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Is your teenager skipping breakfast? Why is that happening and what can you do? As per the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which surveyed adolescent health and well-being found that 1 in 4 students in high school ate breakfast, which means 3 in 4 high school students are not eating their breakfast. This data is as per the 2023 survey.
The report describes a 10-year long trend and also recent changes among the two years. The study delved deeper into adolescents' dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviors. The study is also based on a national youth risk behavior survey of a representative sample of students from grade nine to 12.
The study found that while high school students drank slightly less soda and sports drinks and consumed more water, other healthy eating habits declined. In 2023, only 27% of students ate breakfast every day in the past week. The numbers were even lower for female students, with just 22% eating breakfast daily, compared to 32% of male students. Boys were also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables daily and drink water at least three times a day. Poor mental health and lack of physical activity have also been linked to skipping breakfast.
The other findings included a survey across 10-year period, where a decrease in the percentage of students eating fruits from 65% to 55%, eating vegetables, from 61% to 58%, and having breakfast daily from 38% to 27% was noted.
However, there was a positive trend among this, which was in children drinking plain water at least three times a day, which increased from 49% to 54% from when the survey began in 2015.. There were fewer students who also said that they drank soda in 2023 than in 2013. On an average, in 2013, around 22% students avoided soda, whereas in 2023, 31% students avoided it.
The report also emphasized that a healthy diet, along with daily physical activity and sufficient sleep further contributes to a healthy lifestyle. “The 10-year trends from 2013 to 2023 also show a decline in healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors,” the survey reported.
While there is no one straightforward answer to it, psychologists and those who study children, believe that for many high school going kids, it is the easiest time to skip a meal. This is because they are caught between rushing to school, or not just that hungry in the morning. So for them, to sit down to have a breakfast may seem hassle and something they would have to take time out from their busy schedule. They at this age also prioritize their extra-curricular activities.
There has also been a shift in their circadian rhythm, and most teens cannot fall asleep before 11 pm, or even at midnight. Which means they wake up tired and struggle to do things right in the morning, which is why they choose to skip breakfast or give extra minutes to any other activities.
There is of course another, more popular reason, to lose weight. While experts and studies, like the one published in the Journal of Nutrition that found skipping breakfast leads to higher levels of hunger hormones, the students still feel the need to do this. However, it could lead to a slow metabolism, prompt the body to conserve energy and burn fewer calories, weight gain and deprive yo off the essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
Without a morning breakfast, your blood sugar might drop too, which can increase irritability and stress, along with including the risk of depression in teenage.
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Former England forward and manager Kevin Keegan has died after battling stage 4 stomach cancer. He was 75.
Keegan died surrounded by his wife, Jean, and their daughters.
"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75," a statement from Keegan's family read.
"The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
"Kevin, a double Ballon d'Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Earlier this year, his family announced that the former England captain had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was preparing to begin treatment. In June, Keegan revealed that the disease had spread to other parts of his body.
Known affectionately as "King Kev," Keegan spoke openly about his diagnosis during a public appearance in Newcastle, reflecting on his health with his trademark honesty and humor. Fans listened in silence as he shared his journey through the illness.
His death has prompted tributes from football fans around the world.
Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report
Born in Armthorpe, Doncaster, on February 14, 1951, Keegan began his senior career with Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1972. He later played for Hamburger SV, Southampton and Newcastle United, ending his playing career with Blacktown City in Australia.
During a club career spanning 592 appearances, Keegan scored 204 goals. He also earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals.
As a manager, Keegan had two spells at Newcastle United and also managed Fulham, England and Manchester City. He guided England to UEFA Euro 2000 through a play-off victory over Scotland before resigning later that year after a disappointing start to the tournament.
Read More: Don't Ignore These Cancer Symptoms: Oncologist Shares The Early Warning Signs
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the lining of the stomach. It is more common in older adults than in younger people. According to the American Cancer Society, about six in 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are aged 65 or older. The lifetime risk is also higher in men (about 1 in 101) than in women (about 1 in 155).
Scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), estimate that infection with the common stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes 76% of stomach cancer cases globally. The infection often produces no obvious symptoms beyond common digestive complaints, allowing it to go undetected for years.
Doctors advise seeking medical attention if symptoms such as persistent indigestion, nausea, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or upper abdominal discomfort last for more than three weeks.
