For Staff Sergeant Melissa Hay, service wasn’t just a career—it was legacy. Born into a long line of military personnel—her parents, her husband, even ancestors from the Civil War—joining the United States Air Force felt like a natural rite of passage. As an award-winning broadcast journalist stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Melissa was living her dream. But beneath her decorated exterior and broadcast smile, something far more insidious was taking root inside her body.

As her Air Force career progressed, Melissa found herself wrestling with inexplicable physical ailments. Fatigue. Chronic stomach pain. An inability to sweat. Burning sensations in her hands and feet. These weren’t isolated incidents—they were daily battles that made fulfilling her duties increasingly difficult.

Despite the evident impact on her performance, her symptoms were dismissed. “If you can’t meet your PT standards,” she recalls, “there are consequences.” In the rigid structure of military expectations, unexplained health issues were often seen not as cause for concern but as personal failings.

“I was being punished for something my body wouldn’t let me do,” she says. “All I wanted was to serve my country. And instead, I was being judged for what looked like underperformance.”

Melissa’s persistence eventually led her to question whether something deeper was at play—something that had haunted her family. Her father had died of Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting the body’s ability to break down a specific type of fat. The disease stems from a deficiency in an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase A, which causes cellular buildup and, over time, leads to severe organ dysfunction.

Melissa suspected that the undiagnosed condition impairing her life might be the same one that killed her father. But when she approached her primary care physician with her concerns and requested testing, she was met with dismissal.

“She looked it up on Google and told me I couldn’t have it—because, supposedly, both parents needed to be carriers. I had to insist she refer me anyway,” Melissa recalls.

Two days later, she had her answer- Melissa had Fabry disease.

For many patients with rare diseases, the path to diagnosis is often the hardest step. Fabry disease can mimic more common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or chronic fatigue, often leaving patients undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

Women, in particular, are frequently misled. Though often labeled as "carriers," many females with Fabry suffer full-blown symptoms, just like men—only without the same medical attention.

“I was told I wouldn’t suffer like my dad. That I wouldn’t feel what he felt,” she says. “But my body told a different story.”

Her diagnosis brought a mix of emotions—anger for the years spent fighting an unseen enemy, but also relief. She could now receive appropriate medical support and preserve her military career.

Melissa began enzyme replacement therapy in 2014, a bi-weekly infusion designed to slow disease progression. Another treatment option, oral migalastat, is available to certain patients. But neither treatment can reverse the damage already done.

“The therapy helps, but it’s not a cure,” she explains. “Early detection is everything.”

Thanks to improved access to genetic testing, physicians like Dr. William Warnock and Dr. Wallace at UAB are now diagnosing patients earlier, especially women who were once overlooked. “The prognosis today is more optimistic than ever,” Dr. Warnock says. “If we start early, we can drastically improve quality—and quantity—of life.”

Melissa’s biggest fear was passing Fabry disease on to her child. The inheritance pattern is clear: if a woman has the disease, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. The stakes are higher for boys, who often experience more severe symptoms and a reduced life expectancy.

“When I found out I was pregnant in 2017, I was elated—and terrified,” she says. Newborn screenings didn’t include Fabry testing. So when her son was four months old, she insisted on early screening.

The results brought overwhelming relief: her son did not have Fabry disease.

“I still live with the disease,” she says, “but knowing my son won’t—that was freedom.”

Today, Melissa’s life is marked by intention. From biweekly treatments to family outings at their local VFW-post-turned-brewery, she is reclaiming her narrative.

“I’m aware of what I’m putting into my body. I know what I need to feel good. And I’m living with hope.”

Melissa continues to serve—not in uniform, but as an advocate for rare disease awareness, women’s health, and veteran support. Her story is a testament to perseverance, self-advocacy, and the power of pushing for answers when no one else is listening.

Thanks to advancements in genetic testing, expanded clinical trials, and increased awareness, the future for Fabry patients looks increasingly hopeful. But Melissa knows that early detection remains the linchpin.

“I’ve got doctors who believe me. A family that supports me. A son who’s healthy. And a career I was able to leave on my terms,” she says.

For Melissa Hay, living with Fabry disease hasn’t meant giving up her identity—it’s meant finding new strength in it.

What Is Fabry Disease?

Fabry disease is a rare, inherited genetic disorder categorized as a lysosomal storage disorder. It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of a crucial enzyme called alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-GAL). This enzyme is responsible for breaking down sphingolipids—fat-like substances that, when not processed properly, accumulate in blood vessels and tissues. Over time, this buildup causes damage to vital organs including the heart, kidneys, brain, central nervous system, and skin.

What Are the Symptoms of Fabry Disease?

