
Doctor warns common medication could put patients at risk of organ damage - and the vital test that can detect dysfunction
All this only became clear as I have regular blood tests for my diabetes – why aren't people on statins monitored with blood tests?

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Daily Mail
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Deadly rabies outbreak feared as hundreds exposed to infected bats at US vacation spot
Health officials are tracking down hundreds of visitors to Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park after discovering a 'suspected' bat colony inside a lodge. Since June 2, Grand Teton Lodge Company has received eight reports of overnight guests who may have been exposed to bats in those rooms while staying at the Jackson Jake Lodge. Dr Alexia Harrist, Wyoming's state health officer, said bats may have been in the rooms since the season started in May, which has seen more than 200 guests since. The National Park Service (NPS) said: 'As a precaution, the affected rooms are closed while public health professionals conduct further assessments and provide recommendations for mitigation.' Overnight exposure to bats is concerning because infected bats can transmit rabies through bites or scratches, which are often too small to notice. People who cannot communicate potential exposure, like children or deep sleepers, would be considered at-risk. While rabies can be prevented with post-exposure vaccines, it is always fatal once symptoms develop. Although healthy bats rarely bite humans, those infected with rabies often exhibit abnormal behavior, Harrist said. More than 200 people may have been infected with rabies after spending the night at the Jackson Jake Lodge in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming sees over three million visitors annually. 'A suspected bat colony was recently discovered in an attic space above guest rooms 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528 and 530 at the Jackson Lake Lodge,' the NPS alert stated. 'There is no immediate threat to the public.' Bat exposure to rabies is defined as a bite or scratch from a bat to a human, contact of bat saliva with an open cut or mucous membrane, or any direct physical contact with a bat. Exposure to bats raises particular concern because their teeth are small, and bites often do not bleed, cause pain, or leave visible marks. As a result, a person may be unaware that they have been exposed or may mistakenly believe that a minor bite or scratch does not require medical attention. The most common species found in the Grand Teton National Park are little brown bats, followed by big brown, silver-haired, hoary, Yuma, long-legged, and long-eared bats. California myotis and western small-footed bats have also been identified in the park. In a prepared statement, the park said it is working with the National Park Service, the Lodge Company and state and federal health officials to address potential guest exposures. While rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms such as confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or difficulty swallowing appear, the regimen of vaccinations has lowered yearly deaths to fewer than 10 'Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are leading the effort to coordinate with the affected guests' local public health officials, who will conduct rabies risk assessments,' the NPS said. 'State public health officials are reaching out to these guests directly to assess if they had exposure to a bat while staying in any of these rooms and determine if they meet the risk criteria for receiving rabies preventive treatment. 'Individuals who meet the risk criteria for a rabies exposure will be connected with the appropriate provider in their home state for preventive treatment.' Recently, a woman visiting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona shared her scary encounter with a bat. Erica Kahn was spending her vacation photographing the night sky last year when a bat flew right into her mouth. Her father, a doctor, insisted she get vaccinated for rabies, which can spread through an animal's saliva and is fatal almost 100 percent of the time unless treated before symptoms appear. But she didn't have health insurance. A generally healthy person, Kahn believed that after losing her job last summer, she could avoid paying hundreds to stay on her former employer's insurance plan before finding another job and getting insurance through work again. But knowing she now needed to get treatment as soon as possible, Kahn, 33, found a private health insurance policy outside of the Affordable Care Act marketplace, believing that she would be covered for the five shots she would need to get over the next two weeks. But last fall, she began receiving medical bills that said she owed $21,000. Believing she'd be covered as long as she got insurance before going to the hospital, Kahn said she purchased a policy online the day after the bat encounter, according to the Washington Post. She said she called the insurer beforehand and was told that care related to an accident or a 'life-threatening' emergency would be included. So Kahn, a Massachusetts resident, went to a hospital in Arizona for the requisite immunoglobulin shot needed to build antibodies against the virus. Over the following two weeks, she got the remaining four rabies shots at clinics in Arizona and Massachusetts, as well as at a hospital in Colorado.


