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 Telangana Drugs Control Administration on Saturday released an urgent advisory asking the public to immediately stop using Almont-Kid Syrup, a medicine commonly given to children for allergies, hay fever, and asthma, after it was allegedly found to be contaminated with Ethylene Glycol (EG), a highly poisonous chemical.

In an official notice, the DCA said it received an alert from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata. A laboratory analysis flagged the syrup, which contains Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium, as adulterated.

Telangana Issues Notice For Children’s Syrup After Toxic Adulteration Found

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) issued a warning advising people to stop using Almont-Kid Syrup after tests allegedly found Ethylene Glycol (EG) in the product. The syrup is commonly prescribed to children to relieve allergy-related symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, swelling, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. It is also used to manage asthma and certain skin allergies.

According to the DCA notice, the alert was triggered by a communication from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata, following a lab report that declared the Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup as adulterated.

The DCA stated, “In light of the above, the public is hereby strongly advised to immediately stop the use of the above syrup, if in possession, and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay.” Officials have instructed Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to immediately inform retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any available stock of the affected batch and ensure it is not sold or dispensed under any circumstances. The DCA has also urged members of the public to report if they have the syrup and to avoid using it altogether.

What Is Ethylene Glycol?

Ethylene glycol is a colourless, odourless, and low-volatility liquid, according to Science Direct. It has a low freezing point and a high boiling point, which is why it is widely used in antifreeze and de-icing products. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste, which increases the risk of accidental ingestion, especially among children. Experts warn that untreated ingestion of ethylene glycol can result in severe illness and can be fatal, as per Cleveland Clinic.

What Is Ethylene Glycol Poisoning?

Ethylene glycol poisoning happens when the substance is swallowed. Once ingested, it is rapidly absorbed into the body, with peak levels usually reached within one to two hours. In the first 30 minutes to 12 hours, symptoms can resemble alcohol intoxication and may include dizziness, euphoria, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and problems with coordination. In severe cases, this stage can progress to seizures or coma due to the chemical’s direct toxic effects on the brain.

During the next phase, typically between 12 and 36 hours, the body breaks down ethylene glycol into harmful acids such as glycolic acid. This leads to metabolic acidosis, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, low calcium levels, muscle spasms, and possible heart failure. Without timely medical treatment, this stage can be life-threatening. Between 36 and 72 hours after ingestion, kidney injury may develop as oxalate crystals form, potentially causing acute kidney failure, reduced or absent urine output, brain swelling, and long-term organ damage.

Impact Of Ethylene Glycol Poisoning

Ethylene glycol poisoning can cause serious and potentially fatal complications because its toxic byproducts affect multiple organs. Some of the key impacts, as per Mayo Clinic, include:

Brain and Nervous System Damage: In the early phase, the toxin can cause confusion similar to intoxication, seizures, and coma due to its direct effect on the nervous system. Later on, acid buildup can lead to brain swelling and encephalopathy. If untreated, this may result in permanent brain damage, stroke-like symptoms, or death.

Heart and Lung Failure: Glycolic acid can trigger severe metabolic acidosis, leading to rapid or irregular heartbeats, dangerously high or low blood pressure, and heart failure. This may progress to fluid buildup in the lungs, breathing failure with deep and rapid breaths, and eventual circulatory collapse.

Kidney Damage: The formation of oxalate crystals in the kidneys can cause acute tubular necrosis, flank pain, blood in the urine, and reduced or stopped urine production. In some cases, acute kidney injury progresses to complete kidney failure, which may be permanent and require long-term dialysis or a transplant.

Multi-Organ Collapse: Ethylene glycol disrupts normal cellular function, leading to low calcium levels, muscle spasms, tremors, and lactic acidosis. In severe and untreated cases, this can result in shock, failure of multiple organs, and death.

Long-Term Consequences: People who survive ethylene glycol poisoning may experience lasting health problems such as chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, or heart complications. Outcomes are significantly worse when treatment is delayed or when the patient develops seizures, coma, or severe acidosis.

A fast-spreading new flu variant driving a sharp rise in infections across the state is bringing with it symptoms that differ from what many people usually associate with influenza.

With flu activity now classified as “very high” in Illinois, health experts say a mutated and highly contagious strain known as subclade K is changing how the illness shows up, particularly when it comes to fever patterns. One of the biggest differences doctors are seeing is how intense and long-lasting fevers have become, especially among children.

“There’s more fever with the flu this year than people are used to,” said Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of Family and Community Medicine at Cook County Health, speaking to NBC Chicago. “The fever can last five to seven days, and that’s concerning. You feel sick, you don’t feel like you’re improving, and that can be worrying.”

Adding to the concern, Dr. Juanita Mora, national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, as per NBC News, said some patients are finding that common fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol or Motrin are not working as effectively. “This strain is causing very high fevers,” Mora said. “There’s also a severe cough that just doesn’t go away, a lot of phlegm, vomiting, diarrhoea, and significant joint and muscle pain.”

