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.

Amid increasing conversations about Donald Trump suffering from dementia, the US President posted an AI-generated video of himself as a doctor diagnosing celebrities with what he calls "Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)."

The clip features AI recreations of Hollywood actors and celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg, Robert De Niro, Julia Roberts and Rosie O'Donnell, all of whom have previously criticized Trump.

"Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with TDS?" the AI Trump asks at the start of the clip posted on Truth Social.

Calling the "symptoms relentless," the 80-year-old President said that "fortunately, I'm Doctor Trump, and I have a treatment plan," The Independent reported.

Trump's AI Patients Share Their Symptoms

The AI-generated Trump then invited viewers to hear from some of his "patients."

"I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, constantly angry…" the fake De Niro said. "I made everyone miserable around me."

"I feel like I've aged 20 years in the last two years," added the AI version of Roberts, claiming that she was starting to "worry about her future."

The fake O'Donnell claimed that she had been "suffering for over a decade," while the AI Goldberg said she believed she was a "lost cause."

Other stars spoofed in the 90-second clip include actors Edward Norton and John Leguizamo, both of whom have criticized the president.

Also read: Norovirus Hits Princess Cruise Ship; US CDC Reports 5th Stomach Bug Outbreak of 2026

'Doctor Trump's Treatment Plan

At the end of the video, "Doctor Trump" revealed his "treatment" plan: "Turn off fake news."

He further instructed the AI patients to: "Say your prayers and, if you ever feel anxious, just have a Diet Coke like me and you're gonna see a remarkable difference in your life."

What Is Trump Derangement Syndrome?

READ: Scientific Breakthrough: US Scientists Create First Synthetic Cell That Eats and Reproduces

Trump has often labeled his detractors as having Trump Derangement Syndrome, even claiming in the Oval Office that he had heard it "actually is a disease."

The term is an adaptation of "Bush Derangement Syndrome," which was coined by columnist Charles Krauthammer in 2003.

Krauthammer described the term as "the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidency—nay—the very existence of George W. Bush."

Trump's Health Under Scrutiny

Read More: New Book Examines Donald Trump's Health, Age Concerns; White House Responds

Trump, who became the oldest US president in history after turning 80 this year, has faced growing public scrutiny over his health.

Recent public appearances have prompted speculation after observers noted swollen ankles, bruising on his hands, verbal slips and occasional episodes in which he appeared drowsy during meetings and international summits.

Some physicians have also publicly expressed concerns about the president's physical and cognitive health, although none have diagnosed him with dementia.

But Trump has repeatedly rejected allegations of cognitive decline or other serious health issues. His most recent annual physical examination also concluded him to be "in excellent health."

The White House also maintains that: "President Trump is the sharpest and most accessible President in American history who is working nonstop to solve problems and deliver on his promises."

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported another norovirus outbreak aboard a Cruise ship that has sickened nearly 125 people.

So far this year, the CDC has reported seven outbreaks on cruise ships under its jurisdiction, five of which were caused by norovirus.

Nearly 125 People Fall Ill

The outbreak occurred aboard the Ruby Princess during a 20-day voyage along the west coast of North America.

According to the CDC, 102 passengers and 23 crew members reported gastrointestinal illness during the voyage.

The outbreak was first reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program on June 28.

The Ruby Princess was carrying more than 3,000 passengers and 1,144 crew members during the outbreak.

According to the CDC, Princess Cruises and the ship's crew implemented increased cleaning and disinfection procedures under the company's outbreak prevention and response plan.

Crew members also collected stool specimens from affected individuals for testing, isolated ill passengers and crew members, and consulted with the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.

Also read: Australia Reports More H5 Bird Flu Cases: Does It Have Pandemic Potential?

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Speaking to HealthandMe, epidemiologist Dr. Amitav Banerjee, professor at DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, described norovirus as “notorious because it spreads very fast.”

“It can spread through fomites like handles and knobs, and even a very low infectious dose—around 18 viral particles—can cause infection. So it spreads very fast,” he said.

He added that while many common disinfectants are ineffective against it, norovirus can be inactivated using bleach and chlorine-based cleaning agents.

Is The Norovirus Outbreak Of Concern?

Although outbreaks can look alarming, Dr. Banerjee emphasized that norovirus infections are generally self-limiting.

“In the ship, it can be managed with oral rehydration, and in severe cases, IV fluids can help prevent complications and mortality,” he said.

Dr. Banerjee also clarified that, unlike diseases with pandemic potential, norovirus outbreaks—while explosive in nature—do not typically pose a long-term global threat.

