Tag: health

Mom’s ‘Flu’ Was Sepsis: Urgent Warning After Near-Fatal Infection

As winter illnesses surge, many people expect to battle coughs, fevers, and fatigue. For one mother in Wales, those familiar symptoms nearly proved fatal.

A 27-year-old woman has now shared her story to warn others after what she believed was the flu turned out to be sepsis, a life-threatening medical emergency that left her unresponsive in bed.

A Routine Illness That Was Anything But

Roberta Alisauskaite, a mother of two from Carmarthenshire in South West Wales, said she first began feeling unwell in October. Like many during colder months, she assumed she had picked up a seasonal bug from work.

At first, the symptoms felt manageable. She described feeling under the weather, run down, and feverish — all signs many associate with flu or a heavy cold.

What she didn’t realize was that her body was already fighting something far more dangerous.

Roberta Alisauskaite detailed how awful she felt in a video.
Roberta Alisauskaite detailed how awful she felt in a video (Kennedy)

Symptoms Escalated Rapidly

Alongside flu-like symptoms, Alisauskaite was dealing with an abscess linked to one of her wisdom teeth and had been taking antibiotics. Within days, her condition deteriorated quickly.

She developed violent shaking, an uncontrollable fever, and a worsening cough. Her temperature spiked, her breathing became labored, and confusion began to set in.

Despite turning on the heating and wrapping herself in blankets, she said her body alternated between intense chills and overwhelming heat.

Found Unresponsive by Her Children

The situation reached a terrifying turning point when Alisauskaite was found upstairs by her two young children. She was unresponsive and struggling to speak clearly.

She later explained that she was slurring her words and could no longer make sense, a moment she says deeply traumatized her children.

An ambulance was called, and she was rushed to hospital, where doctors carried out urgent tests.

The Real Diagnosis: Sepsis

Instead of flu, doctors determined she was suffering from sepsis, a condition caused by the body’s extreme response to an infection.

Consultants told her she had gone into septic shock, a severe and potentially fatal stage where blood pressure drops dangerously low and organs can begin to fail.

According to health authorities, sepsis requires immediate treatment. Delays can dramatically increase the risk of long-term complications or death.

The mother-of-two wants people to be aware of what sepsis symptoms can look like.
The mother-of-two wants people to be aware of what sepsis symptoms can look like (Kennedy)

Why Sepsis Is Often Missed

Medical experts say sepsis is frequently mistaken for flu, especially in its early stages. Fever, muscle pain, chills, and exhaustion can feel deceptively familiar.

What’s often overlooked is how quickly symptoms escalate. Confusion, breathlessness, uncontrollable shivering, and changes in speech are red flags that demand urgent medical attention.

The NHS and other health bodies stress that there is no single symptom of sepsis, making awareness crucial.

A Message for Other Parents and Families

Now recovering, Alisauskaite has spoken publicly to encourage others not to ignore worsening symptoms.

She says she never imagined a common illness could leave her fighting for her life, and she urges parents in particular to trust their instincts if something feels wrong.

Her story comes as winter illnesses place extra pressure on healthcare systems, a time when serious infections can easily be misjudged.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Health experts advise seeking immediate medical care if flu-like symptoms are accompanied by confusion, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, extreme shivering, or sudden changes in consciousness.

Early treatment saves lives. Acting quickly can mean the difference between recovery and devastating outcomes.

Featured Image Credit: Kennedy

Topics: Health, News, Parenting, UK News

Experts Warn of Risks Linked to the Mounjaro Golden Dose

What Could Happen If You Take the Mounjaro “Golden Dose,” Experts Warn

Weight-loss medications have reshaped how people manage diabetes and obesity. But alongside their popularity, new and risky trends are emerging online. One of the most talked-about is the so-called “golden dose” of Mounjaro — and medical experts say it’s something users should avoid.

Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is prescribed in carefully measured weekly doses. Yet some users are attempting to extract leftover medication from injector pens, believing it offers an extra boost. Doctors warn that this practice may come with serious consequences.

What Is Mounjaro and How Is It Meant to Work?

Mounjaro is a prescription medication approved to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists.

