Latest news with #CentresforDiseaseControlandPrevention
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Beach body ready? A decade after that ad, and nothing has changed
With the aforementioned question in bold lettering positioned behind her, it was an advert released in 2015 by Protein World, a meal replacement brand peddling its weight-loss supplement. And it caused a major stir, sparking viral outrage and a spate of copycat campaigns turning the messaging on its head ('every body is beach body ready') as well as getting banned in the UK due to concerns over the implication that taking Protein World's supplement would boost weight loss. At the time, the outrage was encouraging. Few women weren't rattled by such reductive branding, one that's entirely predicated on female insecurities. Strip away the pomp and pageantry, and the message of the campaign was simple: if you don't look like this (aka very slim, very muscular, and with impossibly rounded perky breasts), you can't be seen in a bikini and should take our supplement so that you can. It was reassuring to see how little time anyone was willing to give such a sentiment. The body positivity movement gathered pace, ensuring women of all shapes and sizes felt confident being in their bikinis. There were social media campaigns. Viral essays. Hashtags. For a while, it felt as if the beauty standards were diversifying and making room for a wider range of body types. We hadn't solved everything by any means. But we were certainly making progress. Now, a decade on, it seems like that progress has been stilted. On social media, a narrative of slimming down for summer has become increasingly pervasive, whether it's through 'hot girl summer' workout tips, 'bikini booty' programmes or 'summer diet' tips. Often, this kind of thing is cloaked by wellness culture. The party line is you're doing this to be healthy, a conveniently admirable guise that few will criticise. I wouldn't be surprised to see another iteration of the 'beach body ready' ad plastered all over Trafalgar Square, except the product being sold wouldn't be Protein World, it would be Ozempic. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The weight-loss drug is one of many aimed at diabetics due to its active ingredient of semaglutide, which regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite by mimicking the body's naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1. There are restrictions on who can and cannot take these drugs. But that hasn't stopped thousands of people from finding various loopholes to take it off-label, resulting in quick and easy weight loss they didn't need to lose in the first place. It has proven a disaster for those with eating disorders, and a rising number of alarming side effects are emerging. In the US, more than a dozen lawsuits have been filed on behalf of weight loss drug users who claim they've caused a loss of vision. Meanwhile, earlier this month, scientists at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention found tens of thousands of Americans have ended up in the emergency room after taking semaglutide, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. And yet, people still seem to be desperate to get their hands on the stuff. Why? Because it will make them thin, an objective apparently so important that it's being prioritised over physical and mental health. Meanwhile, rumours of which celebrities have and haven't been taking it to shed the pounds have been percolating online relentlessly for the last two years. Some have taken aim at the Kardashians, a family once famed for inspiring others to embrace curvier body types that many believe have since wildly slimmed down. On the runways, there has been talk of how non-existent body diversity has become, with a large majority of the models maintaining the same singular, very slim body shape. And then there's just the way people talk about their bodies among friends. Of course, a little bit of self-consciousness is normal. But the noise around it seems louder than ever before. On TikTok, users are referring to it as 'bikini tax' and sharing videos of their various workout routines and diet regimes to illustrate all of the work they're putting into being 'beach body ready'. If it's not that, it's videos promoting the 'summer cut', aka someone's restrictive diet in anticipation of the summer, or it's their 'summer body prep', another subsection of TikTok with countless videos. The message is the exact same as that advert: be slim and be beautiful. Be anything else, and accept your social value will decrease so significantly you don't even deserve to put on a bikini and lie in the sun. It sounds extreme but let's be honest, that's what all of this is telling us, isn't it? Would weight-loss drugs with potentially fatal side effects be so popular if it wasn't? We might be 10 years on from Protein World's ad. But if anything, when it comes to what society validates as beautiful, it feels like we're right back there in 2015. Or possibly even earlier. (© The Independent)
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
