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12/13/2024

Cold weather increases stroke risk, as shown by several studies.

Possible reasons:

Blood vessel constriction raises blood pressure;
Blood thickening increases clot risk;
Less physical activity and unhealthy winter habits;
Cold, dark winters may contribute to depression.

Key points:

Cold weather-stroke relationship is complex;
Be aware of increased risk in cold temperatures;
Focus on manageable risk factors: blood pressure, smoking cessation, and regular exercise;
Temperature alone doesn't explain risk; warmer U.S. Southeast has high stroke mortality.

Join us to learn about early recognition of stroke and first aid care for stroke patients.

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12/12/2024

Japanese actor and singer Miho Nakayama, known for her role in the acclaimed 1995 film Love Letter and popular TV shows like Mama wa Idol! and Kimi no Hitomi ni Koish*teru!, was found dead at her home in Tokyo on December 6, 2024, at the age of 54. 

Her management company, Big Apple, confirmed that her death resulted from an "unfortunate accident" while she was taking a bath, with autopsy results ruling out foul play.

Heat shock can occur when the body experiences sudden temperature changes, such as moving from a warm room to a cold bathroom and then into a hot bath. This rapid shift can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure, potentially leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack. Hot water showers and baths can be particularly harmful, especially for elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions like hypertension or heart disease.
Additional risks of hot baths include:

Dehydration from prolonged exposure to hot water;

Dry skin and irritation due to stripping of natural oils;

Cardiovascular complications such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

To minimize risks, it's advisable to use lukewarm water and limit shower or bath duration.

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12/03/2024

Sam Benastick, a 20-year-old hiker, survived 50 days lost in the remote Redfern-Keily Provincial Park in northeastern British Columbia after becoming separated from his planned route, possibly due to a wolf encounter. Despite challenging weather conditions and a large-scale search effort, he was ultimately found alive by two industrial workers.

His survival relied on his preparedness, including ample supplies, and his resourcefulness. This story has attracted considerable international interest.

Although life and death may not always be under human control, there is a saying that God will first help those who are prepared.

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07/10/2024

Extreme heat affecting glucose monitors

Diabetics in Cyprus have reported issues with the accuracy of their continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices since early June, coinciding with a period of extreme heat. The Cyprus Diabetic Association (CDA) has received complaints from patients about inaccurate CGM readings, particularly when temperatures exceeded 40°C.

*** Short-term exposure (as little as 15 minutes) to high temperatures and humidity can cause glucose meters to produce artificially elevated readings.

*** Extreme heat can damage glucose meters, test strips, and insulin. Heat exposure may cause glucose meters to malfunction or stop working entirely. Test strips and insulin can also lose their effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures, further compromising the accuracy of readings.

The CDA believes that the combination of extreme heat and high humidity is causing sensor malfunction, as these devices are not designed for such high temperatures. In response, the CDA has issued recommendations for managing CGM use in hot weather, including advising users to cover their sensors with loose, non-metallic clothing to protect them from direct sunlight and heat when temperatures exceed 35°C.

07/10/2024

Extreme heat affecting glucose monitors

Diabetics in Cyprus have reported issues with the accuracy of their continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices since early June, coinciding with a period of extreme heat. The Cyprus Diabetic Association (CDA) has received complaints from patients about inaccurate CGM readings, particularly when temperatures exceeded 40°C.

*** Short-term exposure (as little as 15 minutes) to high temperatures and humidity can cause glucose meters to produce artificially elevated readings.

*** Extreme heat can damage glucose meters, test strips, and insulin. Heat exposure may cause glucose meters to malfunction or stop working entirely. Test strips and insulin can also lose their effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures, further compromising the accuracy of readings.

The CDA believes that the combination of extreme heat and high humidity is causing sensor malfunction, as these devices are not designed for such high temperatures. In response, the CDA has issued recommendations for managing CGM use in hot weather, including advising users to cover their sensors with loose, non-metallic clothing to protect them from direct sunlight and heat when temperatures exceed 35°C.

Diabetics in Cyprus using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have reported issues with sensor accuracy since early June, coinciding with a rise in temperatures, according to the Cyprus Diabetic Association (CDA).We've received complaints from diabetic patients about inaccurate CGM readings

07/10/2024

Diabetics in Cyprus have reported problems with their continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices since early June, coinciding with a heatwave. The Cyprus Diabetic Association (CDA) believes the extreme temperatures, often exceeding 40°C, are causing sensor malfunctions.

To address this issue, the CDA recommends that diabetics protect their CGM sensors from direct sunlight and heat when temperatures rise above 35°C. This can be done by covering the sensor with loose, non-metallic clothing or a t-shirt sleeve.

