptoms that one can watch out for? Dr Ahmed talked about the evident rise in heart-related problems in the younger population, like cases of celebrity deaths such as the untimely demise of Bollywood singer KK and Indian actor Sidharth Shukla. Dr Ahmed added that people are dying of silent attacks, which means attacks without symptoms. Patients don't experience symptoms of chest pains and that they have a heart attack. These types of silent attacks are common in elderly patients and those with diabetes. They are not common in young people and in young ones, there's mostly ignorance of symptoms. As per the doctor, some of the symptoms that shouldn't be ignored are chest pain, heaviness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, excessive perspiration, etc. Dr Ahmed suggested that in case of a heart attack, the best solution is to look for early symptoms and get a consultation accordingly. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At what age you should start taking care of your heart? Here's what experts have to say

Data shows that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death across the world. Around an estimated, 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, which represents approximately 32 per cent of all global deaths.&nbsp;

Recent data also show a rise in deaths of relatively younger people. After the untimely demise of some celebrities, people were left in a state of shock and grief and also wondering over the growing prevalence of heart attacks in the younger population.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation, Dr Praveen Chandra, who is a leading Indian cardiologist and chairman, of interventional cardiology, heart institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India spoke at length regarding CVDs among young people and how to prevent them.&nbsp;

Dr Chandra said, "Cardiovascular disease or heart disease, in general, is a common cause of death in young and in old also. We have to start looking to prevent heart disease at a younger age."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/exclusive-leading-indian-cardiologist-tells-preventive-measures-against-cardiovascular-diseases-520802">Exclusive: Leading Indian cardiologist tells preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases</a>&nbsp;

"Earlier people thought, it happened only at the age of 60 years, 65 years. And it is OKAY, you can do whatever you want to do, but actually, that's not true."&nbsp;

"Since we have access to so much media that's why we are coming to know of this problem. It's happening earlier also. It's happening in the general population also," Dr Chandra added.&nbsp;

He said that in our country and the Asian subcontinent, the disease is "hitting harder" and among the younger population. It means, people above the age of 30 years or 35 years, have to get a check-up on a very regular basis, which includes basic tests such as blood pressure, cholestrol, diabetes etc.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-heart-day-2022-theme-history-and-everything-you-need-to-know-520681">World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know</a>&nbsp;

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Dr Chandra suggests that if preventive measures are followed, then there is a chance one can avoid 80 per cent of heart attacks and heart problems without spending any money.&nbsp;

On being asked about how rigorous exercise and gyming are responsible for heart disease, Dr Chandra said that "gyming is not bad for the heart" but high-intensity exercise should only be done by those body functions are completely normal.&nbsp;

He said, "Everybody should not rush and push to rigorous physical activities." &nbsp;

A cardiac checkup is supposed to be done and one has to know whether the heart can sustain this kind of activity. A treadmill test is a way to know the endurance capacity of one's body and heart to take up a particular level of exercise.&nbsp;

WION also asked how coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted heart problems in the past two years and there have been cases when people were focused on Covid and ignored the signs of heart ailments.&nbsp;

Dr Chandra agreed to it and said there was ignorance as heart diseases were going on during the Covid times. "People were not able to get the tests done, they were not able to consult doctors. So the disease was kind of ignored maybe unintentionally," he said. &nbsp;

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Data shows that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death across the world. Around an estimated, 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, which represents approximately 32 per cent of all global deaths.

Data shows that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death across the world. Around an estimated, 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, which represents approximately 32 per cent of all global deaths. Recent data also show a rise in deaths of relatively younger people. After the untimely demise of some celebrities, people were left in a state of shock and grief and also wondering over the growing prevalence of heart attacks in the younger population. In an exclusive conversation, Dr Praveen Chandra, who is a leading Indian cardiologist and chairman, of interventional cardiology, heart institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India spoke at length regarding CVDs among young people and how to prevent them. Dr Chandra said, "Cardiovascular disease or heart disease, in general, is a common cause of death in young and in old also. We have to start looking to prevent heart disease at a younger age." ALSO READ | Exclusive: Leading Indian cardiologist tells preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases "Earlier people thought, it happened only at the age of 60 years, 65 years. And it is OKAY, you can do whatever you want to do, but actually, that's not true." "Since we have access to so much media that's why we are coming to know of this problem. It's happening earlier also. It's happening in the general population also," Dr Chandra added. He said that in our country and the Asian subcontinent, the disease is "hitting harder" and among the younger population. It means, people above the age of 30 years or 35 years, have to get a check-up on a very regular basis, which includes basic tests such as blood pressure, cholestrol, diabetes etc. ALSO READ | World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know Watch this report: × Dr Chandra suggests that if preventive measures are followed, then there is a chance one can avoid 80 per cent of heart attacks and heart problems without spending any money. On being asked about how rigorous exercise and gyming are responsible for heart disease, Dr Chandra said that "gyming is not bad for the heart" but high-intensity exercise should only be done by those body functions are completely normal. He said, "Everybody should not rush and push to rigorous physical activities." A cardiac checkup is supposed to be done and one has to know whether the heart can sustain this kind of activity. A treadmill test is a way to know the endurance capacity of one's body and heart to take up a particular level of exercise. WION also asked how coronavirus (COVID-19) impacted heart problems in the past two years and there have been cases when people were focused on Covid and ignored the signs of heart ailments. Dr Chandra agreed to it and said there was ignorance as heart diseases were going on during the Covid times. "People were not able to get the tests done, they were not able to consult doctors. So the disease was kind of ignored maybe unintentionally," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Expert tells WION why have heart problems become prevalent in young people?

