Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

You Don't Need 10,000 Steps To Reduce Heart And Cognitive Risk - Here's The Exact Number Of Steps You Need

You Don't Need 10,000 Steps To Reduce Heart And Cognitive Risk

All doctors agree on one thing; <span>walking</span> is great for your health. It is an often overlooked aspect of exercising, but even a quick 10-minute brisk walk can do wonders! Walking is an assessable exercise that can easily fit into anyone's daily routine through actions like walking to your place of work or walking during break etc. It helps your heart and might even lower your risk of dementia. The NHS (National Health Service) in the UK constantly reminds us how beneficial walking is, proving it's a powerful way to stay healthy without needing fancy equipment or intense workouts. 

Many people aim for <span>10</span>,000 steps a day, this usually means walking about five to eight kilometers, taking one to two hours. But where did this number come from? Harvard Health explains that the 10,000-step goal actually became popular because of an old advertising trick. It was tied to the 1964 Olympics and a Japanese step counter called "Manpo-kei," which means "10,000-step meter." The company cleverly used the fact that the Japanese symbol for "ten thousand" looks a bit like a person walking. 

<h2>How Many Steps Do You Really Need In A Day to Stay Healthy? </h2>

Scientists have been trying to find the perfect number of steps. A 2022 study published in the JAMA Network found that walking anywhere from 3,800 to 9,800 steps daily could lower your risk of dementia. This study suggested that just under 10,000 steps, especially taken at a fast pace (around 112 steps per minute), might be ideal for avoiding dementia. 

But you don't have to hit 10,000 steps to benefit! A large review of many studies showed that as few as 2,337 steps a day could reduce your risk of dying from heart problems. And walking 3,867 steps could lower your risk of death from any cause. For every extra 1,000 steps you take, your risk of dying drops by 15%. 

The ideal number of steps can change based on your age. If you're under 60, studies suggest aiming for 7,000 to 13,000 steps. For those 60 and older, the biggest health benefits were seen when walking between 6,000 to 10,000 steps. Other research showed that walking more than 2,200 steps (about one mile) was linked to living longer and having less heart disease. For women over 60, walking 6,000 to 7,500 steps lowered their risk of death. For younger people, the benefits didn't really increase much beyond 8,000 to 10,000 steps. 

<h2>Why Walk Faster May Be More Beneficial?</h2>

It's not just about how many steps you take; how fast you walk is also important. A recent study found that walking at a brisk pace could lower your risk of heart rhythm problems. The researchers said a slow pace was under 3 mph, an average pace was 3-4 mph, and a fast pace was over 4 mph. Even when considering other factors, walking at an average or fast pace was linked to a 35% to 43% lower risk of irregular heartbeats compared to walking slowly. So, walking faster can make your heart even healthier. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Mental health

Cognitive Health and walking

Walking

Walking for heart health

10000 steps

10000 steps for health

Fitness Influencer Left Paralyzed From Waist Down After Rare Tick Bite Infection Took Her Strength

Could Weight Loss Jabs Really Put Your Pancreas At Risk? Symptoms, Causes And Treatments You Must Know

Health & Wellness

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These Foods Are Keeping You Awake At Night

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High Protein Low-Carb Snacks To Have On The Go

Knee Exercises Desk Workers Should Do For Joint Health

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High Protein Early Morning Meals To Keep You Full Till Lunch

International Yoga Day 2025: Benefits of Doing Tadasana Every Morning

High-Carb Foods That Are Really Healthy

Dementia Vs Alzheimer’s: Difference Explained Under 60 Seconds

Healthy Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

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Strengthen Your Legs Muscles With These Exercises

Beat Anxiety With Books: How Reading Helps With Stress

Ghee For Health: Ayurvedic Health Benefits Of Clarified Butter

Common Mistakes You Are Making While Walking

Exercises You Should Do At Home When You Skip Gym

Common Mistakes You May Be Making While Working Out

Ways You Are Runing Your Weight Loss Journey

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

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Protect Your Cardiovascular Health With These Heart Healthy Foods

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Do Changing Seasons Affect Your Weight?

