Latest news with #cancerpatients
ABC News
9 hours ago
- Health
- ABC News
Monash Medical Centre discovers black mould in area where cancer patients treated
A major hospital in Melbourne's south-east has discovered black mould in an area where cancer patients are treated. Monash Health told the ABC the mould was detected in bathrooms of two adjoining wards at the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton in June, and was caused by a leak in a wall. The ABC understands the mould affected the haematology ward, where patients with blood disorders such as leukaemia are cared for. "To protect patients and staff, we have installed hoarding across the affected areas to prevent access during the repair works," the health body said in a statement. Hoarding is a type of temporary fencing. "In addition, patients have been moved into a different area of the ward, away from the affected space and repair works." Monash Health said it had provided vulnerable patients with anti-fungal medication. "As a standard of care, we routinely provide immunosuppressed patients with precautionary anti-yeast or anti-mould prophylaxis medication, due to their clinical risk determined by their underlying disease and intensity of treatment," it said. "This practice remains ongoing to protect our patients." It said the hospital had not seen a rise in fungal infections in patients in the affected area. University of Adelaide pharmacologist and toxicologist Dr Ian Musgrave said mould outbreaks could be a serious problem for hospitals. "The problem with hospitals is they have lots of areas where there are good for mould to grow and mould is really hard to get rid of," he said. He explained that mould doesn't just sit on the surface of an area but gets into the very material it has attached to. "It goes into the plasterboard, into the grouting between the surfaces, you have the spores there," he said. "It will be very difficult to get out because the spores are designed to be resistant to attack — it is how the mould survives." In bathrooms, he said this could mean showers and other structural elements needed to be removed to get to the source of the mould outbreak. He said the hospital had done the right thing by moving patients away from the mould outbreak, closing the area off and starting remediation work. And while Dr Musgrave said some people in their homes might be happy to simply clean mould away from a surface whenever an outbreak returns, in a hospital an outbreak was far more serious. The ABC has contacted the Australian Medical Association for comment.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Miami real estate mogul sentenced to 14 years in prison for $78M drug conspiracy
Real estate agent Stephen Costa will be going back to prison after being sentenced to about 14 years in prison for spearheading a $78 million prescription drug ring — comprised of medicine meant for HIV and cancer patients, records show. Costa, 40, was the architect of the scheme that began in early 2013, was shut down in 2019 and involved an operation spanning multiple states and territories, according to court records. He ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic in medical products with false documentation and conspiracy to commit money laundering. READ MORE: Keeping a secret, Miami broker sells homes and launches firm while hiding criminal past U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles sentenced him last week to 168 months in prison, along with being required to participate in a 500-hour drug and alcohol treatment program. Costa's conspiracy involved 20 people, who were caught and indicted by authorities between 2019 and 2024. Costa started his plot by buying two licensed Puerto Rican pharmaceutical wholesale companies and distributors. After he gained control, he would reroute drugs meant for HIV and cancer patients to different states, including Florida and North Carolina, records read. With his co-conspirators, whom he'd known from business school and other illegal schemes, Costa would teach how to price, market, sell and distribute the drugs. In total, about $78 million worth of diverted drugs were sold to unsuspecting patients, who believed their medicine was shipped directly from legitimate manufacturers — not purchased on the streets and repackaged under fake labeling. This isn't the first time Costa has been involved in a criminal conspiracy and convicted for it. In fact, the pharmaceutical scheme was plotted soon after he was released from prison for one of his previous criminal escapades. Career criminal In 2013, then 28 years old and living in New York City, Costa plotted and then led a healthcare scam in which he stole and bought medicine meant for AIDS patients. The drugs averaged about $1,000 a bottle. He and conspirators paid off Medicaid beneficiaries in Manhattan bodegas and Bronx street corners. The scheme only lasted less than a year and in 2015, Costa was convicted for jeopardizing the health of Americans and serving about three years in prison. He was also fined $10,000 and ordered to pay $1.2 million by a Miami federal judge to the U.S. government. During both criminal healthcare conspiracies, Costa was a licensed real estate agent who, at the time, was gaining traction on social media and in the business world. Real Estate agent by day? Costa first received his real estate license in 2003 and held onto it throughout his 2015 conviction — and he continued to hold it as late as 2024. In 2023, he co-founded Scope Realty, a South Miami-based brokerage firm that promotes rental and residential deals. The Miami Herald's inquiry into his license led to the state investigating his 2015 conviction. Under Florida law, a convicted felon is eligible to carry a real estate license. However, any conviction must be reported to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and its Florida Real Estate Commission. Neither the agency nor its commission noticed Costa's record until the Herald's inquiry.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What To Do When A Loved One Is Diagnosed With A Terminal Illness.