September 29 is marked annually as World Heart Day to raise awareness and inform people about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease and stroke.&nbsp;

CVDs are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) data revealed.&nbsp;

For the unversed, CVD&nbsp;is&nbsp;a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions.&nbsp;

The WHO report mentioned that more than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes. Notably, one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-heart-day-2022-theme-history-and-everything-you-need-to-know-520681">World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know</a>&nbsp;

To know more about our heart's health, WION spoke to Dr Praveen Chandra, who is a leading Indian cardiologist and chairman, of interventional cardiology, heart institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr Chandra said, "We know already and many people are now getting aware that the biggest killer of mankind today is the heart and cardiovascular diseases. Bigger than any disease-bigger than cancer, bigger than any war. That means, we have to fight this problem on a war footing."&nbsp;

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Explaining the preventive measures, Dr Chandra said, "There are many ways to handle this problem, to prevent this problem, and of course, prevention is the first step."&nbsp;

He said that some lifestyle modifications are among the first step we must take to prevent heart disease. In lifestyle changes, he suggested the most important things are: regular physical activity, balanced food, reducing mental stress, controlling blood pressure and&nbsp;cholesterol levels, and people having&nbsp;a family history of heart problems have to be more careful and get regular checkups done.&nbsp;

Dr Chandra noted that stopping smoking is also significant. He said, "Smoking is another important factor which leads to heart and cardiovascular diseases."

"So to prevent this disease, this is the cheapest and first step we have to take to avoid any heart problems," Dr Chandra said.&nbsp;

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September 29 is marked annually as World Heart Day to raise awareness and inform people about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease and stroke. CVDs are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.

September 29 is marked annually as World Heart Day to raise awareness and inform people about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease and stroke. CVDs are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) data revealed. For the unversed, CVD is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. The WHO report mentioned that more than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes. Notably, one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age. ALSO READ | World Heart Day 2022: Theme, history, and everything you need to know To know more about our heart's health, WION spoke to Dr Praveen Chandra, who is a leading Indian cardiologist and chairman, of interventional cardiology, heart institute, Medanta, Gurugram, India. Dr Chandra said, "We know already and many people are now getting aware that the biggest killer of mankind today is the heart and cardiovascular diseases. Bigger than any disease-bigger than cancer, bigger than any war. That means, we have to fight this problem on a war footing." Watch this report: × Explaining the preventive measures, Dr Chandra said, "There are many ways to handle this problem, to prevent this problem, and of course, prevention is the first step." He said that some lifestyle modifications are among the first step we must take to prevent heart disease. In lifestyle changes, he suggested the most important things are: regular physical activity, balanced food, reducing mental stress, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and people having a family history of heart problems have to be more careful and get regular checkups done. Dr Chandra noted that stopping smoking is also significant. He said, "Smoking is another important factor which leads to heart and cardiovascular diseases." "So to prevent this disease, this is the cheapest and first step we have to take to avoid any heart problems," Dr Chandra said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Leading Indian cardiologist tells WION preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases

A study published on Monday (April 11) in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that the magic mushroom's drug psilocybin can help treat depression, leading to long-term improvements in the severe symptoms.

A study published on Monday (April 11) in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that the magic mushroom's drug psilocybin can help treat depression, leading to long-term improvements in the severe symptoms. The small study states that the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms can help people stop having or getting stuck in negative patterns of thinking. Magic mushrooms are also called shrooms or mushrooms. They are a type of mushroom that contains the drugs psilocybin or psilocin and these drugs cause hallucinations after consuming. The study 'Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression' focuses on the need for new and improved treatments for depression. The study was conducted by the Imperial College of London. Depression is a medical illness that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks or acts. Although, it is a highly prevalent mental health condition. The incidence of depression has increased during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The study tells that psilocybin therapy shows antidepressant potential. Although, the study also stated that psilocybin therapy's therapeutic actions are not well understood. Professor David Nutt, head of the Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research, said as quoted by Daily Mail: "These findings are important because for the first time we find that psilocybin works differently from conventional antidepressants — making the brain more flexible and fluid, and less entrenched in the negative thinking patterns associated with depression." "This supports our initial predictions and confirms psilocybin could be a real alternative approach to depression treatments," Nutt added. The study assessed the subacute impact of psilocybin on brain function in two clinical trials - the first was an open-label trial of orally administered psilocybin and the second trial was a double-blind phase II randomised controlled trial comparing psilocybin therapy with escitalopram. A part of the study read: "In both trials, the antidepressant response to psilocybin was rapid, sustained and correlated with decreases in fMRI brain network modularity, implying that psilocybin’s antidepressant action may depend on a global increase in brain network integration." WATCH | Fight heat wave with these 7 items in your diet ×

Magic mushrooms can fight depression as study says psychedelic compound boosts brain's functional networks

A large part of the world's population has received the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, either one or two; some even have been inoculated with the booster shots. More than 10 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally as of March 2022.&nbsp;

Some people have experienced the side effects of the Covid vaccines, usually mild and self-limiting. Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, diarrhoea and pain at the injection site are some of the common symptoms experienced by most people.&nbsp;

However, a recent <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(22)00059-5/fulltext">report</a> published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine concluded that some people have experienced severe heart inflammation. It has been described as a rare risk associated with COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

Researchers from National University Hospital, Singapore examined international databases to understand the&nbsp;incidence of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination and compare this with non-COVID-19 vaccination as well.&nbsp;