These medications work by regulating appetite, slowing digestion, and improving insulin response. When taken as prescribed, they can help patients feel fuller for longer and maintain better metabolic control.

Because of these effects, Mounjaro has also gained attention among people seeking weight loss, though it is not approved for everyone and must be used under medical supervision.

Experts have issued a warning about the 'golden dose.
Experts have issued a warning about the ‘golden dose’ (Getty Stock Images)

The Rise of the “Golden Dose” Trend

The “golden dose” refers to the small amount of liquid some users claim remains in a Mounjaro pen after the four intended weekly injections.

On social media, some individuals suggest drawing out this leftover medication with a syringe to create an unofficial fifth dose. The motivation is often cost-related or driven by the belief that more medication leads to faster results.

Health professionals say this assumption is dangerous.

Why Doctors Say Extra Doses Are Risky

Medical experts stress that Mounjaro dosing is carefully calibrated for safety. Taking more than prescribed can overwhelm the body’s ability to tolerate the medication.

Reported side effects of excessive dosing may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. These symptoms can escalate quickly, especially in people who are already sensitive to GLP-1 medications.

In rarer cases, experts say overdosing may increase the risk of serious complications such as inflammation of the pancreas, a condition that often requires urgent medical care.

Infection and Contamination Concerns

There is another risk that has nothing to do with dosage levels. Attempting to extract medication from a pen that is not designed for reuse may introduce bacteria.

Manufacturers warn that breaking into injection pens is not sterile. This can increase the risk of skin infections, abscesses, and other complications at the injection site.

If an infection spreads, it may lead to severe outcomes that require hospitalization.

What the Manufacturer Says

The maker of Mounjaro has stated that its injection pens are designed to deliver a fixed amount of medication over a 28-day period. Any remaining liquid is intended for priming the device, not for additional dosing.

According to the company, once four doses are delivered or 30 days have passed, the pen should be safely discarded. Attempting to extract leftover medication goes against official guidance and safety testing.

The 'golden dose' is not recommended.
The ‘golden dose’ is not recommended (Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

Why More Is Not Better With GLP-1 Drugs

One of the biggest misconceptions around weight-loss medications is that higher doses automatically produce better results. Experts say that’s not how these drugs work.

Higher-than-recommended doses do not guarantee faster or greater weight loss. Instead, they increase the likelihood of adverse effects, which may force patients to stop treatment altogether.

What’s often overlooked is that consistency, not excess, is what makes these medications effective when medically appropriate.

A Growing Call for Caution

Healthcare providers are increasingly urging patients to follow prescriptions exactly as written. They also encourage open conversations with clinicians about side effects, costs, and expectations.

If a medication feels ineffective or difficult to tolerate, experts say adjustments should always be made by a qualified professional — not through online hacks.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Mounjaro, Weight loss, Health

New York Woman Sues Pfizer Over Depo-Provera After Brain Tumor Diagnosis at 30

Woman Sues Birth Control Company After Discovering ‘Lime-Sized’ Brain Tumor at 30

A Long Island mom says her life changed in an instant when doctors found a brain tumor “the size of a lime.” Now, she’s taking her fight to court.

Elizabeth Fleurisma has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, alleging an injectable birth control she used for years did not adequately warn about a possible increased risk of certain tumors.

The case is one of many lawsuits that have been filed in recent months, with plaintiffs making similar claims about the same product.

A diagnosis that reshaped her daily life

Fleurisma says she was 30 when she learned she had a large brain tumor. She later underwent an extensive surgery that lasted around 16 hours, followed by weeks of radiation therapy.

Doctors removed much of the tumor, but Fleurisma says a portion remains lodged in her skull.

In interviews reported by US outlets, she described ongoing challenges after treatment, including struggling with speech and feeling disoriented in familiar environments.

The birth control is taken every three months via injection.
The birth control is taken every three months via injection (James Wakibia/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

What the lawsuit claims

The lawsuit targets Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, an injectable contraceptive typically administered every three months.

Fleurisma alleges the product’s labeling and warnings did not clearly communicate what she believes is a heightened risk of developing intracranial meningiomas. These tumors often grow slowly and form in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

The filings also claim Pfizer knew—or should have known—about the alleged risk and failed to provide stronger warnings earlier. As with any civil complaint, these claims represent the plaintiff’s allegations and have not been proven in court.