All You Need To Know About Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions globally, especially in India's tribal and rural populations. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is one of the most prevalent inherited diseases worldwide, caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene. This mutation results in the production of abnormally shaped red blood cells that resemble a sickle, hence the name. These misshapen cells can block blood flow, leading to severe pain, organ damage, and even stroke. Early diagnosis and proper management are key to improving quality of life for those living with this lifelong condition. What causes sickle cell disease? SCD is an inherited condition passed on when both parents carry the sickle cell gene. Instead of round, flexible red blood cells, affected individuals produce crescent-shaped cells that are rigid and sticky. These cells die early and clog blood vessels, leading to chronic anaemia and painful episodes known as sickle cell crises. Common symptoms and signs of sickle cell disease Symptoms usually appear around 5-6 months of age and can vary in severity throughout life. 1. Anaemia Chronic fatigue, weakness, and pale skin due to reduced red blood cells 2. Pain crises Sudden, severe pain in the chest, back, joints, or limbs 3. Swelling in hands and feet Often the first sign in infants 4. Frequent infections Damaged spleen makes patients more prone to bacterial infections 5. Delayed growth or puberty Due to reduced oxygen and nutrients 6. Vision problems Blocked blood vessels can damage the retina Diagnosis of sickle cell disease SCD can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. Early diagnosis is vital to begin preventive care and reduce complications. 1. Newborn screening Mandatory in many Indian states, helps detect SCD early 2. Haemoglobin electrophoresis Confirms the presence of abnormal haemoglobin 3. Prenatal testing Available for expecting parents with a family history Health complications associated with SCD Sickle cell disease can lead to life-threatening complications if not managed well. 1. Stroke Caused by blocked blood vessels in the brain 2. Acute chest syndrome Similar to pneumonia, caused by trapped sickle cells 3. Organ damage Long-term oxygen deprivation affects the liver, kidney, and heart 4. Leg ulcers and bone damage 5. Psychological stress Chronic illness often affects mental well-being Treatment and management There is no universal cure for SCD yet, but treatment options focus on reducing symptoms and preventing complications. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), comprehensive care including regular health check-ups can significantly improve the life expectancy of patients. 1. Hydroxyurea A medication that reduces frequency of pain episodes and the need for blood transfusions 2. Blood transfusions Help manage severe anaemia and prevent stroke 3. Pain management With anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes opioids 4. Bone marrow transplant The only potential cure, mostly in children with severe symptoms 5. Vaccinations and antibiotics To prevent infections Living with sickle cell disease Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing SCD. a. Stay hydrated to prevent sickling of red blood cells b. Avoid extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and strenuous activities c. Regular exercise, gentle physical activity can improve circulation d. Balanced diet, rich in iron, folate, and vitamin D e. Mental health support, counselling and support groups are beneficial Government initiatives in India India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023) to eliminate the disease by 2047. The focus is on widespread screening in tribal regions, genetic counselling, prenatal testing, and free treatment and awareness programmes. This is a critical step toward reducing the disease burden in states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Sickle Cell Disease may be lifelong, but it doesn't have to define one's life. With early diagnosis, regular treatment, and supportive care, individuals with SCD can lead full and productive lives. Increased awareness, especially in high-risk communities, and government-led efforts can together help combat this inherited condition and ensure a healthier future for generations to come. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
US drops Covid-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy children, pregnant women
The US has stopped recommending routine Covid-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and healthy children, health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jnr announced in a social media post on Tuesday, circumventing the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) traditional recommendation process. Kennedy, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya said in a video the shots have been removed from the CDC's recommended immunisation schedule. The changes come a week after they unveiled tighter requirements for Covid-19 shots, effectively limiting them to older adults and those at risk of developing severe illness. Traditionally, the CDC's advisory committee for immunisation practices (Acip) would meet and vote on changes to the immunisation schedule or recommendations on who should get vaccines before the director of the CDC made a final call. The committee has not voted on these changes. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine sceptic whose department oversees the CDC, has been remaking the US health system to align with President Donald Trump's goal of dramatically shrinking the federal government. 'Last year, the Biden administration urged healthy children to get another Covid-19 shot despite the lack of clinical data to support repeat booster strategy in children,' Kennedy said in the video. The CDC, following its panel of outside experts, previously recommended updated Covid-19 vaccines for everyone aged six months and older. Insurers said they are reviewing the regulatory guidance to determine their policies, which typically follow the Acip recommendations. A spokesperson for CVS Health said the company is determining whether changes in health insurance coverage are required as the federal government reassesses Covid-19 vaccine eligibility, while a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association spokesperson said preventive health benefits, including Covid-19 vaccines, are essential in keeping patients healthy. 