Experts have noted that Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The inflammation can reduce the heart's ability to pump and cause rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).&nbsp;

It has also been understood that the term&nbsp;pericarditis&nbsp;refers to inflammation of the pericardium and&nbsp;myocarditis and both can occur together in clinical practice.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/reversal-of-time-scientists-de-age-human-skin-cells-by-30-years-in-trial-469278">Reversal of time? Scientists de-age human skin cells by 30 years in trial</a>

The study mentioned&nbsp;that the "overall risk of myopericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is low". However, younger males have an increased incidence of myopericarditis, particularly after receiving mRNA vaccines.&nbsp;

Part of the study read, "Nevertheless, the risks of such rare adverse events should be balanced against the risks of COVID-19 infection (including myopericarditis)."&nbsp;

The study was based on a sample size of more than 400M vaccine doses and the overall incidence of myocarditis from 22 studies was 33·3 cases per million vaccine doses.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-ai-approach-that-can-accurately-predict-when-will-one-gave-a-cardiac-arrest-says-study-469349">An AI approach that can accurately predict when will one have a cardiac arrest. Find out more!</a>

The study noted that it did not differ significantly between people who received COVID-19 vaccines and those who received non-COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

As rates of myocarditiss were higher in smallpox shots as compared to coronavirus jabs. Whereas it is about the same as in influenza, measles, mumps and rubella and polio vaccines.&nbsp;

"Our research suggests that the overall risk of myopericarditis appears to be no different for this newly approved group of vaccines against Covid- 19, compared to vaccines against other diseases,"&nbsp;said Dr. Kollengode Ramanathan, a cardiac intensivist at the Hospital.&nbsp;

"The risk of such rare events should be balanced against the risk of myopericarditis from infection and these findings should bolster public confidence in the safety of Covid-19 vaccinations,"&nbsp;Ramanathan added.&nbsp;

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"The occurrence of myopericarditis following non-Covid-19 vaccination could suggest that myopericarditis is a side effect of the inflammatory processes induced by any vaccination and is not unique to the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in Covid-19 vaccines or infection,"&nbsp;said Dr Jyoti Somani, an infectious diseases specialist at the Hospital.&nbsp;

"This also highlights that the risks of such infrequent adverse events should be offset by the benefits of vaccination, which include a lower risk of infection, hospitalisation, severe disease, and death from Covid-19,"&nbsp;she added.&nbsp;

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Another study published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001064">Circulation</a>&nbsp;stated that found that 54 out of nearly 57,000 adults were hospitalised due to acute myocarditis after COVID-19.&nbsp;

The study, "SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Cardiovascular Manifestations and Complications in Children and Young Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association" focused on people in the US and Europe hospitalised with COVID-19 from February 2020 until April 2021.&nbsp;

A large part of the world's population has received the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, either one or two; some even have been inoculated with the booster shots.

A large part of the world's population has received the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, either one or two; some even have been inoculated with the booster shots. More than 10 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally as of March 2022. Some people have experienced the side effects of the Covid vaccines, usually mild and self-limiting. Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, diarrhoea and pain at the injection site are some of the common symptoms experienced by most people. However, a recent report published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine concluded that some people have experienced severe heart inflammation. It has been described as a rare risk associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers from National University Hospital, Singapore examined international databases to understand the incidence of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination and compare this with non-COVID-19 vaccination as well. Experts have noted that Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The inflammation can reduce the heart's ability to pump and cause rapid or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It has also been understood that the term pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium and myocarditis and both can occur together in clinical practice. ALSO READ | Reversal of time? Scientists de-age human skin cells by 30 years in trial The study mentioned that the "overall risk of myopericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is low". However, younger males have an increased incidence of myopericarditis, particularly after receiving mRNA vaccines. Part of the study read, "Nevertheless, the risks of such rare adverse events should be balanced against the risks of COVID-19 infection (including myopericarditis)." The study was based on a sample size of more than 400M vaccine doses and the overall incidence of myocarditis from 22 studies was 33·3 cases per million vaccine doses. ALSO READ | An AI approach that can accurately predict when will one have a cardiac arrest. Find out more! The study noted that it did not differ significantly between people who received COVID-19 vaccines and those who received non-COVID-19 vaccines. As rates of myocarditiss were higher in smallpox shots as compared to coronavirus jabs. Whereas it is about the same as in influenza, measles, mumps and rubella and polio vaccines. "Our research suggests that the overall risk of myopericarditis appears to be no different for this newly approved group of vaccines against Covid- 19, compared to vaccines against other diseases," said Dr. Kollengode Ramanathan, a cardiac intensivist at the Hospital. "The risk of such rare events should be balanced against the risk of myopericarditis from infection and these findings should bolster public confidence in the safety of Covid-19 vaccinations," Ramanathan added. WATCH | Fight heat wave with these 7 items in your diet × "The occurrence of myopericarditis following non-Covid-19 vaccination could suggest that myopericarditis is a side effect of the inflammatory processes induced by any vaccination and is not unique to the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in Covid-19 vaccines or infection," said Dr Jyoti Somani, an infectious diseases specialist at the Hospital. "This also highlights that the risks of such infrequent adverse events should be offset by the benefits of vaccination, which include a lower risk of infection, hospitalisation, severe disease, and death from Covid-19," she added. Another study published in the journal Circulation stated that found that 54 out of nearly 57,000 adults were hospitalised due to acute myocarditis after COVID-19. The study, "SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Cardiovascular Manifestations and Complications in Children and Young Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association" focused on people in the US and Europe hospitalised with COVID-19 from February 2020 until April 2021.

