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The director of one of north Gaza's largest hospitals was killed, along with his wife, daughter and sister, in an Israeli strike on their apartment, medical officials said Wednesday.Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan was the director of the Indonesian Hospital — the largest medical facility north of Gaza City and a critical lifeline for civilians in the area since the start of the nearly 21-month-long war in the territory.Diaa Al-Najjar, Al-Sultan's nephew, said his uncle never stopped working amid the war, even for a moment."He kept resisting. Until the last second, the last moment," Al-Najjar told CBC News in Gaza City. "May God grant us patience and may God have mercy on our martyrs."Palestinians stand next to bodies outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City as they mourn the deaths of Al-Sultan, his wife, his daughter and his sister. (Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)The bodies of Al-Sultan and his family arrived at Al-Shifa Hospital in pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. "Gaza lost a great man and doctor," Nabhan said. "He never left the hospital one moment since the war began, and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We don't know what he did to deserve getting killed." 1,500 health-care workers killed since 2023The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops in May and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza after Israeli forces renewed their offensive in the region, saying at the time they were targeting Hamas infrastructure.Only 20 of Gaza's 36 hospitals were partially functioning in May while others were forced to shutter as a result of damage from Israeli strikes.Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and other aid groups have accused Israel of targeting hospitals and condemned the attacks and arrests of medical workers.Munir Al-Barash, general director of Gaza's Health Ministry, said the killing of Al-Sultan is the latest death in a long list of health-care workers targeted in the Gaza Strip."Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan was under [Israeli army] siege in the Indonesian Hospital ... and he insisted on continuing operations and did not stop," Al-Barash told CBC News freelance videographer Mohamed El Saife on Wednesday outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City."The Israeli [military] is targeting medical figures."More than 1,500 health care workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.The ministry also said the death toll in Gaza passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. In central Gaza, the Al-Awda Hospital said an Israeli strike Wednesday near the entrance of a school housing displaced Palestinians killed eight people, including three children and wounded 30 others. The hospital also said that Israel struck a group of Palestinians who gathered near the entrance of the hospital's administration building in Nuseirat refugee camp.The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports.The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages.The war has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And it has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger.Controversial GHF to shutter Geneva branch On Tuesday, nearly 170 non-governmental organizations called for the dismantling of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation-run aid system, saying it forces Palestinians to be caught between starvation and danger. The controversial U.S.- and Israel-backed group distributing aid in Gaza said on Wednesday it was planning to shut its branch in Geneva after Swiss authorities launched proceedings to dissolve it.Since late May, when GHF launched operations, at least 640 Palestinians have been killed in shootings and over 4,400 have been injured near GHF aid sites or on routes to the sites guarded by Israeli forces, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. WATCH | Charities call on dismantling of GHF aid system: The group has been distributing food and aid under a system that Israel says is intended to prevent aid from being diverted to militants.The Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (ESA) said in a notice published on Wednesday that it could order the dissolution of the GHF unless creditors come forward within 30 days.Hamas reviewing Trump-backed ceasefire planThe latest deaths in Gaza come as Hamas said it was studying what U.S. President Donald Trump called a "final" ceasefire proposal for Gaza.Trump had said Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the conditions needed to finalize a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas after what he described as a "long and productive" meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials.Palestinians stand next to a tent camp as smoke rises following an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Wednesday. (Hatem Khaled/Reuters)In a statement, Hamas said it was studying new ceasefire offers it received from the mediators Egypt and Qatar but stressed it aimed to reach an agreement that would ensure an end to the war and an Israeli pullout from Gaza.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of Hamas in his first public remarks since Trump's announcement."There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over," Netanyahu said at an event hosted by the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company, which operates the trans-Israel pipeline.
