Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Björn Borg, the 11-time Grand Slam champion, a name the world is not unknown from has shocked everyone with his autobiography, where he revealed that he has been living with prostate cancer. His autobiography, Heartbeats is due for release on September 18, however, some of the details from his books were leaked on Thursday.
The details, which has been shared with The Athletic, Borg talks about his life-saving surgery that he had got done a couple years ago. He explained that "there never really was a choice because the cancer turned out to be extremely aggressive".
He reveals that his cancer was picked up because he would self examine regularly even though he did not have the symptoms. He revealed that the operation was necessary because "it turned out I was in the most advanced stage".
He said: "The fear comes and goes. But that's life, isn't it? You never really know what's coming. You just have to make the most of each day."
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As per the National Cancer Institute, USA, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, this is why finding it and treating it before symptoms occur could improve men's health.
The National Health Service (NHS), UK, notes that this affects the prostate gland under the bladder and usually is common among men over 50 years old. The prostate is a small, walnut-size gland under the bladder, which produces a thick, white fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen.
How aggressive the cancer is depends on if it has spread to other parts of the body. However, early diagnosis could help it treat successfully.
The NHS, UK notes that prostate cancer usually do not have signs at first, but it could have certain symptoms later on. The best way is to get regular screenings done to identify early, especially if you are in your late 40s.
Also Read: Olympic Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy Shares His Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer From A Common Shoulder Pain
As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are the symptoms common in prostate cancer. Speak to your doctor if you experience any such symptom:
Another video interview from a couple days ago shows Borg excited about his book launch that he has written with his wife Patricia. He, in the interview, described many near-death experiences and even talked about his cocaine addiction after his early retirement from tennis in his mid-20s.
Read: Can Omega-3-rich Food Slow Prostate Cancer Growth?
However, he is now focused as he calls himself a "family man". He now lives in Stockholm, and regularly spends time in Ibiza. "I have two beautiful sons, Robin and Leo [a pro tennis player once ranked No. 334]. I have two beautiful grandchildren, aged 12 and 10. And I’m kind of a family man, and I want to spend a lot of time with the family. And that’s important for me. Stay involved with tennis, to travel, to watch tennis, to spend time with my tennis friends, with the people who love tennis, but to be with the family, with the kids, with the grandchildren, that’s very important to me."
Credits: Canva
A convenience that has become a staple in many homes, ready-to-eat, subscription-based meal kits has come under scrutiny after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked certain products from Metabolic Meals to a multistate Salmonella outbreak. At least 16 individuals across 10 states have fallen ill so far, seven of whom were hospitalized, and health officials warn the numbers could be higher in the weeks ahead.
The CDC reports that at least a dozen individuals have fallen sick and seven were hospitalized after eating meal delivery kits suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella. Health officials are still tracing the exact source of contamination, but preliminary results indicate that poor handling and storage of foods could have contributed. Why this is problematic is that meal kits are promoted extensively as safe, fresh, and convenient, with many regarding them as a healthier option compared to fast food. This outbreak points to the underlying dangers associated with ready-to-eat deliveries, presenting timely questions on food safety inspections, supply chain cleanliness, and consumer education.
The CDC released that the outbreak was associated with meals served during the week of July 28, with four individual types identified:
Further codes under investigation are 25199, 25202, 25203, 25204, and 25205.
Metabolic Meals, the "macro-friendly" meal service subscription company, has admitted to the problem and is working with authorities. Under a statement released by the CDC, customers who bought the affected meal types were called individually and told not to eat the products.
Salmonella is among the United States' most prevalent foodborne pathogens and causes an estimated 1.35 million infections and 26,500 hospitalizations each year, as per CDC statistics. Symptoms of infection usually manifest between six hours to six days after infection and can include:
Most people recover without medical treatment in four to seven days, but vulnerable groups—including children under five, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe illness requiring hospitalization. In rare cases, Salmonella can spread beyond the intestines, leading to life-threatening complications such as endocarditis, arterial infections, or arthritis.
Public health officials highlighted that the initial symptoms of infection tend to be sudden diarrhea, fever, and cramping. Consumers who have just consumed contaminated Metabolic Meals and experience these symptoms should immediately seek medical consultation. Warning symptoms that need immediate medical attention are:
The illnesses have been reported in California, Missouri, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Washington. The actual number of cases is probably higher, health authorities warn, as many people recover without being tested or are unaware that their illness is part of a foodborne outbreak.