What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations

A recent study by the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) found that more than a hundred skin brightening products it tested contained high levels of mercury.&nbsp;

The report, which has been published&nbsp;by media outlets like The Guardian and CNN, raised alarm over the safety of some of the skin brightening products.&nbsp;

Media reports have also stated that such contaminated products are being sold globally through e-commerce platforms such as eBay, Amazon and Alibaba.&nbsp;

As per the reports, ZMWG tested 271 products bought in over 15 countries over a period of 13 months. After testing, it analysed the results and compared them with standard limits.&nbsp;

It was found that nearly half of the products were contaminated with dangerous heavy metals at levels above one part per million (ppm), which is the legal limit in the US. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU), doesn't allow any mercury in cosmetics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-might-impact-69-year-old-vladimir-putins-youthful-looks-heres-how-464508">Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how</a>

Michael Bender, who is the international coordinator with the Mercury Policy Project said, "It's really concerning that these online manufacturers continue to sell and flaunt and profit from illegal products that are doing significant damage to consumers."&nbsp;

Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans and its poisoning is the result of being exposed to too much mercury. It can be through the diet or environment.&nbsp;

Mercury poisoning can cause severe symptoms and put the body at unnecessary risk. Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans. Mercury may affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as nervousness or anxiety, irritability or mood changes, numbness, memory problems, depression, physical tremors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/to-show-coolness-orangutans-like-humans-use-slang-says-study-464507">To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

In some beauty products, Mercury is used as a skin whitening agent because it blocks the production of melanin, which gives colour to the skin. It is also used to remove spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles.&nbsp;

ZMWG said that some analysts expect skin lightening product sales to reach nearly $12bn globally by 2026.&nbsp;

ZMWG is a coalition of more than 110 public interest environmental and health non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and it was formed in 2005 by the European Environmental Bureau and the Mercury Policy Project.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Anti-ageing, skin lightening creams found contaminated with mercury

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A recent study by the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) found that more than a hundred skin brightening products it tested contained high levels of mercury. The report, which has been published by media outlets like The Guardian and CNN, raised alarm over the safety of some of the skin brightening products.

A recent study by the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) found that more than a hundred skin brightening products it tested contained high levels of mercury. The report, which has been published by media outlets like The Guardian and CNN, raised alarm over the safety of some of the skin brightening products. Media reports have also stated that such contaminated products are being sold globally through e-commerce platforms such as eBay, Amazon and Alibaba. As per the reports, ZMWG tested 271 products bought in over 15 countries over a period of 13 months. After testing, it analysed the results and compared them with standard limits. It was found that nearly half of the products were contaminated with dangerous heavy metals at levels above one part per million (ppm), which is the legal limit in the US. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU), doesn't allow any mercury in cosmetics. ALSO READ | Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how Michael Bender, who is the international coordinator with the Mercury Policy Project said, "It's really concerning that these online manufacturers continue to sell and flaunt and profit from illegal products that are doing significant damage to consumers." Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans and its poisoning is the result of being exposed to too much mercury. It can be through the diet or environment. Mercury poisoning can cause severe symptoms and put the body at unnecessary risk. Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans. Mercury may affect the nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as nervousness or anxiety, irritability or mood changes, numbness, memory problems, depression, physical tremors. ALSO READ | To show coolness, orangutans like humans use slang, says study In some beauty products, Mercury is used as a skin whitening agent because it blocks the production of melanin, which gives colour to the skin. It is also used to remove spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. ZMWG said that some analysts expect skin lightening product sales to reach nearly $12bn globally by 2026. ZMWG is a coalition of more than 110 public interest environmental and health non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and it was formed in 2005 by the European Environmental Bureau and the Mercury Policy Project. WATCH | Gravitas: Anti-ageing, skin lightening creams found contaminated with mercury ×

Beware! Some anti-ageing, skin lightening creams can cause kidney disease and nervous system damage

In the United Kingdom, scientists are launching a trial of a new scanning technique that apparently can identify women who are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, The Guardian reported.

In the United Kingdom, scientists are launching a trial of a new scanning technique that apparently can identify women who are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, The Guardian reported. In medical terms, adverse pregnancy outcomes are defined as the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities, miscarriage, congenital malformations, stillbirth or birth before 34 weeks of gestation. The report media outlet added that the new scanning technique has the potential to assess the pre-birth complications by analysing placentas. ALSO READ | Iodine tablets for nuclear risk. Why is Europe rushing to buy this tablet? As per the report, the scanning technology is based on artificial intelligence (AI) that will analyse ultrasound images taken during women's 12-week scans. After that, a risk score will be assigned. Similar tests, such as Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), can detect Down syndrome. In CVS, cells are taken from the placenta and used to analyse the fetal chromosomes. This test is typically performed in the first trimester, between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. Prof Sally Collins, who is a consultant obstetrician and medical lead for women's health at Perspectum Ltd, expressed her opinions on the new technology. ALSO READ | 'Strain hasn't yet been seen in world': Israel reports confirmed cases of combined Omicron and BA.2 strain As per the media report, Perspectum Ltd is an Oxford University spin-out company that is developing the technology. Collins said, "Many studies have shown that if you have a small placenta in the first trimester, you will have a small placenta at term, and a small placenta makes a small baby." "If your placenta is small, and has a normal supply of blood vessels (vascularity), it can be an indication of foetal growth restriction. If it is small with low vascularity, you potentially get a small baby and preeclampsia," she added. "What we’ve come up with is a fully automated, artificial intelligence method for seeing and measuring the placenta, and the blood supply at its interface with the uterus, so suddenly, we have a computer tool that can tell you the size and the vascularity of the placenta in real time," added Collins. As per the media report, approximately eight families in the UK are affected by stillbirth, with foetal growth restriction each day.

