There are 3.2 million new cases of colon cancer every year, with a prediction of 1.6 million fatalities each year by 2040, reveals the World Health Organization (WHO). Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is one of the most deadly tumors in the world. Early detection and prophylactic treatment are essential because HPV is currently the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Why Colonoscopy Matters

Dr. Emmanuel Aguh, who is a US-based physician, highlighted that a simple colonoscopy can actually save lives. The procedure offers direct visualization and real-time imaging of the colon and rectum, enabling doctors to identify abnormalities while they are still treatable.

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“Colonoscopies may sound intimidating, but they can catch colon cancer at its earliest stage, giving patients the best chance of survival. More importantly, the test allows doctors to remove precancerous polyps before they ever turn into cancer,” Dr. Aguh explained in a recent post.

Unlike other diagnostic techniques, a colonoscopy combines detection and prevention. In addition to helping identify current problems, early excision of abnormal growths lowers future dangers.

How to overcome the fear of colonoscopy?

The thought of undergoing a colonoscopy could be scary for some people, as it could trigger anxiety. However, Dr Aguh reassured patients that the procedure is performed under sedation. It makes the process painless.

“The idea of a colonoscopy can be intimidating, but here’s the truth: the procedure itself is done under sedation. You go to sleep, and when you wake up, it’s over. Yes, there may be some temporary discomfort, but it is a small price to pay for something that could save your life,” he explained.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopic technique used specifically to examine the large intestine, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. In the process, an endoscope is used, which is a flexible tube with a lighted camera that is moved across the colon after being cautiously entered through the rectum.

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The device then transmits images of the intestinal lining to a screen as it passes, allowing the clinician to detect polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or abnormal growths. If anomalies are found, the doctor can remove polyps immediately or take tissue samples for further examination.

Since a colonoscopy may detect and cure the disease in a single session, it is a useful preventive measure. Experts caution that colon cancer may develop silently and without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. As a result, screening is thought to be the best method of illness prevention.

What is the right time to get a colonoscopy?

Dr. Aguh recommends beginning as early as age 30, especially for those at higher risk.

You may be due for a colonoscopy if you:

• Are over 30 years old and have never had one.
• Have not undergone screening in the past 10 years.
• Had polyps or abnormal tissue removed during a previous colonoscopy.
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
• Carry genetic conditions that increase risk, such as Lynch syndrome.
• Suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Since colorectal cancer often progresses without obvious signs until it is advanced, screening becomes a crucial safeguard, even if you feel healthy.

As Dr. Aguh puts it: “It may feel uncomfortable to think about, but a colonoscopy is a short, safe procedure that can protect you from a disease that claims millions of lives every year. Don’t wait for symptoms, screening is the best step toward saving your life.”

Thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the cases of polio have decreased by more than 99%, notes the World Health Organization (WHO), however, spread of wild poliovirus sill remain a threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the news, polio is back again, with another country joining the link - Nigeria.

Both Pakistan and Nigeria reported three new cases of polio as per the GPEI.

Polio Cases In Pakistan

Three cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is reported in Sindh. The case also had first experienced paralysis in August. So far, Pakistan has reported a total of 29 polio cases this year, confirmed the National Institute of Health (NIH). Two of the bases have been reported in Singh's Badin and Thatta district, as confirmed by a press release.

In an effort to curb down the numbers, the release said that a sub-national polio vaccination campaign was also conducted across 88 districts of the country, which also included Badin and Thatta.

Polio Cases In Nigeria

Nigeria also reported three circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) this week from Borno, Kebbi, and Zamfara states. The cases from May and July also reported in paralysis. This year, Nigeria reported a total of 35 cases. Nigeria is also trying to curb down the cases, here local women have stepped in to fight against polio. Aljazeera reports that women set out for a day with a cooler box, "inside are oral polio vaccines packed in ice".

While Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus by the WHO in 2020, the cases did not vanish fully.

What Is Polio?

The WHO notes that it is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in matter of hours. The virus is transmitted by person to person spread mainly through the fecal-oral route, or less frequently, by a common vehicle, which could be either from contaminated food or water. The virus also multiplies in the intestine.

NIH notes that the virus responsible for causing Polio belongs to the Picornaviridae family.

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Common Symptoms of Polio

The NIH notes that the maximum excretion of the virus is seen in 2 to 3 days prior and 1 week after appearance of symptoms. The spread is especially rapid in areas with poor sanitation, and among the nonimmune population. The rise in cases could be seen in summer months and temperate regions.

As per the WHO, the common Polio symptoms are:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Stiffness of the neck a
• Pain in the limbs

The WHO also notes that 1 in 200 infections leads to intervisible paralysis, usually in legs, and among 5 to 10% of those paralysed do not survive.

Who Are Most At The Risk Of Polio?

As per the WHO, Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age, however, it can happen to anyone of any age who is unvaccinated and may have come in contract with the disease.

Is There Any Cure For Polio?

While there is no cure for Polio, it can very well be prevented. Polio vaccines, which can be administered multiple times, can protect a child for life. There are two vaccines available:

• Oral Polio Vaccine
• Inactivated Polio Vaccines

True Fru product recall: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Tru Fru, LLC is voluntarily recalling certain Tru Fru freeze-dried products due to the possible presence of metal. The recall was prompted by Georgia Nut Company, which manufactures these products for Tru Fru, after a customer raised concerns.

