Riya Baibhawi

Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Shrink Heart Muscle, Research Finds

Semaglutide

Until now, <span>Ozempic</span> has only been linked to mild side effects like nausea, indigestion etc but recent research has linked it to a life-threatening consequence. A new study by scientists from the University of Alberta suggests that <span>weight loss</span> medications like <span>semaglutide</span>, marketed as Ozempic and <span>Wegrovy</span>, may shrink heart muscle in addition to reducing body weight. Their findings showed that semaglutide reduced heart muscle mass in both lean and obese mice, as well as in lab-grown human heart cells. It was published in JACC: Basic to Translational Science. 

<h2>Semaglutide and <span rel="noindex">Muscle Loss</span></h2>Semaglutide is primarily an antidiabetic medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. While weight loss is one of its side effects, a new study has found that this drug may also lead to significant muscle loss. What is particularly concerning is that up to 40% of the weight lost from semaglutide could actually be muscle mass. This could result in long-term risks like weakened immunity, higher infection susceptibility, and slower wound healing.

In the study, mice on a high-fat, high-sucrose diet were transitioned to a standard diet, simulating reduced calorie intake. After three weeks of semaglutide treatment, the mice lost around 30% of their body weight and 65% of their fat mass. However, their hearts showed signs of muscle loss, particularly in the left ventricles, the heart's main pumping chamber. Despite the reduction in heart mass, the heart's ability to pump blood and relax between beats remained unaffected. Lean mice also experienced muscle loss, losing 8.2% of their skeletal muscle mass without significant changes in body weight or heart function.

<h2>How Can It Affect Overall Health? </h2>Muscle mass is pivotal to normal functioning muscles release molecules that support the immune system. Losing muscle mass could have broader health implications, especially for conditions like sarcopenic obesity, where high body fat and low muscle mass increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These findings may serve as a cautionary note for individuals using semaglutide who are not obese or don't have cardiovascular disease, as the long-term effects on heart and muscle health need further.

<h2>How Does Semaglutide Function?</h2>Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a widely used prescription medication for managing blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks. Its off-label use for weight loss has further increased its popularity. However, discussions around its potential side effects—particularly whether they affect females more than males—have raised important questions.

While clinical studies suggest that side effects are generally similar across sexes, some evidence points to a higher prevalence of certain reactions in women as compared to men.

Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. A 2022 study involving semaglutide found that 36.6% of participants experienced nausea and vomiting, while 8.6% reported diarrhoea. Notably, a majority (75%) of participants in this study were female, highlighting the importance of examining gender-related differences in drug reactions.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/does-ozempic-have-different-side-effects-on-women-and-men-article-151105103" data-type="tilCustomLink">Does Ozempic Have Different Side Effects On Women And Men?</a></strong>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Ozempic

wegrovy

Weight Loss

Muscle loss

semaglutide

Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Health & Wellness

Beyond Fruits – How To Retain Hydration And Stay Safe In Summers

Can This Extremely Hot Weather Trigger Our Mental Health?

You Are Hurting Your Gut Health With These Habits

Avoid The Heat With These Indoor Exercises

Stay Sharp! Activities That Keep Cognitive Diseases At Bay

Protect Your Cardiovascular Health With These Heart Healthy Foods

Ways To Ease Nighttime Anxiety

Smoothie Ideas That Can Help With Weight Loss

Low Fat Foods That Are Actually Unhealthy

All Suryanamaskar Poses And How To Do Them

Do Changing Seasons Affect Your Weight?

Can Heatwave Affect Your Diet?

Heatwave To Monsoon: Health Concerns With Seasonal Changes

Standing Exercises That Help You Burn Calories

Reasons To Do Dancing As A Workout

Why Summer Fruits Are A Great Addition To Your Diet?

What Should You Avoid For Your Bladder?