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Heatwave To Monsoon: Health Concerns With Seasonal Changes

Standing Exercises That Help You Burn Calories

All doctors agree on one thing; walking is great for your health. It is an often overlooked aspect of exercising, but even a quick 10-minute brisk walk can do wonders! Walking is an assessable exercise that can easily fit into anyone's daily routine through actions like walking to your place of work or walking during break etc. It helps your heart and might even lower your risk of dementia. The NHS (National Health Service) in the UK constantly reminds us how beneficial walking is, proving it's a powerful way to stay healthy without needing fancy equipment or intense workouts. Many people aim for 10,000 steps a day, this usually means walking about five to eight kilometers, taking one to two hours. But where did this number come from? Harvard Health explains that the 10,000-step goal actually became popular because of an old advertising trick. It was tied to the 1964 Olympics and a Japanese step counter called "Manpo-kei," which means "10,000-step meter." The company cleverly used the fact that the Japanese symbol for "ten thousand" looks a bit like a person walking. How Many Steps Do You Really Need In A Day to Stay Healthy? Scientists have been trying to find the perfect number of steps. A 2022 study published in the JAMA Network found that walking anywhere from 3,800 to 9,800 steps daily could lower your risk of dementia. This study suggested that just under 10,000 steps, especially taken at a fast pace (around 112 steps per minute), might be ideal for avoiding dementia. But you don't have to hit 10,000 steps to benefit! A large review of many studies showed that as few as 2,337 steps a day could reduce your risk of dying from heart problems. And walking 3,867 steps could lower your risk of death from any cause. For every extra 1,000 steps you take, your risk of dying drops by 15%. Ideal Step Count As You AgeThe ideal number of steps can change based on your age. If you're under 60, studies suggest aiming for 7,000 to 13,000 steps. For those 60 and older, the biggest health benefits were seen when walking between 6,000 to 10,000 steps. Other research showed that walking more than 2,200 steps (about one mile) was linked to living longer and having less heart disease. For women over 60, walking 6,000 to 7,500 steps lowered their risk of death. For younger people, the benefits didn't really increase much beyond 8,000 to 10,000 steps. Why Walk Faster May Be More Beneficial?It's not just about how many steps you take; how fast you walk is also important. A recent study found that walking at a brisk pace could lower your risk of heart rhythm problems. The researchers said a slow pace was under 3 mph, an average pace was 3-4 mph, and a fast pace was over 4 mph. Even when considering other factors, walking at an average or fast pace was linked to a 35% to 43% lower risk of irregular heartbeats compared to walking slowly. So, walking faster can make your heart even healthier. 

you don't need 10,000 steps to reduce heart and cognitive risk - here's the exact number of steps you need

Sunscreen Skin Care Against Skin Cancer - You Need A Lot More Than You Realize

Sunscreen Skin Care Against Skin Cancer

15 Minutes In The Sun Can Reveal This Sign Of Skin Cancer

15 minutes in the sun can reveal this sign of skin cancer

Relying On Fitness Trackers For Accuracy May Not Be The Right Move For People With Obesity: Study

relying on fitness trackers for accuracy may not be the right move for people with obesity: study

Tolerating Heat May Become More Difficult With Age – How To Deal With Lower Heat Tolerance In Older Adults

tolerating heat may become more difficult with age – how to deal with lower heat tolerance in older adults

World Vitiligo Day- Do You Know Michael Jackson Had Vitiligo And His Death Played A Crucial Role In Spreading Awareness About The Condition?

world vitiligo day- do you know michael jackson had vitiligo and his death played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the condition?

How many times have you read the 'when' and ' how' to apply sunscreen the "correct" way because most people don't seem to use nearly enough. Experts have now shown exactly how much sunscreen you need to stay safe. This is crucial because sun exposure is the main cause of <span>skin cancer</span> worldwide. In the UK, <span>melanoma skin cancer</span> rates have jumped by almost a third in the last decade, making it the fifth most common cancer with about 18,000 diagnoses each year. A simple way to help prevent this disease is to always wear sunscreen when you're outdoors. 

<h2>What is the "Seven Teaspoon" Rule Of Sunscreen?</h2>It's likely you "need more than you think" when it comes to sunscreen. Which UK recently shared a video on Instagram, asking: "Are you putting on enough sun cream?" They highlighted some key points: you need seven teaspoons to safely cover your whole body. You should apply it 15 minutes before you go into the sun, and reapply every two hours (or more often if you're swimming or sweating a lot).

<ul><li>Breaking down those seven teaspoons:</li><li>One teaspoon for your face and neck.</li><li>Two teaspoons for your arms.</li><li>Two teaspoons for your legs.</li><li>One teaspoon for your stomach and chest.</li><li>One teaspoon for your back.</li></ul>

The NHS supports this advice, warning that most people don't use enough sunscreen. They suggest aiming for six to eight teaspoons if you're covering your entire body. If you apply it too thinly, you won't get the protection it promises. If you expect to be in the sun long enough to risk burning, apply sunscreen twice: once 30 minutes before going out and again just before going out. Even if a product says "water resistant," you should reapply it after swimming or towel-drying, as the sun can dry it off your skin every two hours.