Closeup of young people holding hands trust comfort help cancer patients talk crying stress relief ... More in living room at home. Healthcare concept. When a loved one receives a terminal illness diagnosis, families face emotional upheaval and crucial decisions. It's a challenging time, marked by urgency—not only for medical care but also for financial, legal, and legacy planning. These steps are vital to preserve dignity, reduce conflict, and ensure that your loved one's wishes are honored. Drawing on my experience as a Trusts and Estates attorney, here is a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities that follow a terminal diagnosis. These essential actions support the patient and prepare their spouse or adult children for the weeks and months ahead. 1. Review and Update Estate Planning Documents Outdated or incomplete documents can create legal bottlenecks. For instance, a twenty year old will and trust should be updated to align with the current family structure and tax goals. 2. Check Beneficiary Designations and Access to Accounts Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies override what's written in a will. Confirm that: If the patient holds crypto or NFTs, ensure someone knows where the assets are stored and how to retrieve them to prevent loss. 3. Confirm Financial Authority Through a Valid Power of Attorney Without a valid DPOA, families may need to seek court-appointed guardianship—an expensive and time-consuming process. If the DPOA is outdated, banks or brokerages may refuse to honor it. Ensure the appointed individual is ready and informed, especially regarding assets titled solely in the patient's name. 4. Discuss Burial and Funeral Preferences Though uncomfortable, discussing funeral preferences and the disposition of remains is an act of kindness. Considerations include: Documenting these preferences avoids family conflict and uncertainty in the immediate days following death. 5. Create an Asset Inventory and Clarify Ownership Families benefit from a comprehensive inventory of: If the individual owns a company, transferring non-voting shares to children or successors can reduce estate tax exposure and ensure continuity. 6. Keep the Advisory Team in the Loop Inform your CPA, estate attorney, financial advisor, and insurance agent. This team can assist with: Having all professionals aligned is especially critical if the patient has complex assets or resides in a high-tax state like Massachusetts. 7. Provide for the Caregiver Spouses and adult children often assume caregiving roles that can stretch physical, emotional, and financial limits. Consider: Caregiving plans should be as clear and realistic as the medical and legal ones. 8. Educate and Involve the Next Generation Include children and other heirs in the planning conversation. Help them: Transparency today reduces confusion and conflict tomorrow. 9. Capture Legacy Beyond the Legal Documents Consider what can't be passed through a will: These legacy items often become the most treasured family heirlooms, providing meaning and healing long after the paperwork is settled. Final Thoughts: Planning Is a Gift A terminal diagnosis is devastating, but it presents an opportunity for clarity, connection, and legacy. By taking these legal, financial, and personal steps, you give your loved one control over their final chapter, and peace of mind for those who will carry on. Don't wait—engage your advisors, update your documents, and have the conversations that matter. Planning is not about giving up—it's about giving meaning to every moment that remains.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Windsor Regional Hospital's new stem cell transplant program to treat 30 patients a year
Windsor Regional Hospital is launching the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) program in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Windsor Regional Hospital is launching a new service for cancer patients that was previously unavailable locally. It's called the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) program. The initial roll out will start with autologous stem cell transplants specifically for patients with multiple myeloma. The first patient collection is scheduled for July 8, 2025. The hospital has a goal of completing 30 patients per year. Autologous, or auto stem cell transplants, are when a patient's own stem cells are collected and then reinfused back into their body following intensive chemotherapy or radiation. Stem cell program Windsor Regional Hospital is launching the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) program in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Hospital officials say this is a major step forward in offering comprehensive transplant services in Windsor-Essex. Before this, patients had to travel significant distances to access specialized centres outside the region, resulting in logistical challenges, increased stress for patients and families and potential disruptions to continuity of care. 'Stem cell transplantation is a complex and intensive process for both the patient receiving treatment and the health care team providing the care. We have been providing high-level autologous and allogeneic transplant care here for many years, but this is another major step forward in providing comprehensive care close to home,' says Windsor Regional Cancer Centre Chief of Oncology Dr. Sindu Kanjeekal. Kanjeekal says now that they have developed the framework, equipment and expertise to do full autologous stem cell transplantation in Windsor, it provides the opportunity to build and deliver other complex cellular therapies and immunotherapies in the community. 'Windsor Regional Hospital is proud to expand its clinical footprint with this new program that will benefit patients now and into the future,' said Karen Riddell, WRH acting president and CEO and Chief Nursing Executive. 'Thank you to Ontario Health, the provincial government and the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation for supporting us with funding to make this innovative program a reality.' Houida Kassem, executive director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation says the new program is a significant milestone for the community, bringing lifesaving care closer to home and allowing families to stay together during treatment. 'This achievement reflects the compassion and generosity that define our region. It would not have been possible without the generous support of our community,' said Houida Kassem, Executive Director, Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. WRH has recognized the need to expand its services to include stem cell transplant services, a vital component in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Health Line
