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.

A 51-year-old Brazilian businesswoman has died after undergoing six facial cosmetic procedures during surgery lasting several hours.

Andreia Vieira Gaspar, from Goiânia, Brazil, died on August 12, the Daily Star reported.

According to Brazilian news outlet G1 Goiás, the procedures reportedly included a deep facelift, neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, jawline work and other facial procedures.

What Happened?

Andreia reportedly left the operating theatre heavily swollen and struggling to breathe. Her condition worsened overnight, with neck pain and increasing breathing difficulties. She reportedly told her sister, Djiane Vieira: “Sis, I'm dying.”

Djiane then sought help from the medical team through a group chat, saying her sister was dying and asking for immediate assistance.

The Public Ministry of Goiás has requested a police investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter.

The family alleged that Andreia's condition worsened after surgery and questioned whether the hospital was equipped to handle a serious postoperative emergency. They also alleged that it did not have an intensive care unit or an ambulance available.

G1 reported that her condition deteriorated about six hours after surgery and that she died despite resuscitation attempts.

A medical report cited by the family identified acute thrombosis and pulmonary infarction as the causes of death.

Andreia had previously run a beauty salon in Goiânia and had lived in Spain for five years. Her family said undergoing the procedures had been a long-held dream. Her sister said Andreia had spent two years saving for the surgery, which cost BRL 118,000 (£16,800).

How Can Beauty Treatments Go Wrong?

Social media trends, celebrity endorsements and demand for anti-ageing treatments have fueled interest in cosmetic procedures and injectable treatments. Experts warn that unregulated procedures can carry risks, including allergic reactions and infections, while severe complications can affect organs such as the liver and kidneys.

The cosmetic surgery market was estimated at USD 94.1 billion in 2025.

Experts stress that cosmetic procedures should involve realistic expectations, qualified medical advice and a clear understanding of the risks, recovery and costs.

Seven Questions To Ask Before A Cosmetic Procedure

Dr Chintan Gujarati, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, told HealthandMe that cosmetic procedures require careful planning and informed decision-making.

He recommends asking:

1. Is the procedure right for me?

Discuss whether it suits your health, goals and individual needs.

2. Is my surgeon qualified?

Ensure the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or appropriately trained specialist.

3. What are the risks?

Ask about possible complications, including infection, scarring and the need for further treatment.

4. What results can I realistically expect?

Cosmetic procedures can improve appearance but cannot guarantee perfection.

5. What is the recovery process?

Ask about downtime, pain management, activity restrictions and when you can resume normal activities.

6. What will the procedure cost?

Request a breakdown of consultation, hospital, medication and follow-up costs.

7. What if I am unhappy with the results?

Discuss revision policies and corrective options before proceeding.

Children under 15 account for half of the 46 suspected mpox cases in Guinea-Bissau, which declared its first mpox outbreak on July 4, UNICEF said.

As of August 17, the country had reported seven confirmed cases, all among adults. Six were reported in the Autonomous Sector of Bissau and one in the Biombo Region. No deaths have been reported.

Of the 46 suspected cases, 23 are children under 15, including 16 aged 0-4 years. Young children face a greater risk of complications from mpox.

“This is the first time mpox cases have been reported in Guinea-Bissau, making even a small outbreak a major public health event,” said Sandra Martins, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Guinea-Bissau.

“While the country’s surveillance system remains extremely fragile, we face the risk that cases are going undetected, particularly among children who are the most vulnerable to severe complications.”

Concerns Over Undetected Transmission

UNICEF said the confirmed cases do not appear connected, raising concerns about undetected chains of transmission and additional unidentified cases.

Gaps remain in community-based surveillance, including contact identification, sample testing and tracing how the virus is spreading.

Martins urged families to seek care if a child or family member develops a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes or other symptoms.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same family as the variola virus that causes smallpox.

Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox symptoms are generally milder than those of smallpox. After an incubation period of 5 to 21 days, symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

The disease usually resolves within 2 to 4 weeks, but severe cases can occur, particularly in children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people. Common symptoms include:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body aches
• Back pain
• Low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes

How Does Mpox Spread?

Mpox can spread through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or skin lesions of infected animals, including rodents and primates.

Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions or contaminated objects. The virus can enter through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.

Mpox: How Can Children Be Protected?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing mpox transmission include:

• Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus, particularly in regions where mpox is endemic.
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and gowns when caring for infected individuals.
• Isolate infected individuals from others who are at risk of contracting the virus.
• Get vaccinated where available. The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide some protection against mpox, while newer vaccines specifically designed for mpox are being deployed.

The Centre has tightened restrictions on certain cough and cold medicines for children below four years, citing potential health risks associated with a specific drug combination in children.

The Union Health Ministry has restricted the manufacture, sale and distribution of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride for children under four.

Manufacturers have also been instructed to carry a clear warning stating that the medicine “shall not be used in children below four years of age.”

The decision follows recommendations from an expert committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which reviewed the safety of the combination in young children.

Why These Medicines Have Been Restricted?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, while phenylephrine is a decongestant. The combination is used to relieve symptoms like blocked or runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes caused by colds, flu and allergies.

However, young children can respond differently to medicines than adults, and dosing errors or adverse effects can result in more serious effects in this age group.

The Health Ministry’s expert committee concluded that the combination could pose potential health risks in children below four, particularly when safer alternatives are available.

The latest directive therefore requires manufacturers to clearly communicate the age restriction rather than putting the onus on parents.

Also read: FSSAI Orders Halt Of Ghee Sales Amid Adulteration Crackdown: How To Spot Fake Ghee & Its Effects On Your Health

Cough And Cold Medicines Are Not Always Needed In Young Children

A common cold is usually caused by a virus, meaning antibiotics do not treat it. In many children, symptoms improve with supportive care such as adequate fluids, rest and measures recommended by a paediatrician.

Combination cough and cold products can contain several active ingredients, increasing the possibility of incorrect dosing and side effects if parents give more than one medicine containing the same ingredient.

This is particularly important for young children because their medication doses are generally calculated according to age and/or body weight.

Also read: Shigellosis Cases In Kerala Raise AMR Concern: All About Complications Due To Drug-Resistant Shigella

Restriction Comes Amid Wider Scrutiny Of Cough Medicines

The government has been tightening oversight of paediatric medicines following serious concerns surrounding cough syrups in India.

In June, the Centre removed cough syrups from an exemption that had allowed certain products to be sold through retail outlets in smaller villages without the same pharmacy restrictions.

What Parents Should Do?

Parents should avoid giving children under four any medicine containing this combination unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

• Before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child, parents should:
• Check the active ingredients, not just the brand name.
• Follow the dose prescribed by a paediatrician.
• Avoid combining multiple cold medicines without medical advice.
• Use the measuring device supplied with liquid medicines rather than household spoons.
• Never give a medicine prescribed for another child.
• Seek medical attention if a child’s symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.

The government has emphasised that safer alternatives are available, while the latest restriction is intended to reduce avoidable medication-related risks in young children.