When the sun is out after a long winter, every one loves it. But not the people of Canary Islands. Tourists there are being warned about the "unusually high risk" of UV rays this week. The Ministry of Health for this holiday destination has urged both, residents and visitors to take extra precautions and preventative measures to limit the impact of sun exposure over their body and skin.

The Ministry observed Aemet, Spain's national weather agency for the forecast which showed higher than normal UV or ultraviolet radiation levels in the region. It is in this backdrop that everyone in the region are requested to be extra careful when they are out in the sun. UV levels are set to reach 7, which is a 'high risk' in La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Other regions like Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are expected to reach a level 6, which is also classed as 'high risk'.

UV Index Explained

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), a UV index is a measure of the level of UV radiation, which ranges from zero upward. The higher the UVI, the greater potential for damage to skin and eye and the less time it takes for harm to occur, notes WHO.

The range 1 to 2 represents a low risk, 2 to 5 is moderate, 6 to 7 is at high risk, 8 to 10 is at very high and anything over 11 is extremely risky for anyone to stay out.

UV radiation levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest values occurring during the four-hour period around solar noon. The reported UV Index (UVI) typically reflects this daily peak. Depending on geographic location and the use of daylight saving time, solar noon falls between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. In some countries, sun protection advisories are issued when UV levels are expected to reach 3 or higher, as exposure at these levels increases the risk of skin damage, making protective measures essential.

What happens to you when you are out in sun for too long?

While sun bathing is good, being out in the sun when the UVI indicates a high or very high risk, may cause you health concerns. It can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, incresed risk of skin cancer, eye damage and in severe cases, heat related disease.

Sunburn

It is one of the most common skin injury which happens when there is excess exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This happens when the UV radiation directly damages the DNA skin cells. These damaged cells die and shed, this is why people experience peeling after getting a sunburn.

Dehydration

This is also a common occurrence when your body loses too many fluids or electrolytes. It can also interfere with your normal body functions. You may feel dehydrated, especially when you are out in the sun, but not well hydrated. The most common symptoms are dizziness, fatigue and headache on hot days.

Hyponatremia

This is an electrolyte disorder in which your body experiences low sodium in blood. The symptoms could lead to nausea, confusion and even weakness. There are extreme cases when one may have seizures, slip into coma or die.

Heat Exhaustion

This is one of the most common consequence of being out under the hot sun. Dehydration with prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke

When you are out under the sun and your body's core temperature cross 104°, heatstroke may occur. This is also known as sunstroke. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it causes more than 600 deaths each year in the United States.

Becky Quick recently spoke about her 9-year-old daughter Kaylie’s private struggle with a rare genetic disorder. In an interview with People, published Thursday, January 8, the 53-year-old co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk Box revealed that Kaylie has SYNGAP1. According to the Child Neurology Foundation, SYNGAP1 is a genetic condition that can cause seizures and developmental challenges. Quick recalled that she first noticed something was off “probably around 8 months,” when Kaylie wasn’t reaching her developmental milestones.

“Sometimes her eyes would cross. You just know as a mom that something isn’t right,” Quick told People, adding that after observing her daughter and reviewing developmental studies, it became clear that Kaylie wasn’t meeting expected benchmarks. “We immediately began working with therapists. They supported Kaylie in rolling over, achieving fluid movements, eventually walking, and so many other skills. But we also noticed additional concerns developing.”

Becky Quick Daughter Battles SYNGAP1

For nearly a decade, Quick has kept her daughter Kaylie’s SYNGAP1 diagnosis private. The condition, as defined by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to a variety of neurodevelopmental challenges. It currently has no cure and often requires round-the-clock care.

The journalist took Kaylie to her pediatrician, who recommended a study with a developmental specialist. The results confirmed Quick’s fears: her daughter was not reaching key milestones.

“We started working with therapists immediately,” Quick said. “[They] helped Kaylie develop rolling, fluid movement, eventually walking, and many other skills. But we also observed additional issues.”

A neurologist then performed an EEG study, which revealed that Kaylie was experiencing subclinical seizures — subtle seizures that aren’t visibly noticeable. A subsequent genetic test confirmed that Kaylie had SYNGAP1.

What Is SYNGAP1?

SYNGAP1 (SRD) refers both to a gene and the rare neurological disorder it causes. The condition is marked by intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism spectrum traits, arising from a mutation that reduces the SynGAP protein, which is essential for proper synaptic function in the brain, according to MedlinePlus. Without adequate SYNGAP1 protein, synapses become overly excitable, impairing communication between neurons and leading to the neurological difficulties observed in SYNGAP1 patients, as per National Institute of Health.

Becky Quick Daughter: What Are The Symptoms Of SRD?

SYNGAP1 is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning patients experience symptoms differently and with varying severity. The exact factors influencing symptom expression or intensity remain unclear. The most commonly observed signs include, as per NIH:

• Intellectual Disability (mild to severe)
• Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
• Global Developmental Delay
• Epilepsy (including subtle eyelid flutters, brief jerks, staring spells, and drop seizures)
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Delays in Gross and Fine Motor Skills
• Dyspraxia (coordination difficulties)
• Speech Delay/Apraxia (mild to severe)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sleep and Behavior Disorders
• Visual Abnormalities
• Not every patient will exhibit all of these symptoms.

Becky Quick Daughter: What Causes SRD?

SYNGAP1-related disorders arise from a variant on the SYNGAP1 gene (6p.21.32). Each human cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46, with thousands of genes on each chromosome. Most genes come in pairs, one inherited from each parent, and their primary role is to produce proteins that regulate tissues and organs.