<h2>Who Needs Extra Sun Protection? </h2>

Some people need to be extra careful in the sun, particularly those with pale, white, or light brown skin, freckles, or red/fair hair, as they tend to burn easily instead of tanning. Individuals with many moles or skin problems due to medical conditions are also at higher risk. Those who are exposed to intense sunlight only occasionally such as during holidays or who travel to hot countries with strong sun exposure should take extra precautions. A family history of skin cancer further increases the need for vigilant sun protection.

Sunscreen products are rated with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) from 2 to 50+. A higher SPF number, like 50+, means stronger protection against harmful UVB rays. 

<h2>How Can You Protect Your Skin Without Using Sunscreen?</h2>

While sunscreen is important, one must follow some other steps to ensure complete protection. Here are some tips you should remember according to American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

The sun's rays are most powerful between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During these hours, it's best to seek shade. A good rule of thumb: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is very strong, and you should definitely look for some cover. 

Whenever you can, wear sun-protective clothing. This means choosing things like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For even better defense, look for clothing labels that have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number, which tells you how much UV radiation the fabric blocks. 

Both the sun and tanning beds give off harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkles. It's best to avoid tanning beds completely. If you want to have a tanned look, consider using a self-tanning product instead, but remember to still use sunscreen along with it for actual sun protection. 

<h4>Be Extra Careful Near Reflective Surfaces </h4>

You need to be especially cautious when you're near water, snow, or sand. These surfaces are highly reflective, meaning they bounce back the sun's damaging rays, which can significantly increase your chance of getting a <span>sunburn</span>. 

Skin & Hair

skin cancer

melanoma skin cancer

sunscreen application

right spf sunscreen

sunburn

summer skincare

How many times have you read the 'when' and ' how' to apply sunscreen the "correct" way because most people don't seem to use nearly enough. Experts have now shown exactly how much sunscreen you need to stay safe. This is crucial because sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer worldwide. In the UK, melanoma skin cancer rates have jumped by almost a third in the last decade, making it the fifth most common cancer with about 18,000 diagnoses each year. A simple way to help prevent this disease is to always wear sunscreen when you're outdoors. What is the "Seven Teaspoon" Rule Of Sunscreen?It's likely you "need more than you think" when it comes to sunscreen. Which UK recently shared a video on Instagram, asking: "Are you putting on enough sun cream?" They highlighted some key points: you need seven teaspoons to safely cover your whole body. You should apply it 15 minutes before you go into the sun, and reapply every two hours (or more often if you're swimming or sweating a lot).Breaking down those seven teaspoons:One teaspoon for your face and neck.Two teaspoons for your arms.Two teaspoons for your legs.One teaspoon for your stomach and chest.One teaspoon for your back.The NHS supports this advice, warning that most people don't use enough sunscreen. They suggest aiming for six to eight teaspoons if you're covering your entire body. If you apply it too thinly, you won't get the protection it promises. If you expect to be in the sun long enough to risk burning, apply sunscreen twice: once 30 minutes before going out and again just before going out. Even if a product says "water resistant," you should reapply it after swimming or towel-drying, as the sun can dry it off your skin every two hours.Who Needs Extra Sun Protection? Some people need to be extra careful in the sun, particularly those with pale, white, or light brown skin, freckles, or red/fair hair, as they tend to burn easily instead of tanning. Individuals with many moles or skin problems due to medical conditions are also at higher risk. Those who are exposed to intense sunlight only occasionally such as during holidays or who travel to hot countries with strong sun exposure should take extra precautions. A family history of skin cancer further increases the need for vigilant sun protection.Sunscreen products are rated with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) from 2 to 50+. A higher SPF number, like 50+, means stronger protection against harmful UVB rays. How Can You Protect Your Skin Without Using Sunscreen?While sunscreen is important, one must follow some other steps to ensure complete protection. Here are some tips you should remember according to American Academy of Dermatology Association. Find Your Shade The sun's rays are most powerful between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During these hours, it's best to seek shade. A good rule of thumb: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is very strong, and you should definitely look for some cover. Dress for Sun Protection Whenever you can, wear sun-protective clothing. This means choosing things like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For even better defense, look for clothing labels that have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number, which tells you how much UV radiation the fabric blocks. Say No to Tanning Beds Both the sun and tanning beds give off harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkles. It's best to avoid tanning beds completely. If you want to have a tanned look, consider using a self-tanning product instead, but remember to still use sunscreen along with it for actual sun protection. Be Extra Careful Near Reflective Surfaces You need to be especially cautious when you're near water, snow, or sand. These surfaces are highly reflective, meaning they bounce back the sun's damaging rays, which can significantly increase your chance of getting a sunburn. 

sunscreen skin care against skin cancer - you need a lot more than you realize

Tanya Dutt

Health News

Commonwealth Swimmer Archie Goodburn And His Journey With A Rare Cancer That Kills Before 40

commonwealth swimmer archie goodburn and his journey with a rare cancer that kills before 40

could weight loss jabs really put your pancreas at risk? symptoms, causes and treatments you must know

World Drug Day 2025: Why Is It Important For Us To Observe This Day?

world drug day 2025: why is it important for us to observe this day?

