Latest news with #Ibuprofen
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
The surprising medical remedies of the Middle Ages, from lizard oil to a sweet migraine hack
Turns out, the Dark Ages weren't so dim when it came to wellness. Researchers have unearthed a trove of medical remedies dating back over a thousand years, revealing that early medieval Europeans were far more health-savvy than historians once believed. 'People in the early Middle Ages were quite into science, into observation, into figuring out the utility of different natural substances, and trying to identify patterns and make predictions,' Dr. Meg Leja, an associate professor of history at Binghamton University who helped led the effort, told Science Daily. Advertisement 3 New research suggests that ancient healers developed treatments rooted in natural remedies, keen observation and practical know-how. DM7 – Turns out, they might have been onto something — and today's wellness gurus are just catching up. 'A lot of things that you see in these manuscripts are actually being promoted online currently as alternative medicine, but they have been around for thousands of years,' Leja explained. Advertisement Got a headache? Forget Ibuprofen. A thousand years ago, the go-to remedy was a mixture of crushed peach pit and rose oil slathered on the forehead. While it might sound more witchcraft than wellness, modern science suggests they weren't entirely off-base: A 2017 study found rose oil may offer short-term relief from migraine pain — though the crushed peach pit is a bit more questionable. Another 9th-century manuscript's advice for improving hair health begins with a practical step: Cleanse the scalp using herbal-infused salt and vinegar to ward off parasites. Even today, vinegar rinses — especially with apple cider vinegar — are used as a home remedy for scalp issues like dandruff and eczema. Though vinegar definitely has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, the scientific evidence that it can combat a flaking scalp is thin. Advertisement 3 Many ancient remedies drew on plants and animals to treat human ailments. Esther Hildebrandt – Sea salt scalp scrubs, meanwhile, are on the shelves of stores like Sephora and Ulta. But for truly luscious locks, medieval healers didn't stop there — they recommended topping it off with a a salve of oils blended with the 'ashes of a burnt green lizard' to unlock the full benefits. Advertisement While the internet isn't shy about embracing DIY beauty trends, the jury is still out on whether scorched reptile will become the next viral hair mask. From detox potions to botanical balms, many of the era's health hacks wouldn't feel out of place on TikTok's For You Page. But not all would hold up by today's standards. Case in point: One labor and delivery remedy advised pregnant women to tie vulture feathers to their left leg to ensure a smoother birth. Even Goop hasn't gone that far — yet. 3 Some early healing methods share striking similarities with practices in modern alternative medicine. AFP via Getty Images The surprising insights come from the Corpus of Early Medieval Latin Medicine, a digital collection compiled over the course of more than two years by Leja and her colleagues. This project has nearly doubled the number of known health manuscripts from before the 11th century. Many were found scribbled in the margins of unrelated books on topics like grammar, theology and poetry. 'It's true that we do lack a lot of sources for the period. In that sense, it is 'dark.' But not in terms of any kind of 'anti-science' attitudes,' Leja said. 'They were concerned about cures, they wanted to observe the natural world and jot down bits of information wherever they could in this period known as the 'Dark Ages,'' she added. Advertisement The collection continues to grow with new discoveries and translations added regularly. So, if you're curious to explore medieval wellness firsthand, the full catalogue is available online here. Bonus points if you can track down the 9th-century remedy for shrinking testicles.