When a gene experiences a variant, sometimes called a mutation or alteration — it can stop functioning properly. Variants occur naturally, similar to a typo when DNA is copied from cell to cell, or they may result from environmental factors.

A de novo variant is a genetic change that appears for the first time in a family, occurring early in reproductive development. Most SYNGAP1 patients carry de novo variants. For families with a genetic report, understanding the variant can help clarify the diagnosis and guide next steps.

Indians are popping antacids like candies, and they are putting their hearts, kidneys and gut health at risk. Doctors from time and again have cautioned patients to not take such pills without prescriptions.

Antacids are prescribed proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, used commonly to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and helps to treat and prevent various acid related conditions. However, in India, acidity is not treat as a symptom, but a lifestyle condition, which has made these pills so common. These over the counter access also created medical complacency, this means the availability has blurred the line between short term relief and long term therapy.

How does antacid impact your kidney health?

Repeated use is increasingly associated with acute interstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease. What makes this dangerous is that kidney damage often develops silently, discovered only when kidney function has already deteriorated significantly.

How does antacid impact your gut health?

It also impact the gut microbiome, and causes chronic digestive problems. Stomach acid regulates gut bacteria. Suppressing it allows harmful bacteria to flourish, leading to bloating, infections, diarrhea, and conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

How does antacid impact your bone health?

Furthermore, regular usage of antacids could make your bones weak too. As per a 2023 study published in the journal BioMed Research International, pantoprazole cause bone loss, which could be prevented by adding octreotide.

The study analyzed the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and ALP before starting the treatment, and at the end of 12 weeks of treatment on pantoprazole, significant decline in calcium levels were noticed, as compared with other groups. The study also found that octreotide significantly prevented the effect of pantoprazole on the serum levels of calcium and ALP.

The study also found that pantoprazole decreased femoral bone density and femoral BMAD. Besides this, another decrease was found in the femoral bone weight and volume as well as the trabecular volume.

How does antacid impact your heart health?

Frequent heartburn is also a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This is a condition in which the valve between the stomach and the lower esophagus malfunctions and allows stomach acid to bubble up into the esophagus. This is often treated with antacid, which may mask the real problem.

Over time, untreated GERD can injure the lining of the esophagus and increase the risk of serious complications, including Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that can raise cancer risk. Also, symptoms often blamed on heartburn, such as chest pain or burning, can sometimes signal a heart attack. That’s why experts stress getting a proper medical evaluation before self-treating with antacids.

The safer alternatives are:

Famotidine (Pepcid, Calmicid, Fluxid, Mylanta AR) is a potent H2 blocker used to manage acidity and heartburn. Studies show that famotidine is not thought to raise the risk of osteoporosis.

Other options: Ranitidine (Zantac - where available, as it was withdrawn in some markets due to safety concerns) and Nizatidine are other H2 blockers.

Note: Health & Me do not encourage discontinuance of any prescribed medicine by a doctor. Before making any change in your medicine schedule, please speak to your doctor/GP.

Nasal spray warnings are given by doctors and experts as the long use of it could lead to worsening of condition. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) advised the public to not use nasal decongestant for more than seven days, as it contains xylometazoline or oxymetazoline. Its prolonged use can cause 'rebound congestion' or increased dependency on these sprays to breathe easily.

A recent poll, reports the Independent found out that almost six in 10 pharmacists report patients were unaware of the dangers of its extended use. Due to the increased number of flu activity, symptoms like blocked nose has increased, which has lead to a high usage of nasal spray.

Is Rebound Congestion Preventable?

It is a preventable condition, and is scientifically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, which causes the symptoms to worsen. Patients become depended on the sprays to breathe more easily.

RPS survey of 300 pharmacists found that 59% think the public is not aware of the risks, while 75% said packaging should be clearer about the seven-day limit. 63% said they had intervened in cases of suspected overuse.

Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at RPS told the ITV News, "Nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for short-term relief, but using them for longer than seven days can make your congestion significantly worse. Our research shows that many people are unaware of this risk, which means they may continue using these sprays without realizing they could be prolonging their symptoms. We'd like to see clearer warnings on the packaging which you can't miss and greater awareness of the seven-day limit. If your congestion lasts more than a week, speak to your pharmacist. There are safe and effective alternative options to help you manage your symptoms."

Another survey by ITV News suggests that more than a fifth of adults have used the products for longer than seven days. This means 5.5 million people in the UK may have risked developing a dependency.

Read: Bristol Hospitals Under Severe Strain as Flu and Cold Weather Hit the Region

As ITV News reported, Charlotte Johnstone, who is 30, had been using nasal spray multiple times a day since she was seven years old. She realized that the impact of this so-called addiction has caused her anxiety and left her "dreaming about not being able to breathe". She told ITV News, “I can’t sleep without having it, I wake up and the first thing I do is have my nasal spray. I don’t like eating if I’ve got a blocked up nose, it just makes me feel claustrophobic. I wouldn’t put myself in a situation where I don’t have it. “I go through stages of losing my sense of smell. I know it’s doing something but I don’t know what. But for the sake of having a clear nose, I’ll just take it,” she said.

A spokesperson from PAGB, the consumer healthcare association representing the manufacturers of these products, said: “The patient information leaflet which accompanies all nasal decongestant sprays, includes these instructions and outlines the risks of taking the medication for longer than its indicated use. As explained on the information supplied with the nasal decongestant sprays, OTC medicines manufacturers provide comprehensive accessible information to support people to make responsible informed decisions about the right product to self-care for their self-treatable condition," reported ITV News.