Tag: US News

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms as Death Toll Rises Worldwide

Kidney disease rarely arrives with a dramatic warning. For many people, it builds quietly in the background until daily life starts to change in ways that feel easy to explain away.

That’s one reason health experts keep raising the alarm as chronic kidney disease (CKD) climbs the global rankings of major causes of death. According to the World Health Organization, the top 10 causes of death accounted for more than half of all global deaths in 2021, and kidney disease appeared among them for the first time.

Experts warn it's imperative that the disease is caught early.
Experts warn it’s imperative that the disease is caught early (Getty Stock Image)

What chronic kidney disease actually is

CKD is long-term damage to the kidneys that reduces how well they filter waste and extra fluid from the blood.

When kidney function drops, harmful waste and fluid can build up in the body. Over time, that can contribute to serious complications, including cardiovascular problems, and can become life-threatening.

Public health agencies like the CDC also warn that many people live with CKD without knowing it, which makes early detection a major challenge.

Why early symptoms are often missed

In the early stages, CKD may cause no noticeable symptoms at all. Some health authorities note that the body can cope with a significant loss of kidney function before clear signs show up.

That means a diagnosis often happens during blood or urine testing done for another reason. It can feel surprising, especially for people who still feel “fine.”

Your most obvious symptoms might emerge at night.
Your most obvious symptoms might emerge at night (Getty Stock Image)

Subtle changes that can show up first

When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easy to blame on stress, age, or a busy routine.

People may notice fatigue that doesn’t match their sleep, a general sense of low energy, or trouble concentrating. Some report changes in appetite, including eating less than usual or unintentional weight changes.

Sleep can also shift. Some people experience restless sleep or insomnia, while others feel unusually sleepy during the day.

Swelling and fluid retention

One of the more visible warning signs is swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or hands.

This can happen when the body holds onto extra fluid. It may come and go at first, which makes it tempting to ignore, especially if it seems linked to sitting for long periods or hot weather.

Some people also experience shortness of breath, which can have many causes. In CKD, it may relate to fluid balance issues or associated complications.

The feet and other areas of the body can become swollen from water retention.
The feet and other areas of the body can become swollen from water retention (Getty Stock Image)

Changes in urination

Bathroom habits can change as kidney function declines.

Some people notice they urinate more often, especially at night. Others see foamy urine, which can signal protein in the urine, or they may notice blood in the urine.

These changes don’t automatically mean CKD, but they are often listed by health authorities as signs worth taking seriously in a medical setting.

Other symptoms that can develop later

As CKD progresses, symptoms may become harder to ignore.

People may experience nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, itchy skin, or a general feeling of being unwell. Some develop anemia, which can worsen fatigue and weakness.

In advanced stages, the condition can progress to kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease. At that point, treatments may include dialysis or a kidney transplant, depending on the person’s situation.

Dialysis may be required to treat the problem.
Dialysis may be required to treat the problem (Getty Stock Image)

Why risk is rising

Researchers and public health agencies often point to overlapping drivers: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and higher body weight can increase CKD risk. Population aging can also raise overall case numbers because kidney function naturally declines with age for many people.

What’s often overlooked is how “silent” the early phase can be. When a condition hides until it becomes severe, it tends to be diagnosed later and treated later, too.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/m-gucci

Topics: Health, NHS, US News, World News

What Happens When You Quit Sugar for 7 Days, Explained

Cutting back on sugar sounds simple on paper. In real life, it can feel like your body has other ideas.

A new simulation video circulating on YouTube claims the first week without sugar can bring a wave of physical and mental changes, especially for people who are used to sweet snacks, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods as daily staples.

The point isn’t that sugar is “poison,” or that having dessert means you’ve failed. It’s that for some people, going from “a lot” to “none” can be a jolt.

Why quitting sugar can feel harder than expected

Sugar is tied to habit, convenience, and comfort. It shows up in obvious places like candy, soda, and baked goods, but also in foods people don’t always think of as “sweet.”

That matters because many people don’t notice how often they’re reaching for something sugary until they try to stop. The simulation suggests that sudden removal can trigger a short-term crash in mood and energy, which is often what drives people back to old routines.