'The recommendation is coming down from the secretary, so the process has just been turned upside down,' said William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre and a consultant to the Acip. Schaffner said the CDC's panel was to vote on these issues at a June meeting, where he had expected them to favour more targeted shots instead of a universal vaccine recommendation, 'but this seems to be a bit preemptory'. Dorit Reiss, professor of law at UC Law San Francisco, said in a Facebook post going around the advisory committee might hurt the agency in the case of potential litigation. Studies with hundreds of thousands of people around the world show Covid-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective and beneficial to the pregnant woman and the baby, according to the CDC's website. But Makary said in the video there was no evidence that healthy children need routine Covid-19 shots. Most countries have stopped recommending it for children, he added. Covid-19 vaccine makers Moderna and Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment. Dr Cody Meissner, professor of paediatrics at Dartmouth, who co-wrote an editorial with Makary during the Covid-19 pandemic against masks for children, said he agreed with the decision. He believed the US had been overemphasising the importance of the Covid-19 vaccine for young children and pregnant women and previous recommendations were based on politics, adding the severity of the illness generated by the virus seems to have lessened over time in young children.
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
US To No Longer Recommend Covid-19 Vaccines For Healthy Children And Pregnant Women
Last Updated: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday announced that Covid-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday announced that Covid-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. In a 58-second video posted on the social media site X, Kennedy said he removed Covid-19 shots from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations for those groups. No one from the CDC was in the video, and CDC officials referred questions about the announcement to Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. health officials, following recommendations by infectious disease experts, have been urging annual Covid-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. A CDC advisory panel is set to meet in June to make recommendations about the fall shots. Among its options are suggesting shots for high-risk groups but still giving lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated. But Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine advocate before becoming health secretary, decided not to wait. He said that annual Covid-19 booster shots have been recommended for kids 'despite the lack of any clinical data" to support that decision. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and Dr. Jay Battacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health, appeared in the video with Kennedy. Kennedy and other Trump administration appointees have been moving to narrow Covid-19 vaccine recommendations and added restrictions to a recent vaccine approval. Last week, the FDA announced routine Covid-19 vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children. HHS officials did not immediately respond to questions about why Kennedy decided to take the step now or release additional information about what went into the decision. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 28, 2025, 00:15 IST
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
First new antibiotic in 50 years could help treat superbug labelled ‘urgent threat'
The drug, which targets one of the bacteria considered to pose the biggest threat to human health, has been hailed as an 'exciting' development in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Yesterday, Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, announced it will take zosurabalpin into the third and last phase of testing on humans. It is the first drug in five decades to show promise of tackling Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen which is described as a 'priority' by the World Health Organisation and an 'urgent threat' by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the US national public health agency. The drug-resistant bacteria disproportionately impact patients who are in the hospital, causing infections such as pneumonia and sepsis. It is estimated that between 40pc and 60pc of infected patients, many of whom are immunocompromised because of conditions such as cancer, die as a result of the bug. One of the reasons it is so difficult to treat is that it has a double-walled 'membrane' protecting it from attack, so it is difficult to get drugs into it and to keep them in, experts said. Zosurabalpin, which has been developed alongside researchers at Harvard University, targets the 'machine' which stops the outer membrane from forming properly. It works differently to all existing antibiotics and it is hoped that it could lay the foundations for future drugs. 'Our goal is to contribute new innovations to overcome antimicrobial resistance, one of the biggest infectious disease challenges to public health,' Michael Lobritz, global head infectious diseases at Roche, said. The phase-three trial, which it is hoped will start later this year or in early 2026, will look at around 400 patients with a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii (Crab) infection who will either receive zosurabalpin or the current standard of care. It is hoped that the drug will be approved by the end of the decade. Pharmaceutical companies have in the past been unwilling to pursue new antibiotics because of a difficult market in which the drugs are used sparingly to try and avoid resistance. However, the UN has warned that if nothing is done to address the issue, drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050.