Mint
5 days ago
- Health
- Mint
7 common medicines that may secretly harm your heart health, reveals heart surgeon
Your heart works tirelessly, beating over 100,000 times a day to keep you alive, yet it is often taken for granted. With rising stress, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and poor sleep, heart problems are becoming more common than ever, even among younger people. While many are aware that smoking, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise can hurt heart health, few realize that certain everyday medicines might be quietly adding to the risk. From pills we pop for a headache or cold to drugs for chronic conditions, some of them could strain the heart in unexpected ways. Yes, there are a few common medications that, when misused or taken long-term, may actually do your heart more harm than good. Here are some common medicines that may take a toll on your heart, leading to serious complications like high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, and even stroke: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Nimesulide are widely used medicines for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. But what many people do not realize is that these drugs can quietly affect your heart health. "Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in those with existing heart issues," warns Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, Senior Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at Gleneagles Hospitals. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that taking NSAIDs, even for just a week, can significantly raise your risk of a heart attack. To deal with seasonal cold and flu, decongestants like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are commonly used. However, they may do more than good. "Decongestants can constrict blood vessels, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure," explains Dr Swarup. For individuals with hypertension or pre-existing cardiac conditions, this can be dangerous. The Annals of Emergency Medicine reports that these drugs can overstimulate the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attack or other complications. While antidepressants can help improve mental health, some types, especially tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline or SSRIs like Fluoxetine, can potentially affect your heart rhythm. "These drugs may increase heart rate and, in people with structural heart disease or arrhythmias, lead to palpitations or irregular heartbeats," says Dr Swarup. If you have any known heart issues, it is important to discuss potential side effects with your psychiatrist or cardiologist before starting or changing antidepressant medication. Some medications used to manage type 2 diabetes, such as Pioglitazone, are known to cause fluid retention. In some cases, this can lead to heart failure. It is particularly risky in people who already have any heart health problems. If you are on anti-diabetic medication, make sure your doctor keeps a close watch on your heart health. Antibiotics like Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are often prescribed for respiratory or bacterial infections. However, they can interfere with your heart's electrical activity. "These drugs can lead to arrhythmias, especially when taken alongside other heart-sensitive medicines," notes Dr Swarup. They are not dangerous for everyone, but in people with heart conditions or those taking multiple medications, the combination could be risky. Corticosteroids, often referred to simply as steroids, are commonly prescribed for asthma, arthritis, and allergic conditions because of their anti-inflammatory properties. But they can come with serious cardiovascular side effects. According to a study in the Canadian Respiratory Journal, oral corticosteroids were linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Why? These drugs can cause the body to retain sodium and fluid, leading to increased pressure in blood vessels and added strain on the heart.
Sinar Daily
5 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Don't wait until it's too late: Burn care essentials every home needs
BURNS can happen in an instant, a splash of hot oil, a brush against the iron, or even scalding water from the kettle. While many households are equipped with the basics like band-aids and antiseptic cream, burn-specific first aid items are often overlooked. Yet, when it comes to burn injuries, immediate and proper care can make a significant difference in recovery, pain management, and preventing long-term scarring. If you're still reaching for ice cubes or toothpaste (seriously, skip those), it's time to give your home first aid kit a much-needed upgrade. Here's a checklist of essential burn care items that every household should have, but probably doesn't. Hydrogel dressings These cooling dressings are specifically designed for burns. They not only relieve pain by reducing skin temperature but also keep the wound moist, which is crucial for healing. Unlike ice, which can damage the skin further, hydrogel dressings provide immediate comfort and are safe to apply directly onto minor burns. Sterile cling film (plastic wrap) It may surprise you, but cling film is often recommended by medical professionals to loosely cover a burn after cooling it with water. It helps protect the wound from infection without sticking to the skin. Always use a clean, non-perfumed variety, and only apply it once the burn has been rinsed thoroughly under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Image for illustrative purposes only. - 123RF Thermometer Burn injuries can sometimes lead to infection, which may cause a fever. A reliable thermometer helps you keep track of any unexpected temperature changes, especially in children. If fever or increased pain and swelling develops, it's time to see a doctor. Non-adhesive sterile dressings Burns can be extremely sensitive, and regular sticky plasters are not ideal. Non-adhesive dressings are designed to protect wounds without sticking to them, which prevents further skin damage during dressing changes. They're a gentle yet effective option for covering healing burns. Saline solution Sterile saline is useful for flushing out burns, especially if debris or chemicals are involved. While water is generally the go-to, having saline on hand can be helpful in situations where tap water isn't available or clean. Image for illustrative purposes only. - Photo via Pinterest, edited in Canva Disposable gloves Infection is a major risk for open wounds, and burns are particularly vulnerable. Wearing disposable gloves while treating a burn helps maintain hygiene, especially if you're applying gels, changing dressings, or handling broken skin. Tweezers (sterilised) Useful for removing any debris gently from a minor burn or for handling small items like dressings and bandages without direct contact. Just be sure they're clean and stored in a sealed container. Pain relief medication (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) Even small burns can be surprisingly painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions and consult a pharmacist or doctor if unsure. Image for illustrative purposes only. - CANVA Emergency contact list In case of a serious burn, time is critical. Keep a printed list of emergency numbers, including your nearest clinic, hospital, and poison control or medical hotline, especially if children are in the home. Bonus tip: What NOT to use While it might be tempting to reach for butter, toothpaste, or ice, these are outdated remedies that can make things worse. Ice can damage the skin further, while household products may trap heat or introduce bacteria. Stick to cool running water and the items above. Burn injuries can range from minor kitchen mishaps to more serious accidents, and having the right items on hand can be a literal lifesaver. A well-stocked burn first aid kit ensures you're not scrambling in panic during an emergency. So take this checklist, give your kit a quick audit, and stock up on what's missing. Because when it comes to burns, preparation is key, and healing starts within the first few minutes.
