Tag

Prevention

All articles tagged with #prevention

CKM Syndrome Reveals 90% of Americans Are on a Heart–Kidney–Metabolic Risk Path
health2 days ago

CKM Syndrome Reveals 90% of Americans Are on a Heart–Kidney–Metabolic Risk Path

CKM syndrome, formalized by the AHA in 2023, is a four-stage framework showing how overweight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and reduced kidney function connect cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases; about 90% of U.S. adults fall somewhere on the spectrum, from risk (Stage 0) to overt disease, with prevention centered on lifestyle changes and newer medications like GLP-1s, SGLT2 inhibitors, and nsMRAs that benefit multiple organs.

West Nile virus surges in Southern California, prompting urgent protection steps
health2 days ago

West Nile virus surges in Southern California, prompting urgent protection steps

West Nile‑carrying mosquitoes are spreading rapidly through Los Angeles and Orange counties, with LA County reporting 27 positive samples and Orange County detecting West Nile in 38 mosquito pools. Nationally, human cases are at a mid-year high not seen since 2004, though California has only one reported human case so far this year. There is no specific treatment; most infections are mild or asymptomatic, but about 1% can progress to neuroinvasive disease, which can be severe and sometimes fatal. Prevention focuses on reducing breeding sites and avoiding bites: use EPA‑recommended repellents (DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or Picaridin), wear long sleeves/pants at dawn/dusk, remove standing water, maintain screens, and report dead birds or large breeding sites to local vector control.

Bowel Leakage: A Possible Clue to Colorectal Cancer, Doctors Say
health3 days ago

Bowel Leakage: A Possible Clue to Colorectal Cancer, Doctors Say

Colorectal cancer is common and increasingly seen in younger people; bowel incontinence isn’t the most common sign but can occur with rectal cancers due to reduced sphincter sensation, invasion of nerves, or obstruction. Other early signs include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Because early detection improves outcomes, see a doctor for new symptoms and pursue regular screenings (like colonoscopy) and healthy lifestyle changes to help prevent or treat colorectal cancer.

Early West Nile surge hints at a tough season, CDC warns
health8 days ago

Early West Nile surge hints at a tough season, CDC warns

The CDC reports an unusually early West Nile virus season, with 48 cases (as of June 30, 2026) and a high share of neuroinvasive disease, suggesting a potentially severe year. Older adults are at greater risk. There is no approved human vaccine yet; prevention—eliminating standing water, using larvicides, repairing screens, applying repellents, and wearing protective clothing—is essential. The outbreak is most significant in Arizona’s Maricopa County, and experts urge more funding for mosquito control and vaccine development.

Monroe County probes cyclosporiasis cluster; what residents should know
health11 days ago

Monroe County probes cyclosporiasis cluster; what residents should know

Monroe County health officials are investigating a small cluster of cyclosporiasis cases with illness onsets in the past week. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is usually spread through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person. Symptoms show up 2–14 days after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, and low fever; symptoms may last days to over a month. If symptomatic, seek care for stool testing and treatment. Preventive steps include washing produce under running water, scrubbing firm fruits/vegetables, cutting away damaged areas, and refrigerating cut or cooked produce promptly.

Diet, vaccine, and drug linked to lower stroke risk in new studies
health13 days ago

Diet, vaccine, and drug linked to lower stroke risk in new studies

Three new studies suggest potential stroke-prevention strategies: a Mediterranean-style diet may lower risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in women; the shingles vaccine was associated with fewer major adverse cardiac events in people with ASCVD in an observational study (not yet peer-reviewed, so causality isn’t established); and the oral anticoagulant asundexian may reduce secondary ischemic stroke risk in patients who’ve had a prior stroke or high‑risk TIA by inhibiting factor XIa. Stroke is a leading cause of death, with many events potentially preventable through lifestyle and medical interventions.

Small Doses, Big Gains: Experts Say Light Exercise Can Protect Your Joints
health16 days ago

Small Doses, Big Gains: Experts Say Light Exercise Can Protect Your Joints

Experts say regular, moderate exercise protects joints and can reduce arthritis risk. Even small increases in activity yield big benefits, with guidance to aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (or 75 minutes vigorous). Practical tips include glute bridges, squats, parkrun-style walking or running in a “Goldilocks” dose, and low‑impact options like swimming; strengthen with resistance training, maintain conditioning, and support joints with bone-healthy nutrition and weight management. Pain, stretching, footwear, vitamin D, and smoking cessation are also addressed to keep joints healthy.