Why she chose an injection over the pill

Fleurisma’s account describes a common decision many patients face: convenience and consistency.

After giving birth as a teenager, she reportedly looked for a birth control option that did not require remembering a daily pill. Depo-Provera, given by injection, became her choice.

According to the report, she used the injections for about eight years.

How Depo-Provera works

Depo-Provera contains progestin, a synthetic form of a hormone involved in the reproductive cycle.

Progestin-based contraceptives can prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. Injectable birth control appeals to some people because it offers longer coverage between doses than daily tablets.

The lawsuit’s focus is not on whether the drug prevents pregnancy, but on whether the product label sufficiently warned users about a specific safety concern.

Fleurisma claims she still suffers issues as a result of the tumor.
Fleurisma claims she still suffers issues as a result of the tumor (Getty Stock Image)

Pfizer’s response and what comes next

Pfizer has pushed back against the accusations, saying it believes the claims lack merit and that it will defend itself in court.

In statements reported by the media, the company has said it stands behind the safety and efficacy of Depo-Provera and notes it has been used by millions of women worldwide.

The wider legal fight includes far more than Fleurisma’s case. Reports have described hundreds—potentially more—lawsuits connected to the same alleged issue, with plaintiffs seeking damages and stronger accountability around risk communication.

What this story signals for patients and regulators

Cases like this often reignite a broader conversation about how drug risks get communicated to the public, especially when a product has remained on the market for decades.

In situations involving widely used medicines, health agencies like the FDA play a major role in evaluating safety data and updating labeling when new evidence emerges. Media reports have also referenced a Reuters account that Pfizer sought additional warning language after reviewing research in 2023 that suggested a potential link.

For now, the core issue will play out in court: what the available evidence shows, what Pfizer knew and when, and whether warnings met legal and regulatory standards.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Cancer, Health, News, US News

How One Simple Change Helped Someone Lose 130lbs Naturally

Life before the weight loss

With weight-loss injections becoming increasingly common, losing a large amount of weight without medication can feel almost unheard of. But one person says a single, science-backed change helped them shed more than 130lbs—and keep it off.

Their experience offers a reminder that while modern tools can help some people, the foundations of weight loss haven’t changed as much as social media might suggest.

The individual, who shared their story on Reddit, said they began their journey at 27 years old weighing close to 400lbs. They described feeling constantly exhausted, unhappy with their health, and frustrated by repeated failed attempts to lose weight.

Over time, that frustration turned into motivation. Years later, they not only reached a much healthier weight but also became a certified weight management specialist, helping others pursue similar goals without medication.

Lots of people are turning to the fat jabs to lose weight, but the 'natural' way remains free and effective.
Lots of people are turning to the fat jabs to lose weight, but the ‘natural’ way remains free and effective (Getty Stock Image)

The one change that mattered most

Despite all the diet trends and fitness hacks available, the change they credit most is straightforward: consistently eating fewer calories than their body used.

In other words, maintaining a calorie deficit.

“If you’re not in a calorie deficit, you aren’t going to lose weight,” they explained. Understanding how a deficit works—and how to maintain it safely—was the turning point in their transformation.

Why calorie deficit works

A calorie deficit means your body uses more energy than it receives from food. Over time, this forces it to draw on stored energy, including body fat.

Health authorities like the Mayo Clinic note that sustainable weight loss typically depends on long-term energy balance rather than short-term restriction. Extreme dieting may produce rapid results, but it often leads to burnout or weight regain.

What’s often overlooked is that a calorie deficit doesn’t automatically mean eating as little as possible.

Food quality still matters

The Reddit user stressed that not all calorie deficits are equal. Technically, someone could eat only junk food and still lose weight if calories remain low enough—but that approach rarely lasts.

Instead, they removed highly processed snacks and takeaway foods from their home. Cooking simple, nutritious meals helped reduce calorie intake naturally while also improving how they felt day to day.

Over time, their taste preferences changed.

“Junk food became a huge turn off for me,” they said, explaining that the mental pull of unhealthy food faded once it was no longer part of their routine.

