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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia? See details about the cancer that affected Hulk Hogan before his death
What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia? This cancer affected Hulk Hogan before his death. Hogan's death revealed he had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a blood cancer that mainly affects older adults. CLL is slow-growing and often goes unnoticed for years. It weakens the immune system and leads to infections, fatigue and bruising. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia? Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Effects on Body Frequent infections Anemia, which leads to fatigue and weakness Easy bruising and bleeding Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who Is at Risk of Developing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia? Age: CLL mostly affects older adults Family history: A family history of blood cancers may increase risk Race: It is more common in white individuals Chemical exposure: Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War, is linked to CLL Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosis and Monitoring Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment Options Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Targeted therapy: Uses drugs to attack cancer cells directly Uses drugs to attack cancer cells directly Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight the cancer Helps the immune system fight the cancer Chemotherapy: Kills or slows the growth of cancer cells Hulk Hogan's Hidden Health Struggles Hulk Hogan Death Family Reactions FAQs Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died from a heart attack on July 24 at age 71. Official records also revealed he had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer. He had not shared this diagnosis publicly. This story explains what CLL is, how it develops, and how it is lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that starts in the blood and bone marrow. It mainly affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. These cells normally help fight infections. In CLL, the body makes too many abnormal lymphocytes that cannot function disease mostly affects older adults and grows slowly. Some people live for years without symptoms. This makes it harder to detect impacts the immune system . Because the abnormal white blood cells cannot fight germs, people with CLL are more prone to infections. The disease can also cause:In many cases, symptoms may not appear for a long time. It is possible that Hogan was unaware of his condition for exact cause of CLL is not known. But several factors can increase the risk of developing this disease:Hulk Hogan had a history of health complications, including heart problems and surgery before his death. It is unclear when he was diagnosed with often detect CLL during routine blood tests. If the disease is found in its early stages, treatment may not begin immediately. Many doctors prefer a 'watch and wait' approach. This is because early treatment may not improve long-term the condition is monitored through regular blood tests and treatment becomes necessary, several approaches are available:While there is no cure, many patients live for years or decades. CLL is often managed like a long-term Hogan was reportedly dealing with serious health issues months before his death. He had surgery in May and later suffered complications, including loss of public claims that he was recovering, records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center show he had atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic wife Sky said his heart was strong and denied rumors about his condition. However, his sudden cardiac arrest and CLL history suggest his health was more serious than previously his passing, Hogan's daughter Brooke shared an emotional message. She spoke about their bond and how his blood "runs through my veins." She also mentioned they had not been in touch recently due to disagreements over his health lymphocytic leukemia is a slow-growing blood cancer that affects white blood cells, weakening the immune system and leading to fatigue, infections, and is no known cure for CLL, but it can be managed for years with treatment such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
North Texas military veterans face sharp cuts to VA-funded in-home care
Veterans in North Texas who depend on federal funding for in-home care are seeing major cutbacks, forcing some to give up the independence of living in their homes. The CBS News Texas I-Team first reported in April that many veterans were receiving fewer approved hours through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Homemaker Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Program. The program is designed to help veterans live independently by sending aides to assist with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and housekeeping. While the number of North Texas veterans enrolled in the H/HHA program has increased in recent years, the percentage of veterans who receive more than 20 hours per week of in-home care has steadily gone down in the past year, according to an analysis of data provided by the VA. Veterans enrolled in the program who receive more than 20 hours a week of in-home care has dropped from 37% in June of 2024 to 11% in June 2025. A VA spokesperson told the I-Team there had been some confusion about the scope of the program. To fix that, the VA North Texas Health Care System recently rolled out a new system to make sure hours are being approved consistently and correctly. One of the veterans affected is an 80-year-old Marine veteran from Denton who is suffering from cancer linked to exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation. The VA determined his disability rating was 100%, which represents how the disability impacts overall health and ability to function. The rating also determines what level of benefits veterans are eligible for. The Marine veteran had been receiving 37 hours of in-home care each week. The support allowed him and his wife, who has Alzheimer's disease, to remain in their home. But last summer, without warning, the VA cut his in-home care to 13 hours per week. With less help, the veteran said he had no choice but to move into assisted living. "I can't take care of my wife because I can't get help for me," he said, holding back tears. "That's what's hurtful about it." Nagraj Venkataraman, owner of BrightStar Care of Denton, a home health care agency, said all his veteran clients in the program — more than a dozen — have seen similar cuts. "If there is one segment of the population that needs help, it's our veterans," he said. "It's our duty to give back to them. That shouldn't be a cliché. It should be real." Marine veteran James Carey of Heath, Texas, also knows firsthand how devastating the cuts can be. Fifteen years ago, a training accident at Camp Pendleton left him with a traumatic brain injury. Now 38, Carey is blind, unable to move his body and suffers from dementia. Until this year, Carey had been receiving care from the VA around the clock. But in January, the VA reduced it to 16 hours per week. After multiple appeals, his hours were raised to 50 — still far less than what he had been receiving. His mother, Kim Carey, has been his primary caregiver. But she said she can't do it alone. "Why do we have to keep paying that price every day?" she said. "Why do we have to beg the VA to give him the benefits he earned?" The VA insists that no national policy has changed. In a statement, the VA told the I-Team there was some confusion about what the program was supposed to cover, stating the H/HHA is "not meant for housekeeping or 24/7 care." But the VA's own website lists housekeeping in a video as one of the services the program can provide — and does not mention any limits on hours. The VA North Texas Health Care System provided H/HHA services to 7,939 veterans in 2024 and 8,196 so far in 2025. The VA also pointed to other services available to veterans, including the Caregiver Support Program, medical foster homes and nursing homes.
