Abu Dhabi Looks to Draw Healthcare Startups With California Push
State-run Abu Dhabi Investment Office is expanding its presence in San Francisco, part of a push to build a healthcare cluster in the emirate.
The expanded office will tout 'fast-track' clinical validations and regulatory approvals as Abu Dhabi looks to attract startups to underpin the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine initiative launched last month, according to a statement Thursday. The aim is to attract $11.5 billion of investment by 2045 and create 30,000 jobs, according to a press release from ADIO, which is tasked with drawing foreign investors to Abu Dhabi.
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Health Line
23 minutes ago
- Health Line
What Causes Two Periods in One Month?
If you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you may get your period twice in the same month. But bleeding between periods can also occur with certain medical conditions. A typical adult menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and the typical menstrual cycle for preteens and teens can last 38 days or longer. However, every woman is different, and each person's cycle can vary from month to month. During some months, your cycle may last for more or fewer days than the previous month, or it may start earlier or later than it has before. If your cycles are on the shorter end of the spectrum, you could have your period at the beginning and end of the same month with no reason for concern. But if you experience bleeding outside of your usual menstrual cycle and suspect you're having a second period, the first thing you should do is figure out if it's spotting or menstrual bleeding: If you're having menstrual bleeding, also known as your period, you should expect to soak through a pad or tampon every few hours. The blood may be dark red, red, brown, or pink. If you're having spotting, you won't bleed enough to fill a pad or tampon. Blood from spotting is usually dark red or brown. After you've determined if you're having spotting or menstrual bleeding, you can start to explore what may be causing your increased bleeding. This article reviews potential causes and treatment options. What causes two periods in one month? Increased bleeding may be caused by a shorter menstrual cycle, or by a health condition that causes vaginal bleeding. Causes of a shorter cycle If your cycle suddenly becomes shorter, it could be due to any of the following: anovulation (lack of ovulation) hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism onset of menopause (also known as perimenopause) uterine fibroids or cysts uterine polyps cervical polyps stress extreme weight loss or gain birth control illness Conditions that cause extra bleeding If you usually have a regular cycle, a change in your cycle, such as suddenly having two periods in a month, could indicate a medical condition. Some health conditions cause bleeding that can be mistaken for a period, including: Pregnancy can cause spotting. Spotting during pregnancy can occur, but you should tell your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted infections can cause discharge and bleeding. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods. Perimenopause can cause heavier and more frequent bleeding, it can also cause lighter or less frequent bleeding. While our hormones may become more unbalanced during this time, they should regulate once you've reached menopause. Miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding. If you suspect you're pregnant and begin to have bleeding similar to a period, call your doctor. Cervicitis. Cervical infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause bleeding. What are the risk factors for unusual menstrual bleeding? If you have just started getting your period due to puberty, it's possible that you will be irregular for a year or two, which means you may possibly experience two periods in one month. If you are an adult and have a family history of fibroids, cysts, or early-onset menopause, you're at an increased risk of having two periods in a month. However, an increased risk does not mean you will definitely experience it. When should you see a doctor about irregular menstrual cycles? While two periods in one month is not always a cause for concern, it's a good idea to consult a doctor anytime your body's rhythms seem out of whack. For example, you should see a doctor if you: experience pain in your lower abdomen that doesn't go away after a couple of days have very heavy periods spot or bleed in between periods (which is often mistaken for two periods in one month) experience pain during sexual intercourse have more menstrual cramping than usual notice dark clots during your period What are the complications of more frequent menstrual cycles? There are a few complications that may arise from irregular periods. Anemia One health issue of more frequent bleeding is anemia, which occurs due to a lack of iron in your blood. Your doctor can check your iron levels to determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding. The symptoms of anemia can include: fatigue headache weakness dizziness shortness of breath rapid or irregular heartbeat A singular experience of two periods in one month will not necessarily cause anemia. The condition is usually triggered by prolonged heavy bleeding, such as several months of heavy periods. Difficulty tracking ovulation Having two periods in one month may make it difficult to track your ovulation, especially if this experience is unusual for you. If you are not planning on becoming pregnant, practicing safe sex is essential. Difficulty becoming pregnant If you are trying to become pregnant, abnormal bleeding can add complexity to the process. Consult with a doctor if you are actively trying to become pregnant and are experiencing heavy or irregular periods. How are frequent menstrual cycles treated? Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your frequent bleeding. If you naturally have shorter cycles or if you've recently started menstruating, you won't need treatment. If anemia is a concern, your doctor may recommend iron supplements. One possible treatment for periods that occur too frequently is hormonal birth control. This type of birth control can help regulate your periods and help resolve anemia issues caused by heavy bleeding. Here are treatments for other possible causes of frequent bleeding. Hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism, it means you have an underactive thyroid gland. Your body can't make enough of the thyroid hormone. Your doctor will prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement therapy that you can take by mouth. Hyperthyroidism If you have hyperthyroidism, it means you have an overactive thyroid gland. Your body makes too much thyroid hormone. Several treatments are available for this condition. Your doctor will suggest what they think is best for you. Menopause During perimenopause or the menopausal transition, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy and estrogen replacement therapy. These treatments can help regulate your periods until they slowly disappear as menopause progresses. Fibroids and cysts Your doctor may recommend a few different treatment options if you have uterine fibroids or cysts. These can include: Intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a form of birth control that can help relieve heavy periods. However, it won't shrink fibroids. MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. This procedure is performed while you're inside an MRI scanner. It's considered noninvasive, and doctors can use it to remove the fibroid or cyst. This procedure is only done in specialized clinics. Uterine artery embolization. This is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the uterus, which causes the fibroids to decay and shrink. Myomectomy. There are different types of myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids. In a hysteroscopic myomectomy, the fibroid is removed through the cervix. No incisions are needed. In a laparoscopic myomectomy, small incisions are made in your abdomen to remove fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy is an open abdominal surgical procedure. Hysteroscopy. During this procedure, a thin tube with a light on the end is inserted through the vagina. This allows a doctor to look inside the uterus and diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding. A doctor may also be able to treat some causes of bleeding during a hysteroscopy. Dilation and curettage (D and C). This procedure involves the dilation of the cervix, which allows a doctor to scrape the uterine lining to remove any abnormal tissue. Endometrial ablation. This surgery involves the removal of the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is not usually recommended if you wish to have children later in life, as it can cause complications. Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These are medications that can help treat fibroids. They block estrogen and progesterone and put you into a temporary postmenopausal state. This stops the fibroids from growing and can make them shrink. Your doctor may use this treatment to help prepare you for surgery. Stress Lifestyle changes can greatly affect stress levels, which in turn can affect menstrual cycles. To help relieve stress, try exercising frequently, practicing meditation, or engaging in talk therapy. If you're feeling stressed because you're overcommitted, ask for help. Finding the time to relax is important to your health, so don't feel bad about saying no to additional projects or responsibilities. Extreme weight loss or gain Talk with your doctor about possible reasons for a dramatic change in weight. They'll work with you to help you manage your weight. Reaction to birth control Hormonal birth control introduces hormones into your body. This can affect your menstrual cycle and cause spotting in between periods. You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control. Have a discussion with your doctor about what you should expect when starting a new birth control method. Preparing for your doctor's appointment Changes to your menstrual cycle can indicate a health problem, so it's important to discuss abnormal bleeding with your doctor. They will likely ask a lot of questions about your symptoms. By being prepared for your appointment, you can help your doctor find the correct treatment as quickly as possible. Here are some questions your doctor may ask: How long are your cycles? Is this typical for you? If your shorter cycle isn't normal for you, when did the changes to your bleeding start? How long does the bleeding last? What color is the blood? How heavy is the bleeding? How quickly does it fill a pad? Are there clots? If so, how big are they? Do you have any other symptoms? To calculate the length of your cycle, start counting on the first day you bleed. This will be day one. Your cycle will end on the first day that you start bleeding again. Many smartphone apps are available to help you track your cycle. If you have a history of irregular bleeding, tracking your cycles on an app can help you identify a problem more quickly. It can also make it easier to share your cycle information with your doctor. The takeaway In certain situations, such as puberty and perimenopause, having two periods in one month may not be cause for alarm. However, if you're familiar with your cycle and have noted recent changes, or if you just feel like you're bleeding more than you should be, talk with a doctor. They can help get to the bottom of your issue, and if warranted, can help you balance your hormone levels and regulate your bleeding.