Choosing the healthy option and not putting junk in your shopping cart is the best way to stay away from temptation.
Choosing the healthy option and not putting junk in your shopping cart is the best way to stay away from temptation (Getty Stock Image)

The role of exercise

Exercise wasn’t used as punishment or a shortcut. It was a support system.

They combined strength training with cardio, explaining that resistance exercises helped preserve muscle while losing fat. Cardio then supported overall fitness and calorie use.

According to the World Health Organization, strength and aerobic activity together offer broad health benefits, including improved metabolism and long-term weight maintenance.

Why the weight stayed off

Many people lose weight temporarily, only to regain it later. This person believes the reason their results lasted is because habits—not quick fixes—did the heavy lifting.

Removing constant temptation, building routine meals, and reframing food as fuel rather than comfort helped reshape their relationship with eating.

Weight loss, they said, stopped feeling like a battle and became part of daily life.

A reminder about individual paths

This story doesn’t suggest there’s only one “right” way to lose weight. Bodies, health needs, and circumstances vary widely.

But it highlights a principle backed by decades of research: sustainable weight loss usually comes from consistent, manageable changes rather than extreme measures.

For many, that starts with understanding energy balance—and building habits that make healthier choices easier over time.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Weight loss, Health, Fitness, Mounjaro, Food and Drink

Expert Guide: How Much Water to Drink Each Day by Age

Why hydration needs change with age

Water is easy to overlook.
With coffee in the morning, fizzy drinks at lunch, and another caffeine boost in the afternoon, plain water often takes a back seat.

But health experts say hydration plays a far bigger role in daily wellbeing than many people realize. From brain function to temperature control, water supports nearly every system in the body.

According to research cited by the University of California, water helps deliver nutrients to cells, remove waste, protect joints and organs, and regulate body temperature. That’s why experts consistently recommend water as the default drink of choice.

While general guidelines suggest men aim for around 13 cups of fluids per day and women about nine, those figures don’t tell the full story. Age, growth, metabolism, and lifestyle all influence how much water the body actually needs.

Speaking to UK media, medical expert Dr Jonathan Webster explained how hydration requirements shift throughout life — and why many people may be falling short.

Water is vital to our health.
Water is vital to our health (Getty Stock Images)

Teenagers and rapid growth

Teenagers have higher water needs due to growth spurts, hormonal changes, and increased physical activity.

For boys aged 14 to 18, the recommendation is 1.6 to 1.9 liters per day.
Girls in the same age group should aim for around 1.5 liters daily.

Adequate hydration helps maintain energy levels, supports muscle function, and aids metabolism during this critical stage of development.

Children aged 4 to 8

Young children need consistent hydration to support growth and development.
Dr Webster advises that children in this age range should drink around 1.2 liters of water per day, which equals roughly six to eight small glasses.

Hydration at this stage supports brain function, digestion, and temperature regulation. Because children may not always recognize thirst, regular reminders are important.

Children need to be drinking around 1.2 liters of water a day.
Children need to be drinking around 1.2 liters of water a day (Getty Stock Images)

Adults under 60

Hydration becomes especially important in adulthood as work, exercise, and stress increase demands on the body.

Women under 60 are generally advised to drink around 1.6 liters per day, while men should aim for about 2 liters.

Dr Webster notes that proper hydration supports kidney function, concentration, and temperature control. However, individual needs may rise with exercise, hot climates, or diets high in salt or protein.

Adults over 60 and dehydration risk

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration.
As people age, the body’s thirst response becomes less sensitive, meaning they may not feel thirsty even when fluid levels are low.

Experts recommend adults over 60 continue to aim for 1.6 to 2 liters per day, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.

The Mayo Clinic warns that common signs of dehydration include dark urine, reduced urination, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched.

Adults need to be drinking the most water.
Adults need to be drinking the most water (Getty Stock Images)

Factors that affect individual needs

Water requirements aren’t fixed. Exercise, illness, medication, alcohol intake, and even diet all influence hydration levels.

Foods with high water content — such as fruits, vegetables, and soups — contribute to fluid intake. At the same time, caffeine and alcohol can increase fluid loss if consumed in excess.

