After the first death of a human patient by bird flu or the avian influenza from Louisiana, the flu hit a poultry producer in Georgia. This has happened for the first time in 2022 countrywide outbreak. It is a major cause of concern as Georgia is the nation's top state for chicken production.

When Was It Detected?

The state Department of Agriculture on Friday announced that it has detected a case of "Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza" at a commercial poultry producer in Elbert County, which is around 100 miles northeast of Atlanta. The agency, since then, has suspended all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets and sales.

The producer for the first time noticed signs of bird flu on Wednesday. The detection was then confirmed by the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network on Thursday afternoon. Afterwards, it was also confirmed by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory. The site had about 45,000 broiler breeders when bird flu was detected, reported AP.

As per the reports, on Friday, the state Department of Agriculture's Emergency Management sent its State Agricultural Response Teams to "conduct depopulation, cleaning and disinfecting, and disposal operations." The operation was carried around within a 6.2 mile radius. Every poultry or farm that fell under the radius was put under quarantine and will undergo at least two weeks of surveillance testing.

“That approach to protecting the safety of poultry products produced in Georgia will continue throughout this response and beyond” Mike Giles, Georgia Poultry Federation president said.

Read more about bird flu here.

Has it been detected before?

While the virus had been detected before in Georgia, four times as per the reports. However, all these were detected in backyard flocks previously. Among these, 13 chickens and ducks in this month in Clayton County south of Atlanta were detected too.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said that it is a serious threat to Georgia's top industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians "who make their living in our state's poultry industry."

Bird Flu, Nationwide

Nationwide, the virus has been detected in 84 commercial and backyard flocks with 10.7 million birds on the sites as per the data released by the US Department of Agriculture. It has also been confirmed in dairy farms. The most concerning part is the mutation of the H5N1 virus which has allowed it to infect human, being rarest of the rare cases. The Louisiana man, over the age of 65, who was infected, also lost his life to the disease.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 2003, about thousand confirmed cases of human H5N1 was reported to the World Health Organization. Out of this, almost 50% died, and the fatality rate was set at 52%.

The countries reporting the highest number of human bird flu deaths are Indonesia, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. While the fatality rate varies by the strain of bird flu, another type, that is, H679 is known to infect humans has a lower fatality rate of 40%.

CDC also noted that severe H5N1 avian flu in America was "not expected". "Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death," the CDC stated.

Our medicine cabinets are stocked with a combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter painkillers, antidepressants, and supplements—all designed to keep us healthy but new research is now revealing an important and overlooked reality that some of the most widely used medications might be harming us more than they're helping, particularly when it comes to your blood pressure and heart health.

High blood pressure—or hypertension—affects over 1 billion people globally, and it’s one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Yet, despite taking medications that are designed to manage it, many patients continue to struggle with uncontrolled blood pressure levels. Why? Experts are beginning to suspect that the answer might lie in a surprising culprit, the other medications we’re taking at the same time.

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers, reported in Hypertension Research, shows how widely used blood pressure medications might actually disrupt a critical heart-protective enzyme known as ACE2. And that's not all—other popular medications such as NSAIDs (say ibuprofen), antidepressants, steroids, and even decongestants might also be quietly jacking up blood pressure in millions of people without alerting them.

Cardiovascular disease is still the major killer globally, and high blood pressure—or hypertension—is a big contributor. Estimated to afflict more than a billion individuals worldwide, the hypertension burden is particularly crushing in low- and middle-income nations. Even with the universal availability of prescription drugs, many patients still struggle with uncontrolled blood pressure. Increasing evidence now implies that the very drugs we trust—prescription and over-the-counter—may be stealthily sabotaging cardiovascular health.

Could Your Blood Pressure Medications Be Damaging Your Heart?

Recent research indicates that most widely prescribed drugs can get in the way of blood pressure control. One in five hypertensive adults may be taking drugs that increase blood pressure, yet unaware of this.

From over-the-counter analgesics to antidepressants and oral steroids, the roll call of offenders is long. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, some antidepressants, corticosteroids, decongestants, and even some oral contraceptives have all been shown to raise blood pressure levels. This poses very serious questions about how polypharmacy—taking several medications simultaneously—is likely to impact long-term cardiovascular health.

Experts point out, even moderate rises in blood pressure can contribute to major consequences on heart disease and stroke susceptibility. We should be more observant regarding reviewing medication, particularly in older populations who are already at risk.

ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to manage hypertension by acting on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). But research in Hypertension Research by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania brings new understanding to a crucial part of the puzzle: the ACE2 enzyme.

ACE2 performs a dual function—it both regulates blood pressure and is cardioprotective. It metabolizes angiotensin II, a strong vasoconstrictor, to angiotensin 1–7, which is a vasodilator and decreases blood pressure.

Dr. Henry Daniell and colleagues discovered that in companion animals already on ACEIs or ARBs, supplementing with oral ACE2 (administered through a new plant-based system) produced startling and alarming outcomes. Certain ACE inhibitors seemed to block the action of the ACE2 enzyme, essentially negating the therapeutic advantage of its supplementation. ARBs, on the other hand, appeared to enlarge the pool of angiotensin II—exactly what hypertensive patients try to escape.

Not all the ACE inhibitors reacted in a similar way. One of the most commonly prescribed medications in America, lisinopril, caused the smallest level of ACE2 inhibition and potentially could be considered a safe one for sustained cardiovascular support.

"You don't want to block ACE2, and you don't want to add to the angiotensin II pool. And we saw both there," explained Daniell.

ACE2 has been under the limelight ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, as the virus exploits this enzyme to gain entry into human cells. The inhibition of ACE2 by some blood pressure drugs eerily resembles what scientists witnessed in the initial stages of the pandemic.

Dr. Daniell and his colleagues are currently pursuing FDA approval to test their plant-based delivery system for ACE2 in humans, the first FDA-approved human blood protein expressed in plant cells to move into clinical trials. Their research may open the door to a new generation of cardiopulmonary therapies that are safer, more targeted, and possibly more effective.

Are You Taking a Medication That's Raising Your BP?

A concerning 19% of individuals with high blood pressure take at least one drug that has been shown to increase blood pressure, with women faring worse (24% vs. 14% of men). Sometimes the problem isn't the high blood pressure—it's the additive effect of too many drugs with overlapping actions.

Health experts are now advocating for a more cautious, individualized approach. Rather than simply increasing the dose or number of medications, doctors are exploring “deprescribing” as a strategy—removing or replacing drugs that may be doing more harm than good.

Natural Ways to Manage High Blood Pressure

If you’re worried about your heart health or want to complement your existing treatment, there are natural ways to support healthy blood pressure:

1. Follow a DASH Diet

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods are the mainstays of the clinically tested Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which lowers blood pressure.

2. Reduce Sodium

Cutting back on salt to less than 2,300 mg/day can make a quantifiable impact on your blood pressure level.

3. Boost Potassium

Bananas, spinach, avocados, and sweet potatoes are great sources of potassium, which counteracts sodium.

4. Get Moving

Try for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) five days a week. Regular exercise makes your heart stronger and boosts circulation.

5. Stay at a Healthy Weight

Even a small amount of weight loss can help reduce blood pressure in overweight people.

6. Reduce Stress

Recurring stress is a well-known cause of hypertension. Methods such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or even daily hobbies can reduce stress greatly.

7. Reduce Alcohol and Stop Smoking

Both tobacco and alcohol can raise blood pressure and harm your cardiovascular system. Reducing or stopping them all together has great heart health rewards.

While new research is still coming out, the connection between medications and heart health is becoming more intricate than originally realized. Whether you're dealing with hypertension or just want to shield your heart, it's important to examine all medications—both prescription and over-the-counter—and stay up to date regularly.

Depression is emerging as one of the most prevalent mental disorders globally. Cases among the adolescents and adults are on the rise. As per the recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics, the prevalence of depression in individuals aged 12 and older has in fact seen a surge of 60% over the last decade.

The study covered the period from August 2021 to August 2023 and found a 13/1% increase of US population reporting to have experienced depression. This is a significant increased as compared to the 8.2% observed between 2013 and 2014. Experts have advised it to be an alarming trend that reflects a broader global mental health crisis that demands urgent attention.

Has There Been Any Disparities In Depression Numbers?

The study, conducted by Debra J. Brody and Jeffrey P. Hughes of the National Center for Health Statistics, reveals some stark disparities in depression prevalence. Notably, women are more likely to experience depression than men, with 16% of women reporting symptoms compared to 10.1% of men. Depression is also more common among younger people, with nearly 20% of individuals aged 12 to 19 reporting depressive symptoms. In contrast, only 8.7% of adults aged 60 and above experienced depression. Moreover, socioeconomic factors play a significant role, with those living below the poverty line experiencing depression at rates higher than 20%.