Outbreak Warning: New Viruses Found In Bats Living Near People In China

outbreak warning: new viruses found in bats living near people in china

Fitness influencer Maria Palen, a chemical engineer known for her athletic lifestyle and 20,000-plus Instagram followers, is facing the unimaginable, regaining the ability to walk after being left partially paralyzed by a rare tick-borne illness. Punctuated by debilitating pain, medical uncertainty, and moments of hope, highlights how health can be derailed with the slightest ignorance or disease—even for those at peak fitness.

In early 2024, Palen start getting minor pains and aches—easily dismissed by most people. But by March, her world had turned around. Palen tells us that her "body completely gave up on me", leaving her on the cusp of immobility. Weighing 20 pounds lighter, in bed, unable to undertake even simple tasks such as locking her phone or opening a can of tuna, she confronted a harsh health deterioration unlike anything she'd ever seen.

A fitness expert who had built her life around health and outdoor activity, Palen struggled to reconcile her condition. “Why was my body failing me? I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle,” she told her social media audience—only to learn that this was no ordinary illness.

After having been consulted by a number of experts, a diagnosis was made: babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic infection caused by Borrelia microti. The parasite infects red blood cells, causing symptoms that vary from fever and chills to anemia and, in extreme instances, life-threatening complications.

Palen shared that she was bitten unaware while out hiking perhaps years before only to have the infection lie dormant until it broke out violently. In October, agonizing pain in the tailbone kept her from sitting. Numbness crept soon afterward from her legs up toward the belly button, and spinal fluid tests detected aberrant inflammation and high white blood cell levels. Physicians grappled with whether Lyme disease, babesiosis, or a neurotoxin was responsible.

In spite of aggressive antibiotic, antiparasitic, and pain control therapies, Palen's condition worsened neurologically. As pain medication was becoming effective, sensation waned. She explained how "my legs started going numb…until it crept all the way up to my belly button". The severity of her condition became apparent: something was interfering with her spinal cord function, although no cause was identified.

Physicians could merely provide cautious estimates: Palen had a 33% possibility of recovery, another 33% for partial recovery, the rest permanent paralysis. The intricated nature of her symptoms—spinal inflammation, destruction of red blood cells, and potential co-infection with Lyme disease—made it a daunting task to diagnose and treat her.

In spite of setbacks, December provided a glimmer of hope when Palen regained minimal movement in one leg. Through mid-2025, she is still reporting progress: strengthening stride, side steps under control, and small but significant gains in leg strength—albeit still lacking in quad muscle function and knee flexion. 

Now living with family in Texas, Palen's rigorous rehabilitation involves eight hours a week of physical therapy, focusing on nerve growth, muscle building, and restoring mobility. She remains hopeful: "If not, I feel like mentally I would spiral," she said to PEOPLE, stressing that hope is crucial to her rehabilitation.

Palen's sickness didn't just derail her physical well-being but also her finances. She lost her job, apartment, and savings, prompting friends to set up a GoFundMe in January. The campaign has since raised over $12,000 to cover rising medical costs while she receives rehabilitation.

In spite of the uncertainty of diagnosis and rollercoaster of emotion, Palen persists. Her daily posts on social media highlight tiny triumphs—every restored step or feeling is cause for celebration as a symbol of resistance and strength.

Worse, co-infections are common: nearly 66% of Lyme disease patients also carry Babesia, making clinical presentations more difficult and diagnosis even later. In extreme cases—most notably among the elderly or immunosuppressed—the case-fatality rate can reach as high as 20%, raising a serious public health issue.

Babesiosis, which is caused by Babesia parasites, most often parades under the disguise of malaria in its initial stages, with fever, headaches, and muscle aches occurring one to six weeks following a <span>tick bite</span>. In extreme instances, it can cause organ failure, anemia, or hepatosplenomegaly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates mortality to be around 0.5% for babesiosis, but this is increased to 20% in the elderly or immunocompromised population. Palen's infection was especially severe, as it "completely shattered" her immune system, she said.

Ticks, tiny spider-like parasites measuring between 1mm and 1cm, are blood-feeders of mammals, including humans. In the United States, babesiosis is caused by two microbes: Babesia microti, which is transmitted by summer ticks, and B. duncani, which is spread by winter ticks during the fall and early winter. Although only around 2,500 cases are diagnosed each year, experts caution that others go undetected because of misdiagnosis or a lack of health provider awareness.

