Health and Me

Ishita Roy

The Honorary Secret Service Agent US Teen Faces Health Struggles Again

Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a 13-year-old from Texas, has captured hearts across the United States with his unwavering spirit in the face of a relentless illness. Diagnosed in 2018 with brain and spinal <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span>, DJ was initially given just five months to live. Defying the odds, he has undergone over 13 brain surgeries and continues to fight his condition with remarkable strength. His journey and resilience gained national attention, and earlier this year, he was honoured by former US President Donald Trump during a joint session of Congress.

<h4>Sworn in as an Honorary Secret Service Agent</h4>

On March 4, DJ stood in the spotlight during a historic moment in Washington, D.C. President Trump praised DJ’s courage and strength, announcing that the young boy would be made an honorary agent of the United States Secret Service. The announcement brought the chamber to its feet in applause, with chants of "DJ, DJ, DJ" filling the room. Secret Service Director Sean Curran personally presented DJ with a badge, officially welcoming him into the agency. The following day, DJ met the president in the Oval Office — a dream moment for the aspiring police officer.

<h4>An Ongoing Battle: New Tumours Detected</h4>

Despite the accolades and support, DJ’s battle with cancer is far from over. His father, Theodis Daniel, recently shared the heartbreaking news that DJ has been diagnosed with three new tumours. Speaking to FOX 7 Austin, he described the emotional weight of hearing such news again. “He does have three new tumours. It’s rough — there isn’t a class that teaches you how to deal with this,” he said. “We’re just taking it day by day.”

The news has once again rallied supporters around the country. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the White House stated, “We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors. DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country. Agent Daniel, you’re a true legend.”

DJ has long dreamed of joining law enforcement. His journey has seen him sworn into more than 1,350 police departments and sheriff’s offices across the nation, including a recent ceremony at the Williamson County Sheriff's Office in Texas. Through his struggle, DJ and his family have also made it their mission to spread compassion and hope.

“We’re just going around showing people, ‘Hey, you do care for one another. Let’s give compassion and let’s try to join and help each other get through things,’” his father said.

DJ’s story is not just about illness — it’s about determination, hope, and the strength of a child who continues to inspire a nation.

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cancer

health and wellness

tumor

13 cancer surgery

us honorary secret service agent teen has cancer

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Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a 13-year-old from Texas, has captured hearts across the United States with his unwavering spirit in the face of a relentless illness. Diagnosed in 2018 with brain and spinal cancer, DJ was initially given just five months to live. Defying the odds, he has undergone over 13 brain surgeries and continues to fight his condition with remarkable strength. His journey and resilience gained national attention, and earlier this year, he was honoured by former US President Donald Trump during a joint session of Congress.Sworn in as an Honorary Secret Service AgentOn March 4, DJ stood in the spotlight during a historic moment in Washington, D.C. President Trump praised DJ’s courage and strength, announcing that the young boy would be made an honorary agent of the United States Secret Service. The announcement brought the chamber to its feet in applause, with chants of "DJ, DJ, DJ" filling the room. Secret Service Director Sean Curran personally presented DJ with a badge, officially welcoming him into the agency. The following day, DJ met the president in the Oval Office — a dream moment for the aspiring police officer.An Ongoing Battle: New Tumours DetectedDespite the accolades and support, DJ’s battle with cancer is far from over. His father, Theodis Daniel, recently shared the heartbreaking news that DJ has been diagnosed with three new tumours. Speaking to FOX 7 Austin, he described the emotional weight of hearing such news again. “He does have three new tumours. It’s rough — there isn’t a class that teaches you how to deal with this,” he said. “We’re just taking it day by day.”The news has once again rallied supporters around the country. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the White House stated, “We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors. DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country. Agent Daniel, you’re a true legend.”A Dream That Keeps Him GoingDJ has long dreamed of joining law enforcement. His journey has seen him sworn into more than 1,350 police departments and sheriff’s offices across the nation, including a recent ceremony at the Williamson County Sheriff's Office in Texas. Through his struggle, DJ and his family have also made it their mission to spread compassion and hope.“We’re just going around showing people, ‘Hey, you do care for one another. Let’s give compassion and let’s try to join and help each other get through things,’” his father said.DJ’s story is not just about illness — it’s about determination, hope, and the strength of a child who continues to inspire a nation.

the honorary secret service agent us teen faces health struggles again

Aarushi Bhadury

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Nutrition

A Low Calorie Diet Could Be The Reason For Your Declining Mental Health

a low calorie diet could be the reason for your declining mental health

Health News

This Weight Loss Injection Can Now Treat Sleep Apnea; Are There Any Side Effects?

this weight loss injection can now treat sleep apnea; are there any side effects?

