Latest news with #JohnsHopkinsSchoolofMedicine
Miami Herald
28-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Two anglers caught with dead parrotfish, big no-no in fishing circles. Deputy cites them
Two Homestead men were given notices to appear in court after a Florida Keys deputy found them with dead parrotfish Monday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Willie Guerra, one of the sheriff's office's well-known marine patrol deputies, was making the rounds around 2:45 p.m. on Memorial Day when he saw the men fishing from the Long Key Bridge in the Upper Keys near Marathon. Guerra checked the men's catch and found two dead parrotfish, said sheriff's office spokesman Adam Linhardt. The species is off-limits for food harvesting in Florida. Keeping parrotfish requires a special license for those seeking to catch them alive for saltwater aquariums, according to Florida law. Those thinking about flouting the rules have perhaps bigger concerns than breaking the law. Parrotfish are know to carry ciguatera because they use their tell-tale buck teeth to feed off the coral reef. Ciguatera is found in the algae that grows on reefs in tropical and subtropical waters surrounding the Keys. Fish that feed off the reef ingest the toxin in their flesh, and it moves up the food chain as those fish are eaten by bigger fish. People who eat those fish risk being infected. That's why it's a generally a bad idea to eat not only parrotfish, but also species like barracuda, which are legal to harvest. Popular restaurant favorites like mahi mahi, hogfish and grouper can also carry ciguatera, scientists say, but it's much less common. People poisoned from eating fish containing the toxin experience unpleasant gastrointestinal, neurological and even cardiac symptoms that typically resolve within a few days, but could last weeks, according to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. It's odorless and colorless and can't be eliminated by cooking the fish.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Billy Joel diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus: What is it?
(NEXSTAR) – Billy Joel has canceled his upcoming shows after being diagnosed with a brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to an online message posted to his social media channels. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' the message reads, in part. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine explains. Such a buildup could be the result of a number of factors, including a brain tumor, a brain infection or a head injury, but it's more often diagnosed among older adults, the agency said. It's also 'relatively uncommon' in general, Cleveland Clinic says, with about 0.2% of people under 65 having the diagnosis, and about 5.9% over 80 suffering from the condition. NJ Health Department warns of measles exposure at MetLife Stadium Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are bucketed into three categories, according to the Hydrocephalus Association: those that affect walking, those that affect cognitive abilities, and those that affect bladder control. Patients may have trouble going down stairs, taking long strides or maintaining balance; experience forgetfulness, disinterest or confusion; and have trouble controlling their bladders. In Friday's message, Billy Joel was said to be experiencing problems with his vision, hearing and balance — symptoms that have only been 'exacerbated' by recent performances. Early signs of NPH are also often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, according to researchers: Both the Alzheimer's Association and the Hydrocephalus Association estimate that around 80% of cases are wrongly diagnosed. 'Neuropsychological testing is the most accurate means of determining and documenting cognitive strengths and problems and can help provide a more accurate diagnosis of the range of neuropsychological and cognitive issues,' the Hydrocephalus Association says. Panthers sign Canadian singer Michael Buble — for a cancer fund-raising cause The good news is that NPH can be treated and managed, most commonly by implanting a shunt — or a small tube — into the brain ventricles to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid into another part of the body (usually the abdomen) where it can be absorbed. Those who respond well to the procedure can see 'rapid improvement' in their behavior (usually with walking at first), but it could take much longer for the full results, or for the symptoms to be reversed, the Hydrocephalus Association says. Joel, 76, has not revealed details of his treatment plan, but his message indicated he's 'fully committed to prioritizing his health.' His scheduled shows — now all canceled — had extended into July 2026. 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,' he wrote in a statement included with the message. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Billy Joel diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus: What is it?