<h2>How Do You Keep Tick-Borne Illnesses from Happening?</h2>

Prevention is still the best method of avoiding severe tick-borne disease, say health authorities. The CDC and others advise:

<ul><li>Wearing long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing when in tick-infested areas</li><li>Using permethrin-treated clothing</li><li>Conducting daily tick inspections—particularly after wilderness use</li><li>Quick and careful removal of ticks with fine-point tweezers</li></ul>

Symptom monitoring—such as for unexplained fever, weakness, rash, or neurological findings—1–6 weeks after possible exposure. As Palen's experience illustrates, prompt detection can be life-changing, but also rare neurological complications, like spinal cord inflammation or paralysis, should be better known.

Although Palen has an indeterminate prognosis, her mind is still geared to the future. She continues to attend therapy, postures about her recovery, and stresses the need to stay mentally tough and surrounded by support groups. Daily function improves incrementally—a hopeful indication that nerve regeneration, even in the case of severe destruction, is possible.

Her case also highlights the necessity for immediate need for medical training, diagnostic equipment, and public education about tick-borne illnesses—including babesiosis—while rare, they can explode exponentially without early treatment. With climate change and habitat invasion fueling an explosion of tick populations, Palen's experience is an appeal to individuals to be cautious and to the medical community prioritize early detection and treatment.

tick bite

tick bite paralysis

babesiosis symptoms

maria palen illness

fitness influencer health

lyme disease infection

rare tick diseases

paralysis after tick bite

Fitness influencer Maria Palen, a chemical engineer known for her athletic lifestyle and 20,000-plus Instagram followers, is facing the unimaginable, regaining the ability to walk after being left partially paralyzed by a rare tick-borne illness. Punctuated by debilitating pain, medical uncertainty, and moments of hope, highlights how health can be derailed with the slightest ignorance or disease—even for those at peak fitness.In early 2024, Palen start getting minor pains and aches—easily dismissed by most people. But by March, her world had turned around. Palen tells us that her "body completely gave up on me", leaving her on the cusp of immobility. Weighing 20 pounds lighter, in bed, unable to undertake even simple tasks such as locking her phone or opening a can of tuna, she confronted a harsh health deterioration unlike anything she'd ever seen.A fitness expert who had built her life around health and outdoor activity, Palen struggled to reconcile her condition. “Why was my body failing me? I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle,” she told her social media audience—only to learn that this was no ordinary illness.After having been consulted by a number of experts, a diagnosis was made: babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic infection caused by Borrelia microti. The parasite infects red blood cells, causing symptoms that vary from fever and chills to anemia and, in extreme instances, life-threatening complications.Palen shared that she was bitten unaware while out hiking perhaps years before only to have the infection lie dormant until it broke out violently. In October, agonizing pain in the tailbone kept her from sitting. Numbness crept soon afterward from her legs up toward the belly button, and spinal fluid tests detected aberrant inflammation and high white blood cell levels. Physicians grappled with whether Lyme disease, babesiosis, or a neurotoxin was responsible.In spite of aggressive antibiotic, antiparasitic, and pain control therapies, Palen's condition worsened neurologically. As pain medication was becoming effective, sensation waned. She explained how "my legs started going numb…until it crept all the way up to my belly button". The severity of her condition became apparent: something was interfering with her spinal cord function, although no cause was identified.Physicians could merely provide cautious estimates: Palen had a 33% possibility of recovery, another 33% for partial recovery, the rest permanent paralysis. The intricated nature of her symptoms—spinal inflammation, destruction of red blood cells, and potential co-infection with Lyme disease—made it a daunting task to diagnose and treat her.In spite of setbacks, December provided a glimmer of hope when Palen regained minimal movement in one leg. Through mid-2025, she is still reporting progress: strengthening stride, side steps under control, and small but significant gains in leg strength—albeit still lacking in quad muscle function and knee flexion. Now living with family in Texas, Palen's rigorous rehabilitation involves eight hours a week of physical therapy, focusing on nerve growth, muscle building, and restoring mobility. She remains hopeful: "If not, I feel like mentally I would spiral," she said to PEOPLE, stressing that hope is crucial to her rehabilitation.Palen's sickness didn't just derail her physical well-being but also her finances. She lost her job, apartment, and savings, prompting friends to set up a GoFundMe in January. The campaign has since raised over $12,000 to cover rising medical costs while she receives rehabilitation.In spite of the uncertainty of diagnosis and rollercoaster of emotion, Palen persists. Her daily posts on social media highlight tiny triumphs—every restored step or feeling is cause for celebration as a symbol of resistance and strength.Worse, co-infections are common: nearly 66% of Lyme disease patients also carry Babesia, making clinical presentations more difficult and diagnosis even later. In extreme cases—most notably among the elderly or immunosuppressed—the case-fatality rate can reach as high as 20%, raising a serious public health issue.What is Babesiosis?Babesiosis, which is caused by Babesia parasites, most often parades under the disguise of malaria in its initial stages, with fever, headaches, and muscle aches occurring one to six weeks following a tick bite. In extreme instances, it can cause organ failure, anemia, or hepatosplenomegaly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates mortality to be around 0.5% for babesiosis, but this is increased to 20% in the elderly or immunocompromised population. Palen's infection was especially severe, as it "completely shattered" her immune system, she said.Ticks, tiny spider-like parasites measuring between 1mm and 1cm, are blood-feeders of mammals, including humans. In the United States, babesiosis is caused by two microbes: Babesia microti, which is transmitted by summer ticks, and B. duncani, which is spread by winter ticks during the fall and early winter. Although only around 2,500 cases are diagnosed each year, experts caution that others go undetected because of misdiagnosis or a lack of health provider awareness.How Do You Keep Tick-Borne Illnesses from Happening?Prevention is still the best method of avoiding severe tick-borne disease, say health authorities. The CDC and others advise:Wearing long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing when in tick-infested areasUsing permethrin-treated clothingConducting daily tick inspections—particularly after wilderness useQuick and careful removal of ticks with fine-point tweezersSymptom monitoring—such as for unexplained fever, weakness, rash, or neurological findings—1–6 weeks after possible exposure. As Palen's experience illustrates, prompt detection can be life-changing, but also rare neurological complications, like spinal cord inflammation or paralysis, should be better known.Although Palen has an indeterminate prognosis, her mind is still geared to the future. She continues to attend therapy, postures about her recovery, and stresses the need to stay mentally tough and surrounded by support groups. Daily function improves incrementally—a hopeful indication that nerve regeneration, even in the case of severe destruction, is possible.Her case also highlights the necessity for immediate need for medical training, diagnostic equipment, and public education about tick-borne illnesses—including babesiosis—while rare, they can explode exponentially without early treatment. With climate change and habitat invasion fueling an explosion of tick populations, Palen's experience is an appeal to individuals to be cautious and to the medical community prioritize early detection and treatment.