A new study suggests that people who undergo weight-loss surgery experience better mental health, but not because of the pounds they shed. Instead, the major factor appears to be a significant drop in the societal judgment and bias (stigma) they face due to their weight. This finding was recently published in the journal <span>Health Psychology</span>. 

<h2>How Being Judged Affects Our <span rel="noindex">Mental And Physical Health</span> </h2>

Being judged and treated unfairly because of one's weight actually causes many of the physical and mental health problems that people with obesity face. The study found that when people felt less judged after their surgery, they started to have healthier eating habits and felt better mentally. But if they kept feeling judged even after surgery, they had a higher chance of feeling sad, worried, or developing eating problems. 

For the study, researchers looked at the mental well-being and habits of nearly 150 people before their weight-loss surgery and then again 18 to 36 months later. What they found was that, generally, people felt much less shame, blame, and guilt about their body size in the years after surgery. 

The amount that this feeling of being judged went down was very impressive. It was a bigger change than what doctors usually consider meaningful for someone's life and how they feel. This big drop in feeling judged was directly connected to people feeling less worried, less sad, and having fewer eating issues like overeating. 

<h2>Why Feeling Accepted Matters More Than Just Losing Weight </h2>

The study also showed that losing weight itself wasn't strongly linked to feeling better mentally. This suggests that how other people treat individuals with a lot of weight, rather than just the extra weight itself, has a huge impact on their mental and physical health. 

About 40% of the people in the study still faced problems with weight-related judgment, and these ongoing issues made them more likely to have mental health concerns. The researchers believe that while losing weight helps in many ways, this change in how society treats people might be even more powerful for their mental health and overall quality of life over time. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health</span> </h2>

Published in the StatPearls medical journal, a 2024 article explained that while weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery is a common as a way to treat obesity, it also has many complications one must consider. It's also important to understand that it can bring some mental health challenges. Patients might feel unhappy if they don't lose as much weight as they hoped, which can make any emotional difficulties worse. 

After weight-loss surgery, some common mental health problems that can arise include depression, anxiety, and worsening of existing eating disorders. Patients might also develop new eating habits or switch addictions (for example, from food to alcohol or gambling). In rare cases, more severe issues like psychotic disorders or, very notably, an increased risk of suicide, can occur. 

It's worth noting that all the people in this study were treated at one specific hospital. The researchers think it's important to do more studies with people from different areas to be sure these findings are true for everyone. 

health psychology

Weight Loss Surgery Stigma

Weight Loss Surgery and Mental health

Mental And Physical Health

Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health

mental health challenge

A new study suggests that people who undergo weight-loss surgery experience better mental health, but not because of the pounds they shed. Instead, the major factor appears to be a significant drop in the societal judgment and bias (stigma) they face due to their weight. This finding was recently published in the journal Health Psychology. How Being Judged Affects Our Mental And Physical Health Being judged and treated unfairly because of one's weight actually causes many of the physical and mental health problems that people with obesity face. The study found that when people felt less judged after their surgery, they started to have healthier eating habits and felt better mentally. But if they kept feeling judged even after surgery, they had a higher chance of feeling sad, worried, or developing eating problems. For the study, researchers looked at the mental well-being and habits of nearly 150 people before their weight-loss surgery and then again 18 to 36 months later. What they found was that, generally, people felt much less shame, blame, and guilt about their body size in the years after surgery. The amount that this feeling of being judged went down was very impressive. It was a bigger change than what doctors usually consider meaningful for someone's life and how they feel. This big drop in feeling judged was directly connected to people feeling less worried, less sad, and having fewer eating issues like overeating. Why Feeling Accepted Matters More Than Just Losing Weight The study also showed that losing weight itself wasn't strongly linked to feeling better mentally. This suggests that how other people treat individuals with a lot of weight, rather than just the extra weight itself, has a huge impact on their mental and physical health. About 40% of the people in the study still faced problems with weight-related judgment, and these ongoing issues made them more likely to have mental health concerns. The researchers believe that while losing weight helps in many ways, this change in how society treats people might be even more powerful for their mental health and overall quality of life over time. Weight-Loss Surgery and Mental Health Published in the StatPearls medical journal, a 2024 article explained that while weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery is a common as a way to treat obesity, it also has many complications one must consider. It's also important to understand that it can bring some mental health challenges. Patients might feel unhappy if they don't lose as much weight as they hoped, which can make any emotional difficulties worse. After weight-loss surgery, some common mental health problems that can arise include depression, anxiety, and worsening of existing eating disorders. Patients might also develop new eating habits or switch addictions (for example, from food to alcohol or gambling). In rare cases, more severe issues like psychotic disorders or, very notably, an increased risk of suicide, can occur. More Studies Are Needed It's worth noting that all the people in this study were treated at one specific hospital. The researchers think it's important to do more studies with people from different areas to be sure these findings are true for everyone.  