In UK, trial begins for AI scan technique that could assess risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes

Have you ever wondered about the 'elixir of youth'? Myths and folklores have mentioned it and we have also heard about&nbsp;it in several movies.&nbsp;

As the name signifies, the 'elixir of life' or the 'elixir of youth' can be termed as a magical potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth.&nbsp;

Who wouldn't want it? However, it appears that people who live on the Japanese island of Okinawa might have found a way to slow down the ageing process.&nbsp;

Well, it's not because of some elixir as people in Okinawa, which stretch across the East China Sea can be an inspiration for good health and long life. It is because of their choice of food and way of living.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that people in Okinawa enjoy the longest life expectancy of anyone on Earth, also they have good health when they get old.&nbsp;

But what are their secrets?

Okinawans keep a low-fat and low-salt diet with the inclusion of fruit, vegetables, tofu and seaweed. They also eat lesser amounts as they believe in 'Hara Hachi Bu', which means 'stop eating when you are 80 per cent full'.&nbsp;

What is Hara Hachi Bu?&nbsp;

Hara Hachi bu is a Japanese term that means - eat until you are 80 per cent full. Originated in Okinawa, the process helps people to control their diet.&nbsp;

Interestingly, they have one of the lowest rates of illness from heart disease, cancer and stroke, and a fairly long life expectancy.&nbsp;

How to Hara Hachi Bu?

Several experts have studied how people in Okinawa go about Hara Hachi Bu. As per the analysis, one should decide how much to eat after looking at the plate.&nbsp;

After that estimate and separate 80 per cent of the total food on the plate and the aim should be to feel satisfied and not hungry, rather than full while eating.&nbsp;

Experts have mentioned that this is good advice for overeaters who are learning how to fill their stomachs only just enough.&nbsp;

Are you intrigued? It's time to try this unique way of eating in pursuit of a long and healthy life such as people in Okinawa. &nbsp;

Have you ever wondered about the 'elixir of youth'? Myths and folklores have mentioned it and we have also heard about it in several movies. As the name signifies, the 'elixir of life' or the 'elixir of youth' can be termed as a magical potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth.

Have you ever wondered about the 'elixir of youth'? Myths and folklores have mentioned it and we have also heard about it in several movies. As the name signifies, the 'elixir of life' or the 'elixir of youth' can be termed as a magical potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life or eternal youth. Who wouldn't want it? However, it appears that people who live on the Japanese island of Okinawa might have found a way to slow down the ageing process. Well, it's not because of some elixir as people in Okinawa, which stretch across the East China Sea can be an inspiration for good health and long life. It is because of their choice of food and way of living. Reports have mentioned that people in Okinawa enjoy the longest life expectancy of anyone on Earth, also they have good health when they get old. But what are their secrets? Okinawans keep a low-fat and low-salt diet with the inclusion of fruit, vegetables, tofu and seaweed. They also eat lesser amounts as they believe in 'Hara Hachi Bu', which means 'stop eating when you are 80 per cent full'. What is Hara Hachi Bu? Hara Hachi bu is a Japanese term that means - eat until you are 80 per cent full. Originated in Okinawa, the process helps people to control their diet. Interestingly, they have one of the lowest rates of illness from heart disease, cancer and stroke, and a fairly long life expectancy. How to Hara Hachi Bu? Several experts have studied how people in Okinawa go about Hara Hachi Bu. As per the analysis, one should decide how much to eat after looking at the plate. After that estimate and separate 80 per cent of the total food on the plate and the aim should be to feel satisfied and not hungry, rather than full while eating. Experts have mentioned that this is good advice for overeaters who are learning how to fill their stomachs only just enough. Are you intrigued? It's time to try this unique way of eating in pursuit of a long and healthy life such as people in Okinawa.

Hara Hachi Bu: The Japanese way of healthy living, weight loss and long life

A 38-year-old man from the United States was admitted to a hospital because of altered mental status and a seizure, which happened due to the presence of tapeworms in his brain as per a case study published in The New England Journal of Medicine on November 11.

A 38-year-old man from the United States was admitted to a hospital because of altered mental status and a seizure, which happened due to the presence of tapeworms in his brain as per a case study published in The New England Journal of Medicine on November 11. The man from Boston, whose name hasn't been made public, was taken to the hospital after his wife reported that he fell out of bed at approximately 4:00am (local time) and was "shaking" on the floor, also speaking "gibberish". He appeared to be confused and disoriented. In an immediate response, police were called to the patient's apartment and emergency medical services were activated. He was taken to the Massachusetts General Hospital, where doctors conducted various examinations, running tests and scans. "The patient was combative and disoriented, and he actively resisted being placed in the ambulance. On arrival at the emergency department, he had a witnessed generalized tonic–clonic seizure, lasting 2 minutes, for which lorazepam was administered intravenously," a part of the study read. ALSO READ | Study claims pandemic stress affects women's periods and sex lives Scanning of the brain suggested neurocysticercosis is the most likely diagnosis in this case as there was swelling and three lesions in his brain. The symptoms were typical of a parasitic infection known as neurocysticercosis, which can cause seizures and headaches and sometimes lead to death. The case study further revealed that the patient was treated with antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs and was discharged on the fifth day of the hospital, with normal results on a neurologic examination and no further seizure activity. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, A person can get cysticercosis by "swallowing eggs found in the feces of a person who has an intestinal tapeworm." CDC also informed that the highest rates of cysticercosis are found in areas that have poor sanitation and free-range pigs that have access to human feces. Patient's history The report mentioned that the patient had appeared well the day before the seizure and there's no evidence of a provoked event in this patient's history or examination. Also, there is no evidence of a previous neurologic, medical, or psychiatric condition that would have put him at increased risk for seizures. What possibly can be the reason is, he had emigrated from a rural area of Guatemala, which could have been the endemic infectious diseases that could have increased this patient's risk for seizures even years after exposure, such as parasitic brain infection. Cysticercosis The study had revealed that Cysticercosis is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. The disease results from the ingestion of eggs from the tapeworm. This disease is endemic in areas of Asia and Central America; in these areas, 10 to 50% of patients with epilepsy have evidence of neurocysticercosis on cerebral imaging. There are also locations in the United States where cysticercosis is highly prevalent, including Southern California, Texas, and New York City.