Lower-Body Exercises For Strong Foundation

Healthy Drinks That Improve Your Digestion

World Tobacco Day: Unexpected Ways Smoking Can Affect You

Seasonal Mood Swings? How Weather Affects Mental Health

Is Calorie Counting Healthy? Dos And Don’ts

Heat-Related Illnesses That You Should Know

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Tips On Period Hygiene

​Add These High Protein Vegetarian Meals To Your Diet​

Top 10 Workouts That Burn Most Calorie

Makhana Season – Healthy &amp; Quick Foxnut Recipes

Monsoon Ahead – Tips On Building Rainy Season Immunity

Do You Have Prickly Heat Rash – Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Healthy No-Cook Recipes You Can Try

How Do You Calorie Count – Numbers And Nutrients

Unexpected Signs Of Dehydration – Safety And Precaution Measures

Leg Exercises You Can Do At Home To Build Strength

Foods That Promote Skin Elasticity

Must-Do Chest Exercises You Can Try At Home

What Are The Symptoms Of JN.1 COVID-19 Strain?

Why Does Sleeping Become Harder As You Age?

High-Fiber Healthy Drinks You Should Try

10 Dumbbell Exercise Variations For Upper-Body Strength

A Parent’s Guide To Pets: Important Points To Consider For Your Child’s Health

Until now, Ozempic has only been linked to mild side effects like nausea, indigestion etc but recent research has linked it to a life-threatening consequence. A new study by scientists from the University of Alberta suggests that weight loss medications like semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegrovy, may shrink heart muscle in addition to reducing body weight. Their findings showed that semaglutide reduced heart muscle mass in both lean and obese mice, as well as in lab-grown human heart cells. It was published in JACC: Basic to Translational Science. Semaglutide and Muscle LossSemaglutide is primarily an antidiabetic medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. While weight loss is one of its side effects, a new study has found that this drug may also lead to significant muscle loss. What is particularly concerning is that up to 40% of the weight lost from semaglutide could actually be muscle mass. This could result in long-term risks like weakened immunity, higher infection susceptibility, and slower wound healing.In the study, mice on a high-fat, high-sucrose diet were transitioned to a standard diet, simulating reduced calorie intake. After three weeks of semaglutide treatment, the mice lost around 30% of their body weight and 65% of their fat mass. However, their hearts showed signs of muscle loss, particularly in the left ventricles, the heart's main pumping chamber. Despite the reduction in heart mass, the heart's ability to pump blood and relax between beats remained unaffected. Lean mice also experienced muscle loss, losing 8.2% of their skeletal muscle mass without significant changes in body weight or heart function.How Can It Affect Overall Health? Muscle mass is pivotal to normal functioning muscles release molecules that support the immune system. Losing muscle mass could have broader health implications, especially for conditions like sarcopenic obesity, where high body fat and low muscle mass increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These findings may serve as a cautionary note for individuals using semaglutide who are not obese or don't have cardiovascular disease, as the long-term effects on heart and muscle health need further.How Does Semaglutide Function?Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a widely used prescription medication for managing blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks. Its off-label use for weight loss has further increased its popularity. However, discussions around its potential side effects—particularly whether they affect females more than males—have raised important questions.While clinical studies suggest that side effects are generally similar across sexes, some evidence points to a higher prevalence of certain reactions in women as compared to men.Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. A 2022 study involving semaglutide found that 36.6% of participants experienced nausea and vomiting, while 8.6% reported diarrhoea. Notably, a majority (75%) of participants in this study were female, highlighting the importance of examining gender-related differences in drug reactions.ALSO READ: Does Ozempic Have Different Side Effects On Women And Men?

weight loss drugs like ozempic shrink heart muscle, research finds

Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Can You Get Cervical Cancer Without HPV?

can you get cervical cancer without hpv?

