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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Doctors warn: These 12 skin symptoms could signal a heart problem
12 skin symptoms could signal a heart problem Your heart and blood vessels never take a day off, yet they rarely complain until trouble is brewing. Dermatologists at Harvard-affiliated hospitals like to say, 'If you want to meet the heart early, look at the skin. ' That advice is backed by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), which lists a dozen surface clues that sometimes appear months—or even years—before chest pain or shortness of breath. These clues range from blue toes to waxy eyelid bumps, and each one hints at a different kind of strain inside the cardiovascular system. Spotting them doesn't confirm heart disease, but it should nudge you to book a medical check-up while there's still time to turn things around. How and why the skin shows heart trouble Blood vessels run through every millimetre of skin. When circulation slows, pressure rises, or cholesterol clogs those tiny highways, changes often register on the surface. Fluid may pool in the ankles, oxygen-starved tissue may turn blue, or fatty deposits may bulge under thin eyelid skin. Because dermatologists see these signs during routine exams, they can become the first doctors to suspect an underlying cardiac problem—even before a patient feels winded walking upstairs. 12 skin warnings of heart trouble that you should not ignore Persistent swelling in the feet and lower legs : Extra fluid suggests the heart isn't pumping strongly enough, allowing blood to back up. Blue or purple patches that don't warm to pink : Called cyanosis, this means blood isn't carrying (or delivering) enough oxygen. A blue-purple, net-like pattern on arms or legs : Livedo reticularis can signal small arteries blocked by cholesterol debris. Yellow-orange, waxy growths around eyes or joints : Xanthelasma and other xanthomas point to dangerously high cholesterol. Clusters of waxy, pimple-like bumps that pop up overnight : Eruptive xanthomas usually track with sky-high triglycerides or uncontrolled diabetes. Down-curving nails with swollen fingertips : Known as clubbing, this often appears when chronic heart or lung disease cuts oxygen delivery. Thin red or purple splinter lines beneath the nails : Tiny clots (splinter haemorrhages) can come from endocarditis, an infection inside the heart. Smooth, waxy lumps anywhere on the body : May mark protein build-up (systemic amyloidosis) that stiffens the heart muscle. Painful, pea-sized nodules on fingers or toes : Osler nodes are classic for infective endocarditis; they rise fast and hurt to touch. Painless brown-red spots on palms or soles : Janeway lesions are another tip-off to the same heart infection, but without the tenderness. Flat, ring-edged rash plus fever in a child : Erythema marginatum warns of rheumatic fever, a post-strep complication that scars heart valves. Cracked, bleeding lips and body rash in young kids : Hallmark signs of Kawasaki disease, an inflammatory illness that can balloon coronary arteries. What to do if you spot one of these clues First, don't panic. Many of the signs—especially swelling, livedo patterns, or splinter marks—can arise from non-cardiac causes like new medications, minor injuries, or even a cold day. Still, they justify a medical visit because early heart disease responds far better to treatment. Your doctor may order blood work (to check cholesterol, triglycerides, or markers of infection), an echocardiogram, or vascular imaging. Meanwhile, keep a photo log of any skin change; pictures help clinicians track progression and decide whether to fast-track you to a cardiologist. Related FAQs Do these skin signs guarantee heart disease? No. They're red flags, not diagnoses. Think of them as early smoke that warrants a cardiology 'fire drill.' Can the signs disappear once the heart problem is fixed? Often, yes. Lowering cholesterol can shrink xanthomas; treating endocarditis clears Osler nodes and Janeway lesions. Are some signs more urgent than others? Blue or purple skin that doesn't warm to pink and painful finger nodules deserve same-week evaluation because they can signal blocked vessels or heart infection. Do people with darker skin tones show different colour changes? Yes. Cyanosis may look grey or whitish instead of blue; swelling and waxy deposits are still visible but require a closer look. Can lifestyle alone reverse all cholesterol-related skin clues? Diet and exercise help, but genetic factors often mean medication is still required to reach safe lipid levels. Also read | Don't ignore these heart warning signs in your 40s, 50s, and 60s
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard study reveals 17 threats to brain health that quietly boost your risk of stroke and dementia