fitness influencer left paralyzed from waist down after rare tick bite infection took her strength

Could Weight Loss Jabs Really Put Your Pancreas At Risk

Hundreds Report Pancreatitis After Using Weight-Loss Drugs; UK Launches A Study To Investigate

hundreds report pancreatitis after using weight-loss drugs; uk launches a study to investigate

Type 1 Diabetes Patients May Not Need Insulin To Survive With New Cell Treatment: Study

type 1 diabetes patients may not need insulin to survive with new cell treatment: study

As Mounjaro Kwikpen Gets Greenlight In India: How Can Once-Weekly Shot Help Manage Diabetes And Lose Weight?

as mounjaro kwikpen gets greenlight in india: how can once-weekly shot help manage diabetes and lose weight?

As the number of people reporting pancreatic issues after taking the <span>weight loss</span> and diabetic jabs increases, UK health officials have launched an investigative study to figure out the unexpected side-effects of the drug. 

In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England are asking anyone who was using these shots and ended up in the hospital with a sudden pancreas problem called <span>acute pancreatitis</span> to get in touch. Hundreds of people have reported pancreas issues after taking drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy, but doctors haven't yet proven that the shots caused these problems.

The study is part of the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme, this system lets anyone report a problem with a medicine, vaccine, or medical device, which helps doctors find safety issues early. People aged 18 and older who had a serious reaction to these weight loss shots (which are also used for type 2 diabetes) should report it on the Yellow Card website. 

They'll then be asked if they want to join the study. This study will check if some people's genes make them more likely to get acute <span>pancreatitis</span> when taking these medicines. Patients will give more information and a saliva sample, hoping to reduce these side effects in the future.

As of May 13 this year, 10 deaths from pancreatitis in people using weight loss drugs were reported to the Yellow Card website, though other health factors might have been involved. It's tough to track exact user numbers since many buy these drugs online without a prescription. While health officials suggest these shots can aid obesity efforts, they caution that they're not a "magic solution" and often cause side effects like nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. The MHRA also warned that Mounjaro could reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills for some users.

 <h2>Does Weight-Loss Injection Affect Pancreas?</h2>

A January 2025 study published in the Nature Medicine had looked into this question before. The study observed how the weight loss drug GLP-1, affected 175 different diseases. The study found that while GLP-1 users saw some benefits, they also had a higher risk of 19 side effects or diseases compared to those on traditional medications.