Vancouver Sun
08-07-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
'Critical steps were delayed': Parents of B.C. boy who died after five-hour hospital wait speak out
The parents of an 11-year-old Vancouver Island boy who died last November after waiting hours for treatment at North Island Hospital-Comox Valley say they want to see changes to B.C.'s 'broken' health care system, including better resources for emergency departments in smaller cities and improved training in pediatric care. Nikki and Marty Robbins, of Comox, say they know health care workers don't come to work to do harm, but health authorities have a responsibility to make some 'concrete changes.' 'I don't want people to be passing the buck,' Nikki Robbins said. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The couple say their son, Brayden, had a stroke in utero and was born with limited function on his right side. At five, he had focal seizures and had successful surgery to clear them up. They say that in August 2024 their son had tendon transfer surgery on his arm and in October began experiencing arm pain. As he was undergoing physiotherapy and occupational therapy at the time, Nikki and Marty said some discomfort was expected. On Nov. 12, Brayden started experiencing severe neck and shoulder pain, a head tilt and tingling in his nose. Marty Robbins said he took his son to the hospital where he was prescribed Ibuprofen and Tylenol and sent home, despite voicing concerns and sharing Brayden's medical history. The parents were still concerned and kept Brayden home from school. Six days later, Brayden was taken back to the ER, this time screaming in pain, with his muscles rigid as a board. The parents said they urged the hospital to send him to B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver or the pediatric ward in Victoria for specialized care but were rebuffed. Instead, the parents said they were forced to wait for five hours as Brayden's condition got worse. By the time he was brought in for a CT scan, Brayden was in a coma. At that point, weather conditions, a lack of staff for the transport team and issues with the transport helicopter prevented him from being transferred. Brayden, who loved the outdoors and cooking and wanted to be a pilot, died a short time later from hydrocephalus and a brain bleed. Nikki Robbins, who has 30 years of experience as a nurse and is a nursing instructor at North Island College, says there has been a complete lack of transparency and accountability from Island Health. She says her son should have received a CT scan early on Nov. 18 but was instead treated as an adult cardiac patient with cerebral palsy having a medication reaction. Additionally, he was not seen by a pediatrician, outside of a phone call with the pediatric ward in Victoria and a video call with B. C Children's Hospital. She also said staff there didn't seem confident in their ability to provide pediatric care. In the months since, the family says their requests for an autopsy and coroner's inquest have been ignored and Island Health has informed them that the health authority is not required to provide them findings of the internal safety review from the critical incident report carried out by the health authority. In late June, the parents wrote to the Ministry of Health saying their son's death was preventable. 'Critical steps were delayed or not taken at all,' they wrote. 'Proper pediatric resources and transportation were unavailable. There was a clear failure to follow best practices and to respond with urgency.' Brennan Day, Conservative critic for rural health care and Courtenay-Comox MLA, sent a separate letter to Osborne on Monday calling for a 'full review of the failures that occurred.' 'They need to be doing far more front line consultation, see what changes can be made that may have very little financial impact, will have a huge improvement on patient outcomes and nursing conditions,' he told Postmedia. Osborne wasn't made available for an interview on Monday. Postmedia has reached out to Island Health for comment. Adriane Gear, B.C. Nurses' Union president, said she wasn't aware of Brayden's case but said she isn't surprised that the shortage of health care workers and long wait times at ERs has led to an outcome like this. She said there is a huge disparity between the services available in rural and remote communities versus those available in urban centres, particularly when it comes to emergency and pediatric care. 