Category: Medical

Riyadh: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed a cooperation agreement today with a civil-society organization to implement a measles vaccination campaign for children in Yemen. The campaign is expected to benefit 15,384 individuals. The center’s assistant general supervisor for operations and programs, Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, signed the agreement at the KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh.

The agreement aims to vaccinate children under 18, raise awareness about measles, and provide education campaigns about the disease. Additionally, the campaign seeks to count the number of pregnant women and follow up to provide data that enables good health service planning.

The campaign will be implemented through eight centers and seven mobile teams in the Medi, Hayran, Abs, and Haradh districts in the Hajjah Governorate and the Razih District in the Saada Governorate.

The campaign is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian initiative through the center to support the health sector in Yemen a
nd enhance its capabilities to serve the sick and injured.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Bethlehem – Together – Colorectal cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer among men and women around the world.

The Health Digest website said that colon cancer occurs when malignant tumors form within the inner lining of the colon due to the accumulation of abnormal cell growth.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Foundation, an estimated 1 in 20 people are at risk of developing colon cancer.

Health Digest explained that genetics may play a role in the risk of contracting the disease, but there are also external factors, such as excessive consumption of alcohol, sugar, processed foods, or red meat.

In addition, some research has found that bowel habits may also increase the risk of colon cancer.

The website said that delaying defecation and holding it for a long time makes the lining of the colon more susceptible to inflammation, and also leads to constipation, so doctors always advise the need to defecate when feeling the need to do so.

The results of the research, which were presented in 2
012 at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, concluded that people who suffer from chronic constipation were 1.78 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to individuals who do not suffer from it.

Source: Maan News Agency

Bethlehem – Ma’an – A new study, conducted on about 500,000 medical records, found that severe viral infections, such as encephalitis and pneumonia, increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

According to the Science Alert website, researchers found 22 links between viral infections and neurodegenerative cases.

He added that people treated for a type of brain infection called viral encephalitis were 31 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

He continued that those who were hospitalized for pneumonia after influenza infection were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Science Alert also revealed that intestinal infections were also the cause of the development of many neurodegenerative diseases.

He explained that the effect of viral infections on the brain continued for up to 15 years in some cases.

‘It is striking that vaccines are currently available for some of
these viruses, including influenza and pneumonia,’ the researchers wrote.

They added: “Although vaccines do not always prevent disease, they significantly reduce hospital admission rates. This evidence suggests that vaccination may mitigate some of the risks of neurodegenerative diseases.”

Source: Maan News Agency

Bethlehem – Together – Brain fog is a type of cognitive dysfunction that leads to confusion, memory problems, and lack of concentration.

What is brain fog?

Healthline said that brain fog is not a medical condition in itself but a symptom of other medical conditions.

It is a type of cognitive dysfunction that includes: memory problems – lack of mental clarity – poor concentration.

Some people also describe it as “mental fatigue.”

Brain fog can affect your work, school, or other daily tasks.

What are its possible causes?

There are several reasons why brain fog occurs:

Stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, trigger depression, and may also cause mental fatigue.

Lack of sleep: Poor sleep may affect the quality of human brain functions, according to research conducted in 2021, so it is usually recommended to sleep daily for a period of between 8 and 9 hours.

Hormonal changes: 2018 research found that hormonal changes can also cause brain fog. For example, progestero
ne and estrogen levels rise during pregnancy, leading to some effect on short-term memory.

Diet: Diet can also play a role in brain fog. It is known that Vitamin B12 supports healthy brain functioning, which means that a deficiency in this vitamin may affect cognitive function and cause brain fog.

Medications: You should always talk to your doctor, if you notice ‘mental fatigue’ while taking a particular medication. Brain fog is a known side effect of some medications, such as some sleep medications and pain medications.

Source: Maan News Agency

Manama, The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), in cooperation with primary health care centres, announced the launch of an Evening Appointment Booking service through the Sehati (My Health) application, which is available on the eGovernment Applications Store at www.bahrain.bh/apps.

The extension to the appointment booking service covers General Practice at healthcare centers. Citizens and residents can now schedule evening medical appointments electronically, in addition to the existing morning appointments service.

The iGA highlighted that registering for the “Choose Your Doctor programme” is a pre-requisite for benefiting from this service, which allows the public to select their designated family doctors. Users also have the flexibility to change, cancel, or reschedule their appointments.

The new service is a useful addition to existing Sehati eServices, allowing for the convenient booking of appointments as well as access to appointment records at government healthcare facilities. By offerin
g more services through “Sehati app,” iGA demonstrates its commitment to digital transformation and accessibility. The app’s user-friendly interface and transaction efficiency are major contributors to its high usage rates.

The public can access appointment bookings via the standard eKey by selecting the desired option on the main page of the Sehati (My Health) application and going through the necessary steps, including entering patient data. After verifying their registration for the “Choose Your Doctor program”, the application will electronically determine the affiliated health center, and users can then choose a suitable appointment time.

The application offers access to a comprehensive range of services provided by various healthcare institutions in the kingdom, including recent additions such as blood donation and sports.

Medical examination certificates services were introduced last year. Also included are Find a Doctor, Ask a Doctor, medication list viewing, and prescriptions home delivery service
covering the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) pharmacy, as well as appointment preview and booking at SMC and King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH).

The application user-friendly interface and innovative design offer a seamless browsing experience. Other eServices offered by the application include requests, issuance, and replacement of birth certificates. The application provides convenient access to pharmaceutical facilities, enabling users to access information about pharmacies. Users can conveniently check their blood test and radiology results at SMC and KHUH, among other services, through the application’s medical results features.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Adding more fiber to the diet can help manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloating, and constipation, according to a new study.