Harvard study reveals 17 threats to brain health that quietly boost your risk of stroke and dementia Most brain disorders look sudden, but they build for years. A new review from Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham pinpoints 17 modifiable factors that turn up again and again in stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Tackle even one, and you trim risk for all three; tackle several, and benefits compound. The researchers wrapped everything into a 21-point Brain Care Score so clinicians and patients can track progress just as they would blood pressure or cholesterol. Their bottom line: genes set the stage, but daily habits and treatable medical issues decide the plot. Act sooner, age better. Harvard's brain alert: 17 hidden daily habits linking poor health to stroke, dementia, late-life depression High blood pressure : Chronically elevated pressure damages the small vessels that feed brain tissue. Severe kidney disease : Toxin buildup and fluid imbalance worsen vascular injury in the brain. Diabetes : High glucose stiffens arteries and accelerates cognitive decline. Elevated fasting blood sugar (pre-diabetes) : Even sub-diabetic levels start injuring hippocampal vessels. High total cholesterol : Excess LDL promotes plaque that can trigger strokes and mini-strokes. Obesity : Visceral fat fuels inflammation linked to neuron loss. Smoking : Nicotine and tar narrow blood vessels and reduce oxygen to the brain. Excessive alcohol use : Heavy drinking shrinks grey matter and disrupts mood circuits. Unhealthy diet : Low fruit and veg, high processed foods starve neurons of antioxidants. Physical inactivity : Lack of movement weakens blood flow regulation and insulin control. Poor sleep quality or duration : Short or fragmented sleep limits nightly brain repair. Chronic stress : Prolonged cortisol exposure erodes memory-forming structures. Hearing loss : Reduced auditory input forces the brain to reallocate resources away from cognition. Chronic pain : Persistent pain signals overload networks tied to mood and attention. Social isolation : Limited human contact lowers cognitive reserve and raises depression odds. Lack of purpose in life : Absence of meaningful goals is linked to faster mental decline. Untreated depression : Ongoing depressive episodes shrink key memory regions and raise stroke risk . Why blood pressure, sugar, and kidneys top the danger list High blood pressure nearly doubles lifetime stroke risk, while elevated glucose injures tiny hippocampal vessels long before a diabetes diagnosis. Severe kidney disease compounds both problems by amplifying inflammation. All three conditions are easy to screen and widely treatable, making them the first targets on Harvard's roadmap. Quick wins that protect your brain Sleep 7–8 hours : Adding even one hour can lower stroke and depression risk in older adults. Walk briskly 150 minutes a week : Moderate exercise improves insulin control and mood within three months. Treat hearing loss early : Hearing-aid users in the ACHIEVE trial slowed cognitive decline by nearly half. Follow a MIND-style diet : Leafy greens, berries, and olive oil support healthier brain ageing. Schedule stress breaks : Daily breathing or meditation sessions cut cortisol and protect memory circuits. Related FAQs Which single factor showed the strongest link across all three diseases? High blood pressure had the largest pooled effect size in the Harvard analysis. At what age do researchers suggest baseline brain-risk screening? The team recommends starting checks for blood pressure, glucose, and hearing by age 40. What fasting-glucose range counts as 'elevated'? 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) was flagged as a modifiable risk zone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo How much social contact meets the protective threshold? Participating in at least one in-person activity per week—such as volunteering or a club meeting—qualifies as 'engaged.' How long do executive-function gains last after hearing-loss treatment? Early data from the ACHIEVE extension study show cognitive benefits persisting for at least three years post-fitting. Also read | The '10-10-10 rule' to manage blood sugar level, no medicines required
Gulf Insider
17-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Fired Harvard Epidemiologist Named to CDC Vaccine Panel
World-renowned infectious-disease epidemiologist Martin Kulldorff — who was fired from Harvard Medical School last year after refusing the COVID vaccine — just got a new gig. Kulldorff has been named a member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices. Kulldorff, who had refused the COVID vaccine because of his infection-acquired immunity, lost his appointment at a Harvard-affiliated hospital in the early days of the COVID era, and in March of 2024 was officially terminated as a med school faculty member. Since the COVID lockdowns began five years ago this month, Kulldorff argued that tactics such as social distancing, masking children, vaccines after infections, and other extreme measures were not the best course of action to fight the virus. He co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, which called for sensible tactics that would allow the globe to reach 'herd immunity' and has been signed by nearly 1 million scientists worldwide. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in announcing the new members of the panel last week on X, wrote that his selections signify a 'major step towards restoring public trust in vaccines.' Kennedy wrote he retired the 17 current members of the committee and is repopulating ACIP with eight new members 'committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense.' 