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Cardiologists say you might need these 4 heart monitoring devices to check your heart health at home
The right blood pressure cuff or smartwatch may provide valuable information you can share with your healthcare provider. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., highlighting the importance of staying on top of your heart health and taking proactive measures to manage risk factors and conditions. But while you likely get your blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels checked when you visit the doctor, cardiologists say it can be helpful to know your health stats outside of your regularly scheduled appointments. Fortunately, it's never been easier or more convenient to stay on top of your heart health data outside the doctor's office. Smart watches, home blood pressure cuffs and other devices can provide a fast way to learn more about your heart health, giving you useful data you can take to your health care provider. These devices aren't perfect, and they don't replace the need to see your doctor regularly, especially if you have risk factors or other heart disease symptoms. But cardiologists generally agree that they can be an important part of your cardiovascular care plan. "I encourage this for the majority of my patients, particularly those with an existing diagnosis," Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. Here's which home heart health monitoring devices may be most useful, plus who can actually benefit from them, according to cardiologists. Table of contents Home blood pressure monitoring cuff Smartwatch with health tracking capabilities ECG monitor An automated external defibrillator (AED) FAQs Meet the experts (back to top) Home blood pressure monitoring cuff These home devices have become increasingly common with patients, Dr. Basel Ramlawi, system chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lankenau Heart Institute at Main Line Health, tells Yahoo Life. Home blood pressure monitors are similar to the ones that are used in doctor's offices; they typically strap onto your arm, squeeze the arm momentarily, then deliver a blood pressure reading. While there are blood pressure monitors that go on the wrist, these are usually less accurate than options that secure to your upper arm, Dr. Christopher Tanayan, cardiologist at Northwell Health, tells Yahoo Life. "These devices are widely accessible, available at pharmacies, local stores or online at relatively low costs," Ramlawi says. "Many patients come to medical visits equipped with printouts or app-generated summaries of their readings, which provide valuable clinical data." Pros and cons of a home blood pressure cuff The big benefit of having a home blood pressure cuff is that it allows you to track blood pressure trends over time, Ramlawi says. This is particularly true if you've had high blood pressure readings when at your doctor's office. The data you compile from a home monitor can be shared with your doctor to help determine a pattern. "It helps mitigate 'white coat syndrome,' where blood pressure readings may be artificially high during a doctor's visit due to anxiety," he says. Research into how home blood pressure cuffs may impact your overall blood pressure has had mixed findings. Some studies have determined that people who use these devices have lower blood pressure than those who don't, while others found that blood pressure is similar whether someone uses a cuff or not. However, doctors stress that these devices can provide information to patients and their health care providers that can be used to make well-informed decisions about ongoing care. Of course, the accuracy of these readings depend a lot on the person using the device, Ramlawi says. "User error — whether in taking measurements or recording data — can limit reliability," he points out. "Additionally, these devices are not a substitute for advanced medical diagnostics." How to use a home blood pressure cuff Cardiologists agree that the best way to use a home blood pressure cuff is to get a reading around the same time every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Ni recommends that his patients get up, brush their teeth and get dressed before taking their blood pressure reading. "They should do this before they eat any food, drink any caffeinated beverages and before they turn on the TV — because anything [on TV] these days can raise your blood pressure," he says. To use a blood pressure cuff, sit at a table with the cuff at arm level and keep your legs uncrossed, Ni says. "Just relax," he adds. You can take several readings to get a more accurate estimate or just one reading. (back to top) Smartwatch with health tracking capabilities Many smartwatches now have features that track health metrics, including electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. "If you have atrial fibrillation — a heart rhythm disorder — smart watches that have a feature for ECG can be very helpful," Tanayan says. Smartwatches can also measure heart rate (how many heart beats you have per minute) and oxygen saturation, Ramlawi points out. "In some cases, a smartwatch may alert a user to a potentially serious condition that requires further evaluation," he adds. In addition, step counts and stair counts can be helpful for patients who are looking to ramp up their activity for heart health, Ni says. "But what's more commonly used for me and my patients is heart rate monitoring," he says. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor heart rate and track averages for resting heart rate over time. They can also provide useful information on heart rate variances during exercise and whether you're working in heart rate zones helpful for improving cardiovascular fitness during physical activity. Pros and cons of smartwatches to track heart health Smartwatches provide a quick and easy way to stay on top of heart health metrics, and the fact that they're constantly worn can be helpful, Tanayan says. A small 2022 study also found that people who used a smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature had better blood pressure and resting heart rate readings after three months than before they used the watch. But these devices aren't perfect. "It's crucial to understand the limitations," Ramlawi says. "Smartwatches cannot replace medical-grade monitors nor can they provide direct treatment. They are primarily a tool for identifying potential issues that should prompt a visit to a health care professional." How to use a smartwatch to track heart health Every smart watch is slightly different, but many will clearly state your heart rate and step count in a place that's easy to find (usually on the main screen or by swiping left or down). More