Omega-3 supplements harm brain, not help: Chinese study

 Omega-3 supplements harm brain, not help: Chinese study

The study was based on an analysis of more than 800 elderly people in North America. About half of them had a gene called APOEε4, which increases the risk of dementia.

The data showed that people who took omega-3 supplements had a significantly faster decline in cognitive ability than those who did not.

The findings of the study were published online in April and will be published in the June issue of The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.

“These findings challenge the prevailing view that omega-3 is always beneficial and emphasize the need to carefully reevaluate its widespread use for cognitive protection,” the researchers wrote.

These 9 symptoms, which indicate an enlarged prostate

 These 9 symptoms, which indicate an enlarged prostate

If the problem of prostate enlargement that occurs with increasing age is not ignored and recognized and treated in time, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.

Do you have to get up repeatedly at night to urinate? Is your urine stream weaker than before? Do you feel like there is still something left after urinating? Many men are experiencing such problems. They ignore such problems that appear with increasing age as normal. But these symptoms may be signs of an enlarged prostate gland.

According to studies, about half of men around the world who are over 50 years old have prostate enlargement, and by the age of 80, about 80 percent of men have some level of prostate enlargement. However, if recognized and treated in time, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland found only in the male body, which is usually the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays an important role in the reproductive process by producing seminal fluid.

As we age, this gland gradually begins to enlarge. In medical terms, it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When the prostate enlarges, the passage for urine becomes narrow, causing various problems.

9 major symptoms of prostate enlargement

1. Weak urine stream

Urine does not come in a strong stream as before, but instead comes in a small stream or drops. In some cases, it may take some time for urination to begin.

2. Feeling that the bladder is not empty even after urinating

Feeling that there is still some urine left after urinating is an important sign of prostate enlargement.

3. Frequent urination

Especially when you have to urinate more often than usual throughout the day.

4. Getting up frequently at night to urinate

Having to get up one or more times during the night to urinate is one of the most common symptoms of prostate enlargement. This can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and affect quality of life.

5. Straining to urinate

You may have to strain your stomach to start or finish urinating. This is a sign that the urinary tract is narrow.

6. Delayed urination

Hesitancy is when you feel the urge to urinate but don't urinate immediately, or you have to wait or strain. This is one of the early signs of prostate enlargement.

7. Sudden and intense urge to urinate and urine leakage

Urgent urge to urinate and sometimes leaking urine before reaching the toilet can also be a sign of prostate enlargement.

8. Blood in the urine

Sometimes blood may be present in the urine. In such cases, you should seek medical advice without delay.

9. Burning or Painful Urination

Some people may experience discomfort, burning, or pain when urinating. This is especially common if there is an infection.

Who is at higher risk?

–Men over 50

–Family history of prostate problems

–Diabetes or high blood pressure

–Obesity

–Inactivity

–Smoking and drinking alcohol

Why is an enlarged prostate a problem?

The prostate surrounds the urethra. When it is large, the passage for urine to pass out becomes narrow. As a result, there is a risk of urine retention, urine retention in the bladder, infection, stone formation, and even kidney damage in the long term.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose prostate problems, doctors can perform various tests along with symptoms

-Urine test

-PSA test in the blood

-Ultrasound

-Urine flow test (uroflowmetry)

MRI or biopsy if necessary

Treatment

Not all patients need surgery. In many patients, medication and lifestyle changes give good results.

Lifestyle considerations

-Do not drink too much fluid before going to bed

-Reduce tea, coffee, and alcohol intake

-Do not hold urine for too long

-Do regular walking and exercise

-Do not allow constipation

-Keep weight under control

There are mainly two types of drugs used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by the prostate. In some patients, both types of drugs are used simultaneously.

Alpha-blocker drugs

Such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and silodosin. These medications help to relax the urinary tract and make it easier to urinate.

Five-alpha reductase inhibitor medications

Such as finasteride and dutasteride. These medications help to reduce the size of the prostate over time.

When is surgery necessary?

– Complete blockage of urination

– Frequent infections

– Repeated blood in the urine

– Formation of bladder stones

– Kidney damage

– No improvement with medication

How is prostate surgery performed?

– TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

This is the most commonly performed surgery in the world. The excess prostate is removed by inserting an instrument through the urethra.

