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.

Country music legend Dolly Parton died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her representatives confirmed on Tuesday, revealing that the singer had been dealing with the disease before her death. The type of cancer has not been disclosed.

According to a statement from her representatives, Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death earlier on Tuesday.

Her representatives said she had “bravely” faced the illness but did not provide further details about when she was diagnosed or what treatment she received.

About Dolly Parton’s Cancer

Not much has been publicly revealed about Dolly Parton’s cancer. Her representatives have only described it as a brief battle with cancer, and no specific cancer type, stage or treatment has been announced. It would therefore be premature to speculate about what type of cancer she had or what caused her death.

Reports in recent months had indicated that Parton was dealing with several health problems and had withdrawn herself from some public appearances. She had also cancelled a planned Las Vegas residency earlier this year because of health concerns. Despite those health struggles, Parton continued to speak publicly about wanting to work and pursue new projects.

Also read: US Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania Reports First Deaths Of 2026 As Trump Pushes Back On Vaccines

Parton Was Vocal About Some Health Issues

Parton had previously spoken about health challenges, although her representatives' latest statement provides the first confirmation of a cancer diagnosis.

Recent reports said she had experienced immune and digestive problems and kidney stones, while she also acknowledged that she had neglected some aspects of her health while caring for her late husband, Carl Dean, who died in 2025.

Her death has now brought renewed attention to the importance of recognising persistent health changes, particularly in older adults.

Some Cancers May Progress Rapidly

Also read: Florida Sees 23 Locally Acquired Dengue Cases This Year: Why A Tropical Virus Is Spreading In The US?

More than 100 types of cancer can develop in different organs, and their behaviour can vary dramatically.

Some cancers grow slowly and may remain manageable for years, while others can progress rapidly or spread to other parts of the body before they are detected.

The symptoms of some cancers may also be subtle. Depending on the cancer, warning signs may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, unusual bleeding, a lasting change in bowel or bladder habits, persistent pain, a new lump or changes in the skin.

However, these symptoms can also be caused by many non-cancerous conditions. Their presence does not automatically mean someone has cancer. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help if someone is facing any of these symptoms.

Philanthropic Work

Parton's connection with healthcare extended well beyond her personal health. In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support COVID-19 research. Her contribution helped fund research that became part of the work leading to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.

She also supported healthcare and community initiatives in her native Tennessee. Parton died after a career spanning nearly six decades, leaving behind an extraordinary musical and philanthropic legacy. Her representatives said she spent her life bringing “joy, laughter, hope and integrity” to others.

Amid a record-high measles outbreak in the US, Pennsylvania has reported the first measles deaths of 2026, involving two unvaccinated individuals.

According to a statement by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the confirmed deaths “mark the first deaths related to measles within the Commonwealth in 35 years.”

Both people were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the DOH, which did not release additional details, citing privacy concerns.

“Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen.

Pennsylvania has been one of the hardest-hit states this year. So far, 393 cases of the contagious virus has been reported across 28 counties. Lancaster County, in the southeastern part of the state, has recorded 185 cases.

MMR Vaccine Offers Strong Protection

The best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.

However, vaccination rates and policies under the President Donald Trump, along with long-term vaccine skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have led to a severe decline in immunization rates.

As per the latest figures from the US CDC, the country has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases this year, a disease that had been largely eradicated in the country.

Notably, the increase in cases also means that the US is set to lose its status for having eradicated measles.

Trump, Kennedy Push for Vaccine Changes

Moreover, Kennedy and President Donald Trump, earlier this month, issued an executive order calling for a reduction in recommended childhood vaccines and also promoted a long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, contrary to established scientific evidence.

“We all thought the Texas outbreak and the deaths there last year would be a wake-up call. Then we had the outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, former Utah state epidemiologist and previously a CDC division director in infectious disease response, Reuters reported.

In 2025, three people died in an outbreak that began in West Texas and spread to New Mexico.

How Does Measles Spread?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.

Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.

Measles Symptoms

Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading downward.

Because early symptoms can look similar to other respiratory viral infections, it is important to contact a healthcare provider early if someone has these symptoms or may have been exposed to measles.

Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly.

Even as Delhi’s H1N1 cases crossed 2,300, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr. Rajiv Bahl today said there was “absolutely no cause for panic” and that seasonal influenza remains largely self-limiting.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Bahl said no new or unusual virus strain has been detected and that the rise in cases reflects expected seasonal changes.

The virus currently circulating in the country is the familiar H1N1 pdm09 strain that emerged during the 2009 pandemic and has since become a seasonal influenza virus.

The circulating Influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified as A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like viruses. Hemagglutinin (HA) gene analysis places the isolates in clade 6B.1A.5a2a, subclade D.3.1.1.

Dr. Bahl said this lineage has been in continuous circulation in India since 2025. The genetic changes observed are consistent with the normal antigenic drift seen in seasonal influenza viruses.

Such minor genetic changes occur routinely as influenza viruses circulate and, by themselves, do not indicate the emergence of a new or dangerous strain.

No Urgent Need for Flu Vaccine

Dr. Bahl, who is also Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), said there is no urgent need for everyone to take the flu vaccine.

He added that individuals above 65 and those who are immunocompromised may discuss vaccination with their doctors. He said that vaccination is currently only a recommendation from the WHO and is not part of the National Immunization Program.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Seasonal influenza, including Influenza A (H1N1), is predominantly a mild and self-limiting respiratory illness in otherwise healthy individuals.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body ache
• Fatigue and weakness

In most people, symptoms improve with supportive care, adequate rest and hydration. The presence of H1N1 does not, by itself, mean that a person will develop severe disease or require hospitalization.

However, certain groups have a higher risk of developing complications. These include:

• Elderly persons
• Young children
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions or co-morbidities
• People with compromised immunity

Dr. Bahl advised these individuals to exercise greater caution and seek timely medical advice if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

How to Prevent the Spread of Flu

Dr. Bahl advised the public to follow routine respiratory hygiene and infection-prevention measures.

Do's:

• Cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an appropriate hand sanitiser.
• Stay at home when unwell and avoid close contact with others.
• Maintain adequate hydration and get sufficient rest.
• Consume a healthy and balanced diet.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.
• Follow medical advice regarding testing or treatment.

Don’t:

• Do not panic because of the detection of H1N1.
• Do not take antivirals or antibiotics without medical advice.
• Avoid close contact with others while symptomatic.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay Informed, Not Alarmed

The Ministry of Health said the public should remain “informed and vigilant, but not alarmed.”

Seasonal influenza is a familiar and routinely monitored respiratory infection. Following simple preventive measures, seeking timely medical consultation when required and avoiding unnecessary medication can help protect individuals and communities.