Trying to cut out sugar can be more difficult than you might think.
Trying to cut out sugar can be more difficult than you might think (Untold_Healing/YouTube)

Days 1–2: cravings, headaches, and mood swings

According to the video, the first 48 hours are the roughest for cravings. This is where people may feel restless, irritable, and unusually tired.

The simulation describes this stage as a withdrawal-like period, with common complaints including headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. Not everyone experiences it, but it’s a pattern that comes up often in personal reports and in discussions around cutting back on highly palatable foods.

Some experts who work in addiction recovery have also noted that people who feel dependent on sugar sometimes report unpleasant early symptoms when they reduce it quickly.

Days 3–4: the “fog” starts to lift

The simulation’s midweek message is more encouraging. By days three and four, it claims many people notice steadier energy and fewer dramatic slumps.

If someone is used to an afternoon crash, the video suggests that pattern may soften once the daily sugar spikes and dips calm down. It also frames this period as one where cravings become less constant, even if they still pop up.

This is also where some people say they start noticing changes in appetite cues—like feeling hungry more gradually, rather than suddenly needing a quick hit of something sweet.

Days 5–7: sleep shifts and visible changes

By the end of the week, the simulation claims people may notice improvements that feel more “whole body” than just appetite.

It suggests sleep quality can improve and sugar cravings can become less intense. The video also claims some people see reduced puffiness and fewer breakouts, framing it as a decrease in inflammation-related effects.

It’s important to treat these as possible experiences, not guarantees. Skin changes, in particular, can be influenced by many factors, including hydration, stress, hormones, and overall diet quality.

Experts have noted common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety and mood swings, as well as having headaches .
Experts have noted common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety and mood swings, as well as having headaches (Untold_Healing/YouTube)

The brain chemistry angle experts talk about

One reason sugar can be tough to cut is how strongly it can reinforce reward patterns.

Some experts point to dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motivation and reward. Highly sweet foods can feel satisfying fast, and that immediate payoff can make the habit stick—especially when someone is stressed, tired, or using food as a coping tool.

That doesn’t mean sugar is inherently “addictive” in the same way as drugs for every person. But it can help explain why some people feel irritable or low when they suddenly remove a big source of daily reward.

What to keep in mind before trying a sugar reset

Health authorities like the CDC and WHO have long emphasized limiting added sugars as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. But “quitting sugar” can mean different things depending on the person.

For some, it means cutting soda and candy. For others, it might mean being more aware of added sugars in packaged foods. And for people with diabetes or other medical conditions, any major dietary change can carry extra considerations.

Featured Image Credit: Untold_Healing/YouTube

Topics: News, US News, Health, Food and Drink

Artist, 95, Dies Through Medical Aid in Switzerland After Saying She Was “Ready to Go”

A New York-based artist known for her distinctive wooden sculptures has died at 95 after choosing medical aid in dying outside the United States.

Jackie Ferrara’s death was confirmed by her estate and legacy adviser, Tina Hejtmanek, who said Ferrara died on Wednesday, October 22, through an assisted-dying process.

Her decision has drawn attention not only because of her age and career, but because Ferrara had recently described herself as being in “good health” while also saying she felt prepared to leave.

Who was Jackie Ferrara?

Ferrara built a reputation for creating sculptural works in wood, often described as precise and quietly powerful.

In recent interviews, she spoke candidly about aging and independence, suggesting she wanted control over what the later years of life looked like for her.

Those close to her described her as direct, practical, and determined—traits that also shaped how she approached her final decision.

Ferrara took her own life through medical aid in dying.
Ferrara took her own life through medical aid in dying (YouTube/Museum of Arts and Design)

Why her death could not happen under most US “MAID” laws

In parts of the United States, medical aid in dying (often shortened to MAID) is legal under strict conditions.

In the jurisdictions that allow it, the standard framework generally requires that a person be terminally ill and expected to live six months or less. Patients must also meet other eligibility requirements and follow a regulated request process.

Ferrara did not describe herself as terminally ill. That meant she would not have qualified under the most common US legal thresholds for medical aid in dying.

Why Switzerland is different

Instead, Ferrara traveled to Basel, Switzerland, to a clinic called Pegasos, according to reporting by PEOPLE.

