The longtime Connecticut TV weather reporter Geoff Fox on Saturday announced that he would be entering hospice care as part of his ongoing cancer battle. He has spent nearly three decades at WTNH News8. Everyone's favorite weatherman, wrote on Facebook thar he was dealing with "cancerous growths" on his liver, lungs, and pancreas. He also wrote that he opted for hospice care because he was too weak for chemotherapy after previous bouts of cancer.

Now 75, he wrote, "With hospice I’m given the opportunity to stay just drugged enough to avoid the worst. And a guarantee I can die at home." He also noted that currently he had no symptoms or experiencing any pain from cancer.

"So, I've chosen how to die - out of pain. At the moment nothing is necessary. I feel fine," he wrote.

Also Read: Jacinda Ardern's New Book Talks About Mum's Guilt And Other Parenting Lessons Working Moms Can Benefit From

Fox's Cancer Diagnosis

It was in 2016, when his first diagnosis and update on cancer came in. It was pancreatic cancer. For that, he underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation before being declared in remission. Earlier this year too, he had another surgery on his vocal chords after a cancerous mass was found on his clavicle.

Cancer Recurrence

Cancer recurrence happens when cancer comes back after treatment. It could be because treatment missed cancerous cells or because the treatment did not affect some cells. Cleveland Clinic notes that while remission means you don't have cancer symptoms and tests don't find signs of cancer, it can come back after being in remission.

There are different types of cancer recurrence, based on its location.

• Local Recurrence: The same kind of cancer has come back to same place as the original cancer.
• Regional Recurrence: The cancer returns to lymph nodes or tissues near the original cancer.
• Distant Recurrence: The same cancer from the original tumor has spread to organs or tissues located far from the original tumor.

Cancer recurrence is a foremost concern of patients and their caregivers. The 2018 study titled Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Practical Guide for Clinicians note that the fear of recurrence can negatively affect quality of life, and approximately 7% of patients develop severe disabling fear that includes constant intrusive thoughts and misinterpretation of mild or unrelated symptoms.

Another 2018 study, Central Nervous System Cancers, published in the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology notes that some cancers are difficult to treat and may have a high rate of recurrence. Glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive and common type of primary brain cancer, recurs in nearly all patients, despite treatment.

Also Read: Trump's Tylenol-Autism Announcement: What Pregnant Women Need to Know After FDA Warning?

A 2017 study titled Preoperative predictors for early recurrence of resectable pancreatic cancer, and a 2012 study titled Early recurrence of pancreatic cancer after resection and during adjuvant chemotherapy, note that pancreatic cancer has a 36% chance of recurrence within 1 year of curative surgery, 38% chance of local recurrence after adjuvant chemotherapy, and 46% distant metastasis after adjuvant chemotherapy.

With a massive population already living with dementia worldwide, the condition has emerged as one of the leading causes of disability and dependence among older adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally and the number of cases is expected to triple by 2050. Despite its rising prevalence, many people remain unaware of its early symptoms, often mistaking them for normal signs of ageing leading to delayed diagnosis and intervention.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect memory, thinking, language and daily functioning. It is not a single disease but a set of symptoms caused by various conditions that damage brain cells. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing dementia, including age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and even depression. Though there is no known cure, timely diagnosis and appropriate medical support can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Why early detection matters

Experts emphasise that timely intervention is crucial. With proper care, cognitive therapies and medications, doctors can help people living with dementia function more independently and slow down the progression of symptoms. Unfortunately, the early warning signs are often subtle and easy to dismiss as harmless forgetfulness or stress-related behaviour. Recognising them early can make a world of difference.

5 worrying signs you shouldn’t ignore

1. Misplacing items frequently

Occasionally forgetting where you kept your keys or glasses is normal. But if someone repeatedly misplaces items in unusual places—like finding their glasses in the fridge or cleaning supplies in the kitchen cabinet—it may be an early sign of dementia. This behaviour reflects disorientation and short-term memory loss, both hallmark symptoms.

2. Communication difficulties

A person who was once fluent and articulate may begin to struggle with forming sentences, finding the right words, or following conversations. This can be particularly evident in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes—areas responsible for language and behaviour.

3. Memory lapses

Forgetting recent events, appointments, or names of familiar people can be a red flag. While mild forgetfulness can be age-related, persistent memory issues that interfere with daily life should prompt a visit to a doctor.

4. Sudden mood or personality changes

A calm, even-tempered person becoming irritable, anxious, or tearful without any clear reason could be experiencing early emotional changes associated with dementia. Caregivers often notice these subtle shifts before cognitive symptoms become obvious.

5. Confusion about time or place

Getting lost on familiar routes, forgetting where one is, or confusing family members are significant warning signs. Such disorientation can escalate quickly and pose safety risks if ignored.

A growing concern among younger adults

While dementia is most common in people over 65, doctors are observing younger-onset cases, especially with FTD, which can develop in individuals as young as 45. Because the symptoms like personality and behaviour changes, mimic psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or aphasia, diagnosis is often delayed.

