Stroke is the second leading cause of death, causing 5.7 million deaths annually. Recent research has identified vitamin D deficiency as an independent risk factor for stroke, particularly “ischemic stroke,” which reduces blood supply to the brain due to clots blocking blood flow in the vessels. Other research shows that decreased vitamin D levels worsen stroke severity and prognosis. Many recommend vitamin D for stroke treatment.

Global unrest has increased since the millennium, risking social unrest. Health promotion and wellness activities are popular now. Science and culture affect “social ethos,” especially morality and lifestyle. We were not taught to help the poor in school. The education system undervalues moral education.

Have you ever heard about the “Dawn Effect”? For people who have diabetes, the “Dawn Phenomenon” or “Dawn Effect” refers to higher blood sugar levels in the morning, which is common in people with diabetes. One reason for this - the dawn effect - describes an increase in blood sugar, usually occurring between 2 am and 8 am.

A day-long conference titled, “International CME on Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis” was held in Dhaka on recently. The conference was organised by Bangladesh Renal Association and powered by NIPRO-JMI Medical Limited, a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture company, says a press release.

Backbiting is “mean-spirited gossip about someone absent.” Backbiting spreads like a disease. Many do not care this social disease. We recognise arrogance, egotism, and jealousy as immoral, but we often overlook how harmful toxic talk can be. Backbiting can create a negative mindset.

A review of 22 previously published studies suggests that taking micro-breaks—discontinuing a task for 10 minutes or less—is generally associated with reduced fatigue and increased vigour found in a study published in PLOS-One. Multi-study review also suggests short breaks may improve performance in certain settings.

Tonsillitis is the infection of the tonsils. They are located at the back of the throat, two in number, one on each side. Tonsils function as filters, capturing germs that might otherwise enter your airways and infect you. They also produce antibodies to combat infection. However, bacteria and viruses can occasionally overwhelm them. This can cause them to swell and become irritated.

According to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2019 study, smoking, alcohol use, high Body Mass Index (BMI), and other risk factors caused 4.45 million cancer deaths in 2019.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) - a procedure that replace an aortic valve without chest incision or anaesthesia was successfully performed on a 80 year old patient at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) recently by cardiologist Prof Dr S M Mustafa Zaman.

Extreme fitness did not increase mortality in a large observational study. Studies link cardiorespiratory fitness to lower all-cause mortality.

According to a study, ‘sad feelings’ can alter stress-related brain tasks and increase blood levels of inflammatory proteins linked to heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Mind and mindset are crucial to one’s nature. Our nature or behaviour is controlled by the ‘brain,’ a mysterious 3-pound soft structure responsible for solving problems, planning actions, and controlling emotions. These executive functions control our’ body and mind.

Schizophrenia is a disabling mental illness without care. People with the disorder hear voices, see imaginary sights, or believe others control their minds. These sensations can cause erratic behaviour. Treatment can manage the most severe symptoms, but there is no cure.

Success requires a positive mindset. True success brings mental and physical health, natural achievements, and happiness. A growth mindset is more important than money, hard work, and effort.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe to use during pregnancy, and pregnant women had lower rates of health events after vaccination than similarly aged non-pregnant vaccinated people, a large Canadian study found.

Thalassemia is Bangladesh’s most common congenital disability. Our country has 17 million thalassemia carriers and 14,000 new cases each year. Thalassaemia causes low haemoglobin. It is not contagious and cannot be spread by direct contact. When both parents are carriers, it is passed to their children.

An international consortium analysed the genetic sequences and antibiotic susceptibility of more than 10,000 global Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) represents a potential biomarker of chronic psychological stress. Previous studies exploring the association between perceived stress and HCC have been limited to relatively small and selected populations.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine. It’s a lifelong issue without a cure. It can be controlled by diet, lifestyle, and medication.

Study suggests 8 medical conditions are common in U.S. children diagnosed with obesity, and approximately one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese. A study publishing recently in PLOS Digital Health by Elizabeth Campbell at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, and colleagues suggest that childhood obesity may be associated with an array of underlying medical conditions.

Today’s life is easier “with a lot of gadgets,” but behind our familiarity are many unexplainable illnesses. Modern life is full of stress. Stress is a foundational illness. People today feel more stress than they did 30/35 years ago, and those 45 to 64 feel it the most.