weight loss surgery stigma linked to lingering depression symptoms

With Chemicals 13,000X Sweeter Than Sugar, What Are The Toxic Risks Of ‘flavoured lies’ In Teen Vaping Products?

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As Father's Day Approaches, Food Habits Dads Must Adopt To Take Better Care Of Their Health

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Anthrax Outbreak at Thai Tourist Hotspot: 1 Dead, 4 Hospitalized

anthrax outbreak at thai tourist hotspot: 1 dead, 4 hospitalized

Fridges have helped us in many ways, whether it is by prolonging the shelf-life of foods or helping us avoid heat-based illnesses. Many times, keeping foods at room temperature for a long time can promote bacteria growth. By keeping the food at lower temperatures, it can help keep the food fresh for longer. However, a recent study found that many people in the UK might be making choices that put themselves and others at risk of <span>food poisoning</span>. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Worrying Fridge Habits</span> Uncovered </h2>

A survey by the Currys, a tech and appliance store, asked 2,000 people about their fridge habits and found some concerning trends. An expert has now warned that organizing your fridge correctly is "essential" to avoid getting sick. 

The study found that more than one in five fridge owners didn't know the ideal fridge temperature should be between 0-5°C (0-41 degrees F), as recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Even worse, 42% admitted they don't regularly check their fridge temperature. This means potentially millions of people in the UK could be risking food poisoning. 

When it came to specific items, 61% didn't know that dairy products like milk shouldn't be stored in the fridge door. The door is actually the warmest part of the fridge because its temperature changes every time it's opened and closed. 

<h2>Raw Meat, Eggs, and Other Storage Surprises </h2>

The survey also revealed that 22% of people didn't know raw meat should always go on the lowest shelf in the fridge. A third of those surveyed even confessed to eating meat from the fridge without being fully sure it was safe. 

Many people are also unsure about eggs. Google data shows over 31,000 searches in the UK for "should I keep eggs in the fridge," a 26% increase from last year. The FSA advises: "Store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and keep them apart from other foods." Keeping eggs on the counter can affect their quality, especially with changing kitchen temperatures from weather or cooking. 

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning. Experts like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say that food should be stored at 40 degrees F (about 4 degrees C) or colder. Research even suggests that if all refrigerators were kept below this temperature, a serious illness called listeriosis could be reduced by a huge 70%. Yet, a study from the University of Tennessee found that very few people, only about 9%, actually own a fridge thermometer. Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your fridge safety. 

Keeping your fridge organized and at the right temperature is key to preventing foodborne illness. Here's how to keep your food safe: 

<h4>Store raw meats on the bottom shelf </h4>

Always place raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelf in trays or pans. This stops their juices from dripping onto and contaminating other foods below. 

<h4>Check your fridge temperature regularly </h4>

Make it a habit to check your refrigerator's temperature often, ideally every day or at least once a week. This ensures it stays at a safe temperature (40°F or below). 

<h4>Refrigerate cooked food quickly </h4>

Make sure to put prepared meals and any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. 

To help leftovers cool down fast, divide them into small, shallow containers before placing them in the refrigerator. Once the food has cooled, you can cover it. 

Avoid packing your refrigerator too full. Cool air needs to circulate freely around your food to keep everything at a safe temperature.