There’s currently no cure for dementia, but early diagnosis can help manage symptoms effectively, plan care better and support families emotionally and financially. If you notice repeated forgetfulness, communication issues or behavioural changes in a loved one, it’s best to consult a doctor or neurologist at the earliest. Awareness, empathy and timely medical attention can go a long way in helping those affected live with dignity and support.

People taking one of Britain’s most widely prescribed painkillers have been reminded by the NHS to watch for serious side effects that should be reported to a doctor right away.** Gabapentin, available only by prescription, is mainly used to treat nerve-related pain caused by conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, shingles, and restless legs syndrome.

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition across the UK. It’s estimated that around 10% of adults experience it, and about 2% deal with uncomfortable symptoms nearly every night. This means roughly 2.2 million people in the UK are likely to live with RLS at some point.

Medicines used to treat RLS include alpha-2-delta ligands, such as pregabalin and gabapentin. The specific drug and dosage vary depending on how severe the symptoms are and whether other health conditions are present. In some cases, long-term treatment may be needed.

What to Know About Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is among the most frequently prescribed medications in Britain. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms, and can be taken by most adults and by children aged six and older. While the majority of users do not experience side effects, a small number of people report certain reactions.

According to the NHS, “Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than one in 100 people. They’re usually mild and go away by themselves.”

Gabapentin: Common Side Effects

• Feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Mood changes
• Swelling in the arms or legs
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty getting an erection
• Weight gain
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Getting more infections than usual

Some people may experience more serious side effects, such as thoughts of self-harm, swollen glands that do not go away, or persistent stomach pain, which can signal inflammation of the pancreas. The NHS emphasizes that these reactions are rare.

Using gabapentin for an extended period may, in rare instances, lead to dependence, so regular medical supervision is advised while taking this medication.

Who Can and Cannot Take Gabapentin?

The prescribed dose of gabapentin depends on the condition being treated. For adults and older children (aged 12 and above), the usual dosage ranges from 900 mg to 3,600 mg per day, divided into three doses.

For younger children under 12, a doctor will determine the right amount based on the child’s body weight.

Doctors may recommend an alternative to gabapentin in some situations, such as:

• If the person has had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or similar medicines
• If they have a history of drug misuse or addiction
• If they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• If they are following a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, or have kidney problems, since the liquid form of gabapentin contains sodium and potassium

Speaking to a doctor before starting or adjusting gabapentin is essential to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for each individual.

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday moved to limit the use of fluoride supplements that are meant to strengthen children’s teeth. This decision marks another step by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team to reassess chemicals long considered standard in dental care.

The FDA announced that these supplements should no longer be given to children under 3 years old or to older children who are not at a high risk of developing cavities. Until now, they had been prescribed for children as young as six months. The move follows a directive from the government’s Make American Healthy Again Commission to review the safety and benefits of these products.

What Are Kids’ Fluoride Supplements?

Fluoride is a mineral known to protect teeth from decay. It can be applied directly to the teeth, added to public water supplies, or taken in supplement form (known as systemic fluoride). It helps strengthen tooth enamel and shields it from the damage caused by plaque. Fluoride also supports the process of remineralization, which repairs the early stages of decay. These supplements are most often given to children.

Now, according to CNN, the FDA has sent notices to four companies warning them of potential enforcement actions for marketing unapproved fluoride-containing ingestible drugs labeled for use in children under age 3, or in older children at low or moderate risk for tooth decay. The agency has also issued letters to healthcare providers, advising them to avoid prescribing these supplements for those groups.

Why Is the Trump Administration Against Fluoride Supplements?

Fluoride has drawn increased attention from the Trump administration following recent research that reopened discussions about the possible health risks of high fluoride exposure. Despite this, most experts continue to highlight the proven safety and dental benefits of fluoride.

The United States began adding fluoride to public water systems in 1945 to make oral care more accessible and affordable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later named water fluoridation one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century, alongside vaccines, family planning, and workplace safety improvements.

According to federal data from 2022, most Americans live in areas where fluoride is added to the water. In regions where it is not, doctors often prescribe fluoride tablets or drops to help protect babies and children from cavities. However, this reliance on supplements could grow, as states like Utah and Florida have banned the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, and similar measures are being considered in several others.

In April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to reevaluate the science around fluoride and issue new guidelines. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also said he would direct the CDC to stop recommending water fluoridation in local communities.

A new scientific review released Friday concluded that fluoride supplements “should not be used in children under age 3 or by older children who are not at high risk of tooth decay.” The FDA added that “the same property that allows fluoride to kill bacteria on teeth may also affect the gut microbiome, which could have wider health impacts.”

Why Do Dentists Recommend Fluoride Supplements?

Dentists prescribe fluoride tablets, drops, and lozenges to children who live in places without fluoridated water or who are more likely to get cavities. This includes children with poor dental hygiene, those who skip regular dental visits, or those with family members who have dental disease. These supplements are meant to provide the same level of fluoride protection that fluoridated water offers.

According to Dr. F. Perry Wilson, a physician and chronic disease epidemiologist at the Yale School of Medicine, fluoride drops and tablets deliver extra protection against cavities beyond what children get from toothpaste or mouthwash. Since these supplements enter the bloodstream and then the saliva, they help strengthen teeth from within, much like fluoridated water does, as reported by The New York Times.