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.

BBC presenter Emma Barnett has revealed that she underwent a hysterectomy after years of living with endometriosis and adenomyosis, saying she had the surgery she “never wanted to have” after her symptoms worsened with time.

Barnett, 41, was filming her BBC documentary Fighting Endometriosis when her health deteriorated. She eventually underwent a nearly five-hour operation involving endometriosis surgery, removal of her womb and gallbladder surgery. She was still recovering when the documentary aired in June.

She told listeners, "I made a programme on endometriosis on BBC Two and ended up being in hospital for endometriosis." She added, "Some 48 hours before the documentary aired - I had undergone a near-5 hour surgery and somehow found myself lying in bed recovering from extensive endometriosis surgery, a hysterectomy and a gallbladder removal," she wrote.

She has since returned to BBC Radio 4's Today programme and opened up about the physical and emotional toll of the procedure, including her recovery and adjustment to hormone replacement therapy.

"So yes, I've been recuperating, shall we say, from surgery for endometriosis and a hysterectomy to boot. So that's been less fun than the Today programme, but it is lovely to be back."

Barnett has lived with endometriosis for more than two decades. She also has adenomyosis, a condition she said she had come to suspect was responsible for much of her pain.

Adenomyosis Affects Muscle Of The Womb

Also read: Emma Barnett: It Took 21 Years To Diagnose My Endometriosis

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The tissue continues to respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which can cause the uterus to become enlarged and inflamed, leading to pain and heavy bleeding.

Adenomyosis does not present with symptoms. When it does, heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods are among the most common complaints. Some women may also face pelvic pain, bloating or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, pain during sex and, in some cases, fertility issues.

Even though the condition is different from endometriosis, the two can occur together. The symptoms can overlap with endometriosis, which can make it difficult to identify which condition is responsible for symptoms.

Treatment Depends On Symptoms And Reproduction Plans

Also read: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Plans To Freeze Eggs As She Eyes 2028 US Presidential Run

Treatment for adenomyosis generally focuses on controlling pain and heavy bleeding. Depending on the severity of symptoms, doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory painkillers, hormonal treatments like the contraceptive pill or hormonal intrauterine systems, or other medicines that suppress menstrual symptoms.

For women who have completed their families and continue to experience severe symptoms despite other treatments, a hysterectomy may be considered.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus and, because adenomyosis exists within the uterine muscle, removing the uterus can cure adenomyosis. The NHS says it is generally considered when other treatments have failed and a woman does not want to have more children. However, a hysterectomy is major surgery and is not considered a first-line treatment.

While removing the uterus can cure adenomyosis, endometriosis occurs outside the uterus, meaning a hysterectomy does not necessarily eliminate all endometriosis.

Endometriosis lesions elsewhere in the body may remain and can continue to cause symptoms. Barnett therefore underwent endometriosis surgery alongside the hysterectomy.

Barnett said her recovery has been lengthy and physically demanding. Around 11 weeks after the operation, she was still dealing with fatigue and the process of adjusting her hormones with HRT.

A Documentary To Expose A Neglected Disease

Recognizing that many women experience similar struggles, Barnett made a new documentary film "Emma Barnett: Fighting Endometriosis" in which she speaks with women, including doctors, researchers and even politicians about their experiences with endometriosis, highlighting a neglected disease that has no known cure.

Through the documentary, Barnett hopes to raise awareness of the condition, improve public understanding, and draw attention to the long delays many women face in receiving a diagnosis.

“One of the reasons I have made a film about endometriosis is that I want people to understand it is not just ‘painful periods’. It’s a system-wide inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing agonizing pain. I am hoping to boost public understanding of that, and beyond merely being able to pronounce it,” she wrote in The Independent.

“It’s very hard to make something invisible visible, but what I am trying to do with this film is bring the invisible into light and show that this is a silent emergency.”

The US continues to see a significant rise in foodborne illnesses caused by the bacterium Salmonella and the parasite Cyclospora.

The infections have sickened thousands of people, led to hospitalizations and prompted several food product recalls across the country. The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes more than 1 million foodborne illnesses in the United States every year.

Salmonella

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers has infected 431 people across 32 states. This is up from 345 cases in 27 states reported earlier this month.

The CDC said the outbreak, which began between June 19 and August 2, has so far resulted in 57 hospitalizations and no deaths.

The infections have been linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. More than 90% of people interviewed reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before becoming ill, including at Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, the CDC said.