To date, no deaths have been reported.
The CDC asks anyone who has contaminated meals in their fridge or freezer to dispose of them immediately or call Metabolic Meals for instructions. Affected products should not be tested "to determine if they're safe." Consumers also should:
Hand-wash, kitchen surfaces, and utensils that were in contact with the meals with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Prevent cross-contamination by washing refrigerator shelves and storage containers in which the affected products were stored.
Watch for symptoms closely for as long as six days following possible exposure.
Meal kits have grown extremely popular, and they provide convenience for busy families and individuals. However, with the centralized production and shipping method, if contamination takes place at the source, thousands of meals are delivered across several states within days.
Food safety specialists point out that despite rigorous quality assurance, pathogens such as Salmonella can penetrate even during preparation, packaging, or transportation. Since these foods are ready-to-eat or need little handling, consumers tend not to cook them at high enough temperatures to destroy bacteria.
This outbreak follows in the wake of another outbreak involving Salmonella: in recent times, almost 100 cases in 14 states were traced back to contaminated eggs. The two outbreaks in rapid succession underscore the continued issues in food safety monitoring and regulation in the age of mass-produced, convenience foods.
Experts emphasize that outbreaks cannot always be prevented but that rapid detection and communication, as demonstrated by the CDC response, are essential for preventing spread and minimizing hospitalizations.
The exact point of contamination during Metabolic Meals' manufacturing process is still under investigation. Public health investigators are looking into whether the contamination occurred during raw ingredients, food handling, or packaging and distribution.
Until further information is available, the CDC still recommends against eating contaminated meals and will update information as the investigation unfolds.
Credits: Canva
The World Health Organization (WHO) has, for the first time, added GLP-1 receptor agonists, popularly known as the active ingredients behind weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to its Essential Medicines List (EML). The move, announced Friday, marks a turning point in the global conversation about diabetes, obesity, and equitable access to life-saving treatments.
The Essential Medicines List is one of WHO’s most influential public health tools. Updated every two years, the list identifies medicines that should be available in every functioning health system, regardless of a country’s income level. It now includes 523 medicines for adults and 374 for children. Adoption is widespread: over 150 countries use the EML as a reference point for drug procurement, health insurance coverage, and treatment guidelines.
By including GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), WHO has formally acknowledged their role not just in diabetes management but also in broader health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular and kidney health.
Also Read: World Physiotherapy Day 2025: Themes, Significance And History
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. They stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, slow digestion, reduce liver glucose production, and act on the brain to suppress hunger. This dual benefit—controlling diabetes and supporting weight loss—has propelled them into mainstream awareness.
Scientific evidence reviewed by WHO’s Expert Committee confirmed their ability to lower blood sugar, reduce risks of heart and kidney complications, support weight management, and even extend life expectancy in people with type 2 diabetes and related conditions. For patients with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or obesity, these drugs are emerging as game-changers.
It’s important to note that while GLP-1s are popularly associated with weight loss, WHO stopped short of endorsing them for obesity alone. The drugs were added specifically for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also have established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity.
This distinction matters. While obesity affects over one billion people worldwide, WHO’s cautious stance reflects the still-limited long-term data on safety, sustainability of weight loss, and cost-effectiveness in populations without diabetes.
Affordability remains the biggest hurdle. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) called the decision a “critical milestone” but highlighted that in low-resource settings, GLP-1s are practically out of reach.
A recent MSF study found GLP-1 agonists can cost up to 400 times more than their estimated manufacturing price, while rapid-acting insulin analogues also newly included on the list—are priced 75 times higher than what they could be profitably produced for.
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“Rapid-acting insulins and GLP-1s are unaffordable and often unavailable in low-resource and humanitarian settings,” said Elizabeth Jarman of MSF’s Access Campaign. “Countries must act quickly to update national EMLs, plan procurement, and push pharmaceutical corporations to make them affordable.”
WHO echoed this call, urging governments to prioritize patients who would benefit most, support generic competition to drive prices down, and ensure distribution at the primary care level, especially in underserved areas.
The 2025 update of the EML goes far beyond GLP-1s. Twenty new medicines were added for adults, alongside 15 for children. Notable inclusions are:
Cancer Immunotherapies: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and alternatives atezolizumab and cemiplimab for metastatic cervical, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers. These immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to prolong survival by four to six months in advanced cancers.