The most significant finding was that people on GLP-1 agonists were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop drug-induced acute pancreatitis, a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Other common side effects included a 30% higher risk of nausea or vomiting, an 11% higher risk of arthritis, and a 6% higher risk of low blood pressure. These findings highlight that while beneficial for some conditions, these drugs come with a range of potential risks.

In 2024 a case study published in the journal Cureus, also looked into this, however at the time, they did not have enough evidence to back it. The study explained that some reports had connected Semaglutide to a sudden swelling of the pancreas, called acute pancreatitis. This report talked about a 36-year-old woman who came to the emergency room with sudden, severe stomach pain. She was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. She had just started using Semaglutide shots for weight loss, which she got from a friend without talking to a doctor first.

After she stopped taking Semaglutide, her pancreas levels (lipase) went back to normal, and her symptoms got much better. This suggests that Semaglutide was likely what caused her acute pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and this can either be acute or chronic. Finding out whether one has pancreatitis as well as getting it under control is very important as if left unchecked, it can lead to long-term damage and other complications. 

As you may know, our pancreas makes important digestive enzymes as well as insulin, which helps us break down glucose components and transform it into energy. Pancreatitis happens when the pancreas enzymes damage the pancreatic tissue itself. 

The key difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis is that they are actually different conditions. According to a 2021 study published in the Cureus journal, acute pancreatitis is a sudden, short-term inflammation of the pancreas. When someone has acute pancreatitis, they usually feel severe pain in the upper part of their belly, either in the middle or on the right side. This type of pancreatitis often comes on quickly and, with proper treatment, can resolve. Here are the symptoms, causes and treatment options, according to National Health Services UK.

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas that often gets worse over time. Unlike acute pancreatitis, the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can be much broader. People might have ongoing belly pain, but they can also show signs that their pancreas isn't working properly. This can lead to problems with digestion and even diabetes.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden, short-term swelling of your pancreas. The most common signs are severe, sudden pain in the middle of your stomach. You might also feel or be sick, and have diarrhea.

Whereas, the main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated, severe stomach pain, usually in the middle or left side, that can spread to your back. This pain is often described as burning or shooting and can last for hours or days, sometimes without a clear trigger.

As the condition worsens, these painful episodes might happen more often and be more severe. Eventually, you might feel a constant, dull pain in your belly even between bad episodes, especially if you keep drinking alcohol.

Acute pancreatitis happens when digestive chemicals inside your pancreas start to attack the organ itself. It's most often linked to two main things: gallstones, which cause about half of all cases, and drinking alcohol, which is behind about a quarter of cases. You can lower your risk by drinking less alcohol and making diet changes to prevent gallstones.

The most common reason for chronic pancreatitis is drinking too much alcohol for many years. This can cause repeated attacks of sudden pancreatitis, leading to more and more damage. In children, cystic fibrosis is the most common cause. Other less common causes include smoking, your immune system attacking the pancreas, genetic problems, injury, gallstones blocking ducts, or radiation. Sometimes, no cause is found.

<h2>Treatment Options for Pancreatitis</h2>

Treatment for acute pancreatitis focuses on supporting your body while the swelling goes down. You'll usually need to stay in the hospital for fluids through a vein, pain relief, food support, and oxygen. Most people get better within a week and can leave the hospital in 5 to 10 days, though severe cases might take longer due to complications. 

The damage to your pancreas from chronic pancreatitis is permanent, but treatment can help manage the condition and symptoms. Doctors usually advise stopping alcohol and smoking. You'll also get medicine to relieve pain. In some cases of severe pain, surgery might be an option to help control the condition and improve your quality of life.

Researchers have explained that like many other medicines, <span>weight loss jabs</span> also have side-effects, some of which are very serious. The next steps they are taking is to make the medicine safer by gathering more information and helping more personalized prescriptions to prevent any such situation from arising in future. 

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Pancreatitis Acute and Chronic