Food safety

food and fride safety guidelines

Worrying Fridge Habits

Food Poisoning

food borne illnesses

can food make us sick

Fridges have helped us in many ways, whether it is by prolonging the shelf-life of foods or helping us avoid heat-based illnesses. Many times, keeping foods at room temperature for a long time can promote bacteria growth. By keeping the food at lower temperatures, it can help keep the food fresh for longer. However, a recent study found that many people in the UK might be making choices that put themselves and others at risk of food poisoning. Worrying Fridge Habits Uncovered A survey by the Currys, a tech and appliance store, asked 2,000 people about their fridge habits and found some concerning trends. An expert has now warned that organizing your fridge correctly is "essential" to avoid getting sick. The study found that more than one in five fridge owners didn't know the ideal fridge temperature should be between 0-5°C (0-41 degrees F), as recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Even worse, 42% admitted they don't regularly check their fridge temperature. This means potentially millions of people in the UK could be risking food poisoning. When it came to specific items, 61% didn't know that dairy products like milk shouldn't be stored in the fridge door. The door is actually the warmest part of the fridge because its temperature changes every time it's opened and closed. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Other Storage Surprises The survey also revealed that 22% of people didn't know raw meat should always go on the lowest shelf in the fridge. A third of those surveyed even confessed to eating meat from the fridge without being fully sure it was safe. Many people are also unsure about eggs. Google data shows over 31,000 searches in the UK for "should I keep eggs in the fridge," a 26% increase from last year. The FSA advises: "Store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and keep them apart from other foods." Keeping eggs on the counter can affect their quality, especially with changing kitchen temperatures from weather or cooking. Tips To Keep Your Fridge Safe According to the University of Minnesota Extension, keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning. Experts like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) say that food should be stored at 40 degrees F (about 4 degrees C) or colder. Research even suggests that if all refrigerators were kept below this temperature, a serious illness called listeriosis could be reduced by a huge 70%. Yet, a study from the University of Tennessee found that very few people, only about 9%, actually own a fridge thermometer. Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your fridge safety. Keeping your fridge organized and at the right temperature is key to preventing foodborne illness. Here's how to keep your food safe: Store raw meats on the bottom shelf Always place raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the lowest shelf in trays or pans. This stops their juices from dripping onto and contaminating other foods below. Check your fridge temperature regularly Make it a habit to check your refrigerator's temperature often, ideally every day or at least once a week. This ensures it stays at a safe temperature (40°F or below). Refrigerate cooked food quickly Make sure to put prepared meals and any leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking. Cool leftovers properly To help leftovers cool down fast, divide them into small, shallow containers before placing them in the refrigerator. Once the food has cooled, you can cover it. Don't overfill your fridge Avoid packing your refrigerator too full. Cool air needs to circulate freely around your food to keep everything at a safe temperature.

study finds people are missing this vital fridge check that ensures their health

Tanya Dutt

A Routine Sinus Rinse With Tap Water Led To Woman's Death After Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection

US Faces Biggest Measles Spike In Three Decades- What’s Driving The Surge?

us faces biggest measles spike in three decades- what’s driving the surge?

2 Infants Died Of Whooping Cough In Kentucky, Health Officials Report; Who Should Get A Booster Shot?

2 infants died of whooping cough in kentucky, health officials report; who should get a booster shot?

A Texas woman of 71 died tragically from a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the <span>brain-eating amoeba</span>. The source? A simple sinus rinse using tap water from her RV's potable water system. The woman, as a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case report indicates, suffered severe neurological disease shortly after nasal irrigation. She died within eight days of symptom onset.

This incident, although uncommon, has brought with it renewed international debate regarding water safety, sound nasal hygiene habits, and the life-altering risks of ignoring water sterilization protocols.

The case, who was reported to be healthy before the accident, had utilized the tap water from her RV's faucet to fill a nasal irrigation device—frequently employed to alleviate sinus pressure or allergic conditions. Four days thereafter, she showed symptoms of sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, and confusion. Her illness rapidly progressed to seizures and changes in mental status. She died eight days from the onset of symptoms despite immediate medical treatment.

Laboratory examinations diagnosed the Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid—a diagnosis with a mortality rate of more than 97%.

