Latest news with #healthdiagnosis
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Cruz Beckham's Instagram Messages Fuel Family Feud Rumors
Cruz Beckham posted and quickly deleted intense messages online, sparking rumors of family drama. Deion Sanders shared that he recently overcame a serious health diagnosis after months of speculation. Plus, James Gunn responded to Trisha Paytas' unique baby name choice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Sky News
23-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Off-the-shelf medical tests are failing to back up accuracy promises with evidence, study finds
Off-the-shelf medical tests that promise to diagnose conditions ranging from vitamin deficiencies to cancer are lacking evidence to back up their accuracy, a study has found. Thirty self-testing kits were purchased from a range of mainstream supermarkets, pharmacies and health and wellbeing shops by researchers from the University of Birmingham in 2023. The kits tested for vitamin deficiency, blood cholesterol, menopause and bowel cancer. These tests are often marketed as tools for empowerment and early detection at a time when the NHS is already over-stretched. Accuracy claims were made for 24 of these tests however, and nearly six out of 10 (14) promised 98% accuracy. However, evidence supporting these claims was largely unavailable, according to a series of papers published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ). In addition, 18 of the tests (60%) were found to have errors that could lead to a wrong result. This included 11 that had problems with equipment, 10 showing issues with the sampling process and 15 that had problems with the instructions of interpretation of results. Where information about what types of accuracy methods were available, about a third of those compared their test with another similar test - not a proper, trusted medical test. Most of the tests also did not explain who they tested them on to provide the accuracy data. These types of testing kits are not subject to the same stringent checks that a new medication would have to go through. The University of Birmingham's Professor Jon Deeks, a corresponding author of the study, said: "Our findings highlight concerns about the value of these self-tests because the instructions for use for many of them recommended seeing a doctor regardless of the test result (positive or negative)." Can these tests cause harm? Dr Clare Davenport, co-author of the study, said the benefit of many of these tests "is lacking". "This is in contrast to well-established self-tests, such as pregnancy tests," she said. "We are worried that consumers concerned about their health and tempted by the convenience of buying a test over the counter may be harmed if they use these tests in the wrong way." A false positive on such a test may lead to anxiety, unnecessary investigations and even overtreatment, while a false negative could lead to delays in treatment. Researchers are now calling for better regulation and guidance from manufacturers, retailers and healthcare professionals to protect consumers of off-the-shelf health self-tests. There were some limitations to the test - namely that they were bought two years ago and were not intended to be a sample of what is available across the country. "But given what they do say about where they got the tests, I'd be surprised if they aren't pretty much the same anywhere nowadays," said Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University. He said the results were "scary and concerning". "I don't doubt the findings of the researchers, that many of the available tests don't make it clear who could make good use of them, how accurate the results might be, or what someone should do in the light of their results." 'History offers cautionary tales' "Self-tests should not be dismissed outright though," wrote Jessica Watson from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, and Margaret McCartney, from the University of St Andrews, in an editorial for the BMJ. "History offers cautionary tales: when home pregnancy tests were first introduced, some doctors argued that women could not be trusted to use them. "Clearly that is not the case. "The use of HIV self-tests has been extensively and carefully evaluated, with decades of research, including large randomised controlled trials." However, they say that these examples are of tests that are "binary" with yes or no answers, and are integrated within healthcare systems, "with clear actions to be taken based on the results".