Assisted dying has been legal in Switzerland for decades, dating back to 1942, and the country is known for allowing assistance under conditions that differ from many other nations. One key point often cited is the distinction between assisted dying and euthanasia: in Switzerland, the final act is typically performed by the person themselves, rather than administered by a clinician.

That legal structure has made Switzerland a destination for some people who do not meet the requirements in their home countries.

Ferrara was in good health.
Ferrara was in good health (YouTube/Museum of Arts and Design)

What Ferrara said about aging and independence

Ferrara’s comments in recent months framed her decision less as a reaction to a medical crisis and more as a personal boundary around dependence.

She reportedly referenced recent falls and the possibility of needing increasing support. In one remark, she said she didn’t want a housekeeper, and suggested she had lived her life on her own terms.

The theme running through her statements was control: not a desire to escape illness, but a desire to avoid a future she felt would reduce her autonomy.

A wider conversation about end-of-life choice

Cases like Ferrara’s tend to reopen a difficult debate: what counts as suffering, and who gets to define it?

Supporters of expanded assisted-dying laws often argue that quality of life and personal dignity should matter alongside medical prognosis. Critics argue that loosening standards risks normalizing death as a response to non-terminal challenges, especially in older age, disability, or social vulnerability.

Ferrara’s situation sits in the middle of that tension, because it does not fit the most familiar public narrative of terminal illness.

Ruth Posner died by assisted suicide earlier this year.
Ruth Posner died by assisted suicide earlier this year (YouTube/GB News)

Another recent assisted-dying case highlighted in the report

The story also referenced Ruth Posner, a Holocaust survivor, who died by assisted suicide in Switzerland earlier in 2025 alongside her 97-year-old husband, Michael.

In that case, the couple reportedly informed family and friends via an email that was scheduled to arrive after their deaths. They described living a long life together and said they felt that declining senses and energy had shifted life from “living” to “existing.”

It was presented as a mutual decision, made without outside pressure.

What happens next

Ferrara’s death is likely to continue prompting questions about how countries draw legal lines around end-of-life options—and how those lines match the realities of aging.

For some, her choice will read as an assertion of independence. For others, it will raise ethical unease about what society signals when a person can seek assisted dying while not terminally ill.

Either way, Ferrara’s story is now part of a broader global debate that shows no sign of settling.

Featured Image Credit: Museum of Arts and Design via YouTube

Topics: Art, World News, US News, Health

Man “Locked In” for Years Shares His Remarkable Comeback

Some stories stop you mid-scroll because they force a simple question: what if you were awake, aware, and still unable to tell anyone?

That’s the reality Martin Pistorius says he lived through for years after a childhood illness changed his life in ways his family never expected.

A childhood illness that spiraled fast

Pistorius was a 12-year-old in South Africa when a sore throat turned into something far more serious.

He was taken to hospital and later diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculosis affecting the brain. Treatments were attempted, but his condition worsened rather than improved.

Over time, he developed what is often described as locked-in syndrome, a rare neurological condition where a person may remain conscious but cannot move or communicate in typical ways.

Martin Pistorius made a miraculous recovery from 'locked-in syndrome', but his fight was an uphill battle.
Martin Pistorius made a miraculous recovery from ‘locked-in syndrome’, but his fight was an uphill battle (Supplied)

When the world assumes you’re not there

For his family and caregivers, the outward signs looked bleak.

Pistorius has described a period where he appeared unresponsive, and the expectations around him narrowed to survival, not recovery. Doctors reportedly told his loved ones his outlook was poor.

But in his own account, the most frightening part was not pain. It was the feeling of being present while everyone else believed he was gone.

He has said it felt like his entire life was managed by other people—what he wore, where he went, what happened next—without any way to protest, agree, or even signal that he understood.

The moment awareness returned, unnoticed

Years later, Pistorius says something shifted.

Around his mid-teens, he became increasingly aware of conversations around him. He could hear people discussing him in real time, including remarks that didn’t match what he felt inside.

One memory he has shared publicly is hearing people talk about facial hair and shaving, while he still felt like a child. The disconnect terrified him. He understood what was being said, yet had no control to respond.