Diabetics in Cyprus using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have reported issues with sensor accuracy since early June, coinciding with a rise in temperatures, according to the Cyprus Diabetic Association (CDA).We've received complaints from diabetic patients about inaccurate CGM readings

07/10/2024

Managing Diabetes in Hot Weather
Hot weather can significantly impact blood glucose levels, potentially causing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Here are key strategies for managing diabetes during extreme heat:

Monitor and Protect:
***Check blood glucose levels more frequently.
***Stay well-hydrated with water, avoiding sugary drinks, coffee, and alcohol.
***Prevent sunburn, which can stress the body and raise blood sugar.
***Protect medication and supplies from heat damage using cooler bags.

Be Aware of Health Risks:
***Watch for heat exhaustion, as diabetes can affect sweating ability.
****Please note that heat exhaustion and hypoglycemia symptoms can be similar, including sweating, dizziness, blurry vision, hunger, shakiness, lethargy, and irritability.

Equipment Considerations:
***Be mindful that sweat can loosen adhesives on insulin pumps and CGM sensors.
***Protect insulin pumps and equipment from heat damage.

Foot Care and Preparedness:
***Always wear shoes to protect feet from injury.
***Carry snacks and glucose tablets/gel to prevent and manage low blood sugar.

07/09/2024

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled several plant-based beverages from the Silk and Great Value brands due to potential listeria contamination. The recalled products, manufactured by Danone Canada, include various almond, coconut, and oat-based drinks in 1.89 litre and 1.75 litre packages with specific Universal Product Codes (UPCs) and best before dates up to and including October 24, 2024.

Recalled Products:
***Great Value Almond Beverages: Unsweetened Original, Original, Vanilla
***Silk Almond Beverages: Unsweetened, Unsweetened Vanilla, Original, Dark Chocolate
***Silk Coconut Beverages: Original, Unsweetened (with best before dates up to September 27, 2024)
***Silk Oat Beverages: Original, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Unsweetened, Unsweetened Vanilla
***Silk Almond and Cashew Beverages: Unsweetened, Unsweetened Vanilla

Health Risks:

Listeria contamination may not show visible signs of spoilage. Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, fever, body aches, headaches, and a stiff neck. Those with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable.

Actions Taken:

The CFIA initiated the recall following a foodborne illness outbreak investigation. Reported illnesses have been linked to these products, though the number of affected individuals is unspecified. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.

07/09/2024

Gut Microbiome Breakthrough: Unveiling Autism's Hidden Microbial Signature

The study conducted by researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong has revealed significant differences in the gut microbiomes of children with autism compared to those without. This comprehensive analysis examined not only bacteria but also fungi, archaea, and viruses in f***l samples from 1,627 children.
Key findings include:

***Identification of specific microorganisms unique to children with autism, including 14 archaea, 51 bacteria, 7 fungi, and 18 viruses.

***Discovery of 27 microbial genes and 12 metabolic pathways that differ in children with autism.

Development of a machine learning-based diagnostic tool combining data from multiple microbial kingdoms, achieving 79.5% to 88.6% accuracy in identifying autism.

This research is groundbreaking because it provides a more complete picture of the gut microbiome in children with autism, going beyond just bacteria. The findings not only strengthen the connection between gut microbiome and autism but also offer potential new avenues for diagnosis and understanding of the condition.

This finding is important because it might help us:

***Better understand what causes autism.

***Find new ways to diagnose autism earlier.

***Develop new treatments that target these gut bacteria.

It's like finding a hidden clue that could unlock new ways to help people with autism. However, it's important to remember that this is just one piece of the puzzle, and more research is needed to fully understand how gut bacteria and autism are connected.

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07/08/2024

Al-Safa US LLC, a Canadian company, has recalled about 2,010 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken kebab products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced this recall on July 5, 2024.
The recalled products include:
12.1-oz. boxes of "Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab" (code: 0605404)
14.11-oz. boxes of "Al Safa Halal Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab" (code: 0605416)
Both products have a "best by" date of November 30, 2025, and bear the establishment number "866" inside the Canadian inspection mark.
These items were produced in Canada on June 5, 2024, and imported to the U.S. on June 13 and 21, 2024. They were distributed to retail locations nationwide.
Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.
FSIS advises consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them. The items should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

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07/08/2024

Al-Safa US LLC, a Canadian company, has recalled about 2,010 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken kebab products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced this recall on July 5, 2024.
The recalled products include:
12.1-oz. boxes of "Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab" (code: 0605404)
14.11-oz. boxes of "Al Safa Halal Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab" (code: 0605416)
Both products have a "best by" date of November 30, 2025, and bear the establishment number "866" inside the Canadian inspection mark.

These items were produced in Canada on June 5, 2024, and imported to the U.S. on June 13 and 21, 2024. They were distributed to retail locations nationwide.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.

FSIS advises consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them. The items should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

Source: https://www.newsweek.com/chicken-recall-nationwide-listeria-warning-canada-kebab-1922069

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