complex features like ECG, however, may require you to enter a separate mode to run a brief test. If you're interested in using a smartwatch to track your heart health, check with your health care provider. They may suggest you regularly write down certain metrics or use an app to record them so you can share them with your doctor at your next visit. There are a wide range of smartwatches that can track heart health, but Apple watches have the most features. The Apple Watch series 10 is the latest version, and provides ECG, heart rate monitoring, step counts and more. (back to top) ECG monitor A home ECG monitor (also known as an EKG monitor) allows you to measure your heart beat and rhythm. People who have certain conditions like atrial fibrillation may benefit from tracking their heart rhythm at home, Ni says. Research has also found that for those at high risk of atrial fibrillation, using an ECG monitor at home increases the odds of being diagnosed. However, it's not clear how well these devices help prevent complications of the condition, like stroke and heart failure. Pros and cons of an ECG monitor An ECG monitor makes it easy to get a reading on your heart rate and rhythm without having to go to the doctor. But an ECG monitor is likely not as helpful for people without an atrial fibrillation diagnosis, Tanayan says. "There are so many things that go into interpreting this data," he says. "Getting a notification [about a heartbeat irregularity] when you have no known diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is not as reliable compared to when you know you have atrial fibrillation." Among other things, Tanayan says these alerts can freak out people for no reason. How to use an ECG monitor If you're considering getting an ECG monitor, it's best to check in with your health care provider to see how they want you to use this. That includes when they'd like you to take readings, and how often. But the best way to use an ECG monitor is very similar to how you should use a blood pressure cuff, Ni says. That means sitting down and relaxing before taking your reading, and avoiding taking a reading shortly after exercising or other physical activities. (back to top) An automated external defibrillator (AED) File this under "not for everyone." According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an automated external defibrillator (or AED) is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart during a sudden cardiac arrest when it detects an abnormal rhythm. This shock helps to change the rhythm back to normal. "Automated external defibrillators are life-saving devices," Ramlawi says. Research backs that up, repeatedly suggesting that having an AED at home can help those who are at risk for serious cardiac events. Pros and cons of an AED AEDs can help people who have sudden cardiac arrest, but doctors say they're really only best for someone at risk for these sudden cardiac events. These are also serious medical devices. "Proper training is essential — misuse can lead to dangerous consequences," Ramlawi says. It's also important to note that during a cardiac arrest, you can't use the device on yourself. You have to have someone else at the ready who is trained in using an AED to apply the pads and deliver the shock. For individuals who live alone or who don't have ready assistance when needed, having an AED at home may not be helpful. How to use an AED If you're interested in getting a home AED device, talk to your health care provider or your loved one's health care provider. Proper training is crucial with these devices, both to know when and how to use them. "While AEDs are now commercially available and easy to purchase, individuals should receive training to ensure safe and effective use," Ramlawi says. The American Heart Association is one organization that provides CPR and AED training online. Overall, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor before investing in a device to monitor your heart health. "There are a lot of products out there, and I have personally recommended some to patients," Ni says. "It's important to get a device that patients can feel confident with." Ramlawi agrees. "Research your options, compare models and consult your doctor to ensure you are tracking the right metrics effectively," he says. (back to top) FAQs Who should be monitoring their heart health at home? There are two main groups of people who should consider monitoring their heart health at home, according to Ramlawi. One is people with a known diagnosis. "Patients with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias or aneurysms can use monitoring to manage their condition and provide their doctors with more comprehensive data," he says. The other group is people who are at risk of developing a heart condition but don't have a diagnosis. "People with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors may use home monitoring as an early detection tool," Ramlawi says. When should you start monitoring your heart health at home? Technically, you can start monitoring your heart health at home at any time. But Tanayan says it's a good idea to talk to a doctor first to see what you should be looking for, the best tools to help and how to use them. Together, you can come up with a plan to keep track of your heart health and gather data that you can bring to future appointments. Can you detect an irregular heartbeat at home? Yes, you can detect an irregular heartbeat at home. An ECG monitor is a good way to do this, although some smart watches also can do an ECG test. Ramlawi just stresses that these devices shouldn't be the only thing you rely on if you get an irregular heartbeat reading. If you get a notice of an irregular heartbeat once, Tanayan says it's unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if this is consistently happening, it's a good idea to flag it to a doctor. When should you contact your doctor about a heart rate reading? Doctors agree that heart rate monitors work best when it comes to establishing a pattern. So, if you get one reading that's high or low, but you otherwise feel fine, Ni says there's no need to panic. But if you find that your heart rate is consistently high or low, he says it's worth contacting your doctor for a proper evaluation. "This should always be confirmed with an official, medical-grade device such as a heart rate monitor," he says. (back to top) Meet the experts Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. Dr. Basel Ramlawi, system chief of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Lankenau Heart Institute at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania Dr. Christopher Tanayan, cardiologist at Northwell Health in New York City Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
