Latest news with #preventativehealth


Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a doctor and want everyone over 30 years old to stop eating after 7pm
A longevity expert claims you should close the kitchen by 7pm if you want better sleep, balanced hormones, and a slimmer waistline - especially once you hit your thirties. Dr Poonam Desai, a former ER doctor who specialises in preventative health, says late-night meals wreak havoc on the metabolism, disrupt hormones, and set you up for morning sugar spikes that leave you feeling tired and hungry. 'When you eat after 7pm, you may convert calories into fat faster than you ever thought,' Dr Desai, a hormone and nutrition specialist, explained in an Instagram post. That's because melatonin - your sleep hormone - doesn't play well with insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Together, she says, these hormones create 'a recipe for trouble' when it comes to late-night eating - and men and women over 30 are more sensitive to it. Eating late forces your metabolism into overdrive, raising your heart rate and body temperature. This not only affects your waistline, but also makes it almost impossible to fall into deep, restorative sleep. Without that, your body misses crucial repair time, leaving you feeling drained and unproductive the next day. The melatonin-insulin clash can also cause you to wake up starving because poor sleep raises ghrelin, the hormone that tells you you're hungry, while lowering leptin, which signals fullness. 'You wake up craving unhealthy foods, and the cycle begins all over again,' Dr Desai said. Research shows poor sleep can cause a 23 per cent increase in morning blood sugar levels due to cortisol - your stress hormone. Late-night eating also keeps cortisol elevated, which can promote belly fat and disrupt your body's circadian rhythm, particularly when combined with screen time and low daylight exposure. Hence, Dr Desai says late dinners often spiral into Netflix binges, poor sleep, hormone chaos, weight gain and frustration. But the fix can be surprisingly simple. 'Clients who close their kitchen at 7pm often find they shed fat more effectively and get much better sleep,' she said.


Entrepreneur
05-08-2025
- Health
- Entrepreneur
Building a Healthier Future Through Technology and Inclusion
What began as a challenging experience soon sparked a lifelong mission to protect patients, empower clinicians, and eliminate preventable deaths. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. On your mark, get set, go.. Joe Kiani, Masimo founder, Executive Chairman of Willow and serial entrepreneur, reminisced fondly of memories of he and his sister racing through their neighborhood streets of Shiraz. That was before his sister's surgery. "After that, she couldn't even run," said Kiani Watching his sister struggle to walk again after her procedure was the first of his many exposures to a healthcare system that failed the people it was meant to serve. That moment, according to Kiani, changed everything. What began as a challenging experience soon sparked a lifelong mission to protect patients, empower clinicians, and eliminate preventable deaths. Today, Kiani is the founder and Executive Chairman of Willow, a startup focused on empowering people to change the trajectory of their health and lives through preventative healthcare. He's also a fierce advocate for health equity, inclusion, and transparency in medicine. But behind his innovations is a deeply personal journey, a story rooted in grit, perseverance, and the pursuit of purpose over profit. From Shiraz to Silicon Valley Born in Shiraz, Iran, Kiani immigrated to the United States with his family at age nine. They arrived with limited English, few resources, and a fierce determination to build a better life. The cultural and linguistic barriers were significant, but Kiani adapted quickly, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and passion for people. He became obsessed with electronics and by high school, was designing gadgets and circuit boards. At just 15, he began studying electrical engineering at San Diego State University. By 22, he'd earned both bachelor's and master's degrees. As a young man trailblazing a path in a landscape that needed evolution, he knew he was called to help create better healthcare systems than those that had let down the people he loved most in the past. But where to start? The Pulse Oximeter That Changed Everything That question found its answer inside the halls of a hospital. He found himself working with pulse oximeters, devices that measure blood oxygen, and quickly noticed something troubling. They weren't accurate when patients moved or had low perfusion. This wasn't a minor issue, lives were at stake. Kiani knew there had to be a better way. In 1989, he founded Masimo from his garage with a vision: create patient-monitoring technology that worked in real-world conditions. After years of trial and error, he developed Signal Extraction Technology® (SET®) a breakthrough that dramatically improved the accuracy of pulse oximetry. "Every sleepless night taught me this: when your mission is urgent, setbacks become fuel," added Kiani. Today, Masimo devices are used in hospitals worldwide and have helped prevent countless deaths. Fighting for Transparency and Accountability Innovation, however, was only half the battle. Kiani quickly encountered resistance from entrenched interests in the medical device industry. He was outspoken about unethical practices, from hidden pricing to anti-competitive behavior, and he didn't hesitate to name names. "Healthcare injustice doesn't wear a villain's face, it hides in forms, denials, and board rooms and waiting rooms. We need to pull it into the light," he added. That conviction led him to found the Patient Safety Movement Foundation in 2012. Its bold goal: achieve zero preventable deaths in hospitals by uniting clinicians, tech companies, and policymakers. The foundation pushed hospitals to adopt actionable patient safety goals and urged companies to share data, an effort Kiani personally led by convincing dozens of manufacturers to open up their proprietary systems. "It's one thing to build products that monitor life. It's another to remember the lives behind every data point. That's the heart of it all," he said. An Immigrant Champion for Inclusion Kiani's commitment to justice extends beyond medicine. As an immigrant who faced his share of hurdles, he is a vocal advocate for diversity in corporate leadership. Under his guidance, he has built teams and policies to foster inclusion and transparency. Kiani believes that diversity is not just ethical, it's strategic. "When people from different backgrounds collaborate, you get better ideas. More empathy. More breakthroughs," he said. Like Minded Labs and the Future of Connection Beyond his contributions to the healthcare industry, Kiani is exploring new frontiers. His latest venture, as CEO of Like Minded Labs, is aimed at enhancing human connection in an increasingly digital world. While details remain under wraps, the mission is clear: use technology to enrich human interactions. Purpose Over Profit Through every chapter of his life, Kiani's North Star has remained the same: impact. "Some people see leadership as power. I see it as responsibility, to amplify good ideas, protect your team's courage, and walk the path of truth even when it's inconvenient," he said. Joe Kiani's journey, from immigrant youth to tech visionary, is not just about building devices. It's about building a better, fairer, safer world. And for him, the work is far from over.