<h2>What Is The Brain-Eating Amoeba?</h2>

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba which is free-living and microscopic and occurs naturally in warm freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, and hot springs, as well as in soil. The organism usually infects humans when contaminated water enters the body via the nostrils—most often during swimming or rinsing of the nasal passages.

After entering the nasal passages, the amoeba moves into the brain through the olfactory nerve and results in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and lethal infection of the brain. The infection is not spread by drinking contaminated water, nor is it passed between people.

While very uncommon, PAM is nearly always fatal. As of the CDC, out of 157 U.S. cases from 1962 to 2022, only four individuals have survived. 

<h2>Risk of Using Tap Water for Nasal Rinses</h2>

The CDC's inquiry into the Texas case discovered that the woman had done sinus rinses several times with tap water from the RV's potable water tank. The tank, it turns out, had been refilled three months earlier—prior to the purchase of the RV—and had probably contained stagnant, contaminated water. Moreover, the RV's municipal water system that provided the RV could also have contributed to the contamination.

These results point out an important safety issue: tap water—even considered "potable"—is not necessarily safe for direct nasal application. It may harbor trace amounts of organisms that, when breathed into the nose, lead to serious infections.

The symptoms of PAM usually start between one to 12 days after exposure, and the majority of cases develop quickly. Early warning signs are:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Stiff neck</li><li>Altered mental status</li></ul>

As the disease progresses, signs of neurological impairment like confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma ensue. Alas, too often the rapid development of the illness leaves scant opportunity for effective action.

Since early manifestations of PAM are so similar to those of bacterial meningitis, the CDC recommends that individuals—particularly those who have recently been in contact with warm freshwater or have used nasal irrigation—to consult a physician at once if the following symptoms occur.

<h2>How to Safely Perform Nasal Irrigation?</h2>

Nasal irrigation is a well-known and beneficial technique for easing sinus pressure and controlling allergies. It is only safe if done with water that has no microbial contaminants. According to the CDC, only the following should be used for sinus irrigation:

<ul><li>Distilled or sterile water</li><li>Boiled tap water (boiled for 3–5 minutes and cooled)</li><li>Water filtered through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller</li><li>Items such as neti pots, bulb syringes, and sinus rinse bottles need to be properly cleaned after every use and completely air-dried.</li></ul>

This instance serves as a grim reminder that the ease of omitting the use of water treatment can result in deadly consequences, particularly for non-traditional water systems such as those found in RVs, which potentially go without strong maintenance or sterilization.

The disaster also points to weaknesses in water systems—especially in non-traditional dwelling places like RV parks, where drinking water systems may not be subject to the same level of review as urban systems. Lack of maintenance or management of such systems can lead to the introduction of unusual but lethal pathogens into daily life.

In addition, the changing climate might be making the population more vulnerable. While global temperatures are increasing, Naegleria fowleri is moving its habitat into regions not previously thought to be too cold, thus posing new public health threats. Summer season, characterized by warmer water bodies and higher recreational activity, is now particularly dangerous for exposure.

After diagnosis, treatment of PAM includes aggressive administration of antifungal and antibiotics such as amphotericin B, rifampin, azithromycin, and miltefosine—a newer antiparasite found to be effective in a few survivors. With immediate medical treatment, nonetheless, survival is still very low because the amoeba kills brain tissue so quickly.

Early diagnosis is essential but notoriously challenging because initial care is nonspecific and the condition develops at an alarming rate.