WebMD
an hour ago
- WebMD
Why We're So Obsessed With Coffee's Health Claims
Or is it? For decades, studies have linked drinking coffee to a longer life and reduced risk of an array of health problems. This week, a big study grabbed headlines linking coffee to healthy aging – women who drank caffeinated coffee were less likely to develop physical problems, cognitive impairment, and chronic diseases as they aged. In January, another study found that morning coffee drinkers lived longer than people who drank coffee later in the day. Another recent analysis suggested those longevity benefits may be limited to those whose coffee doesn't contain a lot of added sugar or saturated fat. Sorry, mocha and Frappuccino fans. Maybe wait for the next study. 'Coffee is like the science version of a celebrity – it makes headlines no matter what,' said Susan Albers, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. 'I think that's because it crosses age, culture, and socioeconomic status. It's a substance that everyone enjoys and drinks. And it's one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances on the planet. We forget that it is actually a drug that is paired with an enjoyable drink.' Three out of four adults in the U.S. report they are coffee drinkers. Half of Americans drink it daily. That's a huge number available to researchers, who can then examine countless variables and look for associations. If we're all doing something and it turns out to be bad for us – or good – public health officials want to let us know. Coffee is loaded with micronutrients, such as polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and most coffee also contains the drug caffeine. 'It's such a window into the brain and how what we put in our bodies impacts us on every different level, in positive and negative ways,' Albers said of our own and researchers' seemingly insatiable thirst for more info on coffee. So will there ever be a verdict? We've been let down before. First it was red wine, touted as healthy until recently, when all alcohol has been frowned upon. And like coffee, chocolate seems to forever be switching sides between healthy and unhealthy. What Is It About Coffee Stories That We Just Can't Resist? 'We want to have healthy habits. We want to keep this enjoyable ritual in our lives but make sure that we're not sabotaging our health,' Albers said. 'And so, the more information that we obtain about it, the better. What I think happens is that there might be a little bit of a click bias.' Coffee lovers click to hear scientific confirmation that their habit is healthy, and people who don't like coffee click in hopes of confirming their choice to avoid the drink. Be skeptical of health claims about coffee, especially on social media, advised Jamie Mok, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Los Angeles, California, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Unqualified health influencers are everywhere these days, so look for someone with credentials who cites evidence from scientific journals. Extreme or ultra-simple claims made in absolute terms are a sign to keep scrolling. Is There a Consensus About the Health Benefits of Coffee? Yes. But the benefits may not apply to everyone. 'Large observational studies are generally showing a consistent positive association between moderate coffee consumption – so like two to three, maybe four cups a day – and the reduced risk of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, liver disease, or cancer,' Mok said. Some people may not get all those benefits, she said – like those who already eat a diet rich in polyphenols (you're a blueberry lover, for example), or who aren't drinking black coffee, since that's what is usually studied. And even if you do just have a couple of cups of straight black and only in the morning, it may not be healthy if you have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety. Do Your Own Coffee Study 'Coffee really is a gold mine for neuroscientists and psychologists who want to study the brain,' Albers said. 'It gives them this wealth of information about how what we put in our body impacts us. And as a psychologist, that's incredibly exciting and interesting to see how something like caffeine impacts our sleep and our mood.' Both Albers and Mok said that when they are working with clients who have anxiety or sleep problems, caffeine is one of the first places they examine. Most people don't realize the deep impact it can have on other parts of their health, they said. Albers suggested a 'mindfulness drinking' exercise to examine your relationship with coffee that she often shares with clients: Sit down to drink your coffee (riding in the car or on the subway doesn't count). Breathe deeply to smell the aroma, maybe wrap your hands around the cup to feel its warmth, and use the moment to slow down and be present. This can be quick, but run through your senses of taste, touch, smell, sight, even hearing. Before you start drinking, rate your energy level and mood each from 1 to 10. For the next hour, keep track of how you feel, and at the end of the hour do the 1-to-10 rating again for your energy level and mood. 