Washington Post
17-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Trump diagnosis is rare acknowledgement of president's health concerns
The White House on Thursday said that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a mild but chronic illness related to his age — a rare admission from one of the nation's oldest presidents who has long sought to project vigor. Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, the White House physician said in a memorandum, a condition in which the legs have trouble delivering blood back to the heart. In an afternoon press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the diagnosis as 'a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.' She introduced the issue after images circulated online this week of Trump with swollen legs at the FIFA World Cup and a bruised hand caked in makeup, prompting swarms of internet users to speculate that his administration was covering up a health crisis. Trump rose to power a second time in part by drawing contrast to the mental and physical health of his predecessor, former president Joe Biden, and accusing his administration of concealing a cognitive decline. Now 79 years old, Trump has released a series of glowing medical letters about his health, repeatedly boasted about acing a cognitive test that he said was administered to him during his first term, and gone out of his way to flex his stamina with photos of golf outings and long, rousing speeches to his supporters. As he has sought to project strength, Trump during both his 2020 and 2024 campaigns frequently raised questions about Biden's stamina, routinely referring to him with nicknames such as 'Sleepy Joe.' He also cast Biden as dishonest about his health — a charge embraced by his base that Trump continues to stoke while in office with investigations into what Biden's aides knew about the former president's mental acuity. Leavitt told reporters during the press briefing that the president noticed 'mild swelling' in his lower legs and received an exam by the White House medical unit. She said the bruising on the back of his hands is 'consistent with minor-soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regiment.' Some people are at a higher risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins due to their family history, said Thomas Maldonado, medical director of the Venous Thromboembolic Center at NYU Langone Health. Pregnant people and individuals who are overweight are also at increased risk of the condition. CVI can also be caused by sitting or standing for long periods of time. Symptoms of CVI include aching, throbbing or a feeling of fatigue in the legs, said Chelsea Dorsey, the director of the Vein Clinic at UChicago Medicine. Swelling, skin discoloration and varicose veins are other signs, she said. Chronic cases can lead to complications, and in some cases, CVI can be a sign of a more serious condition such as problems with the heart, liver or kidneys, doctors said. Leavitt said Trump's doctor, Sean Barbabella, found no evidence of arterial disease, heart failure or other systemic illnesses. He provided the diagnosis in a memorandum sent Thursday, according to the document shared by the White House. In April, Barbabella pronounced Trump, the oldest person to be sworn in as U.S. president, 'fully fit' to execute the duties of the presidency. Teddy Amenabar and Richard Sima contributed to this report.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gogglebox's Daniel Lustig-Webb reveals life changing health diagnosis for the first time
GOGGLEBOX'S Daniel Lustig-Webb has revealed a life changing health diagnosis for the first time. Daniel, 50, known for his five-year run on the Channel 4 show, has told fans that he's been completely deaf in one ear since childhood. 5 The TV personality said his hearing loss is a result of mumps he contracted in his youth, which caused an infection that left him with permanent hearing loss in one ear. He explained that for years he kept it a secret due to insecurity and fear of being seen as 'different' or less capable. Daniel said: 'I've been half deaf since I was a child. I got mumps when I was younger, which caused an infection in my ear, and that left me with complete and permanent hearing loss in one ear. "For years, I hid it. I didn't want people to see me as 'different' or less capable. "At school, it was tough, I was often picked on and teachers told me I was 'thick' because I struggled to concentrate, not realising it was because I couldn't hear properly. "It made me really insecure. I thought I was just failing.' Daniel described the social challenges caused by his deafness, explaining: 'Going out with friends, trying to join in conversations at parties, it's exhausting. "You end up guessing what people say or pretending you hear it all. I'd mimic the conversation, hoping no one noticed. But it takes a toll. I've had to learn to listen differently, and sometimes I just switch off.' Following his 50th birthday, Daniel decided to embrace his diagnosis as part of a new chapter in his life. After leaving Gogglebox in 2023 and going through a divorce with OG star Stephen, he has focused on fitness, wellbeing, and self-acceptance. Gogglebox fans go wild as Stephen Lustig-Webb and his ex Daniel reunite just weeks after their shock split Daniel said: 'I feel ready to be open about it. At 50, I feel like it's finally time to stop hiding and to be proud of who I am. "I'm planning to begin learning sign language because I want to connect with the deaf community and support others who might be struggling like I did. Deafness isn't a weakness, it's part of me.' Hearing loss affects nearly 11 million people in the UK, approximately one in six adults. Daniel hopes his openness will help break down the stigma surrounding deafness. He said: 'I want to help break down the myths around deafness. It's not just about the sounds you can't hear, it's about the isolation, the frustration, the way it shapes your world. 5 5 "I've seen how people dismiss deafness because it's 'invisible'. But it's real. It's part of millions of lives. And it should be talked about openly, without shame.' Back in October, Daniel revealed he was back dating again since his marriage split – but admitted there's one thing a new partner will have to 'tolerate.' Daniel told The Sun: 'I was dating someone - if you can even call it that – we went on four dates in London, and it was really fun. 