Listening to the body and maintaining regular water intake throughout the day is often more effective than relying on thirst alone.

Making water a daily habit

Health experts suggest keeping water easily accessible, pairing drinking water with daily routines, and choosing water over sugary drinks whenever possible.

Small changes can make a noticeable difference in energy, focus, and overall wellbeing.

While exact needs vary, staying consistently hydrated is one of the simplest steps people can take to support long-term health.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Food and Drink, Health, Life

Colon Cancer Deaths Rising in People Under 50

A worrying exception to progress

Cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over the past few decades.
Earlier detection, better treatments, and declining smoking rates have saved millions of lives.

But scientists say one type of cancer is moving in the opposite direction — and it’s affecting younger people.

New research shows that while deaths from most cancers are falling, colon cancer is becoming more deadly for people under the age of 50.
In fact, it is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in this age group.

That shift marks a sharp break from decades of progress in cancer care.

Colon cancer is much harder to treat if not detected early.
Colon cancer is much harder to treat if not detected early (Getty Stock Images)

What the data shows

According to a recent report from the American Cancer Society, overall cancer death rates among under-50s dropped by 44 percent between 1990 and 2023.

Four of the five deadliest cancers in younger adults followed that downward trend.
Colorectal cancer did not.

Instead, deaths from colon and rectal cancers have increased by roughly two percent per year, quietly reshaping cancer risk for younger generations.

From fifth place to the deadliest

In 1990, colorectal cancer ranked fifth among cancer deaths in people under 50.
Today, it sits at the top.

It is now the leading cause of cancer death in younger men and the second-leading cause in younger women, behind breast cancer — despite long being considered a disease of older age.

That matters because many younger patients, and even some clinicians, don’t initially suspect cancer.

Bloating and blood in your stool are among the most common signs of colorectal cancer.
Bloating and blood in your stool are among the most common signs of colorectal cancer (Getty Stock Images)

Why younger patients are at higher risk

One major factor is delayed diagnosis.
Routine screening for colorectal cancer typically begins at age 45, even after guidelines were lowered in response to rising cases.

People under that threshold are less likely to be screened and more likely to dismiss symptoms.

Bloating, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits are often attributed to stress, diet, or conditions like IBS, rather than cancer.

What experts are saying

Gastrointestinal cancer specialist Jeff Meyerhardt told Scientific American that colorectal cancer has long been viewed as a cancer of aging.

“That assumption held for decades,” he said, “until more recently.”

The concern now is that tumors in younger patients may go unnoticed for years before diagnosis.

How early does the disease begin?

Researchers are also questioning how colorectal cancer develops so early in life.
For someone diagnosed in their early 20s, scientists estimate precancerous growths may have started in childhood.

Andrea Cercek, co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer, says that possibility is driving urgent research.

“If a 22-year-old has cancer, that process likely began when they were a child,” she explained.

Possible causes under investigation

There is no single confirmed cause for the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer.
Researchers are examining several large-scale changes over the past 30 years.

These include diet, physical inactivity, obesity, antibiotic use, gut microbiome changes, and environmental exposures such as microplastics.

What’s often overlooked is that these factors may interact over time, accelerating disease development in younger bodies.

More people under the age of 50 are dying from colorectal cancers.
More people under the age of 50 are dying from colorectal cancers (Getty Stock Images)

Why awareness matters now

Survival outcomes for young adults with colorectal cancer can be life-altering, physically and emotionally.
Late diagnosis often means more aggressive treatment and reduced quality of life.

Experts stress that recognizing symptoms early remains the most effective way to reverse the trend.

The earlier colorectal cancer is found, the more treatable it becomes.

What younger people should know

Doctors urge anyone — regardless of age — to seek medical advice for persistent bowel changes, unexplained bleeding, ongoing bloating, or abdominal pain.

These symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer.
But ignoring them has become increasingly risky.

As scientists continue searching for answers, awareness may be the most powerful tool currently available.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Cancer, Health, Science, Colon cancer

Medical Expert Warns Belly Fat Isn’t Just Weight Gain

Why belly fat deserves attention

After the festive season, many people notice extra weight around their middle.
For most, it feels like a temporary inconvenience. But doctors say belly fat can mean much more than just a change in appearance.