Tapeworms in brain reason behind man's altered mental status and unexplained seizures, study reveals

The latest confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States, diagnosed in a California woman, is of “unknown origin” and was found in a patient who had not traveled overseas or had contact with any known travelers, local health officials said on Friday.

The woman, identified only as an adult with chronic health conditions, was referred by her physician for testing after she developed difficulty breathing, said Dr. Sara Cody, Chief Health Officer for Santa Clara County.

Santa Clara is home to the Silicon Valley tech hub in Northern California.

“This is the third case identified in our county. But it’s different from the other two cases in an important way ...Our third case did not recently travel overseas or have any known contact with a recent traveler or infected person,” Cody told an afternoon news conference.

Also watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/america-at-risk-of-coronavirus-spread-282904">America at risk of coronavirus spread</a>

It is also the second case of a patient who contracted the virus from an unknown origin. On Wednesday, health authorities announced a woman in Solano County, California, about 90 miles (145 km) to the north, was the nation’s first case of community transmission.

It means the virus is now spreading within at least two separate locations in California.

Cody said that the discovery of a second patient suffering from coronavirus from unknown origins marked a new chapter for public health officials where quarantines and travel restrictions were no longer enough to contain the virus.

“We will continue to trace close contacts of our cases to try to limit the spread of the virus. But now we need to add other public health tools to the mix,” Cody said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-confirms-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus-linked-to-italy-283415">Mexico confirms first two cases of coronavirus, linked to Italy</a>

“Now that we have a case that did not recently travel or come in contact with anyone known to be ill, what does this mean? What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level. But we still don’t know to what degree,” she said.

The number of confirmed U.S. cases of the respiratory disease is still relatively small at roughly 60, most of them repatriated American passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, but there are growing fears that the country is on the cusp of wider outbreak.

The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for several nations and on Friday it said Americans should reconsider travel to Italy, where nearly 900 coronavirus cases have been confirmed.

The latest confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States, diagnosed in a California woman, is of “unknown origin” and was found in a patient who had not traveled overseas or had contact with any known travelers, local health officials said on Friday.

The latest confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States, diagnosed in a California woman, is of “unknown origin” and was found in a patient who had not traveled overseas or had contact with any known travelers, local health officials said on Friday. The woman, identified only as an adult with chronic health conditions, was referred by her physician for testing after she developed difficulty breathing, said Dr. Sara Cody, Chief Health Officer for Santa Clara County. Santa Clara is home to the Silicon Valley tech hub in Northern California. “This is the third case identified in our county. But it’s different from the other two cases in an important way ...Our third case did not recently travel overseas or have any known contact with a recent traveler or infected person,” Cody told an afternoon news conference. Also watch: America at risk of coronavirus spread It is also the second case of a patient who contracted the virus from an unknown origin. On Wednesday, health authorities announced a woman in Solano County, California, about 90 miles (145 km) to the north, was the nation’s first case of community transmission. It means the virus is now spreading within at least two separate locations in California. Cody said that the discovery of a second patient suffering from coronavirus from unknown origins marked a new chapter for public health officials where quarantines and travel restrictions were no longer enough to contain the virus. “We will continue to trace close contacts of our cases to try to limit the spread of the virus. But now we need to add other public health tools to the mix,” Cody said. Also read: Mexico confirms first two cases of coronavirus, linked to Italy “Now that we have a case that did not recently travel or come in contact with anyone known to be ill, what does this mean? What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level. But we still don’t know to what degree,” she said. The number of confirmed U.S. cases of the respiratory disease is still relatively small at roughly 60, most of them repatriated American passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, but there are growing fears that the country is on the cusp of wider outbreak. The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for several nations and on Friday it said Americans should reconsider travel to Italy, where nearly 900 coronavirus cases have been confirmed.

New coronavirus case in California is of unknown origin

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US&nbsp;officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet in Las Vegas after he did not attend a summit with the group in Bangkok in November.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/un-chief-recommends-ministers-diplomats-skip-travelling-to-meeting-due-to-coronavirus-risks-283430"> U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks</a>

“As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting,” one of the sources, a senior administration official, told Reuters.

