Latest news with #NaveedAsif
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Covid rates surge 97% as new infectious variant gains foothold in UK
A new strain of Covid has been discovered in the UK as rates of positive tests have soared 97% since the beginning of March. NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, sometimes referred to as the Nimbus variant, has been detected in at least 12 cases so far in Britain. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Nimbus is making up a "growing proportion" of Covid cases worldwide. Latest UKHSA data up shows a 97% increase overall in the number of positive Covid tests since, with 6.1% of people giving a reading for the virus on June 1 compared to just 3.21% at on March 1. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA's deputy director, said the agency was monitoring Nimbus. She said: "UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports. "NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases." People testing positive, or who are suffering symptoms of a respiratory infection, are advised to avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. Symptoms include a high temperature and not feeling well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities. A statement from the UKHSA added: "The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination when it is due if you're eligible. "It's normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on this variant, we'll have a better understanding of how it interacts with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible." The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the new Nimbus strain accounted for just over 10% of all global cases in May. 'The NB.1.8.1 variant, also referred to as Nimbus, is a new strain of the Covid-19 virus that has emerged due to mutations in its genetic material,' says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. It's a sub-variant of Omicron, says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. 'Variants like this pop up when the virus mutates, which is normal for viruses, especially ones that spread widely,' explains Tang. 'NB.1.8.1 was first picked up in early 2025 and has since been detected in several countries, including the UK, China and US. It's got some new mutations that scientists are keeping a close eye on.'
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
It's important to think about how to protect our skin from the sunshine
Glorious bursts of sunshine makes it feel like summer has finally arrived. However, it's important to think about how to protect our skin. For people over 60, sun protection goes beyond just avoiding sunburn — it's about safeguarding your health, maintaining comfort, and feeling confident in your skin. Here are some expert-backed, practical tips tailored for mature skin to help you enjoy the sunshine safely and glow with confidence all season long. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen 'It's essential for older people to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30,' says GP Naveed Asif. 'This type of sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which can age the skin, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. 'Look for products labelled 'water-resistant' to ensure protection during activities like swimming or sweating.' Plus, remember to reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating, he adds. 'Brands like Neutrogena and Coppertone offer reliable options that cater to sensitive skin,' says the GP. Look for signs of sun damage Routinely checking your skin, especially after extended sun exposure, can help detect any changes at an early stage. 'As we age, our skin can show more visible signs of sun damage,' says Asif. 'Common indicators include sunspots, which are flat brown or black spots that appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms.' Avoid harsh ingredients 'For those with ageing or fragile skin, it's wise to stay away from sunscreens containing alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives like parabens, as these can irritate sensitive skin,' says Asif. 'Instead, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 'These sunscreens not only offer effective protection, but are also less likely to cause irritation. Brands like EltaMD and Blue Lizard are known for their gentle formulations.' Make applying sunscreen a daily habit Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine regardless of the weather. 'UV rays can penetrate clouds, so apply sunscreen even on overcast days,' says Asif. 'Make it a habit to apply it 15-30 minutes before going outside and remember to reapply every two hours. 'This is especially important if you are spending time outdoors or engaging in water activities.' Be cautious with medications 'Some medications can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn,' says Asif. 'For example, certain antibiotics, diuretics, and even some over-the-counter medications can heighten sensitivity. 'If you're on medication, ask your doctor or chemist if it can affect your sun sensitivity.' Use a lip balm with SPF 'Opt for a lip balm that contains SPF 15 or higher to shield your lips from harmful UV rays,' says Asif. 'Look for products that contain moisturising ingredients, like shea butter or coconut oil, which can help prevent chapping.' Be mindful of fabrics 'To minimise the risk of sunburn through clothing, choose garments with tighter weaves, darker colours, and consider UPF-rated options for the best protection,' says Dr Karishma Hemmady, a consultant dermatologist. 'Loosely woven fabrics allow more UV rays to penetrate through to the skin.' Wear a wide-brimmed hat 'Wear hats with wide brims that provide shade to your face, neck, and ears,' says Hemmady. 'Hats made from tightly woven fabrics or those with UPF ratings offer better protection.' Buy sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection 'Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays,' says Hemmady. Stay in the shade during peak hours 'Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas, especially during peak sun-intensity hours (10am to 4pm),' says Hemmady. Stay hydrated 'Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated and can improve its resilience against sun damage,' says Asif. 'Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider incorporating hydrating foods, like cucumbers, oranges and watermelon, in to your diet.' Use a gentle moisturiser After spending a day in the sun, your skin may feel dry or irritated. 'To help soothe and replenish moisture, use a gentle moisturiser containing ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid,' says Asif. 'These ingredients hydrate the skin and support the natural healing process. 'Products like CeraVe or Aveeno can be excellent choices for post-sun care, as they include nourishing ingredients that are beneficial for ageing skin.' Regular skin check-ups 'Annual skin checks with a dermatological healthcare professional are crucial for seniors, especially if they have a history of skin issues or family history of skin cancer,' says Asif. 'These professionals can spot potential problems that may not be visible to the untrained eye.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eight foods to help lower cholesterol