'But that was literally the first guy I dated since the split, so it was a bit of a learning curve. 'We were very similar in age though, we had a lot in common, it was very nice and we had a lot of fun.' But Daniel confessed things between the two of them 'dried up' romantically. The TV star, who said he'd be more than keen to give Celebs Go Dating a go, said people haven't really clocked on to his Gogglebox fame. Asked if he was worried people would swipe right because they'd seen him on the show, Daniel shared: 'The people I have chatted to or met haven't mentioned it on the first or second date, and if they sort of slip it in, I think 'Oh, that's quite cool.' You know what I mean. I don't want dating to be like an interview.' And the single star said he was trying his hardest not to be picky on his dating quest, sometimes unsuccessfully. Daniel added: 'I've been quite open, actually, because in the past I'd be like 'they must be this age, 'they must look like this. But now my age bracket is more open than it used to be. So that's interesting. 'To be honest, I'm not too picky but then when I meet them I can really be picky. Deafness What is deafness? Deafness is a partial or complete loss of the ability to hear. It can affect one or both ears. Causes: Common causes include aging, exposure to loud noise, infections, genetics, or injury. Types: Conductive: Problem with outer or middle ear. Sensorineural: Damage to inner ear or nerve pathways. Mixed: Combination of both. Signs to watch for: Difficulty following conversations, asking others to repeat, turning up volume loud. Treatment options: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, surgery, or therapy — depending on the cause and severity. Did you know? Over 11 million people in the UK suffer some form of hearing loss. Quick tip: Protect your ears from loud noise — use earplugs at concerts and keep volume low on headphones. 'I also don't like all the texting on the apps, I don't want a pen friend!' And the show favourite shared that anyone he dates will also have to accept that he and ex Stephen are still good friends. Daniel playfully added: 'It's something people will just have to put up with. We're business partners and also dog daddy's as we share a dog together. 'When I met Stephen I was still pals with my ex, and he took that on the chin. 'You don't have to be really good friends with these people but you have to respect it. It's some Louis Vuitton baggage!' Daniel doesn't want to 'live on the apps' when it comes to meeting someone knew, instead saying he prefers a more traditional way of going about things. 'I'd like to meet someone out, strolling along the beach with my dog or in a bar, like how it used to be. 'If a friend set me up on a date I'd have to put the parameters out there, and if they got it wrong I'd probably never speak to my friend again!' Despite Daniel's hunt for romance, the star has been busy juggling owning two hair salon businesses, alongside a life in the spotlight as a TV personality. He's recently appeared on The Weakest Link, and shares his desire to one day take to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, but 'doesn't feel famous at all.' Daniel added: 'If we're not filming anything or doing anything like life is just the same as everyone elses. 'I'm going out on the beach picking up the dog poo in the rain. I've got to run to get in my car quickly to get to work so I'm not late, you know, living the same life as everyone else.' And on a Gogglebox return? Well, Daniel said 'never say never.' 5 5
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Billy Joel cancels concert tour dates and reveals brain condition diagnosis
Billy Joel announced Friday that all of his scheduled concerts up to early July 2026 have been canceled after a recent health diagnosis. The iconic singer announced he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which has been exacerbated by recent performances, leading to problems with his hearing, vision and balance. "I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding," Joel said in a statement. Joel, 76, was advised by his doctor to refrain from performing as he undergoes physical therapy, according to the statement. Billy Joel performs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Nov. 9, the meantime, Joel is looking forward to when he can return to the stage, the statement said. Fans who had purchased tickets to an upcoming performance will be automatically refunded, according to the statement. Joel had been scheduled to perform in Milwaukee in April, but that show was postponed. He was set to kick off a series of performances starting in July in Pittsburgh. The tour was supposed to include eight performances that had been rescheduled to either later this year or next year, ending July 3, 2026. What is normal pressure hydrocephalus? Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is a brain condition that occurs when fluid builds up inside or around the brain, disrupting certain brain-related functions. Cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spinal cord, is the type of fluid that builds up. Typically, your body makes just enough of this fluid each day and absorbs that same amount, according to Johns Hopkins, but sometimes too much fluid can build up, leading to NPH. According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is most common in people over 65, though overall relatively uncommon. "It affects about 0.2% of people between the ages 70 and 80, and about 5.9% of people over 80," the clinic notes. In addition to balance issues, Johns Hopkins says symptoms can also include changes in gait, forgetfulness and confusion, mood changes, loss of bladder control and difficulty responding to questions. Both the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins say NPH is usually treatable. The treatment typically involves implanting a shunt in order to drain the fluid. "Getting prompt diagnosis and treatment helps improve your chances of a good outcome," Johns Hopkins adds.