The official added that the United States values its relationships with ASEAN member nations and looks forward to future meetings.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-crash-as-global-markets-dive-over-spread-of-coronavirus-283314"> Sensex, Nifty crash as global markets dive over spread of coronavirus</a>

The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The decision comes amid growing fears that the virus will spread in the United States as countries report new infections, companies announce curbs on employees’ travel and global stock markets continue to plummet.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday preparations for the meeting were going ahead in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The United States has decided to postpone a meeting with leaders of Southeast Asian countries it had planned to host on March 14 due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, two US officials familiar with the matter said on Friday. US President Donald Trump had invited leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to meet in Las Vegas after he did not attend a summit with the group in Bangkok in November. Also read: U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks “As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting,” one of the sources, a senior administration official, told Reuters. The official added that the United States values its relationships with ASEAN member nations and looks forward to future meetings. Also see: Sensex, Nifty crash as global markets dive over spread of coronavirus The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The decision comes amid growing fears that the virus will spread in the United States as countries report new infections, companies announce curbs on employees’ travel and global stock markets continue to plummet. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday preparations for the meeting were going ahead in spite of the coronavirus outbreak.

US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has recommended that ministers and diplomats skip travelling to a meeting in New York of the Commission on the Status of Women due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Friday.&nbsp;

More than 7,000 people usually attend the annual meeting, officials said, which is dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is due to be held from&nbsp;March 9 to 20.

However, in a letter to U.N. member states from the chair of the commission, Armenia’s U.N. Ambassador Mher Margaryan said Guterres had recommended that member states “shorten and scale down the session” and cancel dozens of side events.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/europes-worst-affected-country-by-covid-19-outbreak-283261">Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak</a>

<div>“He also strongly recommended that capital-based representatives refrain from travelling to headquarters for the session,” Margaryan wrote.&nbsp;</div>

The bureau of the Commission on the Status of Women proposed that member states agree to Guterres’ recommendations at a meeting on Monday.&nbsp;

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres made the recommendations given the “fast-evolving situation” with the coronavirus and the need to “balance the UN’s critical work and public health concerns”.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-chief-slams-gender-inequality-283358">UN Chief Slams Gender Inequality</a>

“The advice given by the secretary-general is based on inputs from the Senior Emergency Policy Team and very close consultations between the U.N. Medical Services and the World Health Organization,” Dujarric said.&nbsp;

The flu-like virus that emerged from central China late last year has spread to about 60 countries, infected more than 85,000 people and killed almost 3,000, mostly in China.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has recommended that ministers and diplomats skip travelling to a meeting in New York of the Commission on the Status of Women due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Friday.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has recommended that ministers and diplomats skip travelling to a meeting in New York of the Commission on the Status of Women due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Friday. More than 7,000 people usually attend the annual meeting, officials said, which is dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It is due to be held from March 9 to 20. However, in a letter to U.N. member states from the chair of the commission, Armenia’s U.N. Ambassador Mher Margaryan said Guterres had recommended that member states “shorten and scale down the session” and cancel dozens of side events. Also read: Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak “He also strongly recommended that capital-based representatives refrain from travelling to headquarters for the session,” Margaryan wrote. The bureau of the Commission on the Status of Women proposed that member states agree to Guterres’ recommendations at a meeting on Monday. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres made the recommendations given the “fast-evolving situation” with the coronavirus and the need to “balance the UN’s critical work and public health concerns”. Also see: UN Chief Slams Gender Inequality “The advice given by the secretary-general is based on inputs from the Senior Emergency Policy Team and very close consultations between the U.N. Medical Services and the World Health Organization,” Dujarric said. The flu-like virus that emerged from central China late last year has spread to about 60 countries, infected more than 85,000 people and killed almost 3,000, mostly in China.

U.N. chief recommends ministers, diplomats skip travelling to meeting due to coronavirus risks

US health officials reported Friday a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country.

The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive", local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient.

He is currently in home isolation in Snohomish County. The high school he attends will be shut until March 3 while it is deep cleaned, the Washington State Department of Health said.

In neighboring Oregon, authorities said Friday an adult who had had contact with people at an elementary school had been hospitalized and was also considered "presumptive positive."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/us-postpones-summit-with-asean-leaders-amid-coronavirus-fears-report-283438">US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report</a>

A positive test is treated as "presumptive" until the results have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We've been expecting this and we're prepared for it," Oregon's Health Authority director Patrick Allen told reporters.

The school will be closed until March 4 as it undergoes a deep clean, officials said, adding they would talk to employees and parents.

Earlier Friday, Californian health authorities said an older woman was confirmed infected with unknown origin -- the second such case in the northern part of the state.

"This new case indicates that there is evidence of community transmission but the extent is still not clear," said Sara Cody, director of public health for Santa Clara County.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/coronavirus-jackie-chan-says-he-is-safe-not-under-quarantine-283448">Coronavirus: Jackie Chan says he is safe, not under quarantine</a>

"What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level, but we still don't know to what degree," she added.

The two cases in California are close to Silicon Valley, where tech giants like Apple, Google and Tesla are based.

The latest infections have heightened fears of an outbreak across the country.

President Donald Trump, however, downplayed the risk in the US at a campaign rally in South Carolina, accusing Democrats and the press of stirring up hysteria.

"We are preparing for the worst," he said. "My administration has taken the most aggressive action in modern history to prevent the spread of this illness in the United States."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/europes-worst-affected-country-by-covid-19-outbreak-283261">Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak</a>

He called the coronavirus the Democrats' "new hoax."

"The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus. They're politicizing it," he said. "They don't have any clue. They can't even count their votes in Iowa."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 60 people are infected with the disease in the United States, the majority of them in California.

The state's governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday 33 people had tested positive for the virus, and five of them had left California.

Worldwide more than 85,000 people have been infected and over 2,900 have died.

US health officials reported Friday a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country. The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive", local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient.

