Smokers who make the decision to quit will experience immediate health benefits, including a rapid reduction in their risk of atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. The study, conducted by Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, offers compelling evidence for smokers to quit, showing that it’s never too late to avoid the damaging effects of smoking on heart health.

Dr. Marcus, the senior author of the study, emphasized that A-Fib can be prevented even in individuals who have smoked for years. "The findings provide a compelling new reason to show current smokers that it’s not too late to quit, and that having smoked in the past doesn’t mean you’re ‘destined’ to develop A-Fib," Marcus explained. "Even for the current and longtime smoker, A-Fib can still be avoided."

What is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

"There’s strong evidence that smoking increases the risk of A-Fib," Marcus said. "But the benefits of quitting smoking have been less certain." With this in mind, his team sought to determine whether quitting could significantly lower a person’s risk of developing A-Fib, or if the risk would remain the same.

The research team analyzed data from over 146,700 current and former smokers, tracking their smoking habits and health over a 12-year period using data from the UK Biobank database. The results were promising: former smokers had a 13% lower risk of developing A-Fib compared to current smokers, while those who quit during the study saw an 18% reduction in their risk.

"This is likely a testament to the potency of reducing atrial fibrillation risk pretty shortly after quitting," Marcus said in a statement from the American College of Cardiology.

The findings highlight the importance of quitting smoking, not only for general health but specifically for reducing the risk of serious heart conditions like A-Fib.

Tips for Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of A-Fib and improve overall heart health. While it can be challenging, the benefits of quitting are clear and immediate. Here are some tips to help you quit smoking successfully:

1. Choose a specific date to quit smoking and stick to it. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for this change.

2. Reach out to family, friends, or a support group to help keep you accountable. Sharing your goals with others can provide encouragement.

3. Options like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

4. Identify situations that make you want to smoke, such as stress or social gatherings, and find healthy ways to cope with them.

5. Regular exercise can help distract you from cravings and improve your mood during the quitting process.

6. Drinking water can help flush nicotine out of your system faster, reducing cravings.

7. Activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress, a common trigger for smoking.

Quitting smoking offers immediate and significant benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation. The latest research provides smokers with more motivation to quit, showing that it's never too late to take control of their heart health.

US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh health speculation after recent photographs appeared to show discoloration on both of his hands.

The 80-year-old president was once again seen with visible discoloration—this time on his left hand—while his right hand has previously drawn attention for recurring bruising that was often covered with concealer during public appearances.

“Bruising and discoloration was visible today on Trump's *left* hand, which is not the one that is usually mangled,” independent journalist Aaron Rupar highlighted this on social media platform X.

The accompanying photograph sparked renewed online discussion, with some social media users speculating that makeup may have been used to conceal the discoloration.

Possible Causes of Hand Discoloration

Trump's right hand has appeared bruised on multiple occasions in recent months, prompting questions about his health. However, both Trump and the White House have previously downplayed concerns.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant - Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained that hand discoloration can have several possible causes, including:

• Bruising (bleeding under the skin)
• Reduced blood circulation or low oxygen levels
• Swelling due to fluid retention
• Infection or inflammation

"A purple or blue patch often suggests bruising, blue fingers may indicate circulation or oxygen issues, puffy hands suggest fluid retention, and red, warm swelling may point toward infection," he said.

However, there is no official medical update on the discoloration in Trump's left hand. Therefore, any claims remain speculative. But it is not the first time that various speculations have been going around about the health of Trump.

Earlier this year, Trump told The Wall Street Journal that the bruising on his right hand was due to taking aspirin more frequently than recommended by his doctors. He has consistently maintained that he is in "excellent" health.

Previously, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also attributed the bruising to Trump's frequent handshakes, after the discoloration first drew public attention following the 2024 US presidential election.

Fresh Attention After Iran Remarks

The renewed focus on Trump's appearance comes after comments he made during a phone interview with Salem News Channel about Iran.

Trump said, "They would have had a nuclear weapon within two to four weeks had I not hit them... Once they had a nuclear weapon, they would have used it."

The remarks prompted criticism online, with some commentators questioning his phrasing and pointing out that the White House had earlier stated Iran's nuclear infrastructure had been "obliterated."

Some social media users also noted Trump's repeated use of the phrase "two weeks," with one commenter asking why he frequently refers to that timeframe.

Donald Trump’s Physical At Walter Reed

In a recent post, Trump said that his latest physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center came back clean, renewing public attention to his health and well-being.

Trump wrote, “I just finished a perfect physical at Walter Reed... I do it every six months, and I requested another Cognitive Test... I aced them all. Got every question right.” He also reiterated that “everything checked out perfectly.”

After Trump's post sparked confusion over whether he had undergone a medical checkup recently, the White House clarified that he was referring to the physical examination conducted in May.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released updated guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, a condition that affects more than 57 million people worldwide.