Health Line
22-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Are the Causes of Parkinson's Disease?
Key takeaways Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder impacting movement and balance, with the exact causes still under investigation, though it's known to involve the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Genetic factors, environmental exposures (such as pesticides), and the presence of Lewy bodies (abnormal protein clumps in the brain) are all potential contributors to the development of Parkinson's disease. Age and biological sex also influence Parkinson's risk, with advanced age being the most significant risk factor, and individuals assigned male at birth showing a higher susceptibility to the disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic disorder of the nervous system, which is made up of pathways of cells and neurons that send and receive signals throughout your body. As of 2017, around 1 million people lived with Parkinson's in the United States. And, according to the Parkinson's Foundation, that number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030 — each year, approximately 60,000 new diagnoses occur in the United States. Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in a part of your brain called the substantia nigra. These cells control the production of the chemical dopamine. Dopamine helps control movement in your body. But when the cells are impaired, less dopamine is produced. This condition isn't fatal, but it can cause severe symptoms that impact everyday movement and mobility. Hallmark symptoms include tremors and trouble with gait and balance. These symptoms develop because the brain's ability to communicate is impaired. Researchers aren't yet certain what causes Parkinson's. Read on to learn more about several factors that may contribute to the condition. The genetics of Parkinson's A 2020 study including 1,676 people with Parkinson's in mainland China suggested that genes play a role in the development of the condition. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of people with Parkinson's have a family history of the condition. In fact, a number of specific genes have been linked to the development of Parkinson's. How do genetics factor into Parkinson's in some families? According to Genetics Home Reference, one possible way is through the mutation of genes responsible for producing dopamine and certain proteins essential for brain function. Some newer research from 2021 indicates that treatments could potentially be tailored to a person's specific genetic background. However, more research has to first be done on genetic forms of the condition. Environmental causes of Parkinson's disease There's some evidence that your environment can play a role in Parkinson's disease. Exposure to certain chemicals has been suggested as a possible link to the condition. These include: pesticides such as insecticides herbicides fungicides It's also possible that Agent Orange exposure may be linked to Parkinson's, according to VA Health Care. Parkinson's has also been potentially linked to drinking well water in some older studies, such as one from 2009. However, a nationwide study from 2020 suggested that may not be the case. More research needs to be done to determine if well water is associated with increased risk. Some research, such as a 2020 study performed in Morocco, also links consuming excessive manganese, a necessary trace mineral, to an elevated risk of Parkinson's disease. Not everyone exposed to these environmental factors develops Parkinson's, though. Some researchers, such as the author of a 2017 study, theorize that a combination of genetics and environmental factors causes Parkinson's. Lewy bodies Lewy bodies are abnormal clumps of proteins found in the brain stem of people with Parkinson's disease. These clumps contain a protein that cells are unable to break down. They surround cells in the brain and, in the process, interrupt the way the brain functions. Clusters of Lewy bodies cause the brain to degenerate over time. This results in decreased motor coordination in people with Parkinson's disease. Loss of dopamine Dopamine is a neurotransmitter chemical that aids in passing messages between different sections of your brain. In people with Parkinson's, the cells that produce dopamine are impaired. Without an adequate supply of dopamine, your brain is unable to properly send and receive messages. This disruption affects the body's ability to coordinate movement and results in trouble with walking and balance. Age and sex factors Aging also plays a role in Parkinson's disease. Advanced age is the most significant risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease, according to a 2014 research review. Scientists believe that brain and dopamine function begin to decline as your body ages, per a 2016 review. This makes a person more susceptible to Parkinson's. A person's sex can also play a role in Parkinson's. According to 2014 research, people assigned male at birth (referred to as 'men' in the study) are more susceptible to developing Parkinson's than those assigned female (referred to as 'women'). The disease also seems to be more aggressive in males, per a 2020 review. Some researchers, including the authors of a 2015 research paper, are looking into whether sex-specific differences decrease with age. Occupations affecting risk Research from 2009 suggested that certain occupations may put a person at greater risk for developing Parkinson's. In