US health officials reported Friday a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country. The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive", local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient. He is currently in home isolation in Snohomish County. The high school he attends will be shut until March 3 while it is deep cleaned, the Washington State Department of Health said. In neighboring Oregon, authorities said Friday an adult who had had contact with people at an elementary school had been hospitalized and was also considered "presumptive positive." Also read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report A positive test is treated as "presumptive" until the results have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We've been expecting this and we're prepared for it," Oregon's Health Authority director Patrick Allen told reporters. The school will be closed until March 4 as it undergoes a deep clean, officials said, adding they would talk to employees and parents. Earlier Friday, Californian health authorities said an older woman was confirmed infected with unknown origin -- the second such case in the northern part of the state. "This new case indicates that there is evidence of community transmission but the extent is still not clear," said Sara Cody, director of public health for Santa Clara County. Also see: Coronavirus: Jackie Chan says he is safe, not under quarantine "What we know now is that the virus is here, present at some level, but we still don't know to what degree," she added. The two cases in California are close to Silicon Valley, where tech giants like Apple, Google and Tesla are based. The latest infections have heightened fears of an outbreak across the country. President Donald Trump, however, downplayed the risk in the US at a campaign rally in South Carolina, accusing Democrats and the press of stirring up hysteria. "We are preparing for the worst," he said. "My administration has taken the most aggressive action in modern history to prevent the spread of this illness in the United States." Also read: Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak He called the coronavirus the Democrats' "new hoax." "The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus. They're politicizing it," he said. "They don't have any clue. They can't even count their votes in Iowa." According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 60 people are infected with the disease in the United States, the majority of them in California. The state's governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday 33 people had tested positive for the virus, and five of them had left California. Worldwide more than 85,000 people have been infected and over 2,900 have died.

US reports fourth coronavirus infection of unknown origin

Treating younger people with high cholesterol levels may help reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke in later life, a major study showed Wednesday.

Described as the "most comprehensive" review of its kind covering almost 400,000 patients over more than 40 years, the study in The Lancet said its findings on the link between cholesterol levels and ill health "may be particularly important in people under 45 years."

A summary said that starting with the same cholesterol level and additional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity or smoking men under 45 years faced a 29 percent risk of fatal or non-fatal heart disease or stroke by the age of 75.

For women, the risk level was 16 percent.

However, if their non-HDL (i.e. "bad") cholesterol levels were halved, typically by the use of statins, the men's risk came down to 6.0 percent and women fell to just 4.0 percent.

Additionally, the study showed that "intervening early and intensively to reduce non-HDL cholesterol levels could potentially reverse early signs of atherosclerosis"&nbsp; the narrowing of the arteries caused by fat, calcium and cholesterol build-up.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is often dubbed "good cholesterol," helping clear fat from the bloodstream, in contrast with "bad" Low-Density Lipoprotein.

Non-HDL cholesterol is arrived at by subtracting a person's HDL level from their total cholesterol number and accordingly measures all the bad lipoproteins.

Commenting on the study, Jennifer Robinson of the University of Iowa said its long-term nature and size were important in pointing to the potential for early treatment.

It raised the possibility that those people with high non-HDL and LDL levels could be more at risk than suggested by the 10-year threshold currently used to determine if treatment is needed, Robinson noted.

Paul Leeson, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford said the issue of long-term medication would have to be addressed.

"Exactly how to reduce cholesterol effectively in young people and, in particular, whether you would need to take drugs for decades to do this is not explored (in the study) but will be important to consider before these findings can be included into medical guidance," Leeson said in a commentary

Treating younger people with high cholesterol levels may help reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke in later life, a major study showed Wednesday. Described as the "most comprehensive" review of its kind covering almost 400,000 patients over more than 40 years, the study in The Lancet said its findings on the link between cholesterol levels and ill health "may be particularly important in people under 45 years.

Treating younger people with high cholesterol levels may help reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke in later life, a major study showed Wednesday. Described as the "most comprehensive" review of its kind covering almost 400,000 patients over more than 40 years, the study in The Lancet said its findings on the link between cholesterol levels and ill health "may be particularly important in people under 45 years." A summary said that starting with the same cholesterol level and additional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity or smoking men under 45 years faced a 29 percent risk of fatal or non-fatal heart disease or stroke by the age of 75. For women, the risk level was 16 percent. However, if their non-HDL (i.e. "bad") cholesterol levels were halved, typically by the use of statins, the men's risk came down to 6.0 percent and women fell to just 4.0 percent. Additionally, the study showed that "intervening early and intensively to reduce non-HDL cholesterol levels could potentially reverse early signs of atherosclerosis" the narrowing of the arteries caused by fat, calcium and cholesterol build-up. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is often dubbed "good cholesterol," helping clear fat from the bloodstream, in contrast with "bad" Low-Density Lipoprotein. Non-HDL cholesterol is arrived at by subtracting a person's HDL level from their total cholesterol number and accordingly measures all the bad lipoproteins. Commenting on the study, Jennifer Robinson of the University of Iowa said its long-term nature and size were important in pointing to the potential for early treatment. It raised the possibility that those people with high non-HDL and LDL levels could be more at risk than suggested by the 10-year threshold currently used to determine if treatment is needed, Robinson noted. Paul Leeson, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford said the issue of long-term medication would have to be addressed. "Exactly how to reduce cholesterol effectively in young people and, in particular, whether you would need to take drugs for decades to do this is not explored (in the study) but will be important to consider before these findings can be included into medical guidance," Leeson said in a commentary

Treating cholesterol at an early stage reduces the risk of heart problems: Study