'They have each committed to demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations. The committee will review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule as well,' Kennedy stated. MassLive reported that in 2021, 'Kulldorff posted on X that 'thinking that everyone must be vaccinated is as scientifically flawed as thinking that nobody should.'' 'COVID vaccines are important for older high-risk people and their care-takers,' he wrote. 'Those with prior natural infection do not need it. Nor children.' According to the New York Times , after Kennedy's announcement, some infectious disease and vaccine experts accused the health secretary of going back on his pledge not to pick so-called anti-vaxxers. 'When Mr. Kennedy fired the entire committee, known as the A.C.I.P., he cited financial conflicts of interest and said a clean sweep was necessary to restore public trust in vaccination,' the Times reported. As for Harvard's role in the controversy, writing in City Journal last year, Kulldorff argued that Harvard turned its back on him, open debate, and medical freedom. 'The beauty of our immune system is that those who recover from an infection are protected if and when they are re-exposed. This has been known since the Athenian Plague of 430 BC—but it is no longer known at Harvard,' he wrote. 'Three prominent Harvard faculty coauthored the now infamous 'consensus' memorandum in The Lancet, questioning the existence of Covid-acquired immunity. By continuing to mandate the vaccine for students with a prior Covid infection, Harvard is de facto denying 2,500 years of science.' Kennedy, in announcing Kulldorff, noted he is a biostatistician and 'a leading expert in vaccine safety and infectious disease surveillance.' '… Dr. Kulldorff developed widely used tools such as SaTScan and TreeScan for detecting disease outbreaks and vaccine adverse events. His expertise includes statistical methods for public health surveillance, immunization safety, and infectious disease epidemiology. He has also been an influential voice in public health policy, advocating for evidence-based approaches to pandemic response.' Also read: Early COVID-19 Vaccine Patent In China Raises New Questions For U.S. Investigators
News18
12-06-2025
- Health
- News18
6 Everyday Foods Linked to Cancer And What to Eat Instead, According to Harvard Experts
Last Updated: A cancer-preventive diet doesn't mean cutting out every indulgence, but it does involve making conscious, consistent choices We often hear the phrase 'you are what you eat," and according to many medical experts, it holds more truth than we realize. In recent studies and interviews, several Harvard-affiliated doctors and nutrition researchers have pointed to common foods in our everyday diet that may increase the risk of cancer when consumed in excess. The good news? Healthier alternatives exist and making the switch could significantly reduce your long-term health risks. Here's a look at six foods flagged for potential cancer links, and what you can swap them with to make your plate safer and smarter. Why they're risky: Processed meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization. That means there's strong evidence they can cause colorectal and stomach cancer due to compounds like nitrates, nitrites, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formed during processing. Better alternatives: Opt for lean poultry, fresh fish, or plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, and tofu. If you're craving a sandwich, try grilled chicken or hummus and veggies instead of ham or salami. 2. Red Meat (especially charred or grilled) Why they're risky: Better alternatives: Go for plant-forward meals more often — think quinoa bowls, legumes, and hearty salads. When eating meat, bake or roast instead of grilling, and keep portion sizes in check. 3. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (sodas, energy drinks) Why they're risky: While sugar itself doesn't cause cancer directly, consistently high sugar intake can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation — all of which increase the risk of several cancers, including breast and colorectal. Better alternatives: Hydrate with water, sparkling water with lemon, or unsweetened herbal teas. If you need a sweet fix, try fruit-infused water or natural coconut water in moderation. 4. Refined Carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, sugary cereals) Why they're risky: These foods spike blood sugar levels rapidly, contributing to chronic inflammation and insulin spikes — conditions linked to cancer development, especially breast and prostate cancer. Better alternatives: Switch to whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, oats, and millets. They're fiber-rich and help regulate blood sugar more steadily. 5. Alcohol Why it's risky: According to the American Cancer Society, even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast, liver, esophageal, and colorectal cancers. Alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing damage. Better alternatives: Try mocktails made from fresh juices, sparkling water with herbs, or kombucha. Reducing alcohol intake — or cutting it out entirely — has wide-reaching health benefits beyond cancer risk reduction. 