brain-eating amoeba

naegleria fowleri infection

sinus infection

sinus rinse safety

tap water sinus rinse

pam infection symptoms

nasal irrigation risks

amoeba in rv water

A Texas woman of 71 died tragically from a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the brain-eating amoeba. The source? A simple sinus rinse using tap water from her RV's potable water system. The woman, as a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case report indicates, suffered severe neurological disease shortly after nasal irrigation. She died within eight days of symptom onset.This incident, although uncommon, has brought with it renewed international debate regarding water safety, sound nasal hygiene habits, and the life-altering risks of ignoring water sterilization protocols.The case, who was reported to be healthy before the accident, had utilized the tap water from her RV's faucet to fill a nasal irrigation device—frequently employed to alleviate sinus pressure or allergic conditions. Four days thereafter, she showed symptoms of sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, and confusion. Her illness rapidly progressed to seizures and changes in mental status. She died eight days from the onset of symptoms despite immediate medical treatment.Laboratory examinations diagnosed the Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid—a diagnosis with a mortality rate of more than 97%.What Is The Brain-Eating Amoeba?Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba which is free-living and microscopic and occurs naturally in warm freshwater bodies like rivers, lakes, and hot springs, as well as in soil. The organism usually infects humans when contaminated water enters the body via the nostrils—most often during swimming or rinsing of the nasal passages.After entering the nasal passages, the amoeba moves into the brain through the olfactory nerve and results in Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and lethal infection of the brain. The infection is not spread by drinking contaminated water, nor is it passed between people.While very uncommon, PAM is nearly always fatal. As of the CDC, out of 157 U.S. cases from 1962 to 2022, only four individuals have survived. Risk of Using Tap Water for Nasal RinsesThe CDC's inquiry into the Texas case discovered that the woman had done sinus rinses several times with tap water from the RV's potable water tank. The tank, it turns out, had been refilled three months earlier—prior to the purchase of the RV—and had probably contained stagnant, contaminated water. Moreover, the RV's municipal water system that provided the RV could also have contributed to the contamination.These results point out an important safety issue: tap water—even considered "potable"—is not necessarily safe for direct nasal application. It may harbor trace amounts of organisms that, when breathed into the nose, lead to serious infections.Early Warning Signs Of PAMThe symptoms of PAM usually start between one to 12 days after exposure, and the majority of cases develop quickly. Early warning signs are:FeverHeadacheNausea or vomitingStiff neckAltered mental statusAs the disease progresses, signs of neurological impairment like confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma ensue. Alas, too often the rapid development of the illness leaves scant opportunity for effective action.Since early manifestations of PAM are so similar to those of bacterial meningitis, the CDC recommends that individuals—particularly those who have recently been in contact with warm freshwater or have used nasal irrigation—to consult a physician at once if the following symptoms occur.How to Safely Perform Nasal Irrigation?Nasal irrigation is a well-known and beneficial technique for easing sinus pressure and controlling allergies. It is only safe if done with water that has no microbial contaminants. According to the CDC, only the following should be used for sinus irrigation:Distilled or sterile waterBoiled tap water (boiled for 3–5 minutes and cooled)Water filtered through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smallerItems such as neti pots, bulb syringes, and sinus rinse bottles need to be properly cleaned after every use and completely air-dried.This instance serves as a grim reminder that the ease of omitting the use of water treatment can result in deadly consequences, particularly for non-traditional water systems such as those found in RVs, which potentially go without strong maintenance or sterilization.The disaster also points to weaknesses in water systems—especially in non-traditional dwelling places like RV parks, where drinking water systems may not be subject to the same level of review as urban systems. Lack of maintenance or management of such systems can lead to the introduction of unusual but lethal pathogens into daily life.In addition, the changing climate might be making the population more vulnerable. While global temperatures are increasing, Naegleria fowleri is moving its habitat into regions not previously thought to be too cold, thus posing new public health threats. Summer season, characterized by warmer water bodies and higher recreational activity, is now particularly dangerous for exposure.After diagnosis, treatment of PAM includes aggressive administration of antifungal and antibiotics such as amphotericin B, rifampin, azithromycin, and miltefosine—a newer antiparasite found to be effective in a few survivors. With immediate medical treatment, nonetheless, survival is still very low because the amoeba kills brain tissue so quickly.Early diagnosis is essential but notoriously challenging because initial care is nonspecific and the condition develops at an alarming rate.

a routine sinus rinse with tap water led to woman's death after brain-eating amoeba infection

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The Honorary Secret Service Agent US Teen Faces Health Struggles Again

Quick Stories

Fact Check: Is Taurine Really A Key Driver Of Healthy Ageing?

Study Finds People Are Missing This Vital Fridge Check That Ensures Their Health

Weight Loss Surgery Stigma Linked To Lingering Depression Symptoms

Health Conditions A-Z

Fact Check: Is Taurine Really A Key Driver Of Healthy Ageing?

Study Finds People Are Missing This Vital Fridge Check That Ensures Their Health

Weight Loss Surgery Stigma Linked To Lingering Depression Symptoms