For a long time, those around him did not recognize the change. To the outside world, he still looked the same.

The man has since found love with his wife, with the pair welcoming a son into the world.
The man has since found love with his wife, with the pair welcoming a son into the world (Supplied)

A therapist who noticed “something” others missed

The turning point, according to Pistorius, came years later at a day centre when he met therapist Virna van der Walt.

She noticed signs that suggested he might be more aware than anyone realized. It wasn’t a dramatic medical breakthrough. It was observation, patience, and a willingness to question assumptions.

Van der Walt urged his family to seek an assessment from specialists in augmentative and alternative communication. That step helped confirm he could understand what was happening around him.

Finding a voice through technology

Once the reality of his awareness became clear, the focus shifted to communication.

Pistorius eventually began using a computer-based system designed to help people who can’t speak. Using a head-mounted pointer, he could select letters and words, building sentences slowly but reliably.

It wasn’t instant freedom, but it was a way back into conversation, decision-making, and independence—one selection at a time.

A life rebuilt, piece by piece

Years after being unable to communicate, Pistorius has gone on to achieve milestones many people take for granted, and others consider out of reach.

He has spoken about completing higher education, learning new skills, and building a family life. He later married and became a father.

In messages shared with the public, he has also expressed gratitude to people who supported him through the most isolating years—especially those who treated him as a person first, not a diagnosis.

Pistorius has credited therapist Virna van der Walt for noticing the 'sparkle' in his eye again.
Pistorius has credited therapist Virna van der Walt for noticing the ‘sparkle’ in his eye again (martinpistorius/Instagram)

Why his story still resonates

What’s often overlooked is how easily “unresponsive” can be mistaken for “unaware.”

Pistorius’ experience has become a powerful reminder of why careful assessment, respectful care, and thoughtful communication support can matter so much—especially in cases involving severe neurological illness.

For him, it started with someone noticing a small sign and choosing to follow it. And that choice changed the rest of his life.

Featured Image Credit: Supplied

Topics: Health, US News

Mom and 4-Year-Old Son Diagnosed With Cancer Same Day

Some days split life into “before” and “after.”
For one family in Oregon, that line was drawn in a matter of hours.

Britney McCrae and her four-year-old son, Jamon, were both diagnosed with cancer on the same day — a double blow that left their family trying to process two life-changing medical plans at once.

It started with headaches that wouldn’t let up

Jamon’s symptoms didn’t begin with anything dramatic.

His dad, Jake McCrae, said the four-year-old started complaining of headaches that grew worse over several days. As the pain “ramped up,” his parents decided they couldn’t wait it out.

They took him to the hospital, where doctors ordered an MRI.

That’s when the family got the first shock: the scan revealed a tumor.

Dad Jake described feeling 'helpless' about his loved ones diagnoses.
Dad Jake described feeling ‘helpless’ about his loved ones diagnoses (NewsWatch 12)

A surgery that stretched to 15 hours

The next steps moved quickly.

Jamon underwent surgery that lasted about 15 hours — far longer than the family expected. Jake said doctors initially believed the tumor could be benign, which offered a small sense of relief during an overwhelming moment.

But the real answers came later, when pathology results returned.

The pathology report brought the hardest news

On November 5, the family learned Jamon had an aggressive malignant brain tumor, according to reports cited in the original coverage.

The diagnosis meant the journey wasn’t ending with surgery. It was only beginning.

And then came the second shock — because that same day, Britney had an appointment of her own.

Mom’s diagnosis came within the same hour

While Jamon’s oncology care was being established, Britney learned she also had cancer.

She was diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, a rare group of conditions that can cause tumor growth during pregnancy instead of normal placental development. Medical sources describe it as uncommon, but treatable in many cases, often with chemotherapy.

Jake said their oncology appointments were about an hour apart. One parent was facing a child’s cancer plan, while the other was being given her own.

Britney and Jamon are now both undergoing treatment.
Britney and Jamon are now both undergoing treatment (NewsWatch 12)

Two treatments, one family trying to stay standing

Britney began chemotherapy.

Jamon later underwent a second major surgery on November 17, and the family has said his care plan includes weeks of radiation followed by months of chemotherapy.

