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Hiding HIV Status Before the Wedding

Hiding HIV Status Before the Wedding

Bloomberg08-07-2025
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Hi! It's Karoline in Singapore. A recent social media post by a doctor in China has sparked heated debate over the ethical dilemma doctors face when conducting premarital health checkups. Before I tell you more …
In China, couples wanting to get married typically go through a medical exam first. The goal is to identify possible physical or mental problems that might interfere with producing healthy children.
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Cloud Coffee: A Viral Drink That May Be a Healthy Choice
Cloud Coffee: A Viral Drink That May Be a Healthy Choice

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time3 hours ago

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Cloud Coffee: A Viral Drink That May Be a Healthy Choice

Another day, another viral TikTok drink. The beverage making the rounds right now is cloud coffee. The name alone sounds light and refreshing, which is exactly what many of us look for in a summer coffee drink. But what is actually in it, and is it any good for us? Cloud coffee is a chilled espresso drink made by layering Dalgona coffee over coconut water to yield a cold coffee beverage that is as beautiful as it is refreshing. Dalgona coffee, which originated in Macau in Southern China, consists of coffee powder, hot water, and sugar well beaten and layered over milk. It can be served hot or cold and it was named after the Korean candy that shares its caramel color. This whipped 'cloud' mixture is poured over a base of ice and coconut water, inspired by the coconut water americano that was also popular this spring. A coconut water americano is a simple drink that combines coconut water and espresso for a refreshing cold coffee beverage. Health Benefits From iced coffee to mocha protein shakes, the summertime coffee drinker in us is always happy with a chilled treat with a bit of caffeine. The question is, how healthy is this coffee swap for our chronic coffee drinkers? As with most things, it can be a good choice in moderation. A 16-ounce serving with 2 teaspoons of sugar contains about 150 calories, 5 g of protein, and even with a double shot of espresso, only about 120 mg of caffeine. That's comparable to the caffeine in a 12-ounce drip coffee. The addition of coconut water makes it a good source of potassium, a nutrient that is underconsumed by most Americans. Coffee is known around the world for its effect on cognition and energy levels, but it is also high in antioxidants. Caffeine and chlorogenic acid can promote a decrease in oxidative stress and improve inflammation. A pretty great way to start a hot summer day! While some recipes call for cream, I recommend whole fat milk to ensure adequate creaminess while incorporating more protein. Protein and fat both promote satiety, and a high protein diet can promote weight loss. Protein also has the added benefit of slowing down digestion and thus absorption of caffeine to allow for a slower uptake of caffeine over a longer time. This may help maintain energy levels and reduce any unpleasant side effects of caffeine such as elevated blood pressure. While I don't often recommend artificial sweeteners, the sugar in this drink could be swapped for aspartame or stevia without affecting the integrity of the whipped Dalgona coffee for those who prefer a sugar-free option. Maybe Not for Everyone While such a beverage is likely to be a refreshing treat for most, it may not be appropriate for all. Caffeine-containing beverages may not be the right choice for those prone to gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea due to the stimulating effects of caffeine on the bowel or on those with high blood pressure due to its properties as a vasoconstrictor. Caffeine is a well-known diuretic, so I typically recommend limiting caffeine-containing beverages to no more than 2 or 3 a day, especially during the warm summer months when we may be more at risk of dehydration. Healthy and Refreshing Alternatives As cloud coffee may not be the right choice for everyone, I always like to have a few alternatives that are either low in caffeine or caffeine-free to encourage hydration. I have many clients who drink coffee all day long, so I have a couple of tricks to help them stay hydrated without completely giving up their caffeine or adding a lot of sugar. Green tea: Green tea has less than half the caffeine that coffee does and significantly more antioxidants, most in the form of epigallocatechin gallate that has been shown to promote weight loss and improve glucose metabolism. Hibiscus tea: Hibiscus tea is caffeine free and may help to improve mild hypertension. Caffeinated sparkling water: Many brands have less caffeine per serving than a cup of coffee and can also be a great substitute for chronic soda drinkers. Iced coffee with a protein shake: This may be especially helpful for those who are in the habit of drinking several cups of coffee a day. Mix 8 ounces of cold brewed coffee with a 12-ounce protein shake for less caffeine over several hours to stay focused while decreasing the unpleasant side effects of caffeine intake. Ultimately, I want my clients to drink water for hydration in the warm summer months. But, if a fun and refreshing coffee drink like cloud coffee has them excited and offers a few health benefits as well, I'm on board.

UK-India $4.8bn FTA poised to benefit medtech and pharma
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UK-India $4.8bn FTA poised to benefit medtech and pharma

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Southern China hit by outbreak of mosquito-borne infection chikungunya
Southern China hit by outbreak of mosquito-borne infection chikungunya

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time6 hours ago

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Southern China hit by outbreak of mosquito-borne infection chikungunya

China is experiencing an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, with thousands of cases reported in the south. Chikungunya fever cases jumped to 4,014 on Friday, representing a rapid rise in numbers since authorities started tracking cases two weeks ago, according to public records released by health departments in districts in Foshan. The city in China's southern province Guangdong has been heavily impacted by the surge in infections. The chikungunya outbreak remains 'quite severe,' Sun Yang, deputy director of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a news conference on Wednesday in Foshan. Chikungunya is spread to people by the bites of infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain, but deaths are rare, according to the World Health Organization. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued various advisories on how to prevent chikungunya fever and dengue fever, a similar disease also spread by mosquitoes. Physical protection barriers, such as screen doors, mosquito nets for beds and mosquito repellent on exposed skin, was recommended. It said that the epidemic was 'imported' without specifying from where. The Chinese agency also called for people who have symptoms like fever, rash and joint pain to see a doctor. Shunde district in Foshan, where 90% of the cases are located, is famous for its Cantonese food, and sees many visitors each year. Patients who tested positive for chikungunya fever stayed in hospital beds covered by mosquito nets, according to photos shown on state-run broadcaster CCTV. Local media reports said on Thursday that local authorities had almost doubled the number of mosquito-proof isolation beds to 7,220 to meet the growing demand. Authorities in Guangdong are urging residents to make sure there's no standing water in their homes, such as in flowerpots, coffee machines or spare bottles. The Health Commission in Foshan stated on Thursday that a fine of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) could be applied if violations are found. The Beijing CDC said on Tuesday that the city occasionally experiences imported cases of chikungunya fever. There are two chikungunya vaccines that have received regulatory approvals in several countries and/or have been recommended for use in populations at risk, but the vaccines are neither widely available nor in widespread use, according to WHO. China had its first chikungunya spike in 2010 with 253 cases in Dongguan, a nearby city in the same province, according to the Guangdong provincial CDC. Several cases were found in years since then, but they weren't widespread. The country's first case was imported in 1987, according to research papers and media reports. Solve the daily Crossword

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