Fiber boosts gut bacteria and builds a healthy gut lining. Researchers emphasize the importance of dietary fiber in maintaining gut health, especially for those with IBS.

Fiber encourages regular bowel movements and supports a thriving gut microbiome, essential for immune function and digestion.

Plant-based foods like whole grains and vegetables are rich sources of fiber, offering numerous benefits for digestive health. This study underscores the value of fiber-rich diets in managing IBS and promoting overall well-being.

A lack of dietary fiber can have detrimental effects on both overall health and gut health.

Recent studies suggest a possible link between higher fiber intake and a reduced risk of Crohn’s disease, highlighting the preventive potential of fiber-rich diets against certain gastrointestinal conditions.

Source: Oman News Agency

A recent study in NPJ Microgravity explores how space travel affects human vascular smooth muscle cells, crucial for astronaut health.

Microgravity and radiation pose challenges, triggering cellular changes. Researchers analyzed cells cultured in microgravity and on the ISS.

They found significant gene expression changes, with 43% upregulated and 57% downregulated genes, affecting pathways like STAT3 and NF-?B.

Notably, 22 cardiovascular signaling pathways were identified, with three inhibited.

Despite some cellular processes remaining unchanged during short-term spaceflight, longer exposure may prompt adaptation.

Further research is needed to understand these mechanisms fully, crucial for future space missions and astronaut well-being.
Arab League Stresses Need to Implement UNSC’s Resolution for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
Source: Oman News Agency

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against consuming more than 2 ounces of black licorice daily for up to two weeks.

Glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for licorice’s flavor, can disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and muscle weakness.

Excessive consumption, especially over prolonged periods, can be fatal, particularly for those over 40 or with preexisting health conditions.

Despite historical use in herbal remedies, licorice’s medical benefits lack sufficient evidence. Real licorice products list licorice extract or glycyrrhizic acid as ingredients, while anise oil substitutes pose no risk.

Experts also caution against licorice supplements or tea, as their risks may outweigh minor benefits, supported by a 2024 study.

Source: Oman News Agency

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham has found that having a lung disease may increase the likelihood of developing heart conditions, irrespective of other risk factors like smoking or age.

The study, which involved over 220 patients with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a rare genetic condition causing lung disease akin to Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

AATD causes the body to make low levels of a protein that protects the lungs. The affected individuals may develop symptoms including chronic cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Despite lower conventional risk factors, AATD patients showed higher vascular stiffness, with 45% exhibiting conflicting risk scores.

Surprisingly, 12.7% developed cardiovascular disease within four years. Conversely, COPD and control group participants had similar risk scores.

Blood tests revealed a link between elevated levels of the enzyme Proteinase 3, associa
ted with lung damage, and increased vascular stiffness, suggesting a direct pathway to heart disease.

Researchers propose Proteinase 3 inhibitors as a potential therapy to prevent cardiovascular issues, emphasizing its dual impact on lung and heart diseases.

Source: Oman News Agency

In a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers have developed a method to reconcile diverse data on dietary patterns and cognitive health, aiding in understanding dementia risk factors.

The study addresses inconsistencies in individual studies’ findings on diets like DASH and Mediterranean.

These studies vary in methodology, hindering conclusive dietary guidelines.

The approach involves pooling participant data from US and European studies, harmonizing it for comparability.

Criteria include adult participants above 35, cognitively healthy at study outset, with diet and cognitive assessments.

Exposures include diets like the Mediterranean pattern, assessed through food frequency questionnaires.

Data on food groups will be harmonized, alongside cognitive measures and confounding factors like lifestyle and demographics. Techniques like confirmatory factor analysis ensure measurement equivalence.

This protocol facilitates individual participant data meta-analysis, aiming to
clarify diet-cognition associations.

The method offers a systematic approach to navigate study heterogeneity, contributing to nuanced dietary recommendations for cognitive health.

Source: Oman News Agency

A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that out of the 8 billion world population, 3.4 billion people have a neurological condition, Medical News Today reported.

This study indicates that 42.5% of the world’s population has a neurological disorder.

The study, published in the Lancet Neurology, further found that nervous system disorders are the leading cause of disability in people.

A surge in brain diseases correlates with a rise in premature deaths, particularly in developing nations with limited neurological healthcare.

Since 1990, brain disorder-related deaths and disabilities spiked by 18%. Top 10 neurological illnesses include stroke, Alzheimer’s, and diabetic neuropathy, which tripled since 1990. COVID-19 is also implicated in increased nerve disorders.

Dr. David Merill of Pacific Neuroscience Institute emphasizes lifestyle factors like exercise and social engagement in lowering dementia risk.

Urgent global healthcare efforts are needed to tackle the escalating burden of neu
rological diseases.

Source: Oman News Agency

A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that out of the 8 billion world population, 3.4 billion people have a neurological condition, Medical News Today reported.

This study indicates that 42.5% of the world’s population has a neurological disorder.

The study, published in the Lancet Neurology, further found that nervous system disorders are the leading cause of disability in people.

A surge in brain diseases correlates with a rise in premature deaths, particularly in developing nations with limited neurological healthcare.

Since 1990, brain disorder-related deaths and disabilities spiked by 18%. Top 10 neurological illnesses include stroke, Alzheimer’s, and diabetic neuropathy, which tripled since 1990. COVID-19 is also implicated in increased nerve disorders.

Dr. David Merill of Pacific Neuroscience Institute emphasizes lifestyle factors like exercise and social engagement in lowering dementia risk.

Urgent global healthcare efforts are needed to tackle the escalating burden of neu
rological diseases.

Source: Oman News Agency