As the number of people reporting pancreatic issues after taking the weight loss and diabetic jabs increases, UK health officials have launched an investigative study to figure out the unexpected side-effects of the drug. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England are asking anyone who was using these shots and ended up in the hospital with a sudden pancreas problem called acute pancreatitis to get in touch. Hundreds of people have reported pancreas issues after taking drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy, but doctors haven't yet proven that the shots caused these problems.The study is part of the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme, this system lets anyone report a problem with a medicine, vaccine, or medical device, which helps doctors find safety issues early. People aged 18 and older who had a serious reaction to these weight loss shots (which are also used for type 2 diabetes) should report it on the Yellow Card website. They'll then be asked if they want to join the study. This study will check if some people's genes make them more likely to get acute pancreatitis when taking these medicines. Patients will give more information and a saliva sample, hoping to reduce these side effects in the future.As of May 13 this year, 10 deaths from pancreatitis in people using weight loss drugs were reported to the Yellow Card website, though other health factors might have been involved. It's tough to track exact user numbers since many buy these drugs online without a prescription. While health officials suggest these shots can aid obesity efforts, they caution that they're not a "magic solution" and often cause side effects like nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. The MHRA also warned that Mounjaro could reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills for some users. Does Weight-Loss Injection Affect Pancreas?A January 2025 study published in the Nature Medicine had looked into this question before. The study observed how the weight loss drug GLP-1, affected 175 different diseases. The study found that while GLP-1 users saw some benefits, they also had a higher risk of 19 side effects or diseases compared to those on traditional medications.The most significant finding was that people on GLP-1 agonists were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop drug-induced acute pancreatitis, a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed.Other common side effects included a 30% higher risk of nausea or vomiting, an 11% higher risk of arthritis, and a 6% higher risk of low blood pressure. These findings highlight that while beneficial for some conditions, these drugs come with a range of potential risks.In 2024 a case study published in the journal Cureus, also looked into this, however at the time, they did not have enough evidence to back it. The study explained that some reports had connected Semaglutide to a sudden swelling of the pancreas, called acute pancreatitis. This report talked about a 36-year-old woman who came to the emergency room with sudden, severe stomach pain. She was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. She had just started using Semaglutide shots for weight loss, which she got from a friend without talking to a doctor first.After she stopped taking Semaglutide, her pancreas levels (lipase) went back to normal, and her symptoms got much better. This suggests that Semaglutide was likely what caused her acute pancreatitis.What Is Pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and this can either be acute or chronic. Finding out whether one has pancreatitis as well as getting it under control is very important as if left unchecked, it can lead to long-term damage and other complications. As you may know, our pancreas makes important digestive enzymes as well as insulin, which helps us break down glucose components and transform it into energy. Pancreatitis happens when the pancreas enzymes damage the pancreatic tissue itself. The key difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis is that they are actually different conditions. According to a 2021 study published in the Cureus journal, acute pancreatitis is a sudden, short-term inflammation of the pancreas. When someone has acute pancreatitis, they usually feel severe pain in the upper part of their belly, either in the middle or on the right side. This type of pancreatitis often comes on quickly and, with proper treatment, can resolve. Here are the symptoms, causes and treatment options, according to National Health Services UK.Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas that often gets worse over time. Unlike acute pancreatitis, the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can be much broader. People might have ongoing belly pain, but they can also show signs that their pancreas isn't working properly. This can lead to problems with digestion and even diabetes.Symptoms of PancreatitisAcute pancreatitis is a sudden, short-term swelling of your pancreas. The most common signs are severe, sudden pain in the middle of your stomach. You might also feel or be sick, and have diarrhea.Whereas, the main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated, severe stomach pain, usually in the middle or left side, that can spread to your back. This pain is often described as burning or shooting and can last for hours or days, sometimes without a clear trigger.As the condition worsens, these painful episodes might happen more often and be more severe. Eventually, you might feel a constant, dull pain in your belly even between bad episodes, especially if you keep drinking alcohol.Causes of PancreatitisAcute pancreatitis happens when digestive chemicals inside your pancreas start to attack the organ itself. It's most often linked to two main things: gallstones, which cause about half of all cases, and drinking alcohol, which is behind about a quarter of cases. You can lower your risk by drinking less alcohol and making diet changes to prevent gallstones.The most common reason for chronic pancreatitis is drinking too much alcohol for many years. This can cause repeated attacks of sudden pancreatitis, leading to more and more damage. In children, cystic fibrosis is the most common cause. Other less common causes include smoking, your immune system attacking the pancreas, genetic problems, injury, gallstones blocking ducts, or radiation. Sometimes, no cause is found.Treatment Options for PancreatitisTreatment for acute pancreatitis focuses on supporting your body while the swelling goes down. You'll usually need to stay in the hospital for fluids through a vein, pain relief, food support, and oxygen. Most people get better within a week and can leave the hospital in 5 to 10 days, though severe cases might take longer due to complications. The damage to your pancreas from chronic pancreatitis is permanent, but treatment can help manage the condition and symptoms. Doctors usually advise stopping alcohol and smoking. You'll also get medicine to relieve pain. In some cases of severe pain, surgery might be an option to help control the condition and improve your quality of life.Researchers have explained that like many other medicines, weight loss jabs also have side-effects, some of which are very serious. The next steps they are taking is to make the medicine safer by gathering more information and helping more personalized prescriptions to prevent any such situation from arising in future. 

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