Chipotle has reportedly switched its jalapeño supplier, while QDOBA restaurants have stopped using the ingredient.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Salmonella illness usually develops 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and typically lasts four to seven days. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

How To Reduce Salmonella Risk

• If you have recalled jalapeño peppers at home, do not eat them.
• Wash your hands with soap after handling food and during food preparation.
• Clean chopping boards and utensils after preparing food.
• Check food hygiene ratings when choosing catering outlets.

Cyclospora

The CDC’s latest report showed 15,716 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the US. The confirmed cases, reported across 47 states, have led to 828 hospitalisations and two deaths as of August 17. At least 11,841 additional cases of cyclosporiasis may require further investigation and analysis, the CDC said.

The CDC and FDA are also investigating at least six other clusters for which sources have not yet been confirmed.

Michigan, the hardest-hit state in the 17-state cyclosporiasis outbreak, reported 13,909 cases linked to the parasitic disease last week. However, state officials believe that the outbreak may be over.

The cyclosporiasis outbreak is one of the largest foodborne illness events in recent US history. The illness is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

How To Reduce Your Risk of Cyclospora

• Check whether recently purchased iceberg lettuce was sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico, Guanajuato.
• The recall includes:
  1. 12-ounce and 24-ounce Iceberg Salad with best-by dates July 18–August 3
  2. 8-ounce and 16-ounce Shredded Lettuce with best-by dates July 18–August 3
• Discard or return any recalled products. An additional 33 recalled products were supplied to restaurants and are unlikely to be in home refrigerators.
• Avoid eating recalled shredded iceberg lettuce.
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, even if labelled pre-washed.
• Choose whole heads of lettuce over bagged greens when possible. Remove the outer leaves and wash the inner leaves thoroughly.
• Cook produce whenever possible, as heat is the most effective way to kill Cyclospora.
• Follow safe food-handling practices and stay updated on food recalls.

A popular over-the-counter eye drop has been recalled across the US over concerns that the product may not be sterile, raising the risk of contamination and potential eye infections.

Prestige Brands Holdings has voluntarily recalled 39,060 bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, according to the FDA. The recall includes a specific lot of the product.

The recall is particularly important because eye drops are applied directly to the eyes, which means contaminated products can bypass some of the body's natural protective barriers.

Which Clear Eyes Eye Drops Are Recalled?

Consumers who have been using this brand's eye drop must check for the following details:

• Product: Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief
• Bottle size: 15 mL (0.5 fl oz)
• Lot: 2552A
• Expiration date: September 30, 2027
• NDC: 67172-999-01
• UPC: 6 78112 65920 3
• Quantity recalled: 39,060 bottles

The company initiated the voluntary recall on July 29, 2026, and the FDA classified it as a Class II recall on August 14.

A Class II recall means exposure to the affected product could cause medically reversible health consequences, although the likelihood of serious harm is considered remote.

Also read: UK Salmonella Outbreak May Be Linked to Imported Eggs: 1 Dead, 200+ Ill—How to Stay Safe

Why Is Contamination In Eye Drops A Serious Concern?

Eye drops are different from other medicines as they are intended to be strictly sterile at all times. The FDA notes that ophthalmic medicines pose a heightened risk because they could bypass some of the body's natural defences.

Contaminated eye drops can introduce microorganisms directly onto the eye and potentially cause infection.

Depending on the type and severity of contamination, an eye infection can cause symptoms ranging from redness and irritation to pain, discharge, vision changes and, in severe cases, serious damage to the eye. This is why sterility is a major safety requirement for ophthalmic products.

This particular recall is based on a potential contamination and lack of assurance of sterility. It does not mean that every bottle is contaminated or that everyone who used the product will develop an infection.

The FDA has not indicated that every user of the recalled product will experience adverse effects. However, consumers who have a recalled bottle should stop using it rather than taking the risk.

Also read: After FDA Crackdowns, Karnataka Launches QR Code To Report Food & Drug Safety Violations Instantly

What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Eye Drops?

If you have the recalled bottle of eye drops, check the lot number and expiration date on the packaging. If your bottle matches the recalled product, stop using it.

Consumers should also follow the recall instructions for returning or disposing of the product and can contact a healthcare professional.

The FDA also advises people to stop using eye drops and seek medical advice if they develop eye pain, discharge, changes in vision or significant discomfort.

One Of Many Eye-Drop Recalls

The latest recall comes amid a broader series of eye-drop safety concerns in the US. In recent months, other eye-drop products have also been recalled over sterility concerns and potential contamination. For example, nearly 12 million cartons of certain Rohto Cooling Eye Drops were recalled in July because sterility could not be assured.

The FDA says it continues to monitor ophthalmic products through sampling and testing, because contaminated eye drops have previously been linked to infections and serious eye complications.