– Laser surgery or open or robotic surgery

Are prostate enlargement and prostate cancer the same?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common problem in many men, and prostate cancer are not the same disease. BPH is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that occurs with age. In contrast, prostate cancer is a malignant disease caused by uncontrolled growth of prostate cells, which may not cause any symptoms in the early stages.

Some signs of both diseases

Since they can be similar, it is not possible to differentiate them based on symptoms alone. Therefore, it is very important to make an accurate diagnosis through PSA testing and medical examination. The good news is that both conditions can be effectively managed if identified and treated early.

Many men hide their prostate symptoms due to shame, fear, or neglect. Most prostate problems can be controlled with timely screening, proper treatment, and a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the body's signals should not be ignored.

These are the changes that can be seen in the body after giving up sugar for a month

 These are the changes that can be seen in the body after giving up sugar for a month

By completely or largely stopping the consumption of sugar for a month, positive changes such as weight control and stable energy levels can be seen in the body.

In today's busy lifestyle, the habit of eating sweets has become very common. Tea, cold drinks, sweets and packaged foods contain a lot of sugar. But if a person stops consuming sugar completely or largely for a month, various positive changes start to be seen in the body. The first few days may feel a little uncomfortable, but in the long run, it can have many health benefits.

The first few days can be challenging

For the first 3-7 days after giving up sugar, you may experience increased cravings for sweets, headaches, fatigue, irritability or difficulty concentrating. This is normal because the body is used to regular consumption of sugar.

Can help in weight control

The process of fat accumulation in the body can be reduced by reducing the extra calories obtained from sugar. It can help reduce fat around the belly, especially around the waist, and can help you gradually control your weight.

May help keep your blood sugar levels balanced

Reducing sugar can help reduce the problem of sudden increases and decreases in blood glucose levels. This can help improve the effectiveness of insulin and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.

May keep your energy levels stable throughout the day

Although too much sugar may give you a short-term boost of energy, you may feel tired later. Reducing sugar can help keep your energy levels more stable, which can help you stay active and focused throughout the day.

May improve your skin

Excess sugar can increase inflammation in the body, leading to acne, pimples, and skin problems. Reducing sugar can make your skin look clear, healthy, and naturally radiant.

May have a positive effect on heart health

Excessive sugar intake can increase triglycerides, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. Reducing sugar can help reduce these risks.

Liver health may improve

High intake of fructose, especially found in sugar, increases the risk of fat accumulation in the liver. Reducing sugar can reduce the extra burden on the liver.

May improve dental and oral health

Sugar can increase tooth decay and gum problems. Reducing sugar can also reduce the risk of tooth loss.

May improve sleep quality

Reducing sugar can help balance the body's energy levels, which can help you sleep better at night and feel refreshed in the morning.

May improve the digestive system

Reducing sugar and increasing fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods can improve the digestive system and have a positive effect on intestinal health.

Overall benefits that can be seen after a month

Reducing sugar intake for a month can help you experience weight control, improved skin, stable energy, balanced blood sugar levels, improved heart and liver health, better sleep, and positive changes in overall health. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before making any major dietary changes.

What to consider when giving up sugar?

Giving up sugar does not mean giving up all carbohydrates. Natural sugars found in fruits, milk, and whole grains are generally considered part of a healthy diet.

To do this, you should make it a habit to read the labels of packaged foods. Reduce your intake of cold drinks, sweets, chocolate, and packaged juices. Choose fresh fruits instead of sweets. Drink plenty of water. Eat enough protein and fiber-rich foods. Also, prioritize regular exercise and adequate sleep.

3 dead on cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean, 1 with rare disease Hantavirus

 3 dead on cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean, 1 with rare disease Hantavirus

Three people have died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. At least one of the dead has been confirmed to have the rare disease ‘Hantavirus’, which is transmitted by rats.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a possible outbreak of Hantavirus is being investigated on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde.

In a public statement on Sunday, the WHO said that one person has been confirmed infected and at least five more passengers are suspected of being infected.

‘Of the six affected, three have died and one is being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) in South Africa,’ the statement said.

According to the WHO, additional laboratory tests and epidemiological investigations are ongoing. The necessary health care and support are being provided to passengers and crew, and the gene sequencing of the virus is also being carried out. It also said it was coordinating with countries to rescue two other passengers who were showing symptoms.

Hantavirus is a rare disease transmitted to humans through the feces or urine of infected rats. In severe cases, it can cause hemorrhagic fever and even death.

