Strikes kill 29 in Gaza as hostage release talks ongoing
"At least 25 martyrs were killed and dozens wounded" in Jabalia, in northern Gaza, while another four people were killed in a strike on the southern city of Khan Yunis, civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.
Mohammad Awad, an emergency doctor in north Gaza's Indonesian Hospital, told AFP that shortages meant his department could not properly handle the flow of wounded from the Jabalia strike.
"The hospital could not accommodate the wounded. There are not enough beds, no medicine, and no means for surgical or medical treatment, which leaves doctors unable to save many of the injured who are dying due to lack of care", he said.
Awad added that "the bodies of the martyrs are lying on the ground in the hospital corridors after the morgue reached full capacity. The situation is catastrophic in every sense of the word."
Israel imposed an aid blockade on the Gaza Strip on March 2 after talks to prolong a six-week ceasefire broke down.
The resulting shortages of food and medicine have aggravated an already dire situation in the Palestinian territory, although Israel has dismissed UN warnings that a potential famine looms.
Medical charity Medecins du Monde said Tuesday that acute malnutrition in Gaza has "reached levels comparable to those seen in countries facing prolonged humanitarian crises spanning several decades".
Israel resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18, and the government approved plans to expand the offensive earlier this month, with officials talking of retaining a long-term presence in the Palestinian territory.
Israel says that its renewed bombardments are aimed at forcing Hamas to free hostages.
- 'Full force' -
Following a short pause in air strikes during the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander on Monday, Israel resumed pounding Gaza, killing 28 people in a strike near a hospital in Khan Yunis, according to civil defence agency figures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the military would enter Gaza "with full force" in the coming days, despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages have been ongoing, with the latest talks taking place in the Qatari capital of Doha.
The negotiations come as US President Donald Trump tours Gulf countries including Qatar.
Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's October 2023 attack, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the military says are dead. Hamas is also holding the body of an Israeli soldier killed during a previous war in Gaza, in 2014.
The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 52,908 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
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.
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Israel pounds Gaza, killing 81, as it begins assault to seize Gaza City
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'Israel has created and continues to create conditions that make the transfer of aid into Gaza almost impossible,' it said. Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and described the conditions its staff are working under in Gaza as dire. 'We are working under catastrophic conditions,' said Dr Hind, a UNRWA physician in Gaza. Another health worker said staff often walked distances 'under the scorching sun' just to reach their posts before working to deliver care 'to our people in dire need of help'. Gaza's civil defence has, meanwhile, sounded the alarm over the severity of the fuel crisis in the enclave, saying the lack of fuel is compromising its ability to respond to emergency and rescue situations. 'Many times, our vehicles have stopped on the way to missions, some due to fuel shortages and others due to a lack of spare parts for maintenance,' a statement by the civil defence said. 'We face major humanitarian challenges amid the ongoing threats of an escalation in the Israeli war of extermination.' Another wave of 'mass displacement' The strikes come as Israel's military said that it will call up 60,000 reservists in the coming weeks as it pushes forward with a plan to seize Gaza City, which has come under relentless attacks over the last several weeks. A military spokesperson said the first stages of its assault on the city have begun. Close to one million Palestinians are reportedly trapped in the area, where Israeli tanks have been pushing closer to the city's centre this week. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres, expressed concern over the army's operations in Gaza City, which he said would 'create another mass displacement of people who've been displaced repeatedly' since the war began. 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Yahoo
9 hours ago
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Bluesight introduces ShortageCheck to manage drug inventories in hospitals
Hospital intelligence solutions provider Bluesight has launched ShortageCheck technology designed to assist health systems and hospitals in tracking, forecasting and managing drug inventories. ShortageCheck integrates real-time inventory data, predictive analytics, and collaborative planning tools into a comprehensive platform. This innovation is poised to ensure that caregivers and patients have uninterrupted access to essential medications. Monitoring over 20 real-time market signals, encompassing demand spikes and fulfilment delays, ShortageCheck provides coverage across more than 2,500 acute care facilities across the US. It identifies early warning signs of drug shortages, offering up to a 90-day lead time, with an average of 42 days, allowing healthcare institutions to prepare and adapt their inventory management strategies. By assessing levels of inventory, usage rates along with days-on-hand, the platform offers in-depth insights into the potential impact of each shortage. This enables organisations to evaluate risk, prioritise responses and leverage ShortageCheck's communication tools for cross-team coordination and planning. Bluesight CEO and co-founder Kevin MacDonald said: 'Shortage management has been one of, if not the most critical, pain point for our customers over the last six years. When drug shortages hit without warning, it forces teams to scramble for alternatives, and patient care ultimately suffers. 'With improving health system operations as our top priority, the launch of ShortageCheck marks a significant milestone in ensuring customers have the solutions needed to get ahead of shortages before they hit, preserving labour hours and costs during a time when drug costs are rising, staff shortages persist, and medicare reimbursement changes are on the horizon.' ShortageCheck is part of the hospital intelligence solutions suite of Bluesight, which includes CostCheck, KitCheck, 340BCheck, ControlCheck and PrivacyPro. These tools collectively offer hospitals the capability to restock inventory quicker, reduce drug expenditure, streamline audit preparations, pinpoint drug diversion more effectively, and save time in protecting patient privacy. This January, Bluesight expanded its capabilities by acquiring Protenus, a healthcare compliance analytics platform provider. "Bluesight introduces ShortageCheck to manage drug inventories in hospitals" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