We know having high cholesterol isn't good for our health, but new research has found people who have low levels of "bad" cholesterol in their blood have a reduced risk of dementia. The research, published in the journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, found people with low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in their blood have a lower overall risk of dementia, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease specifically. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material present in every cell of the body. It is essential for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and compounds that aid in digestion. "Cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream in two primary forms: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)," explains Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. "LDL is commonly termed "bad" cholesterol due to its potential to cause plaque accumulation in arteries, whereas HDL is referred to as "good" cholesterol because it assists in eliminating LDL from the bloodstream." Cholesterol is an important substance in our bodies, but having too much of it can cause problems. When cholesterol levels get too high, it can damage blood vessels leading to risk of heart disease and stroke. While factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle can influence our cholesterol levels, research has found that when people modify their diets in a healthy way, they see a dramatic decrease in cholesterol levels. "Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats and low in fibre and plant foods can contribute to an increased risk of higher LDL cholesterol," explains nutritionist Jenna Hope. "Foods high in fibre can help to bind excess cholesterol which can contribute to the removal of cholesterol and therefore lower levels of LDL cholesterol." Similarly eating foods which support the increase of HDL cholesterol can contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol too. "These include sources of healthy fats such as nuts and seeds," Hope adds. Oats are particularly well known for the presence of beta-glucans. "Beta-glucans are a type of soluble fibre which help to bind to cholesterol to prevent it being reabsorbed into the blood," explains Hope. "The recommendations are to consume 3g of beta-glucans per day to see a reduction in cholesterol." Other sources of beta-glucans include barely and rye. "Opting for three portions per day can help to provide the recommended 3g of beta-glucans," Hope adds. Fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel, is high in high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to prevent heart disease. Swapping out fatty meat for fish can reduce LDL cholesterol by lowering your intake of saturated fat, which increases blood cholesterol concentrations. Hope says plant sterols and plant stanols, which are often found as an added ingredient in specific cholesterol lowering food items, have been found to lower cholesterol by competing for cholesterol uptake in the body and therefore, encouraging excretion of excess cholesterol. These plant foods are all rich sources of fibre which help to bind to cholesterol which encourages the excretion of excess cholesterol. "Where possible try to ensure you're consuming five portions of fruits or vegetables per day and try to base one main meal around beans or pulses each day," Hope recommends. According to a 2021 article published in Phytotherapy Research, the consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa powder can help reduce the serum fasting blood glucose (FBS) and LDL cholesterol concentrations. Hope says good quality soy products such as tofu, no added sugar soya milk and yoghurt have been shown to lower cholesterol by displacing saturated fats found in full fat dairy products. Nuts are a good source of unsaturated fats as well as fibre and other nutrients. "They are filling to eat and make a tasty and convenient swap for snacks like chocolate, cakes and biscuits, which are usually high in saturated fat," explains the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Used in this way the charity says they can help lower your cholesterol levels. "Just make sure you choose plain ones to avoid adding extra salt or sugar to your diet," it adds. Thanks to being rich in unsaturated fats, eating avocados daily has been shown to improve LDL cholesterol levels. While eating avocados every day might not be practical, or cheap, research suggests even just weekly consumption of avocados has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease. While making healthy food swaps can contribute to cholesterol, Hope says it is important to be mindful that other dietary and lifestyle factors can also contribute to high cholesterol. "For example; high stress, poor sleep and excess alcohol consumption are all common causes," she explains. "Finally, genetics can play a role in familial hypercholesterolaemia." Dr Asif says implementing other specific lifestyle changes can greatly affect cholesterol levels including: Staying active: Target at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week to increase HDL cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy weight: Shedding extra pounds can contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Stopping smoking: Quitting smoking can enhance HDL cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health There are also some foods you should avoid when trying to lower your cholesterol including: Processed and fried foods Red and processed meats Full-fat dairy products Sugary snacks and beverages Trans fats found in many baked goods and margarine Read more about health and nutrition: Lowering cholesterol and 10 other ways to cut your dementia risk (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Eight cancer-fighting foods you can start eating now (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) One reason why you should re-think cooking with sunflower oil, according to a nutritionist (Women's Health, 5-min read)
