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 Philippines has launched a fresh measles-rubella vaccination campaign in Eastern Visayas, aiming to vaccinate more than 445,000 children aged six to 59 months.

The intensified Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) will run from August 10 to 28, with support from local governments, schools, community health workers and barangay officials.

The campaign comes as the country continues to recover from years of declining routine childhood immunisation, which left thousands of children at risk to vaccine-preventable diseases.

"Knowing that our past accomplishments in the country are not that high, the Department of Health decided to have an additional layer of protection for our children by coming up with the Measles-Rubella Immunization Activity," said Dr Exuperia Sabalberino, Regional Director of the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), Leyte accounts for the largest target population, with more than 152,000 eligible children, while Biliran has the smallest.

Children under five years of age will be offered the vaccine regardless of their previous vaccination status if they fall within the campaign's eligibility criteria.

About The Campaign

Health authorities have been race to close immunity gaps and prevent new outbreaks of the highly contagious disease.

The latest push follows concerns over low routine immunisation coverage in several Philippine regions. During the 2023 MR-SIA campaign, Eastern Visayas achieved only 72.6% vaccination coverage, well below the level needed to maintain herd immunity.

Health officials warn that insufficient coverage increases the risk of measles and rubella outbreaks. "Vaccination is an extra layer of protection and also prevents outbreaks, as measles and rubella are highly contagious because one confirmed case can affect 12 to 18 people, especially those who are vulnerable and immunocompromised," said Chiradee R. Claridad, DOH-8 National Immunization Program Coordinator.

Also read: US Measles Cases Reach 2,371; RFK Jr Takes U-Turn, Urges Families to Vaccinate Kids

Measles Remains A Global Concern

Measles is among the world's most infectious viral diseases, spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness and death, particularly in young children. Rubella is generally milder but can cause severe birth defects if a pregnant woman becomes infected.

The Philippines has experienced several major measles outbreaks in recent years, including the nationwide resurgence in 2019 and the Bangsamoro outbreak in 2024, both linked to poor vaccination coverage.

The Philippines has already made progress in recent months. Last month, the DOH announced that over one million children in Metro Manila had been vaccinated, achieving 87.1% coverage under the measles-rubella campaign.

The latest campaign also comes after measles gained global attention after several countries, including the United States and parts of Europe, reported outbreaks this year driven by falling childhood vaccination rates.

The United States has reported 2,371 in 2026m according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among these cases:

• 20% of cases are in children under 5; 49% are in those 5–19 years.
• 7% of patients have been hospitalized, compared with 11% in 2025.
• No deaths have been reported.
• 93% of cases are in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is battling two public health crises at once. While the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak has sparked global health emergency, health experts warn that another crisis is unfolding quietly: a sharp rise in maternal deaths as pregnant women avoid hospitals out of fear of infection.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), maternal deaths in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak, have nearly doubled since late May.

Between May 25 and July 19, 2026, the weekly maternal deaths increased from an average of 3.1 to 5.8, while deaths occurring outside health facilities also rose significantly.

Rising Maternal Deaths In DR Congo During Ebola Outbreak

One of the biggest reasons rising maternal deaths in Congo is fear. Many pregnant women have stopped attending antenatal appointments because early Ebola symptoms, such as fever, weakness, and body aches, can resemble pregnancy-related illnesses. They worry they could be wrongly identified as Ebola patients and isolated from their families.

A recent Associated Press report shed light on ground reality by bringing forward the case of Esther Lutula, a pregnant woman from Bunia, who stopped visiting health centres after hearing reports of patients being isolated.

Like many expectant mothers, she chose to stay home despite understanding the risks of pregnancy complications.

"No woman should die giving life because she is afraid to seek care," said Noemi Dalmonte, Deputy Country Representative for UNFPA in the DRC, noting that misinformation and fear are preventing women from accessing essential and lifesaving maternal services.

Also read: DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Becomes World’s Second Largest As Death Toll Surpasses 1,500

Health System Under Pressure

The Ebola response in DR Congo has pressurised an already fragile healthcare system. Health workers have been reassigned to work on outbreak control, while others have died, fled conflict, or gone unpaid.