01-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Best Foods to Eat and Avoid with Multiple Myeloma
Key Takeaways Multiple myeloma can lead to damaged kidneys, reduced immunity, and anemia, so trying to maintain a balanced nutrition is important, especially during treatment. Anemia is a common complication of multiple myeloma; a boost in iron levels can help you feel less tired and help your body make healthier red blood cells. Good sources of iron include lean red meat, raisins, and various fruits and vegetables. Avoid raw foods to prevent infections, which you may be at a higher risk of during treatment. Cooking your food to the minimum recommended internal temperatures kills bacteria that may be present and can prevent you from having a foodborne illness. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are part of your immune system. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 35,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2024. Multiple myeloma can lead to damaged kidneys, reduced immunity, and anemia. Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or scared about the condition can also make it hard for you to eat. Maintaining good nutrition is important, especially during treatment. Pump iron Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, is a common complication in people with multiple myeloma. When cancerous plasma cells in your blood multiply, there isn't enough room for your red blood cells. Essentially, the cancer cells crowd out and destroy healthy cells. A low red blood cell count can lead to a variety of effects on your overall health and well-being, including: fatigue weakness feeling cold Low levels of iron in your blood can also cause anemia. If you've developed anemia because of multiple myeloma, your doctor may suggest that you eat more foods containing iron. A boost in iron levels can help you feel less tired and will also help your body make more healthy red blood cells. Good sources of iron include: lean red meat raisins bell peppers kale Brussel sprouts sweet potatoes broccoli tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, pineapple, and guava Bulk up on fiber Some chemotherapy drugs can cause constipation. Increasing your fiber intake and drinking plenty of water are helpful. Foods that are high in fiber include: whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice dried fruits, such as raisins, figs, apricots, prunes apples, pears, and oranges berries nuts, beans, and lentils broccoli, carrots, and artichokes Spice it up One 2020 study showed that the supplement curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, may reduce your risk of becoming resistant to certain chemotherapy drugs. This helps ensure chemotherapy drugs are an effective treatment option. Further research is needed to establish a firm link between curcumin and slowing resistance to chemo drugs. Some older research in mice also suggests that curcumin may slow the growth of multiple myeloma cells. Many people experience nausea and vomiting as a side effect of chemotherapy. Bland foods may be easier on your stomach, but if you can handle meals with a little more spice, you might consider trying a curry made with turmeric. Mustard and some types of cheese also contain turmeric. Foods to avoid to protect your kidneys Multiple myeloma also causes kidney disease in some people. As the cancer crowds out healthy blood cells, it can cause bone to break down. This is important because your bones release calcium into your blood. Cancerous plasma cells can also make a protein that goes into your bloodstream. Your kidneys need to work harder than normal to process the extra protein and extra calcium in your body. All this extra work can damage your kidneys. Depending on how well your kidneys are functioning, you may need to adjust your diet to protect your kidneys. You might need to reduce the amount of salt, alcohol, protein, and potassium you eat. The amount of water and other fluids you drink may have to be restricted if your kidneys are severely damaged, you may need to restrict the amount of water and other fluids you drink. You may also need to eat less calcium if your blood calcium levels are already high due to the cancer breaking down bone, which releases calcium. Talking with your doctor before making any dietary changes due to kidney disease is important. Foods to avoid to prevent infections You have a higher risk of infection while you're receiving multiple myeloma treatment. This is because both cancer and chemotherapy treatment weaken your immune system. You can take steps to help prevent infections during your treatment. For example, washing your hands often and staying away from people who are sick can help keep you from developing the common cold and other viral infections. You can reduce your risk of infection even more by avoiding raw foods. Undercooked meat, sushi, and raw eggs can carry bacteria that can lead to bacterial infections. You can develop bacterial, as well as viral, infections when your immune system is functioning well. That's why being extra cautious when it's compromised is even more important. When your immunity is reduced, even fruits and veggies that haven't been peeled can pose a risk to your health. Cooking your food to the minimum recommended internal temperatures kills any bacteria that may be present and can prevent you from having a foodborne illness. Outlook Having multiple myeloma can be challenging for anyone. But eating a health-promoting diet can help you live better and support your overall well-being with this kind of cancer. Your body needs nutritious fuel to stay strong regardless, but it's especially necessary if you develop complications, such as anemia or kidney disease. When you're creating a supportive eating plan, it's important to limit highly processed snacks and sweets, which typically offer little or no nutritious value. Instead, fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