particular, Parkinson's disease may be more likely among people who have jobs in welding, agriculture, and industrial work. This may be because they're exposed to toxic chemicals. However, study results have been inconsistent, according to 2010 research. Ultimately, more research needs to be done. Future research Experts have some clues as to why Parkinson's disease develops, but there's still a lot that's unknown. Early detection and treatment are key in minimizing symptoms of Parkinson's. Advanced technologies such as genetic research, stem cell research, and using so-called neurotrophic factors to revive brain cells show promise in exploratory research. Though treatments can help you manage Parkinson's symptoms and improve your quality of life, a cure hasn't yet been found. And more research is needed to identify the exact role that genetics and environment play in causing this disease.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
New Jersey 'Blood Red' River Ignites Theories and Concern
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A YouTube video from April sparked concerns about the end times on TikTok, as viewers wondered why the Passaic River in New Jersey appeared to be red. YouTuber Two Feet Outdoors posted a video on April 17 in which he paddled the Passaic, calling it "one of the most polluted rivers in the United States." About halfway through, as he passed the Newark Asphalt Corporation on the north side of Newark, the water became a deep red. "I'm paddling currently through red water," he said, lifting his paddle out to demonstrate. "Look at that. You can see in the splash that water is red. That is wild. [...] "It looks like fruit punch." File photo: Sun sets by the Passaic River after a large rainstorm in Paterson, New Jersey on December 18, 2023. File photo: Sun sets by the Passaic River after a large rainstorm in Paterson, New Jersey on December 18, 2023. Photo byIn an email to Newsweek, Two Feet Outdoors—who asked to be identified by only his first name, Matt—said he wasn't concerned about his own well-being in his limited exposure to the water, but he was concerned for the health of the river and the wildlife living in it. "I've been to a lot of dirty rivers, but nothing looked quite like that," Matt told Newsweek. A Dirty History The Lower Passaic River has a history of pollution that stretches back into the 1950s. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the river was polluted by byproducts from the chemical herbicide Agent Orange—a substance best known for its use by the American military in the Vietnam War. The toxic byproduct released into the river was called "TCDD," known for causing cancer in humans and deformities in animals. As Matt paddled through the red water, he spotted a pair of Canada geese that flew away at the sight of him. "Look at that," he marveled, "They're splashing red water." Industrial contamination has also been a massive problem in the Passaic: According to the NOAA, more than 70 facilities located along the banks of the river have released contaminants into the water including pesticides, heavy metals and more. 'Are we currently living in Biblical times?' More conspiratorial TikTok users, however, saw the red water as an ominous sign. "Are we currently living in Biblical times?" user joed69 asked rhetorically, showing clips of Two Feet Outdoors' video. The user, along with numerous highly upvoted commentators, were referencing Revelations 16 in the New Testament, in which the Apostle John—describing a vision he received from God—wrote that he heard a loud voice sending seven angels out to pour out seven bowls of God's wrath on the Earth. "The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood," John wrote in verses four and five. "Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: 'You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve." A Pipe Leak The red water, however, was not blood. After seeing Two Feet Outdoors' video in April, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an investigation. A spokesperson for the DEP told Newsweek that they determined there was a blocked sewage main around Safer Textiles—a textile processing mill along the Passaic near where Matt was paddling. According to the DEP, Safer Textiles dyes fabric and discharges its wastewater into the Newark sewage collection system for treatment, but the blocked sewage main caused sewage to back up and spill over into Newark's stormwater collection system, which discharged into the Passaic. The waste water was red when it discharged. The DEP clarified that Safer Textiles was properly disposing of its wastewater. When the Newark Sewer Department cleared the blockage, the issue resolved. According to the DEP, they are continuing to investigate that region of the river and sewage system. 'Cities need to do better' Matt said the department contacted him with an explanation. "I was very impressed with the response by the New Jersey [DEP]," Matt said. "They reached out to me before I was able to reach out to them. They took quick action and I was very pleased with how they handled it." Still, Matt told Newsweek that sewers are often a problem when he kayaks through New Jersey and New York in particular. "Routinely, raw sewage and often trash that gets flushed, is pumped into our waterways after major rain events through combined sewer overflows," Matt said. "The cities need to do better when it comes to waste water management to be able to handle this. Our waterways deserve better."