Influenza Flu Symptoms To Watch For

Vomiting has never been among the most typical flu symptoms, though it does occur more often in children. What doctors are now noticing with this strain is an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms among adults as well.

“Kids with the flu often experience nausea or vomiting,” Loafman explained. “Adults usually don’t as much, but we are hearing more reports of GI symptoms in adults who have this subclade K strain.” Because of this, he said flu should not be ruled out just because stomach symptoms are present.

“If you have GI issues along with body aches, fever, and respiratory symptoms, flu is still very much a possibility,” he said, adding that at-home flu tests can be useful if someone suspects they are infected.

Warnings have already been issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and several county health departments as flu-related hospital admissions and positive test results continue to climb.

According to the latest state update released Monday, flu activity has reached “very high” levels, the most severe category used by the CDC to track respiratory illness trends.

Health officials say most emergency room visits and hospital admissions related to respiratory illness are currently being driven by flu cases.

Common Flu Symptoms To Know

Flu symptoms typically appear one to four days after exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The CDC lists the following common symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish, along with chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, which are more common in children than adults

Not everyone with the flu will develop a fever. However, health officials note that gastrointestinal symptoms are being reported more often in adults with the new strain.

Influenza Flu Warning Signs To Watch For

Because this variant is linked to higher and longer-lasting fevers, Mora said it is crucial to recognise when medical care is needed.

“High fevers that don’t come down are one warning sign,” she said. “Another is trouble breathing, including wheezing, chest muscle use, or a cough that won’t stop. And dehydration is a major concern, especially if someone is barely eating or drinking.”

The CDC outlines different warning signs for children and adults.

In children:

• Rapid or laboured breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain or refusal to walk
• Signs of dehydration such as no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, or no tears when crying
• Lack of alertness or interaction
• Seizures
• Fever above 104°F that does not respond to medication
• Any fever in infants under 12 weeks
• Symptoms that improve and then worsen
• Worsening of existing medical conditions

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Ongoing chest or abdominal pain
• Dizziness, confusion, or difficulty waking
• Seizures
• Little or no urination
• Severe muscle pain
• Extreme weakness or unsteadiness
• Symptoms that return or worsen after improving
• Worsening of chronic illnesses

How Long Is Flu Contagious?

According to the CDC, people can spread the flu starting about one day before symptoms appear and up to seven days afterward. Most people are most contagious around three days into the illness. Young children and those with weakened immune systems may remain contagious longer.

“It’s usually about five to seven days from when symptoms start before people stop shedding high levels of the virus,” Loafman said. “Ten days is very cautious, but not always necessary.”

He advised masking around vulnerable people during the first week, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home whenever possible. “If you can stay in, stay home,” he said, as per NBC News.

Environmental and public health scientists have begun warning against the dangers of having free living amoeba in water systems that are capable of triggering severe diseases in humans.

In a recent perspective article published in Biocontaminant, the researchers noted that climate change, deteriorating water infrastructure and limited systems for monitoring and detection are the key factors that have allowed these pathogens to spread and persist.

Corresponding author Longfei Shu of Sun Yat sen University explained: "What makes these organisms particularly dangerous is their ability to survive conditions that kill many other microbes.

"They can tolerate high temperatures, strong disinfectants like chlorine and even live inside water distribution systems that people assume are safe."

The scientists also emphasized that not only can amoebae spread illnesses on its own, it can also act as hidden carriers for other harmful microbes.

By sheltering bacteria and viruses inside their cells, amoeba these unicelled organisms protect these pathogens from disinfection and help them persist and spread in drinking water systems. This so-called Trojan horse effect may also contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance among humans.

How Dangerous Is Amoeba?

Amoeba are single-celled organisms that naturally live in soil and water. Most species do not cause harm yet some can prove to be fatal.

Some of the diseases caused by this kind of bacteria include Amebiasis (Amoebic Dysentery), an intestinal infection by Entamoeba histolytica, causing diarrhea, cramps and potential liver abscesses as well as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) from Naegleria fowleri, a rare but nearly always fatal brain infection from contaminated water entering the nose.

Effects of amoeba-caused infections range from intestinal issues (liver abscesses, anemia, peritonitis) to severe neurological damage (coma, seizures, death) from brain-eating types, with Acanthamoeba causing eye infections (keratitis).

Experts recommend thoroughly washing your hands after toilet use and before handling food, drinking clean water especially in unsanitary conditions and avoiding getting water up your nose in warm freshwater to prevent such infections.

The Indore Crisis

This comes days after the recent Indore sewage water controversy which has claimed the lives 10 people and left over 1,400 people hospitalized, according to Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava.

However, locals claim that the outbreak has instead caused the death of 17 residents, including a six-month-child. The situation has also left Parvati Bai, 67, with kidney failure, a brain stroke and symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or GBS.

GBS is a rare condition where your immune system attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis as well as death, in certain cases.

The outbreak occurred due to lapses in civic infrastructure. Investigation revealed that a toilet constructed directly above a main drinking pipeline near a police outpost, without a mandatory safety tank resulted in the sewage mixing with drinking water.