A growing body of medical evidence suggests that weight carried around the abdomen may be linked to serious health risks that aren’t always visible on the surface.

Weight loss is often framed around aesthetics.
Abs, beach bodies, and clothing sizes dominate the conversation.

But according to Dr Amir Khan, focusing purely on looks misses the real issue.
The goal, he says, should be better health — not chasing an ideal body shape.

Not all fat behaves the same way in the body.
Dr Khan explains there are two main types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.

Subcutaneous fat sits just beneath the skin.
It’s the type you can pinch and is generally less harmful.

Visceral fat, however, is stored deeper in the abdomen, wrapped around vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines.

Losing weight around our abdomen in particular can have huge health benefits.
Losing weight around our abdomen in particular can have huge health benefits (Getty Stock)

Why visceral fat is more dangerous

Visceral fat is strongly linked to metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Higher levels are associated with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and increased inflammation in the body.

What’s often overlooked is that someone can appear slim overall but still carry high levels of visceral fat, particularly around the stomach.

That matters because visceral fat interferes with how the body regulates blood sugar, hormones, and cholesterol.

Dr Khan warns that belly fat can be an external sign of internal stress on the body.
Excess abdominal fat may indicate insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, or elevated cardiovascular risk — even before symptoms appear.

This makes belly fat less about appearance and more about long-term health outcomes.

While visceral fat poses greater risks, it also responds more quickly to lifestyle changes.
Dr Khan notes that this type of fat is metabolised faster than subcutaneous fat.

Because it’s more biologically active, the body can reduce visceral fat relatively quickly through improved movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.

What helps reduce abdominal fat

According to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, reducing visceral fat typically involves a combination of habits rather than a single solution.

Regular physical activity that raises heart rate is key.
Strength training also plays a role by improving muscle mass and metabolic health.

Nutrition matters as well.
Balanced meals, reduced ultra-processed foods, and limiting alcohol intake are all linked to lower abdominal fat levels.

Quality sleep and stress reduction are also important.
Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can promote fat storage around the midsection.

Doctors stress that the aim shouldn’t be rapid weight loss or extreme dieting.
Instead, sustainable habits that support overall health tend to deliver the most meaningful results.

What’s often overlooked is that improving metabolic health can happen even without dramatic changes on the scale.

Small reductions in visceral fat can significantly lower disease risk over time.

When to seek medical advice

Carrying belly fat doesn’t automatically mean someone is unhealthy.
But sudden changes in weight distribution, combined with fatigue, blood sugar issues, or a family history of metabolic disease, may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Early awareness allows people to take preventative steps long before serious illness develops.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock

Topics: Health, Instagram, Weight loss

Doctor Reveals 5 Cancer Symptoms Often Mistaken for Other Illnesses

Why bowel cancer symptoms are frequently missed

Many people assume cancer symptoms are always obvious.
In reality, some of the most common warning signs are easy to dismiss as everyday health problems.

That misunderstanding can delay diagnosis, and doctors say it’s happening more often than many realise.

Awareness of bowel cancer has improved over the decades, helping survival rates overall.
However, diagnoses among people under 50 are rising, according to data from the American Cancer Society.

At the same time, surveys suggest around one in three adults struggle to recognise early symptoms, increasing the risk of late detection.

35 percent of people fail to recognize bowel cancer symptoms.
35 percent of people fail to recognize bowel cancer symptoms (Getty Stock Images)

Changes in bowel habits

A shift in how often you go to the toilet, or how your stools look, can seem harmless.
Many people put it down to diet, stress, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Doctors warn that ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling like your bowel hasn’t fully emptied should not be ignored, especially if it lasts several weeks.

Blood in your stool

Seeing blood can be alarming, but it’s often brushed off as piles or small tears.
While those causes are common, blood in the stool can also be a sign of bowel cancer.

Medical professionals stress that any unexplained bleeding should be checked, even if there is no pain.

A change in bowel habits could be a warning sign for cancer.
A change in bowel habits could be a warning sign for cancer (Getty Stock Images)

Persistent bloating

Bloating is extremely common and usually linked to digestion or hormonal changes.
That’s why it’s often overlooked as a potential warning sign.