The emotional strain is heavy, but the practical strain is just as real. The family is also caring for Jamon’s siblings while balancing hospital time, travel, and time away from work.

“Helpless” is the word the dad keeps coming back to

Jake has described the hardest part as feeling like he can’t fix it.

Not being able to take pain away. Not being able to swap places. Not being able to control what comes next.

It’s a feeling many families recognize — the moment you realize love isn’t the same as protection, even when you would do anything for the people in front of you.

Why this story is hitting people so hard

Cancer stories are never easy to read. But this one lands differently because it happened in such a tight window.

Two diagnoses. One day. A young child and his mom entering treatment at the same time.

And in the middle of it, a family trying to keep life going — meals, bedtime, siblings, hospital updates — while everything else has shifted.

Featured Image Credit: NewsWatch 12

Topics: Cancer, GoFundMe, Health, US News

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

Doctors Issue Warning Over Rare Vision Side Effect Linked to Weight-Loss Drugs

Weight-loss medications have become a defining health trend of recent years. For many patients, they have offered new hope in managing diabetes and reducing weight when other approaches failed.

But doctors are now urging caution after highlighting a rare side effect that could have lasting consequences for a small number of users.

The warning focuses on medications containing semaglutide, a drug widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, weight management. While the overall risk remains low, health authorities say awareness is essential.

Semaglutides have exploded in popularity.
Semaglutides have exploded in popularity (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Why these medications became so popular

Semaglutide-based treatments gained attention for their ability to regulate blood sugar while also reducing appetite. That combination has made them appealing to patients struggling with weight-related health issues.

Although some versions are approved specifically for weight loss, others are officially intended for diabetes treatment. Their off-label use, however, has surged as patients report significant reductions in appetite and body weight.

Experts stress that these medications can be effective when used appropriately and under medical supervision. Still, like all prescription drugs, they are not without potential side effects.

The vision issue doctors are monitoring

The latest concern involves a condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION. It is a disorder that affects blood flow to the optic nerve and can result in sudden vision changes.

Health authorities describe the symptoms as sudden, painless vision loss, often affecting one eye. Some people experience blurred or cloudy vision that can worsen quickly.

A recent study examining patients in several US states found that those affected tended to be older adults, with women representing a slightly higher proportion of cases. In one reported instance, a patient experienced vision problems shortly after beginning treatment.

How common is the risk?

Doctors emphasize that this side effect is rare. Current estimates suggest that roughly one in 10,000 patients taking semaglutide may experience this type of vision complication.

That low figure is important context, according to clinicians. Millions of people worldwide use these medications without developing serious eye problems.

The drugs do have some side effects.
The drugs do have some side effects (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

However, specialists note that even rare risks deserve attention when the potential impact involves permanent vision changes.

What health authorities are advising

Regulatory agencies in the UK and elsewhere have advised patients to remain alert to any sudden changes in eyesight while taking semaglutide-based drugs.

They recommend seeking urgent medical care if vision becomes impaired rapidly or if any unusual visual symptoms appear. Early assessment can help determine whether the symptoms are related to the medication or another underlying condition.

Healthcare professionals are also being encouraged to discuss this potential risk with patients, particularly those who may already have risk factors for eye disease.

Balancing benefits and risks

Drug manufacturers maintain that the overall benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains favorable. They point to extensive safety monitoring and ongoing collaboration with regulators worldwide.

Medical experts generally agree that the medications continue to play an important role in diabetes care and, for some patients, weight management. The key issue is informed use rather than alarm.

What matters most, doctors say, is that patients do not stop or start medications without professional guidance. Sudden changes in treatment can carry their own risks.

What patients should keep in mind

For most people, semaglutide treatments are well tolerated and effective. The newly highlighted side effect does not change that reality for the vast majority of users.

Still, awareness can make a difference. Recognizing early warning signs and maintaining regular medical check-ups allows potential problems to be addressed promptly.

As with any medication, informed decisions, open conversations with healthcare providers, and careful monitoring remain the foundation of safe and effective treatment.

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: Peter Dazeley/Getty

Topics: News, US News, Health, UK News, Ozempic, Drugs