Associated Press
04-08-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Men in the UAE quicker to address tech troubles than a mental health concern, new AXA Global Healthcare study finds
DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2025 - Men in the UAE are more likely to take immediate action over a broken laptop, a social media hack, or a car warning light than seek support for ongoing low mood or mental health concerns, according to new research from AXA Global Healthcare. The study, which explores how men approach preventative health, paints a concerning picture of low urgency around mental wellbeing. While 89% of UAE men said they would act within a week if they lost their bank card, just 56% would seek advice in the same timeframe if they experienced persistent low mood or a lack of motivation - known as early indicators of a deeper mental health issue. The data suggests a pattern in how men prioritise their responsibilities, with external and practical issues often outweighing personal health. Most men said they would take swift action if they noticed an unexpected dip in their bank balance or discovered a leak at home, with both scenarios prompting urgency from almost 90% of respondents. Conversely, fewer than six in ten would act as quickly on a potential physical or emotional health concern. Other issues also ranked ahead of wellbeing. Eighty-four percent said they would respond to a vehicle warning light within a week, while 80% would act quickly to care for a sick pet. A broken laptop would prompt action from 79% of men, and 86% would respond quickly if their social media account were hacked. Karim Idilby, Chief Growth Officer for AXA Global Healthcare, says: 'It's clear that for many men in the UAE, technology, finances and practical matters seem to be prioritised before their physical and emotional health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong.' The study echoes global findings that men tend to under-prioritise their own health, particularly when symptoms are unclear or linked to emotional stress. Yet there are signs that digital tools may help shift this behaviour. Over two thirds (70%) of men in UAE said they would feel more confident taking action if a wearable device, health app or tracker flagged something unusual suggesting a clear opportunity for earlier intervention through technology. To support this shift, AXA Global Healthcare, in partnership with its local partner Daman, offers two preventative tools for its UAE based members that can be used anytime, anywhere: Idilby continues: 'Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. Just as you'd regularly check your car or technology to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind. For UAE residents who travel frequently for business or may relocate internationally, having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference.' Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


Zawya
04-08-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Men in the UAE quicker to address tech troubles than a mental health concern, new AXA Global Healthcare study finds
DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2025 - Men in the UAE are more likely to take immediate action over a broken laptop, a social media hack, or a car warning light than seek support for ongoing low mood or mental health concerns, according to new research from AXA Global Healthcare. The study, which explores how men approach preventative health, paints a concerning picture of low urgency around mental wellbeing. While 89% of UAE men said they would act within a week if they lost their bank card, just 56% would seek advice in the same timeframe if they experienced persistent low mood or a lack of motivation - known as early indicators of a deeper mental health issue. The data suggests a pattern in how men prioritise their responsibilities, with external and practical issues often outweighing personal health. Most men said they would take swift action if they noticed an unexpected dip in their bank balance or discovered a leak at home, with both scenarios prompting urgency from almost 90% of respondents. Conversely, fewer than six in ten would act as quickly on a potential physical or emotional health concern. Other issues also ranked ahead of wellbeing. Eighty-four percent said they would respond to a vehicle warning light within a week, while 80% would act quickly to care for a sick pet. A broken laptop would prompt action from 79% of men, and 86% would respond quickly if their social media account were hacked. Karim Idilby, Chief Growth Officer for AXA Global Healthcare, says: "It's clear that for many men in the UAE, technology, finances and practical matters seem to be prioritised before their physical and emotional health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong." The study echoes global findings that men tend to under-prioritise their own health, particularly when symptoms are unclear or linked to emotional stress. Yet there are signs that digital tools may help shift this behaviour. Over two thirds (70%) of men in UAE said they would feel more confident taking action if a wearable device, health app or tracker flagged something unusual suggesting a clear opportunity for earlier intervention through technology. To support this shift, AXA Global Healthcare, in partnership with its local partner Daman, offers two preventative tools for its UAE based members that can be used anytime, anywhere: Virtual Care Services, providing unlimited access to qualified doctors via phone or video. Members can speak to a healthcare professional quickly and confidentially about physical or mental health concerns, without needing to visit a clinic - making it easier to act early, from anywhere in the world. For the Mind Health service, members can speak with a team of locally Dubai Health Authority licensed Psychologists for up to six sessions per medical condition. The Mind Health self-check, an online tool open to everyone (not just customers) that allows users to assess their emotional wellbeing through a short series of questions such as "Have you been feeling low lately?" or "Are you finding it hard to stay motivated?" Based on their responses, users receive guidance on whether further support could be helpful -encouraging action before symptoms worsen. Idilby continues: "Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. Just as you'd regularly check your car or technology to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind. For UAE residents who travel frequently for business or may relocate internationally, having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference." Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. AXA Global Healthcare
