Pope Francis injured his right arm after suffering a fall earlier this week. According to the Vatican, while the 88-year-old pontiff did not break his arm, a sling was put on as a precaution. This incident comes just weeks after another fall on December 7, where he hit his chin on a nightstand, resulting in another, visible bruise. The pope's health has been a topic of ongoing speculation due to his age and medical history, which includes long bouts of bronchitis and mobility challenges. Often seen using a wheelchair or a cane, Francis also uses a walker within the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel, where he resides. Notably, his frailty has brought renewed attention to the risks of falls among elderly individuals and the steps one must follow to mitigate such falls.

Preventive Measures For Bone Health

A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neurosciences people get older, the bone density in the lower back and thigh bone decreases significantly. This raises the risk of osteoporosis (OP). Therefore it becomes pivotal to pay early attention to nutrition, exercise ability, vitamin D levels, and uric acid levels in older individuals to prevent Ostreopsis and mitigate fall risks. The risk of falls and bone injuries among elderly individuals underscores the importance of preventive measures for maintaining bone health and minimizing fall risks.

Elderly, particularly menopausal women, require a daily calcium intake of 1,200 mg, divided into two or more doses. This can be achieved through dietary sources such as dairy and non-dairy products or through supplements like calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. However, total daily calcium intake should not exceed 2,500 mg to avoid potential health risks.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. While sunlight exposure helps synthesize vitamin D, older individuals often require supplements due to reduced skin synthesis and the limited availability of foods. Fortified milk and supplements containing 200–600 IU of vitamin D daily are recommended, with higher doses required for those with deficiencies. Severe cases may necessitate high-dose treatments, such as 50,000 IU weekly for up to three months, along with regular monitoring of calcium and vitamin D levels.

Regular exercise is vital for preserving bone mass and reducing fall risk. Weight-bearing activities, strength training, and balance exercises like brisk walking or skipping can enhance bone density and improve coordination. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, supplemented by strength training twice weekly. For individuals unable to engage in standard exercise routines, alternatives like vibrating platforms may help maintain bone health.

Falls remain a leading cause of fractures among individuals over 60. Addressing contributing factors such as balance issues, vision problems, and environmental hazards can significantly reduce risks. Preventive measures include regular vision checks, minimizing medications causing dizziness, improving home safety (e.g., installing railings and removing loose rugs), and wearing rubber-soled footwear. Hip protectors may also help mitigate the impact of falls.

The deadly Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has spread to a fourth province, raising concerns about wider regional transmission.

Until now, the outbreak had been confined to North Kivu, South Kivu, and the conflict-hit Ituri province, the epicentre of the current outbreak. Cases have also been reported across the border in Uganda.

The virus has now reached Haut-Uele province, which borders South Sudan and the Central African Republic, according to AFP.

WHO Warns Of Regional Spread

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The development also increases the risk of the virus spreading to South Sudan. A new World Health Organization (WHO) modelling study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases estimates there is a 70 per cent chance the outbreak will reach South Sudan soon.

Haut-Uele province is home to around 15 million people. Health officials said the first case in Haut-Uele was detected after an infected person travelled from Bunia, the capital of Ituri. The patient later died, according to sources at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB).

Cases Climb To 1,274, With 360 Deaths

Confirmed Ebola cases have risen to 1,274, including 360 deaths, according to the WHO.

The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Clinical trials are expected to begin in the coming days, according to the WHO, which has issued an international alert over the outbreak.

The WHO projections estimate the outbreak could reach about 8,210 cases and 1,420 deaths by mid-September if transmission continues.

Drug Trials Set To Begin

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The first clinical trial of drugs that may treat the Bundibugyo virus is expected to begin in the DRC next week. A separate trial testing an antiviral drug to prevent infection among close contacts is scheduled to start a week later.

Scientists say efforts to develop vaccines and treatments are being hampered by the lack of a viable sample of the Bundibugyo virus.

DRC Restricts Public Gatherings

Separately, Reuters reported on June 29 that the DRC has banned public gatherings in four provinces, including the capital, Kinshasa, as authorities attempt to contain the outbreak.

The ban comes ahead of a planned protest in Kinshasa on July 8 against proposed constitutional reforms. Opposition leaders have described the restriction as "politically motivated."

US CDC Raises Response To Highest Level

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised its emergency response to the outbreak to Level 1, its highest activation level. The designation, reserved for the most severe public health emergencies, allows the agency to deploy its maximum response capacity.

Despite the escalation, the CDC said the risk of Ebola spreading to the United States remains low.

Jamsin Bhasin recently took to Instagram to share a health update with her fans. She shared that she was hospitalized in Dubai after suffering from a serious infection during her birthday trip. She then revealed that she was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and high-risk infection, and inflammation.

Jasmin Bhasin Diagnosed With Terminal Ileitis

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Jasmin Bhasin shared a video in which she said, “So as soon as I landed in Dubai the next day, I fell severely sick and had to get hospitalized because I was diagnosed with terminal ileitis and severe high-risk infection and inflammation. But hopefully I will recover soon and will be back.”