'Of course, you're not going to have a pediatric intensive care unit in every town, but we need to be able to get people assessed and triaged in a timely way and get them to higher levels of care if that's what's needed,' said Gear. In May, it was revealed that the pediatric care ward at Kelowna General Hospital had closed due to staffing shortages. It isn't expected to reopen until at least mid-July. Additionally, advocacy group Rural Health Network B.C. estimates the province is already nearing 250 ER closures, almost all of them in rural and remote communities, so far this year. Paul Adams, the group's executive director, said there needs to be a complete rethink of how health care is offered to communities outside major cities. 'We're investing in creating new seats and in recruitment and retention strategies, but those tend not to be focused in the right area, from the perspective of our organization,' said Adams. 'Although we're creating new seats, we also have an attrition level which is going to exceed the number of seats we're creating, so the gap will continue to grow.' Premier David Eby said Monday during a press conference that the province is continuing its work to encourage doctors trained in the U.S. and U.K. to move to Canada and has also completed a new medical school at SFU that is set to admit its first students this fall. Doctors of B.C. president Charlene Lui said these efforts will certainly help but whether they can fully address the problem remains to be seen. She said what the province needs is a stabilization strategy to prevent resources from simply being moved around in order to address shortages at one hospital at the expense of another. 'We really need a provincewide provincial stabilization strategy, because some of the problems, some of the challenges are that we do something to improve one emergency room, it just often causes doctors or other health care providers to be pulled into that emergency room and then causes problems in another area,' she said. alazenby@ For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Vet issues serious warning over ‘concerning' TikTok video urging pet owners to give Ibuprofen to dogs
Is it safe to give ibuprofen to pets? A viral video on TikTok claims so. After the clip reached 300,000 views, TikToker Ben The Vet issued a serious warning on the matter, as per Newsweek. Speaking to the outlet, Ben said that it was unsafe for people to try out the trend. This could lead to health complications for the pets in the long run. According to him, the symptoms might not be apparent easily but could build up over time. Here's why you should not give Ibuprofen to dogs and other pet animals As per Newsweek, the video in question was posted in June. It claims that pets can be given the same medicine as children. The clip shows a person using a plastic syringe to take ibuprofen from a bottle meant for children. The Mirror reported that several users had commented that they had been given similar advice in the past when their pets were ill. Ben the Vet wrote in a clip posted on his TikTok account, 'Ibuprofen is not a safe painkiller to give to pets and it's concerning to see how many views this video has had, and how many pets might be harmed by this advice.' The TikToker told Newsweek that the confusion around ibuprofen may have stemmed from the fact that some painkillers for humans can be given to pets in the right dosage, such as paracetamol. He added that the physiology of a dog or a cat is different from that of a human being. This is why, to avoid people inadvertently poisoning their pets, there are laws that state over-the-counter medicines for humans legally must be issued for animals via a veterinary prescription. Also read: Terrified passenger writes farewell note as Tokyo-bound Boeing 737 plunges nearly 26,000 feet Effects of ibuprofen poisoning in pets As per the Pet Poison helpline, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are for human usage only. The medications can be harmful to pets if they are ingested. Symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning include: Increased urination or thirst Black tarry stool Diarrhea Lack of appetite Lethargy Seizures Vomiting According to UK pet charity PDSA, anyone who believes their pet has eaten ibuprofen must take it to the vet immediately. FAQs: 1. Is it safe to give pets ibuprofen? No, the medicine is designed for human usage only. 2. Does giving ibuprofen to pets harm their health? Yes, it can lead to complications in the long run. 3. What are the symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning? It could lead to a lack of appetite, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy in pets.