Medical News Today
39 minutes ago
- Medical News Today
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Ozempic's studies didn't report hair loss. However, other factors, such as conditions the drug treats, may contribute to hair is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes. It's specifically approved to:help manage blood sugar levelsreduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems (such as heart attack and stroke)help prevent worsening of kidney disease and death related to cardiovascular disease in people with chronic kidney diseaseLike most drugs, Ozempic can cause side effects. More common side effects of the drug include digestive side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. While the drug's studies didn't report hair loss as a side effect, people have reported hair loss since the drug became available. Learn more about the relationship between Ozempic and hair loss and whether conditions that Ozempic may help treat can also have an effect.»Learn more about Ozempic's uses, dosage, side effects, and and hair lossOzempic's clinical trials didn't report hair people have reported hair loss since the drug became available on the market. It's difficult to determine whether hair loss links to the drug and how often it may occur due to a loss and hair thinning, including an immune system disorder called alopecia areata, may also occur in people with diabetes and consistently high blood sugar levels. (Ozempic can help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.)Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about hair loss during Ozempic treatment.»Learn more about Ozempic's side loss and hair lossWhen a person loses weight rapidly, hair loss may occur due to stress on the body or nutrient type of hair loss is generally known as telogen effluvium and may be the type people have reported since Ozempic became available. It typically occurs about 3 to 4 months after rapid weight loss and may last 6 to 9 important to note that Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss. However, doctors may prescribe this medication off-label for weight management. (Off-label drug use is when a doctor prescribes an FDA-approved drug for a purpose other than what it's approved for.)»Learn more about Ozempic for weight is a prescription injection used to help manage blood sugar levels and other conditions in people with type 2 studies didn't report hair loss, but people have seen it since the drug became available on the market. Diabetes can also contribute to hair may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, and rapid weight loss can also affect hair with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about Ozempic and hair Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Cooling eye masks shoppers say ‘reduce dark circles and puffiness' slashed from £20 to £10 on Amazon
*If you click on a link in this article we will earn affiliate revenue EYE SAY Cooling eye masks shoppers say 'reduce dark circles and puffiness' slashed from £20 to £10 on Amazon AMAZON shoppers have been racing to buy a set of cooling under eye masks reduced by 50% on Amazon. The 24 pairs of cooling masks with over 5,000 five-star reviews usually cost £19.95, but they've been slashed to £9.95 in a limited-time deal. Advertisement The viral Grace & Stella eye masks are 50% off on Amazon Grace & Stella Energising Eye Masks, £9.95 (was £19.95) The Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks have been going viral online, as beauty fans have been raving that they instantly "reduce dark circles and puffiness". Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, the beauty buy works to hydrate the skin, with a cooling effect that soothes the under eyes (and is perfect for the current heatwave!). The energising and illuminating masks are both discounted on Amazon, but it's the luxe-looking gold masks that have been flooding my TikTok For You page. Advertisement Grace & Stella's website recommends applying under the eyes on make-up-free skin and leaving for 15-20 minutes (or for however long they stay cool). When removing, the brand advises beauty fans to pat in any remaining product to the skin, stating that there's no need to rinse. Eye masks are a popular choice when it comes to anti-ageing products, along with serums and moisturisers. You can also read our full roundup of the best anti-ageing serums, along with our tried-and-tested article on the best moisturisers for mature skin. Advertisement The trending eye masks have racked up thousands of glowing reviews, with over 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. One shopper wrote: "I absolutely loved these under eye masks, they feel super cooling and soothing the moment you apply them, and after just a few uses, I noticed my under eyes looked less puffy and more hydrated. The eye masks have racked up an impressive 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon They're gentle on the skin, vegan and cruelty-free (which I really appreciate), so I highly recommend if you're looking to reduce dark circles and puffiness!" Advertisement Another added: "These under-eye patches have truly transformed my skincare routine. I put them on for 15 minutes when I wake up, and I noticed a significant reduction in puffiness and dark circles after just a few uses. Each patch stays in place perfectly, allowing me to go about my tasks while they work their magic, and my under-eyes feel refreshed, hydrated, and visibly brighter. These have quickly become an essential part of my self-care, and I can't imagine going without them now!" Advertisement While I'm yet to try the Grace & Stella Eye Masks for myself, I'm always on the lookout for skincare products that will help to minimise my puffy under-eyes. My LED mask has been the most effective beauty tech tool for soothing puffiness, and you can read by full review of the Shark CryoGlow LED mask. Amazon's limited-time deals have been lasting for as little as a day, so it's possible that the Grace & Stella Eye Masks will increase in price very soon.