(NEXSTAR) – Billy Joel has canceled his upcoming shows after being diagnosed with a brain disorder known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to an online message posted to his social media channels. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,' the message reads, in part. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine explains. Such a buildup could be the result of a number of factors, including a brain tumor, a brain infection or a head injury, but it's more often diagnosed among older adults, the agency said. It's also 'relatively uncommon' in general, Cleveland Clinic says, with about 0.2% of people under 65 having the diagnosis, and about 5.9% over 80 suffering from the condition. Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are bucketed into three categories, according to the Hydrocephalus Association: those that affect walking, those that affect cognitive abilities, and those that affect bladder control. Patients may have trouble going down stairs, taking long strides or maintaining balance; experience forgetfulness, disinterest or confusion; and have trouble controlling their bladders. In Friday's message, Billy Joel was said to be experiencing problems with his vision, hearing and balance — symptoms that have only been 'exacerbated' by recent performances. Early signs of NPH are also often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, according to researchers: Both the Alzheimer's Association and the Hydrocephalus Association estimate that around 80% of cases are wrongly diagnosed. 'Neuropsychological testing is the most accurate means of determining and documenting cognitive strengths and problems and can help provide a more accurate diagnosis of the range of neuropsychological and cognitive issues,' the Hydrocephalus Association says. The good news is that NPH can be treated and managed, most commonly by implanting a shunt — or a small tube — into the brain ventricles to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid into another part of the body (usually the abdomen) where it can be absorbed. Those who respond well to the procedure can see 'rapid improvement' in their behavior (usually with walking at first), but it could take much longer for the full results, or for the symptoms to be reversed, the Hydrocephalus Association says. Joel, 76, has not revealed details of his treatment plan, but his message indicated he's 'fully committed to prioritizing his health.' His scheduled shows — now all canceled — had extended into July 2026. 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,' he wrote in a statement included with the message.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Letters to the Editor: Readers sound off on coverage of Biden's health and where the focus should be
To the editor: Columnist Jonah Goldberg discusses President Biden's health without any licensed medical expertise. He only has a political viewpoint to promote ('History alone should have made more reporters skeptical about Biden's health,' May 20). Conversely, that same day The Times published a very good explanation of Biden's illness and treatment options, which quotes reputable medical experts ('6 doctors on Biden's cancer diagnosis, how it may have arisen and his treatment options,' May 20). One of those is Dr. Sunil Patel, a urologic oncologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After a thorough explanation of Biden's condition, he says, 'I don't think anyone can blame anyone in terms of was this caught too late or anything like that. This happens not too infrequently.' The rest of the article supports that analysis. Peggy Jo Abraham, Santa Monica .. To the editor: Yes, we should be paying closer attention to the health of our aging representatives. Clearly, Biden's health was failing, as his performance in the debate showed. But, more to the point, we need strictly enforced term limits for all people who are elected to office. The founding fathers never meant for elective office to be a lifetime occupation. You were supposed to "serve your country" and then return to private life, whatever that might be. Now, senators and representatives seemingly do whatever they have to in order to remain in office. To implement and maintain term limits would require the people affected by the legislation to actually vote for something that could take away their lofted positions. Regrettably, this would be unlikely to ever happen. Aging has no reliable timetable. I speak from experience about that. But all people in charge of serving the citizens of our country should be concerned with the future of our nation, not the future of their livelihood. Term limits would be a major step in the right direction. Peter Marquard, Northridge .. To the editor: Having read a series of articles in the Los Angeles Times and elsewhere on the deliberate underplaying or actual hiding of presidents' illnesses, including such presidents as Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, I've heard much less about Ronald Reagan's mental decline in his last years ('It's not just Biden. There's a history of presidential health cover-ups,' May 21). The Teflon seems to still be working. The reflections on presidential health conditions seem to me to be primarily focused on Democratic presidents. Possibly just a coincidence? It seems a lot of the coverage is too little, too late and somewhat a financial boon to Jake Tapper's book. A pity that our current president has historically been less transparent about his own health. George Corey, Pasadena This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: Readers sound off on coverage of Biden's health and where the focus should be
To the editor: Columnist Jonah Goldberg discusses President Biden's health without any licensed medical expertise. He only has a political viewpoint to promote ('History alone should have made more reporters skeptical about Biden's health,' May 20). Conversely, that same day The Times published a very good explanation of Biden's illness and treatment options, which quotes reputable medical experts ('6 doctors on Biden's cancer diagnosis, how it may have arisen and his treatment options,' May 20). One of those is Dr. Sunil Patel, a urologic oncologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After a thorough explanation of Biden's condition, he says, 'I don't think anyone can blame anyone in terms of was this caught too late or anything like that. This happens not too infrequently.' The rest of the article supports that analysis. Peggy Jo Abraham, Santa Monica .. To the editor: Yes, we should be paying closer attention to the health of our aging representatives. Clearly, Biden's health was failing, as his performance in the debate showed. But, more to the point, we need strictly enforced term limits for all people who are elected to office. The founding fathers never meant for elective office to be a lifetime occupation. You were supposed to 'serve your country' and then return to private life, whatever that might be. Now, senators and representatives seemingly do whatever they have to in order to remain in office. To implement and maintain term limits would require the people affected by the legislation to actually vote for something that could take away their lofted positions. Regrettably, this would be unlikely to ever happen. Aging has no reliable timetable. I speak from experience about that. But all people in charge of serving the citizens of our country should be concerned with the future of our nation, not the future of their livelihood. Term limits would be a major step in the right direction. Peter Marquard, Northridge .. To the editor: Having read a series of articles in the Los Angeles Times and elsewhere on the deliberate underplaying or actual hiding of presidents' illnesses, including such presidents as Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, I've heard much less about Ronald Reagan's mental decline in his last years ('It's not just Biden. There's a history of presidential health cover-ups,' May 21). The Teflon seems to still be working. The reflections on presidential health conditions seem to me to be primarily focused on Democratic presidents. Possibly just a coincidence? It seems a lot of the coverage is too little, too late and somewhat a financial boon to Jake Tapper's book. A pity that our current president has historically been less transparent about his own health. George Corey, Pasadena