She also said that she is recovering well and will be back on her feet soon.

She added, “I am so sorry I have not been able to respond to all your lovely messages and post, but Aly has already posted this birthday cake and how we didn't end up how we expected. Life is very unexpected but I am much better and should be back soon, but I am grateful to all of your love for my birthday and all your best wishes for my speedy recovery.”

What Is Terminal Ileitis?

Terminal ileitis is the inflammation of the terminal ileum, the final section of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine (colon). The terminal ileum has multiple important functions, including:

• Absorbing vitamin B12 in the body

• Absorbing bile acids, which help digest fats

• Playing a role in the body's immune system

Symptoms Of Terminal Ileitis

Here are some common symptoms of terminal ileitis:

• Pain and discomfort in the lower right side of the abdomen

• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes)

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Blood in the stool (more common with Crohn's disease than with many infections)

Terminal Ileitis & Crohn’s Disease

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Pramod Kadam, Consultant, General Surgery, Ruby Hall Clinic about terminal ileitis and Crohn's disease. Dr. Kadam explains, "It is generally related to inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease, but, it is essential to remember that the diagnosis of terminal ileitis is not a diagnosis but rather a clinical finding and can have many causes. Occasionally it can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), by intestinal tuberculosis, by lack of blood supply to the intestine or by other inflammation."

However, terminal ileitis can also result from several other conditions. They are:

• Bacterial infections (such as Yersiniosis, Salmonellosis, or Campylobacteriosis)

• Ulcerative colitis (rarely, through backwash ileitis)

• Intestinal tuberculosis (especially in countries where TB is common)

• Long-term use of Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs

• Certain cancers

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Dr. Kadam also shared an update about the condition's diagnosis. He says, "The diagnosis typically relies on a series of blood tests, a stool examination, imaging tests (CT or MRI scans) and a colonoscopy with a biopsy to identify the underlying cause of the inflammation. Treatment depends upon the underlying condition. Antibiotics may be needed for infectious conditions, but anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-modulating drugs or biologic drugs may be used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of complications like intestinal constriction, intestinal blockage or perforation."

Before this, Jasmin also faced another health scare during one of her shoots. She shared that she experienced severe discomfort in her eye, which escalated into a painful corneal injury.

Later, she found out that her eye injury was identified as a reaction to her contact lenses. She went on to raise awareness about proper care and hygiene when using contact lenses. She revealed that receiving prompt medical attention and care is essential when it comes to such eye injuries.

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson recently shared a heartbreaking health crisis. The ex-Tennessee Titans star revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure.

Former NFL Player Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis

In a recent pre-taped interview, he spoke about finding out about the disease. He recalled, “At first it was little things like my grip didn't feel right, and I wasn't as strong as I'd always been.”

He also said that he thought the initial symptoms were related to the wear and tear from his sports career. He said, “I thought because of football and his career that it must be something with that. Maybe a pinched nerve or something along those lines, but never ALS.”

Dr. Merritt Cudkowicz, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, who also worked with actor Eric Dane before his death from ALS this year, revealed that Chris has been on a clinical trial that could help in alleviating inflammation.

He further shared that even though it has helped him, the disease has progressed rapidly in the last year. The former football star revealed using a speech-generating device, which is controlled by his eyes, to communicate. Before Johnson lost his ability to speak, doctors recorded his voice, allowing the device to sound like him.

What is ALS?

ALS is a neurological disorder that targets motor neurons, nerve cells in the brain, and spinal cord that are responsible for voluntary muscle movement. When these neurons degenerate and die, the brain can no longer communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure.

There are two major types of ALS:

Sporadic ALS: This is the most common form, accounting for 90% of cases. Though it appears without family history, a portion of cases may involve genetic mutations.

Familial ALS: Representing about 5% to 10% of cases, this inherited form results from specific genetic changes.

Who Is At Risk?

Certain groups are at higher risk. Military veterans and firefighters are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS, potentially due to environmental exposures, physical trauma, or toxins encountered during service.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected condition, entitling veterans to specialized care and benefits.

Complications Related to ALS

As ALS advances, it affects nearly every function that depends on muscle control. Some serious complications include:

Respiratory Failure: Weakening of the diaphragm and chest muscles creates breathlessness. Respiratory failure is often the main cause of death in ALS.

Speech and Communication Impairment: The disease will lead to slurred speech or mumbling, so that there is dependence on aid to communication.

Difficulty Swallowing and Feeding: Weakening of the muscles disrupts chewing and swallowing capacity so that patients become vulnerable to aspiration pneumonia or choking. Feeding tubes are most often required.

Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: A small percentage of ALS patients develop frontotemporal dementia, which is marked by changes in behavior and decision-making.

Despite the complications of the disease, Chris Johnson has assured his fans that he still possesses the same spirit he had before the diagnosis. With advanced symptomatic treatment, support, and medical technology, ALS patients can maintain a decent quality of life.