Around 18 people in the UK and 83 people in the US are diagnosed with stomach cancer every day. Because the disease is often detected at an advanced stage, treatment can be challenging. In the UK, only about 17% of patients survive beyond 10 years after diagnosis.
H. pylori infection can be detected through simple tests and treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Health experts stress that recognizing persistent digestive symptoms and seeking timely medical care can save lives.
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The Ebola outbreak continues to grow, with 2,344 confirmed cases and 930 deaths, according to the latest government update.
In its July 18 situation update, the Ministry of Health said response efforts have been strengthened across the five affected provinces: Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and Tshopo.
“To date, 2,344 confirmed cases have been recorded, including 724 patients in isolation or hospitalization, 466 people recovered, and 930 deaths,” the Ministry said.
The case fatality rate stands at 39.7%, while the contact tracing rate has reached 85.8%. Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak and continues to intensify response efforts.
Health teams are continuing surveillance, case management, and contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.
According to the ministry, surveillance and contact tracing systems remain fully mobilised, with 83 new confirmed cases reported nationwide. Case management has also improved, with 22 new recoveries recorded in the past 24 hours. Sud-Kivu and Tshopo remain stable, with no new affected health zones.
Canada has temporarily denied entry to foreign nationals who have been in Congo within the previous 21 days as part of measures to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission.
"Limiting entry of foreign nationals who have been in (Congo) in the previous 21 days may reduce public health risks for Canadians," Canada's Public Health Agency said in a statement.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against travel or trade restrictions during Ebola outbreaks, warning that such measures can increase stigma and hamper outbreak control. The global health agency also continues to assess the risk of international spread from the Congo outbreak as low.
Last week, the United States also introduced measures requiring travellers who had been in Congo within the previous 21 days to enter the country only through designated airports. Seven American aid workers who had been working in Congo are currently quarantining in Kenya.
Authorities have recorded at least 12 attacks on health facilities and response teams since the outbreak began in mid-May, largely driven by misinformation and public skepticism. Many healthcare workers have also gone on strike over unpaid wages, AP News reported.
At least 36 health workers have died after becoming infected with Ebola. The WHO has also warned that 80% of new Ebola cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating that the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can trace infections.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in 1976. Since then, more than 30 outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in Central and West Africa.
The Ebola outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola virus species for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
The Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person infected with, or who has died from, the disease.
It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment, as well as through infected animals, including bats and non-human primates. Historically, Bundibugyo virus outbreaks have recorded fatality rates ranging from 25% to 50%.
Symptoms of Bundibugyo virus disease are similar to other forms of Ebola and include:
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A study suggests that Leqembi (lecanemab), one of the first amyloid-targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease, may help people maintain their cognitive abilities for longer than previously thought.
Researchers reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 that more than 75% of patients with early Alzheimer's disease remained stable, while nearly 7% showed improvement after receiving Leqembi for an average period of 17 months.
The findings come from the LEADER study, an ongoing observational study that evaluates the effectiveness of Leqembi outside the controlled environment of clinical trials.
The analysis included people with early Alzheimer's disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's and mild Alzheimer's dementia.
According to researchers:
The study is based on how the drug performs in routine medical practice, offering insight into its real-world effectiveness.
The drug clears amyloid-beta plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that reducing amyloids may control the progression of the disease when treatment begins early.
Commenting on the new findings, Dr. Michael Irizarry, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Vice President at Eisai Inc., said: "These real-world data reinforce the meaningful impact that early diagnosis and treatment with LEQEMBI can have for people living with early Alzheimer's disease."
The company said the results provide encouraging evidence that the benefits observed in clinical trials are translating into everyday clinical practice.
Also read: WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements
Despite the encouraging results, experts say that Leqembi is not appropriate for everyone with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease with confirmed amyloid pathology.
Patients receiving Leqembi require regular monitoring because the drug can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or bleeding.
While many cases are asymptomatic, some can be serious, making MRI monitor an important part of treatment.
For years, amyloid plaques have been at the center of Alzheimer’s research. These protein clumps build up between neurons and are believed to interfere with communication and trigger inflammation, eventually killing brain cells.
While there’s still debate over whether amyloid is a cause or symptom of Alzheimer’s, clearing these plaques remains one of the leading therapeutic targets.
The latest real-world evidence presented at AAIC 2026 strengthens confidence in Leqembi as a treatment that may help slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease.
While the therapy does not reverse the condition or cure dementia, keeping patients clinically stable for longer could translate into more time with preserved independence and daily functioning.
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