6. Ultra-Processed Packaged Foods (instant noodles, chips, ready-to-eat meals) Why they're risky: These are high in additives, preservatives, sodium, and trans fats — ingredients that, in excess, may contribute to inflammation, gut microbiome disruption, and a higher risk of gastrointestinal and other cancers. Better alternatives: Choose homemade or minimally processed snacks — such as roasted chickpeas, nuts, yogurt with fruits, or baked sweet potato fries. Look for food labels with fewer ingredients and words you can actually recognize. A cancer-preventive diet doesn't mean cutting out every indulgence, but it does involve making conscious, consistent choices. Dr. David Ludwig, a Harvard endocrinologist and professor of nutrition, emphasizes that lifestyle including diet plays a major role in long-term cancer risk. While no single food guarantees health or disease, small changes over time can have a big impact. So, next time you reach for a quick snack or plan your weekly meals, consider the long-term investment you're making in your body. Food isn't just fuel it's information that tells your body how to function, heal, and thrive. First Published: June 12, 2025, 14:20 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness 6 Everyday Foods Linked to Cancer And What to Eat Instead, According to Harvard Experts
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard study says Vitamin D may actually slow down aging
What if popping a daily vitamin could help keep you younger—at least at the cellular level? A new study from researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham and the Medical College of Georgia says that vitamin D supplements might actually slow down biological aging. Yes, you read that right. The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, focused on telomeres—tiny protective caps at the ends of your chromosomes. As we age, these tips wear down, which is linked to age-related diseases like heart problems, certain cancers, and more. The shorter the telomeres, the more worn out your cells are. Now, here's where it gets cool: Researchers looked at data from the well-known VITAL study—a long-term clinical trial where participants were randomly given either vitamin D3 (2,000 IU/day), omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day), or a placebo. The telomere sub-study followed over 1,000 people (women 55+ and men 50+) for up to four years. The results? Those taking vitamin D had significantly less telomere shortening compared to those on placebo. In fact, vitamin D slowed the rate of cellular aging by what would've been the equivalent of nearly three years! That's a pretty big deal when you're trying to keep your cells (and yourself) feeling young. Omega-3s, on the other hand, didn't seem to make much of a difference in this case—at least not for telomere length. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo While more research is always welcome, this study adds to growing evidence that vitamin D does more than just support your bones and immunity. It may also be quietly working behind the scenes to keep your cells younger, longer. 'VITAL is the first large-scale and long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres and preserve telomere length,' said co-author JoAnn Manson, the principal investigator of VITAL and chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women's Health at Harvard Medical School. 'This is of particular interest because VITAL had also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease,' said Manson. 'Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter a biological aging process, although further research is warranted,' said Haidong Zhu, first author of the report and a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Vitamin D is one of those nutrients that quietly does a ton of important stuff in your body—and most of us don't even realize we're running low on it. Nicknamed the 'sunshine vitamin' because your body makes it when sunlight hits your skin, vitamin D helps your bones stay strong by making sure you absorb enough calcium. Without it, your bones can get weak, brittle, and way more prone to breaking. But that's just the beginning. Vitamin D also supports your immune system—so you're better equipped to fight off colds, flu, and even chronic inflammation. Some studies say it may help improve your mood, too, and there's growing research linking low vitamin D to issues like depression, fatigue, and brain fog. The catch? A lot of us don't get enough sun, especially if we're indoors all day or live in cloudy places. That's where food and supplements come in—fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, or a daily D3 capsule can help fill the gap. Don't ghost your vitamin D. So if you've been slacking on your vitamin D intake (especially if you're not getting much sun), this might be the nudge you needed to start adding it to your daily routine. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