Int'l Business Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Fighting for Veterans, Not Fees: Eric Gang's Mission to Protect the Vulnerable and Reform the Veterans Legal System
Veterans today face a claims process that looks nothing like it did decades ago. What was once a straightforward path to benefits has transformed into a medically and legally intricate system. For many veterans, it is simply too complex to navigate alone. According to Eric Gang, founder of Gang & Associates, this evolution in the law requires a corresponding shift in how we think about legal support for veterans. Gang's legal career spans more than 25 years, much of which has focused on fighting for disabled veterans. During that time, he has seen the legal landscape transform, particularly after two landmark changes. In 2007, a law dating back to the Civil War, one that limited attorney fees to $10, was repealed. Then, in 2017, the Appeals Modernization Act overhauled the entire structure of the claims process, replacing a framework that had been in place since the 1930s. "Today's cases are not just about a sore knee or a broken bone," Gang explains. "We are dealing with complex exposures like Agent Orange and burn pits, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and connecting those conditions to military service is scientifically and legally challenging." While veterans have access to a range of free services, including assistance from state-run veterans departments and nonprofit service organizations like the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, Gang says these options don't always go far enough. "Ninety percent of claims can be handled without a lawyer," he says. "But the remaining ten percent? Those require legal expertise, and often, serious financial investment." That investment is where Gang & Associates steps in. The firm often fronts the cost for expert witnesses and medical evaluations, expenses that can total tens of thousands of dollars. "We don't charge interest. We don't take commission," Gang says. "If we win the case, we recover our costs. If we lose, the veteran owes nothing." Gang emphasizes that his firm doesn't compete with free resources; they complement them. "We always encourage veterans to start with free help," he says. "If that works, great. But if it doesn't, and you have a difficult case, that's when legal professionals like us come in." But the landscape is increasingly crowded with unaccredited individuals offering paid services for tasks that are often free elsewhere. Gang calls these individuals and companies "claim sharks", non-lawyers who exploit legal loopholes to charge veterans exorbitant fees for filing basic claims. These entities often avoid VA accreditation because being accredited would prevent them from charging for initial claims, a stage at which federal law prohibits fees. "Accreditation is not hard," Gang says. "There's a test that can be passed by attending some lectures and doing some reading. But they avoid it because once they are accredited, they can't charge for the simple stuff." Even more concerning, says Gang, is the lack of federal enforcement. While charging fees for initial claims remains illegal, the criminal penalties are stripped away, leaving the law toothless. Some companies, buoyed by millions in lobbying dollars, are pushing to legalize their practices at the state level and even prepare to go public with nine-figure revenues. "These outfits are raking in money doing what service organizations do for free," Gang says. "And it's the veterans who suffer, especially those who are older, homeless, or mentally ill and vulnerable to deceptive marketing." Gang believes the solution lies in professionalization, regulation, and, crucially, education. His firm regularly publishes legal updates for service officers nationwide and supports their role in the ecosystem. But he also wants organizations to recognize when a case exceeds their capacity. "You can't go to federal court without a lawyer," he says. "You can't hire expert witnesses without funding. And you can't win complex cases without both." One of Gang's clients, a Vietnam-era veteran, suffered from a brain tumor allegedly caused by contaminated water exposure at a Marine Corps base. The VA denied his claim. Gang hired several experts and secured a huge amount in back pay. In another case, a Korean War veteran's widow received a significant amount after Gang proved a decades-old autoimmune disease was service-connected, a conclusion only reached through expert dental and medical analysis. "These veterans would have received nothing without legal intervention," Gang says. The firm's model, risking its own capital without charging interest, sets it apart in a field where many others charge compounding rates or demand payment upfront. "We have skin in the game," Gang says. "That's what advocacy should look like." At the heart of Gang's message is a call to reframe the public perception of lawyers. "Not every lawyer is a predator. We are not all the same," he says. "We are not here to take from veterans, we are here to fight for the cases no one else can win." His advice to veterans is simple: "Start with the free services. They are great. But if they don't work, don't give up. Find a licensed, accredited attorney who knows this field and is willing to fight for you the right way." The law has changed. The system is more complex. And while free help remains essential, Gang & Associates believes it's time to acknowledge the indispensable role of skilled, ethical lawyers, especially when the stakes couldn't be higher.