Couple also died

South Africa’s health ministry had earlier reported an outbreak of “severe acute respiratory disease” on Sunday, with at least two deaths. A third person was being treated in an intensive care unit in Johannesburg, AFP reported.

Ministry spokesman Foster Mohale said the patient, who was being treated in Johannesburg, had tested positive for hantavirus.

The first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old man who died on board the ship. His body is currently being held on the British territory of St. Helena in the South Atlantic.

His 69-year-old wife was also taken to South Africa after falling ill, where she died in a hospital in Johannesburg, Mohale said.

The nationalities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, but the patient in the ICU is a 69-year-old British citizen, AFP reported.

Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

 Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, in the case of the Andean species of hantavirus found in South America, a few cases of human-to-human transmission have been recorded.

Hantavirus is a very deadly ‘zoonotic’ virus that can become a global health challenge at any time. This virus, which is mainly transmitted to humans from rodents, causes serious damage to the lungs and heart if infected. After its sudden outbreak on a cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean, it has become a topic of renewed discussion and concern among health experts and the general public around the world.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses belonging to the ‘Bunyaviridae’ family. It is named after the ‘Hantan’ river in South Korea, where it was first identified in 1978.

So far, scientists have discovered more than 20 species of it in different parts of the world, which affect human health in different ways.

Based on their effects and geographical presence, hantaviruses are mainly classified into two categories. The New World hantavirus species, found mainly in the American continent, causes ‘Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome’ (HPS) or ‘Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome’ (HCPS). This causes serious damage to the human respiratory system and heart function.

Similarly, the Old World hantavirus species, which is more active in Europe, Asia and Africa, causes ‘Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome’ (HFRS). This type of infection has a risk of direct and fatal effects on the human kidneys.

Recent Outbreak: Hantavirus Scare on Cruise Ships

The main reason why Hantavirus has recently become the focus of international media attention is the sudden outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship, operated by the Dutch Oceanwide Expeditions company, departed Argentina on April 1. The health crisis on the ship, which is on a tour of remote islands such as Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, has caught the attention of the world.

According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, seven of the 147 passengers and crew members on board the ship have been confirmed or suspected to be infected with Hantavirus. Three of the infected have died, while one is still receiving treatment in a serious condition. The other three have shown mild symptoms.

The deceased include a German citizen and a Dutch couple. According to the information received, the husband of the Dutch couple died on the ship on April 11, while the wife died in a hospital in South Africa on April 26. This tragic incident has sparked a new debate about the risk of the virus in closed environments such as cruise ships.

Source of infection and transmission

The main source of infection with Hantavirus is rodents. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the urine, feces or saliva of rats. When a person breathes in an area contaminated with rat feces, tiny particles of the virus mixed in the air directly enter the respiratory system. This is the most common and major route of infection. In addition, the virus can also enter the body when a rat bites, eats food contaminated with the virus, or touches a contaminated surface and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth with the same hand.

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, limited human-to-human transmission of the Andean hantavirus, a strain found in South America, has been recorded. According to the World Health Organization, such transmission is likely to occur through very close and prolonged physical contact.

The current outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship is also suspected to have involved human-to-human transmission. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of pandemic preparedness and response, said that the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be completely ruled out, as some of the infected people appeared to have had very close contact. However, she urged people not to be overly concerned, saying that the virus is not as easily airborne as flu or COVID-19 and that the risk to the general public is not currently high.

Treatment and prevention

There is no specific drug or specific vaccine developed to protect against hantavirus infection. Therefore, supportive care in hospitals remains the only option to save infected people. If the patient's condition is serious, they are placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and oxygen therapy and ventilators are used to facilitate the respiratory process.

Since this virus is transmitted by rodents, the best way to avoid it is to avoid contact with rats. Proper arrangements should be made to prevent rats from entering your home, workplace or storage rooms.

Special care should be taken when cleaning areas that may have rat droppings. To prevent dust from flying in such areas, instead of sweeping the floor, only damp cleaning should be done using a disinfectant solution or bleach. The mandatory use of masks and gloves during such cleaning can prevent virus particles from entering the body.

In addition, Squirrels should always be kept in a secure container out of the reach of rodents. People who live or work outdoors or near forests need to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of their surroundings. In unusual circumstances, it is wise to maintain personal hygiene and social distancing, while fully following the instructions of health authorities. Since there is no cure for Hantavirus, awareness and caution are the strongest weapons in the fight against this deadly infection.