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Males typically experience more pronounced symptoms than females. These include:

• Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in hands and feet
• Severe pain during physical activity
• Sensitivity to temperature (heat or cold intolerance)
• Cornea verticillata (a specific eye abnormality detectable via slit-lamp exam)
• Dizziness
• Fatigue, fever, and general flu-like symptoms
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain
• Hearing loss or persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Proteinuria (elevated protein levels in urine)
• Angiokeratomas (dark, raised skin lesions on chest, back, or genital area)
• Reduced or absent sweating (hypohidrosis or anhidrosis)
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet (edema)

What Causes Fabry Disease?

The root cause is a mutation in the GLA gene, which instructs the body to produce the alpha-GAL enzyme. When this gene is defective, the enzyme isn’t produced in sufficient quantities, allowing harmful fatty substances to build up in the body, leading to progressive organ damage.

In a landmark decision, U.S. health officials on Friday approved the first blood test designed to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially transforming the way the memory-destroying illness is detected and treated.

How the New Blood Test Works

The newly approved test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc., is designed for patients aged 55 and older who are experiencing early symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness or confusion. The test detects the presence of beta-amyloid, a sticky protein that builds up into plaques in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Until now, confirming the presence of amyloid plaques has required invasive spinal taps or expensive PET scans, both of which are limited in availability. This blood test offers a far more accessible and less invasive option.

What Is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out even simple tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of dementia cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. The condition begins with mild memory loss and can lead to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Changes in the brain often begin years before symptoms appear.

More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and the number is expected to rise significantly as the population ages. Worldwide, the disease affects an estimated 55 million people with dementia, according to WHO figures.

Expanding Access to New Treatments

The test’s approval is also expected to broaden the use of recently approved Alzheimer’s drugs such as Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab). These drugs work by targeting and helping to clear beta-amyloid plaques from the brain. However, before treatment can begin, doctors must confirm amyloid buildup.

With the new test, that confirmation could come from a simple blood draw rather than more complex procedures. According to Dr. Michelle Tarver, deputy director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, “Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”

Only for Symptomatic Patients

It’s important to note that the test is not designed for widespread screening or for people who don’t yet show symptoms. It must be ordered by a physician and used in conjunction with other clinical evaluations. The goal is to support doctors in distinguishing Alzheimer’s from other conditions that can cause memory loss or cognitive problems, such as vitamin deficiencies, depression, or stroke.

Concerns Over Unregulated Tests

For several years, some specialized labs have offered their own amyloid tests without FDA oversight. These tests varied in quality and were typically not covered by insurance, leading to a confusing and unregulated marketplace that some experts have described as a “wild west” of Alzheimer’s diagnostics.

The new approval offers a validated option that doctors and patients can trust, paving the way for more standardized care and insurance coverage.

World Hypertension Day is observed every year to raise awareness about high blood pressure—also called hypertension—and its dangers. This global health campaign highlights the risks of uncontrolled blood pressure, encourages regular check-ups, and promotes healthy living to prevent or manage the condition. Hypertension is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, but early detection and proper care can help save lives.

When is it Observed?

World Hypertension Day is marked on May 17 every year. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday—a great opportunity for communities to organize health events, free screenings, and educational drives to spread the message.

Origin

The first World Hypertension Day was held in 2005, started by the World Hypertension League (WHL). This global health group launched the day to bring more attention to the rising problem of hypertension. Over the years, more countries and health organizations have joined the movement to inform people about how to prevent, detect, and treat high blood pressure.

Significance

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mmHg or higher, and/or a diastolic reading of 90 mmHg or higher, on repeated measurements.

The WHO notes, “An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries. Only 1 in 5 people with hypertension have it under control.”

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no clear symptoms but can cause serious harm to the heart, brain, and kidneys. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 1.13 billion people around the world suffer from it—many without knowing. World Hypertension Day aims to:

Raise Awareness: Teach people that high blood pressure can be managed with regular checks and early action.

Prevent Health Problems: Help reduce cases of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure by promoting blood pressure control.

Encourage Healthy Living: Highlight the role of good food, exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, and limiting alcohol.

Improve Healthcare Access: Push for better access to testing and treatment, especially in poorer areas.

Theme

Each year, the day has a theme to focus efforts. The theme for World Hypertension Day 2025 is:

“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”

This theme encourages people to check their blood pressure regularly and take steps to manage it.

Past themes have included:

1. 2024: “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer”
2. 2023: “Blood Pressure: Measurement, Action, and Knowledge”
3. 2022: “Know Your Numbers”

How Can You Take Part?