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kennedy's move to cancel preventive health panel meeting raises alarm
If you've ever been given a free or low-cost test for lung, breast, colon or cervical cancer which caught a tumor, it's likely due to a panel of 16 doctors and public health experts who reviewed the evidence and determined that a screening could save your life. That's why anxiety is growing after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly postponed a meeting this week with the highly influential United States Preventive Services Task Force, a group of 16 independent volunteers that advise the agency about preventative health services and screenings, including mammograms, HIV prevention medications, recommending support for new moms to breastfeed and lifestyle interventions for heart disease. Health insurance plans are required to cover the task force's recommendations under the Affordable Care Act. The meeting, scheduled for July 10, was postponed without explanation. In an emailed statement, Andrew Nixon, an HHS spokesperson, declined to say why the meeting was canceled or whether it would be rescheduled. He did not respond to a follow-up request for comment. An HHS notice sent Monday afternoon to task force members said the agency 'looks forward to engaging with the task force to promote the health and well-being of the American people,' according to two people familiar with the task force meeting. Task force members were not given a reason for the canceled meeting or whether it would be rescheduled, said the two people interviewed, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Many task force members, however, fear Kennedy's move could signal that he's gearing up to fire them and install new members, as he did with a separate advisory committee, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the sources said. Last month, Kennedy fired all 17 members of ACIP — which makes recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines, including for children — and replaced them with eight new members. The new panel includes well-known vaccine critics. 'If you look at how things played out with ACIP, this could be a warning signal,' one of the people said. The United States Preventive Services Task Force is a lesser known group that was first convened in 1984 during the Reagan administration. It includes physicians, nurses, pediatricians and public health experts. The task force plays an important role because the ACA , more commonly known as Obamacare, mandates that most private insurers provide the services that the group recommends to patients at no cost. The task force makes its recommendations using a grading scale. Under federal law, services that get an A or B grade but must be covered by insurance plans at no cost to patients. The advisory group has been subject to outrage for its past decisions, including from conservative groups over an 'A' recommendation to cover the HIV prevention pill, known as PrEP. Its controversial decision against routine blood test screening for prostate cancer in 2008 has been linked to rising rates of advanced cases of the disease. The task force currently advises against PSA-screening for older men, saying that men ages 55 to 69 should talk with their doctors about the benefits and harms. The group usually updates its recommendations every five years after reviewing the latest science on preventive care. For example, in 2021, the task force updated its guidance on heart attack prevention, saying most adults shouldn't take aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Other recommendations from the task force include that all women begin breast cancer screening every other year starting at the age of 40, down from age 50. It also recommended that children and teens age 8 and up get screened for anxiety. Both have 'B' recommendations. The canceled meeting was set to discuss cardiovascular disease and prevention in adults and children, the people said. 'This institution proves vital,' said Arthur Caplan, the head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. 'The task force provides one of the few independent evidence-based assessments of what ought to be covered, especially in the area of prevention, which Kennedy has made a priority.' 'Postponing the meeting makes me very nervous,' Caplan added. As health secretary, Kennedy does have the authority to remove and appoint new members of the committee, said Jen Kates, senior vice president and director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program at KFF, a health policy research group. That authority was actually a factor in the Supreme Court's decision last month to uphold the Affordable Care Act provision that requires insurers to cover certain preventive services for free. The court agreed with the Trump administration that the task force members were 'inferior officers,' Kates said, because their work was directed and supervised by Kennedy. 'The Supreme Court basically ruled that the [health] secretary has the power to appoint members and remove them at will,' Kates said. 'So it basically affirms the argument that the secretary has the ultimate authority over the panel.' It's unclear which areas of health care Kennedy might target by shaking up the panel. PrEP, the HIV prevention pill, is 'one to watch,' Kates said, because the Trump administration has already moved to restrict access to the medication in other countries. Caplan said Kennedy could direct the task force to look into topics he's interested in, such as nutrition or processed foods. Health groups immediately pushed back when news broke that Kennedy postponed the meeting. On Wednesday, a letter signed by more than 100 public health groups — including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics — urged U.S. lawmakers to 'defend the task force's integrity.' The letter was led by AcademyHealth, a group representing health researchers. This article was originally published on