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.

Seven dead, over 100 people hospitalized as they drink water with sewage mixes in Madhya Pradesh's Indore. The Hindu reports that while official toll may suggest a different number, residents said that 14 people have died, and 2,500 are sick. According to a report submitted to the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College on January 1, 2026, a total of 26 Indore water samples were found contaminated. The report suggests that officials took steps to clean and repair the water supply line, and began the work on a delayed, new supply line, yet the samples remain contaminated.

The first day of 2026 also brought in a notice from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), issued to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and asked for a detailed report on the matter in two weeks. The report which was submitted to IMC collected 70 samples from various locations in Indore, and 26 of them were found to be contaminated.

What Happened In Madhya Pradesh?

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav reported that the seven deaths were linked to the outbreak, which 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.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar said, “We have found that in case of the construction of the toilet, no safety tank was constructed beneath it. We are also probing the other lapses.”

What Actions Have Been Taken So Far?

As of now, the water supply Assistant Engineer (AE) has been suspended, and the sub-engineer relieved of duty. The Zonal Officer has also been suspended for failing to ensure proper coordination. “The zonal officer has been suspended because he should have seen overall coordination,” Commissioner Kumar said.

“We have found a few chambers that intersect the distribution line. We are getting them diverted,” Kumar also noted.

While authorities take action, families grief-stricken families remain in the fear of drinking water from the locality. One of the victim's family member Jitendra Prajapat, who lost his 50-year-old sister, Seema Prajapat, recounts the horrors.

“My sister suddenly started suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea and we did not even get a chance to manage the situation. She died on the way to the hospital,” told Jitendra Prajapat to The Indian Express. “One moment she was at home, the next she was gone.”

Another victim is Manjulata, an elderly woman, whose husband said, “For the past several days, the water had been coming out dirty. We even filed complaints, but nothing was done about it. No one listened."

Authorities have stepped up efforts to contain the crisis and avert further casualties. District Magistrate Shivam Verma said the response has been extensive, with around 149 people currently hospitalised and survey teams conducting door-to-door checks. By 31 December, 2025, nearly 2,700 houses had already been covered.

The survey has been extended to other surrounding areas in Indore to check the water quality and to know whether the contamination has spread beyond Bhagirathpura, which was the initial epicentre. for precaution, ASHA workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives are also distributing oral rehydration solution (ORS) to residents.

Leading pharmaceutical companies are preparing to increase the prices of hundreds of prescription medicines in the United States, even as the Trump administration continues to push for lower drug costs.

Hundreds of Medicines Affected

Prices for at least 350 branded drugs are expected to rise, including vaccines for Covid-19 and shingles, as well as the cancer medication Ibrance. Some of these increases will take effect from January 1, according to figures shared with Reuters by healthcare research firm 3 Axis Advisors.

Price Hikes Climb Compared to Last Year

The data indicates that planned price increases for 2026 have climbed compared to the same period last year, when drugmakers had disclosed hikes for more than 250 medicines. This year, the typical price rise is about 4 percent, roughly in line with increases seen in 2025.

US Patients Pay the Highest Costs

Patients in the U.S. continue to pay significantly more for prescription medicines than those in other developed countries, often close to three times as much, Reuters reported. Reducing these costs is something Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to address.

White House Announces New Agreements

Earlier this month, the White House said it had reached fresh agreements with nine major pharmaceutical companies to bring down prescription drug prices for Americans. The companies named were Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, and Sanofi.

Companies Still Raising Prices

The administration said these agreements were designed to support Medicaid, which serves low-income Americans, as well as people who pay for medicines in cash. However, data from 3 Axis Advisors shows that several of the same companies, including Pfizer, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and GSK, are also planning to raise prices on certain medicines from January 1.

Expert Criticism

“These deals are being presented as game-changing, but in reality they barely touch the deeper issues that keep prescription drug prices so high in the U.S.,” said Dr. Benjamin Rome, a health policy researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, in comments to Reuters.

Pfizer Leads in Number of Hikes

Pfizer is set to introduce the highest number of list price increases, covering around 80 medicines. These include the cancer drug Ibrance, migraine treatment Nurtec, and Covid-19 therapy Paxlovid, along with hospital-used drugs such as morphine and hydromorphone. Most of Pfizer’s planned increases are under 10 percent. An exception is its Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty, which will see a price jump of about 15 percent. The company said the average list price rise for its innovative medicines and vaccines in 2026 would remain below overall inflation, describing the increases as modest.

GSK Price Hikes

GSK, based in Europe, said it plans to raise prices on roughly 20 drugs and vaccines, with increases ranging from 2 percent to 8.9 percent. The company said it remains committed to fair pricing and added that the hikes are necessary to continue funding scientific research and innovation.

The Independent has reached out to the White House and the pharmaceutical companies named by Reuters for comment on the reported price increases.

A widely used medication prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease may trigger uncomfortable side effects in some people, including nosebleeds. In England, around 5.3 million people are currently taking statins, a group of drugs designed to help bring cholesterol levels down.

What Is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin, sold under brand names such as Lipitor, is a commonly prescribed statin medication. Doctors use it to lower cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems, as per Mayo Clinic.

Atorvastatin: What Atorvastatin Is Prescribed For?

Atorvastatin is commonly prescribed to people with raised cholesterol, as well as those who have a family history of heart disease or long-term conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. NHS guidance explains that the medicine is usually taken as a tablet, with chewable options available for people who struggle to swallow pills.

High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes. It is also a major factor in cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths in England.

Atorvastatin Possible Side Effects

While atorvastatin is effective at lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is not suitable for everyone. Like many medicines, it can cause side effects in some people, particularly when taken over long periods. Others may take it for years without noticing any problems at all.

People Advised To Avoid Atorvastatin

The NHS advises that atorvastatin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as it may pose risks to a developing baby. If someone becomes pregnant while taking the drug, they are advised to stop using it and speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

Alternative treatments may be offered during pregnancy. Women may also be advised to stop taking atorvastatin while breastfeeding. It is not yet clear how much of the drug passes into breast milk or whether it could cause side effects in infants.

When To Speak To A Doctor

NHS guidance stresses the importance of seeking medical advice if you are taking atorvastatin and are trying to conceive, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should also speak to a doctor before taking atorvastatin if you:

• Have lung disease
• Have previously had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain
• Have experienced muscle-related side effects from statins in the past
• Have ever had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or another medicine
• Have a history of myasthenia gravis or ocular myasthenia
• Have an underactive thyroid
• Have ever been diagnosed with a muscle disorder, including fibromyalgia
• Regularly drink large amounts of alcohol
• Have liver or kidney problems

Disclaimer:

This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.