Powassan Virus Threat Grows in Minnesota’s Gull Lake Area
health20 days ago

Powassan Virus Threat Grows in Minnesota’s Gull Lake Area

North-Central Minnesota is seeing rising tick activity linked to Powassan virus, a rare but potentially deadly brain infection with no specific treatment. The Gull Lake region has longstanding tick-borne risk, and health officials note Powassan is present in a small percentage of deer ticks, with diagnostics often challenging. Minnesota’s cases have fluctuated, peaking in 2024, and a 2023 case near Gull Lake resulted in death, underscoring the seriousness. Preventive measures are emphasized: wear long clothing, use EPA-registered repellents (including permethrin-treated gear), and thoroughly check for ticks (including tiny nymphs) after outdoor activities, especially from late May to mid-July. Families like the Johannsens are raising awareness and taking steps to protect their property and neighbors.)

Tick-borne brain inflammation threat expands across the U.S.
health21 days ago

Tick-borne brain inflammation threat expands across the U.S.

Health officials warn that a deadly tick-borne disease capable of causing brain inflammation is spreading across the United States. The illness can progress to severe encephalitis or meningitis, with cases reported in multiple regions. There is currently no vaccine or specific cure; prevention centers on avoiding tick bites, using repellents, performing thorough tick checks after outdoor activity, and promptly removing any attached ticks.

Midlife habits lower dementia risk even as total cases rise
health25 days ago

Midlife habits lower dementia risk even as total cases rise

Dementia cases are projected to rise with aging populations, but an individual’s risk at a given age has fallen for decades in wealthy countries thanks to better blood pressure and cholesterol management, reduced smoking, and longer education. A Lancet commission estimates up to 45% of dementia could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 risk factors, with midlife offering the biggest opportunities. Practical steps include treating cardiovascular risks, not smoking, staying physically active, monitoring hearing and vision, continuing to learn, and moderating alcohol; newer findings also hint that vaccines like the shingles vaccine may support brain health.

Tick Bite ER Visits Surge as Climate Shifts in Southern Illinois
health26 days ago

Tick Bite ER Visits Surge as Climate Shifts in Southern Illinois

ER visits for tick bites are at their highest since 2017, driven by milder winters and changing weather that allow ticks to thrive earlier. The Lone Star tick is highlighted as an aggressive biter, and ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and alpha-gal syndrome. Lyme disease affects an estimated 476,000 people treated annually in the U.S. Prevention tips include using EPA-registered repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, performing full-body tick checks after outdoors, checking children and pets, and showering soon after coming indoors; more details are available from the Southern Seven Health Department on Facebook.

Simple Handwashing Tip Could Cut Norovirus Risk as Cases Rise
health28 days ago

Simple Handwashing Tip Could Cut Norovirus Risk as Cases Rise

Norovirus infections are rising across the U.S., a year‑round virus often called the winter vomiting disease. Experts say it spreads easily through direct contact, contaminated food/liquids, or touching contaminated surfaces, with dehydration being the biggest risk. There’s no specific medical treatment for norovirus beyond supportive care, so emphasis is on staying hydrated and practicing thorough handwashing (not just sanitizer), while avoiding people who are actively vomiting. The surge is not expected to last long and may subside as summer gatherings increase exposure and transmission tapers off.

Chicago Detects First West Nile–Positive Mosquitoes of the Season
health28 days ago

Chicago Detects First West Nile–Positive Mosquitoes of the Season

Chicago health officials say West Nile virus–positive mosquitoes have been found in the city for the first time this year, though no human cases have been reported. While most mosquitoes don’t carry the virus, risk is highest June–October. Infections are often mild or flu-like, with severe illness possible in older or immune-compromised individuals. There are no vaccines or treatments, so prevention focuses on repellents, protective clothing, intact screens, reducing standing water, and city programs that test mosquitoes, apply larvicide to catch basins, and spray to kill adult mosquitoes.