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.

With Nebraska reporting its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle last month, officials in three Midwestern states have now confirmed new outbreaks of H5N1 in poultry on commercial farms. While not the first for these states, the latest detections highlight the ongoing presence of the virus. In Iowa, this marks the state’s eighth outbreak in domestic birds this year, and Minnesota has reported eight poultry outbreaks since mid-September.

H5N1 Strikes Poultry Farms Across US

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the latest H5N1 case on October 2. Officials discovered the virus in a commercial turkey flock in west-central Iowa. Iowa’s previous poultry outbreak was recorded in April.

Minnesota reported two outbreaks on September 28 at commercial breeder poultry farms in Becker and Otter Tail Counties, which are adjacent to one another in the state’s west-central region. Together, the two farms house over 36,000 birds, according to the University of Minnesota.

Wisconsin followed with another confirmation on October 1 of H5N1 in a commercial flock in Jefferson County, located between Madison and Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) issued guidance urging all livestock owners to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from spreading to their animals.

What Is H5N1?

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, which primarily infects birds but can also spread to humans and other mammals through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. While human-to-human transmission is uncommon, the infection can be severe and has a high mortality rate. The virus has spread worldwide among wild birds and poultry and has recently been detected in mammals, including dairy cows. Health authorities recommend avoiding raw milk and taking protective measures when handling animals, according to the World Health Organization.

Can H5N1 Affect Humans?

Yes, H5N1 can infect humans, causing symptoms such as eye irritation, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal issues. Although transmission between humans is rare, those who have direct contact with infected birds, mammals like dairy cows, or contaminated environments are at higher risk, per WHO guidelines.

How Humans Get Infected

• Contact with infected animals: Handling sick or deceased poultry, wild birds, or dairy cows can lead to infection.
• Contaminated surfaces: Touching surfaces contaminated with virus-containing fluids from infected birds or animals and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Contaminated food: Consuming raw milk from infected cows or other foods contaminated with the live virus.

Is Bird Flu Contagious?

Bird flu rarely spreads from person to person. While a few cases of human-to-human transmission have been documented, none occurred in the U.S. Nearly all human infections so far have resulted from direct contact with infected animals. Still, any human infection carries a risk that the virus could mutate and spread more easily between people.

Advanced DNA sequencing and innovative stem cell research have allowed an international team of scientists to identify a new form of diabetes that affects infants. This rare type of diabetes can appear in babies under six months old, causing symptoms such as fatigue, poor weight gain, and excessive thirst. Using cutting-edge DNA sequencing and a novel stem cell model, researchers from the University of Exeter in the UK and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) pinpointed mutations in the TMEM167A gene, which is linked to this uncommon form of neonatal diabetes. Let’s take a closer look at the study.

The Study and Its Findings

Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI), the study involved researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School, ULB in Belgium, and other collaborators. They discovered that more than 85% of neonatal diabetes cases registered are associated with a genetic mutation. Advanced DNA sequencing and the new stem cell model enabled the team to identify alterations in the TMEM167A gene, which is responsible for this rare condition in infants.

Role of TMEM167A Gene

Investigating how this gene influences diabetes in babies under six months, Professor Miriam Cnop and her team at ULB found that when the TMEM167A gene is altered, insulin-producing cells fail to function properly. This triggers cellular stress mechanisms that can even lead to cell death.

“Identifying the DNA changes behind diabetes in infants gives us a unique window into the genes that are essential for insulin production and secretion. In this collaborative study, pinpointing specific DNA mutations in six children helped us uncover the role of the little-known TMEM167A gene, showing its crucial role in insulin secretion,” explained Dr. Elisa de Franco of the University of Exeter.

What Is Neonatal Diabetes?

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of diabetes caused by a single gene mutation, showing up within the first six months of a baby’s life. It leads to high blood sugar because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. In some cases, the condition is permanent, lasting a lifetime, while in others, it may disappear during infancy but could return later in life.

Symptoms of Neonatal Diabetes

According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, infants under six months with neonatal diabetes may display symptoms such as dehydration, increased hunger, and frequent wet diapers.

How Common Is Neonatal Diabetes?

Neonatal diabetes is an extremely rare condition that appears in babies within the first six months of life. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates it occurs in roughly 1 in every 90,000 to 400,000 births.

Neonatal Diabetes: What Parents Should Keep in Mind

Parents of infants diagnosed with neonatal diabetes should monitor their baby closely for signs of dehydration, unusual fatigue, or poor feeding. Regular medical check-ups and frequent blood sugar monitoring are crucial. It’s also important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule and follow the treatment plan prescribed by pediatric endocrinologists. Early intervention, careful observation, and support from healthcare providers can help manage symptoms and ensure healthier growth and development.

India Declares Three Cough Syrups ‘Toxic’ After DEG Contamination

While Coldrif was linked to all the child deaths, regulators in India, the world’s third-largest medicine producer have now advised consumers to avoid Respifresh TR and ReLife as well. None of these syrups have been exported, though the WHO warned of potential risks through unregulated channels.

Also Read: Cough Syrup Row: Death Toll Rise To 22 As 2 More Children Succumb

Details of the Three DEG-Contaminated Cough Syrups

Health alerts from Gujarat and other states describe both Respifresh and ReLife as containing DEG, “a toxic chemical that can cause serious poisoning, including kidney failure, neurological complications, and even death, particularly in children.”

COLDRIF

This syrup was linked to the deaths of children from Madhya Pradesh, who mostly died of kidney failure in government hospitals in other states. Produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer in Tamil Nadu, tests found it contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, far above the 0.1% limit set by India and WHO. The syrup has been banned, and the company owner has been arrested.

RESPIFRESH TR

So far, this syrup has not been linked to any deaths. It is manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals in Gujarat and was found to contain 1.342% DEG, according to WHO reports. The syrup has been recalled, and the company has been ordered to halt production of all medical products.

RELIFE

Relife syrup also has not been connected to any deaths. Made by Shape Pharma in Gujarat in January 2025, with an expiry date of December 2026, it was found to contain 0.616% DEG. Like Respifresh, it has been recalled and production of all products by the company has been suspended.

WHO Calls Out Gap in India’s Cough Syrup Testing

In response to nationwide outrage over children’s deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the WHO highlighted a “regulatory gap” in India regarding the testing for diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in domestically marketed medicines. The agency also warned that such contaminated products could reach other countries through unregulated channels.

The WHO expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the families. It said it had contacted the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for clarification on the contaminated medicines and whether they had been exported. The CDSCO confirmed that DEG was detected in at least three cough syrups, Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife.

Coldrif Owner Arrested

The owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, G Ranganathan, was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with the adulterated cough syrup case. The arrest followed the deaths of over 20 children from Madhya Pradesh who had consumed the contaminated syrup allegedly manufactured at the company’s facility. The Tamil Nadu government had previously sealed the factory after the incident came to light.