Experts say persistent, unexplained bloating that doesn’t come and go may need further investigation, particularly if it’s new or worsening over time.

Prolonged fatigue

Feeling tired is easy to explain away in a busy life.
Poor sleep, stress, or diet are usually blamed first.

However, bowel cancer can cause internal bleeding that leads to anaemia, leaving people feeling constantly exhausted even after rest.

Bowel cancer can cause fatigue due to anaemia.
Bowel cancer can cause fatigue due to anaemia (Getty Stock Images)

Unexplained weight loss

Weight changes can happen for many reasons.
But losing weight without changing diet, exercise, or routine is considered a red flag.

Doctors say unexplained weight loss can signal several serious conditions, including bowel cancer, and should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Why early detection matters

In its earliest stages, bowel cancer may cause only mild or vague symptoms.
That makes awareness crucial.

Spotting changes early gives doctors more treatment options and significantly improves outcomes. What’s often overlooked is that acting on small symptoms can make a life-saving difference.

When to seek medical advice

Health experts encourage people to trust their instincts.
If something feels unusual, persistent, or out of character, it’s worth booking a GP appointment.

No symptom is too minor to mention, and doctors stress that early conversations can prevent far more serious problems later on.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/AndreyPopov

Topics: Health, Cancer, Life

Popular Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Rise in Rare ‘Sailor’ Disease

Weight loss injections have transformed how millions manage their weight.
But doctors and nutrition experts are now raising concerns about an unexpected side effect tied to these drugs: the return of scurvy.

Once associated with pirates and long sea voyages, the vitamin deficiency disease is reportedly appearing more often in modern clinical settings.

A centuries-old condition making a comeback

Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet.
Historically, it affected sailors who went months without fresh fruit or vegetables.

Now, experts suggest appetite suppression linked to GLP-1 weight loss drugs may be creating similar nutritional gaps in some users.

Weight loss drugs are now widely used

GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have become increasingly common across the UK, US, and Australia.
Data from University College London suggests around 1.6 million people in Britain used weight loss injections in the past year alone.

A separate poll from KFF found that one in eight adults had used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss at the time of the survey.

Scurvy can cause someone's gums to bleed.
Scurvy can cause someone’s gums to bleed (Getty Stock)

How scurvy develops

According to the Mayo Clinic, scurvy occurs when people do not consume enough vitamin C over time.
The vitamin plays a vital role in tissue repair, immune health, and collagen production.

Without it, the body begins to break down in noticeable ways.

Symptoms doctors are seeing

Early signs of scurvy can be subtle, which makes it easy to miss.
Common symptoms include fatigue, anemia, and joint pain.

As the condition progresses, patients may experience bleeding gums, loose teeth, rough skin, swelling in the legs, and wounds that reopen after healing.

In severe cases, untreated scurvy can become life-threatening.

Why GLP-1 drugs may increase the risk

Nutrition experts say the issue is not the medication itself, but what happens to eating habits afterward.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to reduce appetite, which can lead to people eating far less overall.

Professor Clare Collins, a nutrition and dietetics specialist at Newcastle University, reviewed dozens of weight loss drug trials and found that dietary intake was rarely tracked.
She warned that weight loss does not automatically mean someone is well-nourished.

“What’s often overlooked is how these medications change what people actually eat,” she said in interviews with Australian media.
“If fruit and vegetables drop out of the diet, deficiencies can follow.”

A high-profile example

Singer Robbie Williams publicly revealed last year that he was diagnosed with scurvy while taking weight loss medication.
He said his appetite dropped so dramatically that he stopped eating balanced meals altogether.

The musician described the condition as “a 17th-century pirate disease,” highlighting how unexpected the diagnosis felt.

Health data suggests Williams is not alone.
UK figures indicate scurvy cases have increased by around 25 percent since 2007.

Robbie Williams revealed last year that he'd been diagnosed with scurvy.
Robbie Williams revealed last year that he’d been diagnosed with scurvy (Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

What drug makers are saying

Pharmaceutical companies stress that scurvy is not a listed side effect of GLP-1 medications.
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk said patient safety remains a priority and encouraged anyone experiencing adverse effects to report them through official monitoring systems.