How Does It Impact Day-To-Day Life?

The effects of depression can be lasting. It affects not just the person's mental health, but also the ability to function in daily life. As per the study, nearly 88% of individuals with depression report difficulties in their work, home, and social activities due to their symptoms. Despite the widespread impact of depression, a significant portion of those affected do not seek professional help. The study found that only 39.3% of individuals with depression received therapy or counseling in the past year, with women more likely to seek treatment than men (43% compared to 33.2%).

Global Statistics: What WHO Tells

Globally, depression remains a leading cause of disability, affecting approximately 280 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Women are particularly vulnerable, with depression being 50% more common in women than men. Additionally, depression is a leading cause of suicide, with over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year. The situation is exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries, where more than 75% of people with mental health disorders receive no treatment. Stigma, a lack of trained healthcare providers, and insufficient investment in mental health care contribute to the widespread lack of support.

What Is Depression?

Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Other symptoms include poor concentration, feelings of guilt, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and a general lack of energy. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months, severely impacting an individual's quality of life. The WHO categorizes depression into different types, including single episode depression, recurrent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, with varying degrees of severity and duration.

When Tina Knowles—entrepreneur, designer, and mother to global superstars Beyoncé and Solange—sat down with Gayle King for an emotional interview on CBS Mornings, her vulnerability struck a chord with millions. The 71-year-old matriarch, known for her strength and elegance, revealed something deeply personal: she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in her left breast, a discovery made during a routine mammogram last year. One of the two tumors doctors found was benign. The other was not.

“I’ve always tried to take care of myself. I just … was in disbelief,” Knowles said softly. Her voice, usually full of conviction, cracked with emotion as she recounted how years had passed since her last mammogram—a delay, she admitted, that was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That pause in care, one she now describes as dangerously unintentional, nearly changed the course of her life.

Routine Check That Came Too Late

Tina Knowles’ story is not uncommon. Like many women juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities, she put off her routine checkup. When the pandemic arrived, so did widespread cancellations of non-urgent medical appointments, including cancer screenings.

“I forgot that I didn’t go to get my test two years before I thought I had,” she admitted. “Covid came, and they called me and canceled me. They said, ‘We’ll call you when we start testing again.’ And I just thought I had done it. So you cannot play around with that.”

By the time she returned for her screening, doctors found two tumors in her breast. One was benign, but the second tested positive for cancer. Knowles was told that if she had come in earlier, the cancer might have been caught at Stage 0—a stage with even higher treatment success and fewer interventions. Thankfully, the tumor was slow-growing, had not spread, and was still considered highly treatable.

In August, Knowles underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, along with a breast reduction. On the day of the surgery, her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, along with close friends, stood by her side, offering strength and comfort.

“I was nervous,” Knowles recalled, but Solange helped lighten the mood by playing a viral internet video about the word “demure.” “We laughed and laughed. I got out of my head. Then I said, ‘I’m just so happy that y’all are here.’”

Her gratitude was palpable. Now declared cancer-free, Knowles says she feels incredibly blessed and credits early detection—and the support of her daughters—for the positive outcome.

Knowles chose to share her story publicly, despite her deeply private nature. It wasn’t just about catharsis—it was a decision rooted in purpose. “I struggled with whether I would share that journey because I’m very private. But I decided to share it because I think there are a lot of lessons in it for other women,” she said.

Her message is simple and clear, do not delay your screenings.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. When detected early at Stage 1 or Stage 0, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Yet screening rates continue to lag, especially after COVID-related disruptions. Some women still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic screening schedules—a delay that could cost lives.

Knowles’ experience underscores the importance of consistency. Even someone who has access to quality healthcare, who is proactive about self-care, and who surrounds herself with resources and information, can fall through the cracks.

Tina Knowles’ influence extends far beyond the red carpet. As a businesswoman and a mentor, she’s shaped culture—and now, she's using her platform to raise awareness about a disease that still claims over 40,000 lives in the U.S. every year.

Her decision to go public also coincides with the release of her memoir Matriarch, in which she opens up about her journey through motherhood, business, and now, health challenges. It’s a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate by fame, fortune, or age—and that even those who seem larger than life face the same human vulnerabilities as the rest of us.

Tina Knowles is now cancer-free, but she knows her story could have ended differently. Her journey is a cautionary tale with a hopeful ending, reminding women everywhere that early detection can save lives.

“I’m doing great,” she shared. “I’m cancer-free and incredibly blessed that God allowed me to find it early.”