Tru Fru produces chocolate-covered fruit snacks, including freeze-dried and frozen fruits like strawberries, bananas, and pineapple, coated in dark, milk, or white chocolate, and some varieties with peanut butter.

True Fru Product Recall: How To Recognize the Recalled Items?

The FDA published the recall notice on September 29, 2025. It covers specific batches of Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate and Strawberries & Crème, available at major retailers nationwide, including Albertson’s, CVS, Food Lion, H-E-B, Hungryroot, Ingles Markets, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s, and Target, as per All Recipes.

To check if your product is affected, look for the 10-digit manufacturing code on the back of the package. The first four characters of the code identify the recalled batches.

Affected Products Include:

1) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate (3.4 oz)

UPC: 850048358270 | Item #: 10300458

Manufacturing codes starting with: 517B–532B (see full list above)

2) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate (1.7 oz)

UPC: 850048358331 | Item #: 10300442

Manufacturing codes starting with: 514A–526A

3) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate (13 oz)

UPC: 850048358379 | Item #: 10300474

Manufacturing codes starting with: 515A–516C

4) Tru Fru Freeze-Dried Strawberries & Crème (3.4 oz)

UPC: 850048358249 | Item #: 10300455

Manufacturing codes starting with: 520B–524E

True Fru Product Recall: What Did The Company Say?

The company warned that hard or sharp foreign objects in their food products could cause injuries, including cuts or punctures to the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach, or intestines, as well as damage to teeth and gums. The recall affects products distributed across the U.S. at major retailers such as Albertson’s, CVS, Food Lion, H-E-B, Hungryroot, Ingles Markets, Kroger, Stew Leonard’s, and Target. The recall was prompted by a customer report, and so far, no injuries or illnesses have been reported according to the FDA.

True Fru Product Recall: What to Do If You Have A Recalled Product?

Do not eat any of the recalled items. They should be discarded immediately. Customers seeking compensation can fill out Tru Fru’s online form to receive a coupon. No injuries have been reported so far, but if you have any concerns, contact your doctor. Swallowing metal pieces can cause cuts or tears in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines, and can damage teeth or gums.

Tru Fru is not the only recent recall due to foreign object risks. The USDA recently issued a health alert for a ready-to-eat pasta meal sold at Walmart because of possible listeria contamination.

The recalled product is Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs and Marinara Sauce, sold in 2 oz plastic trays. The affected “best if used by” dates are September 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, and October 1, 2025. These were sold nationwide at Walmart. Consumers are advised not to eat the pasta and should either throw it away or return it for a full refund.

The province of Alberta has reported its first death linked to measles since the highly contagious virus resurfaced in Canada. An infant died shortly after birth when the mother had contracted measles during pregnancy. This tragic event follows a similar case in Ontario in June. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange called the loss "heartbreaking" and urged the public to take protective steps, emphasizing the extreme risks posed by measles to certain groups.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) explains that measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. This virus lives in the mucus found in a sick person's nose and throat.

Measles spreads very easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Up to 90% of people nearby who haven't had the vaccine will likely get infected. A sick person can spread measles to others starting four days before the rash appears and for four days after it appears.

Are Measles Cases Rising?

According to the Government of Alberta, measles is back, and it's spreading quickly. Since March, there have been nearly 2,000 cases reported in Alberta. This is a huge number for a disease that was supposed to be gone from the country since 1998.

Most of the sickness is happening in the southern and northern parts of Alberta. More than 150 people have been so sick they needed to be admitted to the hospital. Out of those, 15 people needed care in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Who is Getting Infected With Measles?

The vast majority of the people who have gotten sick are children and teenagers. The data shows that 89% of those infected had not been vaccinated against measles. Measles spreads so easily that just one sick person can infect up to 18 people who haven't had their shots.

How Serious Is Measles?

The NFID explains that about 1 out of 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will need to be hospitalized. This risk is highest for children under age five.

• 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will get brain swelling, which can cause permanent brain damage.
• As many as 1 out of 20 children with measles will get a serious lung infection called pneumonia.
• Sadly, 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 people who get measles will die.

The number of cases has been high recently. As of October 2025, there have been 1,544 confirmed cases across 42 US states, with three confirmed deaths. This is the highest number of cases since the disease was eliminated (gotten rid of) in the U.S. in the year 2000. Most of these recent cases (92%) were in people who were not vaccinated.

Measles Symptoms and Immune System Risk

Measles is one of the easiest viruses to catch because it travels through the air. You can get it just by breathing the air near a sick person.

The symptoms to watch for are:

• A very high fever.
• A cough, a runny nose, or red, watery eyes.
• A classic rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body.

Measles can give your immune system "amnesia," which means it wipes out the memory of old infections. You become vulnerable again to common sicknesses like the flu or colds that you had already fought off and beaten in the past. This makes you more likely to get seriously ill from other things for months or even years after you recover from the measles.

How Can You Prevent Measles?

The best defense against measles is the vaccine. The shot is very good at stopping the infection and is free in Alberta.

Before Getting Pregnant

If you are planning to have a baby, you should make sure you have had two doses of the measles vaccine before you get pregnant. You cannot get the shot while pregnant.

Check Your Status

If you don't know if you've been vaccinated, you can call 811 (Health Link) for free information.