Health News

Meet The 14-Year-Old Genius Behind An AI That Can Detect Heart Disease Within 7 Seconds

meet the 14-year-old genius behind an ai that can detect heart disease within 7 seconds

Blood Tests Could Reveal Cancer Cells 3 Years Before The Actual Diagnosis

blood tests could reveal cancer cells 3 years before the actual diagnosis

Worried About The New And Dominant COVID Variant XEC? 3 Things You Must Know

worried about the new and dominant covid variant xec? 3 things you must know

Human papillomavirus (<span>HPV</span>) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The <span>World Health Organization</span> explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. 

What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! 

A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer</span> </h2>

Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. 

The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. 

To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: 

<ul><li>One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.</li><li>Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.</li><li>The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.</li></ul>

The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. 

<h2>Making At-Home Tests Accessible </h2>

The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. 

Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

world health organization

At-Home HPV Testing4

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings study

At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer

health & wellbeing

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The World Health Organization explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. Why At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. How the Study Proved Its Point To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. Making At-Home Tests Accessible The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

at-home hpv testing improves cancer screenings: study

Ishita Roy

Auto-brewery Syndrome: When Your Gut Makes You Feel Like You Are Drunk Without Alcohol

auto-brewery syndrome: when your gut makes you feel like you are drunk without alcohol

The 'Three S' That Are Worsening Your Blood Pressure Levels

the 'three s' that are worsening your blood pressure levels

Nutrition

These Two Herbs Found In Your Kitchen Could Protect Your Brain From Dementia

these two herbs found in your kitchen could protect your brain from dementia

India's COVID Tally Soars To Nearly 7000 Active Cases With 3 Deaths In 24 Hours; Is A New Wave Here?

india's covid tally soars to nearly 7000 active cases with 3 deaths in 24 hours; is a new wave here?

For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the <span>American Heart Association</span> (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.

<h4>Rethinking the “Protective” Myth</h4>

According to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.

The idea that <span>moderate drinking</span> might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.

The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive <span>alcohol consumption</span> has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.

Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.

Experts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.

There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.

Health professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.

The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

is moderate drinking safe?

american heart association

health and wellness

alcohol consumption

alcohol health impact

moderate drinking

For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.Rethinking the “Protective” MythAccording to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.The idea that moderate drinking might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.Complex and Controversial LinksThe relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive alcohol consumption has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.When Moderation Isn’t EnoughExperts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.Addiction and Lifestyle RisksHealth professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

limited drinking is not safe, says american heart association

Red Alert In Many Parts Of India, As The Weather Soars Up To 49° C, Know How To Be Safe

red alert in many parts of india, as the weather soars up to 49° c, know how to be safe

Hay Fever Is Worse Than Ever This Year- Avoid These 3 Everyday Triggers

hay fever is worse than ever this year- avoid these 3 everyday triggers

As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the <span>cataract awareness month</span>. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of <span>vision loss</span> worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. 

<h4>Why Is It Declared As The <span rel="noindex">Cataract Month</span>?</h4>

As per the International Agency for the Prevention of <span>Blindness</span> (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. 

It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. 

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. 

<h4>History Of Cataract Awareness Month </h4>

Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. 

The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. 

The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. 

<h4>How Does Cataract Affect Vision?</h4>

<ul><li>Blurred or foggy vision</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light or glare</li><li>Difficulty seeing at night</li><li>Colors appear faded or yellow</li><li>Frequent changes in glasses prescription</li><li>Seeing halos around lights</li></ul>

Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. 

The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

june cataract month

eye health

cataract awareness month

cataract month

vision loss

blindness

As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the cataract awareness month. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. Why Is It Declared As The Cataract Month?As per the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. What Is Cataract?It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. History Of Cataract Awareness Month Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. How Does Cataract Affect Vision?The following symptoms are:Blurred or foggy visionIncreased sensitivity to light or glareDifficulty seeing at nightColors appear faded or yellowFrequent changes in glasses prescriptionSeeing halos around lightsWhat Causes Cataract?Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

cataract awareness month: importance, significance, and history

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Shrink Heart Muscle, Research Finds

Quick Stories

Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Health Conditions A-Z

Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History