The company also noted that Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss.

Eli Lilly, which manufactures Mounjaro, has also been contacted for comment.

Why nutrition still matters

Experts agree the findings do not mean people should automatically stop taking prescribed medication.
Instead, they emphasize the importance of monitoring diet quality alongside weight loss.

That matters because reduced calorie intake without proper planning can quietly lead to deficiencies, even in people who appear otherwise healthy.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock

Topics: Health, News, Weight loss

Nipah Virus Expert Explains Whether It Could Become the Next Covid

As airport screening measures reminiscent of the early Covid-19 days return in parts of Asia, concern is growing about a virus many people had never heard of until recently.

The focus is the Nipah virus, a rare but highly lethal disease that has prompted heightened surveillance after confirmed cases in eastern India. While the fatality rate is alarming, experts say the virus behaves very differently from Covid-19.

Why Nipah virus is back in the spotlight

Thailand, Taiwan, and Nepal have introduced screening measures for travelers after cases were reported in West Bengal, India. The Indian government initially reported five possible cases before confirming the number was two.

Both cases involved nurses who had worked together at a private hospital in late December. They became unwell soon after and were admitted to intensive care in early January, with one reportedly in critical condition.

The developments have sparked public anxiety, especially given the global trauma left by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nipah virus is transmitted to humans via bats.
Nipah virus is transmitted to humans via bats (Arnun Chonmahatrakool/Thai News Pix/LightRocket via Getty Images)

What makes Nipah virus so dangerous

Nipah virus is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are the primary natural hosts, and human infections often occur through contaminated food or direct contact.

In parts of India and Bangladesh, infections have frequently been linked to people drinking raw date palm sap, a seasonal delicacy that can become contaminated by bats during winter months.

Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. In more severe cases, the virus can affect the brain and lungs, leading to life-threatening complications.

A fatality rate that raises alarm

What makes Nipah particularly concerning is its fatality rate. Experts estimate that infections contracted directly from bats can be fatal in up to 90 percent of cases.

When the virus spreads from person to person, the fatality rate is lower but still significant, ranging between 40 and 50 percent. There is currently no specific cure or antiviral treatment, with care focused on managing symptoms and complications.

The Nipah virus can also spread from person to person.
The Nipah virus can also spread from person to person (NIH-NIAID/Image Point FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Could Nipah become the next Covid?

Despite these figures, experts stress that Nipah is very unlikely to cause a Covid-style global pandemic.

Dr. Emily Gurley, a professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University and a member of the World Health Organization’s Nipah Virus Taskforce, says the virus is not easily transmissible.

Based on data from past outbreaks, each infected person passes the virus to an average of just 0.3 other people. In most cases, infected individuals do not transmit the virus to anyone else.

How transmission compares to Covid-19

This is a crucial difference from Covid-19. For comparison, estimates from health authorities suggest coronavirus had an average transmission rate close to or above one, allowing outbreaks to grow rapidly.

Dr. Gurley explains that while occasional clusters can occur when one person infects several others, these situations typically resolve on their own rather than expanding into sustained outbreaks.

“That’s what we’ve always seen with Nipah,” she notes. “The outbreak eventually ends.”

Thailand is among the countries introducing Covid-style measures at airports.
Thailand is among the countries introducing Covid-style measures at airports (Suvarnabhumi Airport/Facebook)

Why airports are still taking precautions

Health officials say airport screening measures are a precaution rather than a signal of imminent global risk. These steps are designed to identify potential cases early and prevent wider spread, particularly given the virus’s severity.

Experts emphasize that vigilance is important, especially in healthcare settings and regions where human-to-human transmission has occurred before.

A virus to watch, not panic over

Dr. Gurley adds that the situation would only change if the virus evolved to become significantly more transmissible. At present, there is no evidence that this has happened.

For now, specialists say Nipah remains a serious but contained threat — one that requires monitoring, not fear.

Health Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals or official health authorities for guidance on infectious diseases or symptoms.

Featured Image Credit: Suvarnabhumi Airport/Facebook

Topics: Health, World News, India