'For many people, after they drink their cup of coffee, their mood boosts significantly,' said Albers, who has authored best-selling self-help books including Eating Mindfully. Repeat the experiment on other days, perhaps taking your coffee black or adding a flavor and see if the results change. You may find that coffee affects your energy or sleep, or it enhances your relationships by adding ritual to a shared coffee date. Maybe coffee helps boost your mood and the steaming cup and familiar taste simply bring you pleasure. 'There isn't anything to feel bad about with that,' Albers said.
Health Line
2 hours ago
- Health Line
12 Effective Ways to Relieve Bloating
Addressing the primary cause of bloating, engaging in light physical activity after eating, and identifying triggering foods may help reduce digestive symptoms like bloating and burping. Relieving bloating depends mainly on what caused it. If it results from a chronic condition or food intolerances, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional about management options. Before trying any remedies, it's a good idea to explore the cause of persistent bloating and accompanying symptoms. Here are 12 science-backed ways you can reduce or eliminate occasional bloating. 1. Identify the cause of bloating Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane enter your gut when you swallow air and food. Food also ferments (causes chemical changes) in your large intestine, which often leads to flatulence (gas) and bloating. Possible causes of recurrent bloating may include: eating foods that contain compounds that ferment in your colon, such as fiber, sugar alcohols, and FODMAPs a food intolerance, such as a lactose or fructose intolerance swallowing excess air, for example, when chewing gum or eating with your mouth open fluid retention in the abdomen, for instance, due to heart disease or liver failure constipation imbalances in your gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria living in your gut ileus, when the bowel stops moving food forward due to surgery, medication use, or other causes health conditions, such as IBD, IBS, or endometriosis a bowel obstruction, which may also involve vomiting and constipation psychological stress If you have frequent, severe, or persistent bloating, or if symptoms worsen and cause pain, it's important to seek medical advice. 2. Limit foods and activities that trigger bloating Some food and dietary habits may increase the risk of bloating. They include: certain fruits, vegetables, and grains some sweeteners carbonated drinks large meals Some foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can cause bloating but also provide essential nutrients. If you're introducing them into the diet, do so gradually to reduce the risk of symptoms. Waiting an hour before eating fruit or having a drink after a meal may also help. Drinking through a straw and chewing gum may also contribute to bloating. Keeping a food diary may help you identify which foods and habits cause your symptoms so that you can avoid them or manage your consumption. 3. Check for lactose intolerance Lactose is a sugar found in milk. Your body needs an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose. If you don't produce enough lactase to do this, you may have a lactose intolerance. With lactose intolerance, lactose passes through your gut, pulling in more water until it reaches your colon, where it's fermented by bacteria and releases gas. This may lead to bloating, stomach pain, increased flatulence, and belching. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, reducing your dairy intake may help. However, it's best to speak with a doctor first, as dairy products also provide calcium, A and B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, protein, and other key nutrients. Alternatives with lower lactose levels or no lactose include: yogurt aged cheeses lactose-free dairy products non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, although they may not have the same nutritional profile as dairy 4. Support regular bowel habits to alleviate constipation Constipation can lead to bloating because it can slow the outlet of gas as well as feces. Also, the longer certain substances spend in the gut, such as lactose, the more fermentation by bacteria can take place, increasing the amounts of gas. Ways of managing constipation may include: eating high fiber foods drinking plenty of fluids exercising regularly checking if current medications are making constipation worse using over-the-counter remedies asking a doctor about prescription medications It's best to add extra fiber gradually; otherwise, bloating might become worse until your body adjusts. 