Cystic Fibrosis Therapy: Trikafta (a triple-combination drug by Vertex Pharmaceuticals) was hailed as a “historic breakthrough” by patient advocacy groups, marking the first time a cystic fibrosis-specific therapy made the EML.
Insulin Expansion: Short-acting insulin analogues were added, complementing the long-acting formulas already listed since 2021. This creates a complete set of recommended insulin therapies, critical for tailoring diabetes treatment.
Vaccines and Pediatric Medicines: The children’s list now includes drugs for haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and newly approved vaccines for malaria and mpox.
Not all proposals made it onto the list. Knowledge Ecology International criticized WHO for excluding risdiplam, a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The drug, they argued, is effective, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and could transform outcomes for children with SMA.
WHO’s Expert Committee deferred inclusion due to incomplete trial data, though subsequent studies published later in the year showed highly promising results.
The stakes of WHO’s decision are high. Diabetes and obesity are among the most pressing health challenges worldwide. More than 800 million people are living with diabetes, half without treatment, while obesity affects over a billion. These conditions are not confined to wealthy nations; their fastest growth is occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Including GLP-1s in the Essential Medicines List sends a strong signal to governments, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies: these drugs are not luxury treatments for the wealthy but part of the global standard of care.
Yet the path from inclusion to access is not straightforward. Countries must adopt the drugs into their national lists, negotiate prices, and strengthen health systems to deliver them effectively. As David Reddy, director-general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, pointed out, inclusion on the list must be accompanied by infrastructure, diagnostics, and trained professionals.
Cancer treatments remain one of the most tightly scrutinized areas of the EML. Cancer kills nearly 10 million people each year, accounting for one in three premature deaths from non-communicable diseases. Despite the flood of new cancer drug approvals in recent years, WHO only recommends therapies that demonstrate clear survival benefits of at least four to six months.
The inclusion of pembrolizumab and its alternatives reflects both clinical evidence and a deliberate effort to reduce global inequities in cancer care. Still, the high cost of immunotherapies poses a major barrier. Without mechanisms like tiered pricing and voluntary licensing, poorer countries may struggle to make these life-extending drugs widely available.
The 2025 Essential Medicines List reflects both optimism and realism. On one hand, it celebrates remarkable advances in science—from GLP-1s reshaping diabetes care to breakthrough therapies for cystic fibrosis and cancer. On the other, it acknowledges the sobering reality of cost and access.
Credits: Canva
Every year on September 8, World Physiotherapy Day, a global healthcare event is observed. The practice started in 1996, commemorating the date of the World Physiotherapy foundation in 1951. After major surgeries, patients are recommended physiotherapy to help them with movements, this is why a separate day is designated for a therapy that gets the patients back on their feet, doing things like they did before.
The aim of physiotherapy is to achieve a symptom-free movement at basic to complex physical activities.
This year in 2025, the theme for World Physiotherapy Day is 'Healthy Ageing', with a special focus on preventing frailty and falls. The theme emphasizes the significance of exercise and physical therapy for encouraging healthy aging. It also focuses on lowering frailty and preventing falls in older person, which comes with a good posture and balance, possible through regular exercises.
As the world's population ages, maintaining mobility, independence, and high standard of living becomes a public health concern. However, regular exercise could help the elderly with mobility, and thus physiotherapy interventions become a necessity.
In 2024, the theme was Low back pain or LBP and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention.
Everyone values the ability to live as independently as possible in their daily lives. When injuries, illnesses, or health conditions affect movement, many people, from patients to fitness enthusiasts, turn to physical therapy. The goal is simple: to regain the ability to perform the activities that matter most to them.
Among the many approaches used in healthcare, therapeutic exercise stands out as a core component. It plays a central role in programs designed to restore function, enhance performance, and even prevent future problems.
Physical function is multidimensional, involving several interconnected areas. A well-designed therapeutic exercise plan may focus on:
Together, these elements work to help individuals move better, feel stronger, and live more confidently.
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World Physiotherapy Day is observed every year on September 8, a date chosen in 1996 by the global organization World Physiotherapy. The organization itself was founded on September 8, 1951, in the United Kingdom and today represents over 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide, bringing together 127 member organizations.
ALSO READ: Debunking Common Myths About Physiotherapy
World Physiotherapy works to promote safe working conditions for physiotherapists and advocates for evidence-based practices that make quality physiotherapy care accessible and affordable for all.
India has been part of this global community since 1967, with various Indian physiotherapy associations and professionals actively represented in World Physiotherapy.
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