• Get Checked: Visit a clinic, pharmacy, or use a home monitor to check your blood pressure.
• Spread the Word: Share facts on social media, talk to loved ones, or join awareness events.
• Live Healthy: Start or maintain heart-healthy habits like eating well, moving more, and cutting back on salt and stress.
• Support Change: Advocate for health policies that offer free screenings and affordable treatment for everyone.

As much of the world moves into a new phase of pandemic-era life, COVID-19 itself continues to change, surprise, and endure. Over the past few weeks, Hong Kong and Singapore—two of Asia's most populous and globally connected cities—have seen a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. The increase marks not only a local outbreak but a regional wave sweeping across Asia, reminding health authorities and global onlookers that the virus is an active and volatile force.

Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection has reported a significant increase in virus activity. Albert Au, director of the city's Communicable Disease Branch, said that the rate of respiratory samples that test positive for COVID-19 has reached a one-year high. Public health statistics indicated that severe cases, including deaths, have increased to 31 in the week through May 3—also a near-a-year high. Additionally, a troubling increase in COVID-related medical consultations, hospitalizations, and wastewater viral loads suggest widespread community transmission in the city of 7.4 million individuals.

On the other side of the South China Sea, Singapore is also confronted with the same situation. In its initial report of infection rates in almost a year, the health ministry of city-state reported a 28% rise in weekly cases to 14,200 for the week ending May 3. Hospitalization increased by about 30%, and that was the reason why the government issued an unusual public update, something it only usually does during serious outbreaks. In spite of the surge, Singapore's health officials insist there is no indication that the prevailing variants are more contagious or virulent than previous strains. Nevertheless, waning immunity and greater public mobility could be some of the factors.

What's The New COVID-19 Variant Spreading in 2025?

On a global level, the SARS-CoV-2 virus keeps mutating, and although the initial Omicron strain has vanished, its sublineages have taken over. Within the U.S., for example, LP.8.1 is the variant that today represents 70% of cases, followed by XFC (9%) and XEC (6%). Other Omicron descendant strains such as MC.1.10.1, LB.1.3.1, and LF.7 are also present.

It's worth noting that standard COVID-19 tests will not detect variants. Genomic sequencing alone can identify what particular strain caused a case of infection. These points of data are invaluable for surveillance by public health but are generally not shared at the individual level.

What makes this recent wave so significant is its timing. Historically, respiratory viruses have seasonality—spiking during colder seasons. But COVID-19 just won't follow that trend. The latest increase occurs as the Northern Hemisphere heads into summer, further solidifying COVID-19's transformation into an endemic virus with unpredictable seasonality. Health professionals warn that we can still expect waves of illness regardless of weather conditions.

Hong Kong and Singapore are not the only cities experiencing such a rebound. In mainland China, statistics from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the nation is well on its way to achieving COVID levels comparable to last summer's peak. The hospital patient positivity rate more than doubled over a five-week period through May 4, a measure of widespread transmission.

Thailand, another tourist and cultural destination, has witnessed increases as well. Two cluster outbreaks have been identified in 2025, with a significant surge after the traditional Songkran festival in April, which attracts record crowds and travel.

Guidelines for Global Travel and Public Health

Although the current wave is less lethal than previous stages of the pandemic, it is a stark reminder that COVID-19 is far from being finished. Global air travel hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore are gateways to the region and the world. An increase in cases there might presage more spread in other nations, especially once travel picks up again for summer vacations.

Concert cancellations—such as those of Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan in Taiwan—indicate the virus's disruptive power still exists. While hospitalizations have yet to achieve crisis levels, the strain on health systems and the economy is genuine and escalating.

How to Stay Protected And Vigilant?

As infections increase in various regions of Asia, public health officials are cautioning against complacency. Populations are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant. Booster shots are particularly recommended for high-risk individuals. Fundamental protective practices do not change: have good hand hygiene, host events outdoors, wear masks where public places are crowded, and stay home when you are unwell.

In the U.S., emergency room visits due to COVID decreased 19.5% during the latest reporting week, test positivity remained at 2.9%—below the 5% benchmark for uncontrolled community spread. Yet because most use at-home tests or don't test at all, official tallies probably underestimate actual prevalence.

The current COVID-19 wave sweeping across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the rest of Asia reminds us of a grim reality: the virus remains with us, even though our lives have mostly moved on. Although vaccines, better treatments, and public health interventions continue to offer robust protection, the virus's ability to surprise is still there. The world must keep evolving and responding to new waves, variants, and challenges in an ever-changing pandemic environment.

As the world begins to reopen and the danger recedes from view, it's obvious that COVID-19 has not left the stage—it's just changed costume.