5. Try a low FODMAP diet Bloating is a common symptom of IBS, along with abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Research has suggested that limiting certain carbs — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) — may reduce bloating and other IBS symptoms. Foods high in FODMAPs include: Grains: wheat and rye Dairy: milk, yogurt, and cheese Fruit: apples, pears, mangoes, peaches, as well as natural fruit juices and dried fruits Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, onions, leeks, zucchini and green beans Pulses: lentils and legumes Other: sugar-free gum and honey In a low FODMAP diet, certain foods are eliminated for several weeks, then gradually reintroduced, monitoring their effect. It is highly advised that you start a low FODMAP diet under medical supervision. 6. Try probiotic supplements Some research suggests probiotics may help reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms by boosting the number and types of healthy bacteria in your gut. In turn, this may reduce bloating and other symptoms common to IBS. They are available as supplements but also occur naturally in some foods, such as: yogurt sauerkraut kimchi kombucha miso pickles Still, most studies have focused on people with IBS, and the evidence is mixed. The results may depend on individual factors and the types of probiotic strains they consume. 7. Eat smaller portions and limit salt and fat Eating large meals and salty or fatty foods may contribute to bloating in the following ways: Large portions may stretch your stomach and lead to the pooling of gases and solids in the gut. High levels of carbs in the gut that are hard to digest will increase fermentation and, therefore, gas. A high salt intake can lead to water retention in the gut, producing feelings of bloating. Fats and refined carbs take longer to digest. The longer they spend in the gut, the greater the chance of gas and bloating. Reducing portion sizes and limiting your intake of foods high in salt and fat, such as fried foods, chips, and chocolate, may help manage bloating. 8. Try peppermint Peppermint as supplements or in other forms may help with digestion. In a 2016 study, for instance, 72 people with IBS took 180 mg of peppermint oil capsules three times daily for 4 weeks. They reported improvements in bloating and other symptoms. However, more studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of peppermint for bloating. 9. Avoid swallowing too much air Swallowing excessive amounts of air, known as aerophagia, can cause bloating. You may swallow air if you: eat too fast chew gum drink carbonated beverages 10. Physical activity Light physical activity, such as walking or cycling, may help reduce bloating after meals, according to some research from 2021 that focused on people with IBS. Additionally, regular exercise can help manage stress, a risk factor for bloating and other abdominal symptoms. Other benefits of exercise include weight management and a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Current guidelines recommend doing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking. 11. Manage rapid weight gain Rapid weight gain can occur for various reasons and may increase the chance of chronic bloating. Some research suggests that 25% of people who have recently gained weight experience increased bloating. This may be due to visceral changes linked to digestion through the gut-brain axis, which links digestive functions with those of the brain. If you are concerned about sudden weight gain, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can advise on underlying causes and provide weight management strategies. 12. Biofeedback Bloating often involves a physiological reaction in the digestive system. Typically, when you eat, your diaphragm rises and the front wall of your stomach contracts to create more space without pushing out your belly. When bloating happens, the diaphragm — a muscle just below the ribs — presses down on the stomach, causing it to protrude. It's unclear why this occurs, but one possible solution is biofeedback. This technique enables you to see how your muscles are reacting on a screen. By trying different movements, you can see what works well and what doesn't. Some research suggests it may help you retrain your muscles to prevent bloating. »MORE ON THIS: What to know about biofeedback Frequently asked questions What relieves bloating fast? Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Does drinking water help with bloating? Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. What makes stomach bloat go away? Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Am I bloated or fat? Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together. Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together.