Some health facilities have also faced attacks, disrupting routine maternity care. Surveillance teams continue to struggle with staff shortages, delayed reporting, and limited resources, making it harder to provide essential health services beyond Ebola treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, is spreading in a difficult humanitarian setting marked by insecurity, population movement, and limited healthcare access.

Unlike earlier outbreaks, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, although vaccine trials are underway.

Also read: Milestone In Kala-Azar Treatment: WHO Updates Treatment Guidelines, Recommends Shorter & Safer Regimens

Why Pregnancy Is Even More Risky During Ebola?

In some previous outbreaks, more than 90% of infected pregnant women died. Delays in treating common obstetric emergencies, like severe bleeding, infections, or obstructed labour, further increase maternal mortality.

Health experts stress that many of these deaths are preventable if women receive timely pregnancy care and better clinical services during delivery.

Also read: Uganda Declared Ebola-Free As Congo Outbreak Grows To 3,262 Cases, 1,437 Deaths

DRC Ebola Outbreak

The DRC's Ebola outbreak has already become the world's second-largest on record, with more than 3,500 reported cases and over 1,500 deaths.

However, organisations warn that other indirect casualties, including maternal deaths, could increase dramatically if routine health services continue to crumble.

UNFPA is urging governments and humanitarian partners to strengthen maternity services alongside Ebola control efforts, restore community trust, and ensure that pregnant women can safely access healthcare without fear. "The fear of Ebola should not become another cause of maternal death," the agency has warned.

NBA star Kevin Love has once again opened up about mental health, saying the late actor Robin Williams transformed the way he understands depression by showing that the condition often stays hidden until its too late.

Speaking during a recent conversation about mental health, Love reflected on Williams' life and legacy, saying his death challenged the common belief that depression is often evident on people's faces.

"You would have thought that's not a face of depression," Love said, explaining that Williams helped him realise that people can appear joyful, successful, and full of life while silently battling emotional distress.

Love, one of the most prominent athletes advocating for mental health awareness, said the experience reinforced an important lesson: depression cannot be judged by outward appearances.

Depression Doesn't Always Look Like Depression

Mental health experts have long warned that depression is an invisible illness. While some people experience persistent sadness, others continue working, socialising, and smiling despite struggling internally.

This is one reason the condition often goes unnoticed by family, friends, and even healthcare providers.

Love's remarks reflect his own journey. After experiencing a panic attack during an NBA game in 2017, he began speaking publicly about anxiety and depression, encouraging others to seek help instead of suffering in silence.

In a previous essay, he wrote, "You would be amazed at how freeing it is just to talk to somebody, and tell them the truth about what you're going through," adding that "it does get better."

Also read: Laughing Gas Can Relieve Long Term Depression—New Study Finds

Recognising The Symptoms

According to mental health experts, depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It comes with a bunch of symptoms that often get neglected. Common symptoms include:

• Changes in mood: Persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, or apathy can be indicative of depression or anxiety.
• Loss of interest: Decreased enjoyment in activities that were once pleasurable is a common sign of mental health struggles.
• Difficulty concentrating: Problems with focus, memory, or decision-making can significantly impact daily life.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia, excessive sleep, or disrupted sleep may be related to underlying emotional distress.
• Withdrawal from social activities: Isolating oneself from friends and family can be a sign of deteriorating mental health.

It's important to note that these are general indicators, and individual experiences may vary. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial.

Symptoms vary from person to person, and many individuals may not openly express what they are experiencing.

Love said Robin Williams changed his perspective because his story challenged stereotypes surrounding depression. His message serves as a reminder that mental health conditions do not discriminate based on fame, success, or personality.

By continuing to share his own experiences, Love hopes more people will feel comfortable asking for help and checking in with those around them.

His words also reinforce an important public health message: emotional struggles are not always visible, making compassion, open conversations, and early support essential for recognising depression before it becomes a crisis.