"Norovirus is a stomach infection contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through contact with an infected individual. The infection is highly contagious, but not life-threatening, and is manageable with proper care and hydration," Dr Suresh Kumar D, Senior Specialist - Infectious Diseases, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Vanagaram, Chennai, told HealthandMe.

Who Is Most at Risk? What Are The Key Symptoms

Dr. Banerjee noted that extreme age groups, especially very young infants and the elderly, are at higher risk due to dehydration from diarrheal illness. However, deaths remain rare when proper care is provided.

Norovirus illnesses usually last between two and three days. Symptoms usually begin suddenly within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Low-grade fever
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue

What You Can Do To Stop Its Spread

Because of how fast viruses spread, experts highly recommend preventive actions such as:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet or before preparing food.
• Avoid visiting hospitals or care homes if experiencing symptoms.
• Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent spreading the virus.

Health officials in Australia have confirmed two more suspected cases of H5 bird flu in migratory birds in Western Australia and New South Wales.

The latest detections take the total number of cases to five in Australia, which is no longer H5-free. The first two cases were reported in Western Australia. The third case of avian influenza was recorded in a giant petrel found at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

H5 Detected in New South Wales

ABC News reported that samples taken from a giant petrel near Hawks Nest on the NSW Mid North Coast tested positive for the influenza strain in preliminary testing.

NSW Agricultural Minister Tara Moriarty said the bird was wild and had flown in from "other parts of the world" after being identified by a member of the public who noticed it was ill.

"We don't know yet if it is the worst strain of the virus," she said.

Samples from the bird at NSW's Bennetts Beach have been sent to the national testing laboratory in Geelong to determine the strain after being assessed by veterinarians and testing positive for H5 at an agricultural institute in Sydney's Camden.

"We expect to have the results of that at some point tomorrow," Moriarty said.

The NSW Government said it marks the first wild migratory seabird in the state to return a suspected positive result.

Also read: Australia Reports H5 Bird Flu In Second State; Can It Spread to Humans?

H5 Confirmed in Perth

Authorities in Western Australia confirmed H5 in a dead giant petrel found near Mullaloo in Perth's north. It is the first time the infection has been detected in the Perth metropolitan area.

The other WA cases were detected at Quindalup, about 250 kilometres south of Perth, and at Esperance, about 700 kilometes south-east of Perth in the Great Southern region.

Does H5 Have Pandemic Potential?

The NSW Government said that, at this stage, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in NSW. There is no evidence of mass mortality in wildlife or spread to other animals.

"This strain of avian influenza has had significant impacts overseas, causing widespread mortality in poultry, wild birds and some mammals," it said, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead poultry, wild birds or wildlife.

Read More: Australia’s H5N1 Detection Marks End Of Last Virus-Free Continent

Professor of Immunology at Murdoch University Cassandra Berry said the detection of the H5 subtype in Australia "doesn't necessarily mean that the next pandemic has started", newsGP reported.

"Contraction of H5N1 influenza in humans usually requires close contact with sick or dying birds. So, it is cautionary to be alert and stay away from distressed birds," she said.

"Although human-to-human transmission has occurred in other countries, it is rare. Bird-to-human transmission has been associated with a high fatality (~60%). There have been nearly 1,000 cases of human H5N1 infection reported over the last three decades, since H5N1 jumped the species barrier in 1997," the expert said.

GPs Urged to Stay Alert

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged GPs across Australia to "remain on alert and vigilant of their patients."

The cases mark the first time this H5 subtype (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b) has been detected in animals in Australia.

Globally, the subtype has caused mass mortality in poultry, wild birds and sea mammals.

READ: Hantavirus Outbreak Linked To Luxury Cruise Ship Over, Says WHO

The Federal Government and the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have also updated their advice, while confirming that "the risk to human health remains low."

"Bird flu in people is rare and often mild but can cause severe disease or death. Spread from person-to-person is very rare," the CDC said.

"There have been no human cases of bird flu caused by influenza A virus subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in Australia."

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said it is important that GPs remain vigilant. "Now the virus has arrived, it needs to be put on GPs' radar," he told newsGP. "If you see someone potentially who has been handling these birds, particularly in WA, we need to be on alert."

Symptoms of H5 Bird Flu in Humans

According to the CDC, while some infected people have no symptoms, others may experience:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually begin one to 10 days after infection.

People can become infected by breathing in contaminated dust or air, or by touching an infected animal, its body fluids, or contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.