Nearly 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia every year. While there is currently no cure, the WHO says up to 45 per cent of dementia risk can be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, social isolation, air pollution, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including high blood pressure and diabetes.

Beyond its impact on memory, thinking and daily functioning, dementia also affects a person's independence, dignity and safety.

"We know more today than ever before about what drives dementia risk, and these guidelines translate that knowledge into action," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

"Countries now have clear, evidence-based recommendations they can put into practice immediately to protect people's cognitive health," he added.

What Do the Updated WHO Guidelines Say?

Also read: Healthy Lifestyle Changes Improve Memory, Thinking In Older Adults At Dementia Risk: The Lancet

The WHO last issued recommendations on dementia risk reduction in 2019. The global healthy body said that the updated guidelines incorporate the latest scientific evidence and innovations in dementia prevention. The revised recommendations also provide proven interventions that can lower dementia risk through early awareness and timely action.

Further, they present an opportunity to reduce the global burden of dementia by strengthening the integration of brain health with noncommunicable disease and mental health services.

Importantly, the updated guidelines recommend several healthy behaviors and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including:

• Cognitive training and cognitive stimulation

• Participation in social activities for adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment

• Regular physical activity

• Quitting tobacco

• Reducing alcohol consumption

• Following a healthy diet

• Reducing exposure to air pollution

The WHO also recommends effective management of cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol as part of dementia risk-reduction strategies. Hearing aids may also be offered where appropriate, it said.

WHO Warns Against Routine Supplements

The WHO does not recommend the routine use of vitamin B and E supplements, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), or multivitamins and minerals to prevent cognitive decline or dementia in people without a diagnosed deficiency.

According to the organization, current evidence does not demonstrate sufficient benefit to outweigh potential harmful effects.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term describing a significant decline in mental function that interferes with everyday life. It commonly affects memory, thinking and reasoning abilities and is caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.

Read More: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For

Common Signs of Dementia

• Memory problems

• Confusion

• Difficulty finding words

• Changes in mood or behavior

• Trouble completing familiar tasks

The Growing Global Burden

Dementia significantly affects an individual's ability to live independently, work and perform daily activities while placing a substantial burden on families and caregivers.

According to the WHO, dementia costs the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion every year, with about half of that amount attributed to unpaid care provided by family members and friends.

The WHO said understanding dementia risk factors and taking preventive action can improve health and quality of life, helping people live longer, healthier and more independent lives.

A simple blood test that measures androgen hormone levels could help diagnose endometriosis with more than 95 per cent accuracy, according to new research.

The University of Edinburgh-led findings offer hope for a faster, less invasive way to detect the condition, which affects an estimated 10 per cent of women of reproductive age worldwide—around 190 million people—and often takes years to diagnose.

The researchers found that women with endometriosis have a distinct androgen hormone profile in their blood, suggesting the condition could one day be identified through a simple blood test rather than invasive procedures.

Study Identifies a Unique Hormone Signature

Also read: NHS To Roll Out Two 'Gamechanger' Tests for Faster Endometriosis Diagnosis: Know How They Work

The research team analyzed blood samples from 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 women without the condition. Their investigation focused on androgen hormones, including a lesser-studied group known as 11-oxygenated androgens, which are produced by the adrenal glands.

The researchers discovered that women with endometriosis consistently had higher levels of 11-ketotestosterone, one of the 11-oxygenated androgens.

Using this distinct hormone profile, the team was able to differentiate women with and without endometriosis, correctly identifying more than 95 per cent of those with the condition.

If validated in larger clinical studies, the test could reduce reliance on invasive diagnostic procedures such as laparoscopy and help women receive treatment much earlier.

The findings also provide new insights into the role of androgens in the development of endometriosis and may help guide future treatment strategies.

Why Androgens Matter

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. These cells respond to hormones, leading to inflammation, chronic pelvic pain and the formation of scar tissue.

While the disease is known to be influenced by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, the role of androgens—often referred to as male hormones, though they are naturally present in women as well—has received comparatively little attention.

The researchers believe the newly identified androgen signature could improve understanding of how the disease develops and progresses.

Read More: 13.5 Million Children Remain Zero-Dose In 2025 Despite Global Vaccination Gains: UN Report

Why Earlier Diagnosis Is Important

Diagnosing endometriosis remains a major challenge. Current methods include ultrasound, MRI scans and laparoscopy—a surgical procedure in which a camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to confirm the presence of endometrial-like tissue.

Because symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions, many women wait years before receiving a diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis could help reduce prolonged pain, limit disease progression and allow patients to begin treatment sooner, said the researchers, while stressing the need for larger studies.

What Is Endometriosis?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis.

The condition can begin with a person's first menstrual period and continue until menopause. Common symptoms include severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, bowel or urinary symptoms during menstruation, and difficulty conceiving.