Semaglutide, a well-known drug for diabetes and weight loss, commonly referred to as Ozempic, has been found to help patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) walk longer distances. PAD is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs due to plaque buildup. This condition is particularly common among individuals with diabetes.

A study published in The Lancet demonstrated that administering 1 mg of semaglutide to adults with type 2 diabetes and symptomatic PAD led to a 13% increase in their walking distance compared to those given a placebo. The drug was also associated with an improvement in ankle-brachial indices, a key test that compares blood pressure in the ankle to that in the arm, assessing blood flow in the lower limbs. The results of the STRIDE trial were presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting on March 29. The research was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic.

Beyond Blood Sugar Levels

The significance of this study lies in its demonstration of semaglutide's multifaceted protective effects beyond just improving blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss. Previous findings have already established its role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, benefiting kidney health, and even helping lower certain addictive behaviors.

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)PAD occurs when arteries narrow, restricting blood flow to the arms and legs. It is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and a leading cause of disability and amputation. More than 230 million people worldwide are affected by PAD, and there are currently no medical treatments available that can prevent or slow down its complications in diabetics.

Experts emphasize that PAD is a persistent and highly debilitating disease for which no current therapies exist. Patients suffering from PAD often experience severe limitations in their ability to function and walk without pain. As the condition progresses, some individuals may require interventions such as revascularization surgery, which aims to restore blood supply to the legs. In extreme cases, limb amputation may become necessary.

Semaglutide As A Potential Solution

Medical professionals point out that functional impairment in individuals with PAD is often overlooked in its early stages despite the severe disability it causes. The findings of the STRIDE trial are particularly promising as they indicate that semaglutide’s benefits on maximum walking distance were noticeable at 26 weeks and continued to improve up to 52 weeks without reaching a plateau. This suggests that semaglutide could be a viable long-term therapy option for PAD patients.

Experts further highlight that amputation is one of the most feared complications of diabetes and is significantly more common in diabetic individuals than in those without the condition. The findings of this study offer a ray of hope in addressing this pressing issue.

Following the trial’s promising results, Novo Nordisk has submitted a label extension application for Ozempic to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If approved, this could mark a major breakthrough in the treatment of PAD, potentially offering a new medical option for millions affected by the disease.

Aging is a natural process that comes with time. Everyone has to age, but it is a scary concept for many to accept. Kids growing up to be adults, adults reaching middle age and so on and forth. Many things change about you when you age. You will be wiser and have a lot more experience. However, there are many other changes that our bodies go through when we age. Women especially are discouraged to speak about their struggles and the way they are affected by the changes in their body. However, speaking about these things can help you not only prepare, but also learn more about how to avoid and get ahead of certain things

What Unexpected Changes Occur In Women

There are a few common things that most of us expect as we age. For example, weight gain with age, decline in muscle mass, risk of heart diseases and diabetes. However, there are many unexpected changes that also happen.

Pelvic Changes

Even after your bones stop growing as a teenager, your pelvis keeps getting wider. This happens in both men and women, but it's especially important for women. A 2022 study published in Anthropol Anz. explains that during pregnancy, your pelvis changes even more. It widens and tilts forward to get ready for your baby to be born. Your body makes these changes to make childbirth easier. While the ligaments around your pelvis stretch, the actual shape of the bone doesn't change.

Heart Health

While women who do not drink alcohol and smoke are less likely to develop heart diseases, research has shown, menopausal women are more likely to develop cardiovascular issues. A 2021 study published in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity showed that estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. The lack of estrogen that happens with menopause can trigger heart issues for them.

Women Shrink More

When you're a kid, you get taller. But as you get older, you start to get shorter. This happens to everyone, but women tend to lose more height than men. This is because men usually have more muscle and stronger bones. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that women start losing height around age 30, and it keeps happening as they get older. So, you might find yourself a little shorter as you age, and need help reaching high shelves.

Vaginal pH self regulates

Your vagina is very good at cleaning itself. It has a natural balance called pH, which is usually a little acidic. A 2021 review in the Diagnostics explains that this acidic balance helps keep bad germs away. Your vagina doesn't need harsh soaps or douches to stay clean. These can mess up the natural balance and cause problems. Warm water and gentle cleansers are usually enough to keep the outside clean. Your body knows how to take care of the inside.

Different Response To Stressful Situations

We all have our own different ways of dealing with fear. While some people shut down, others can be quick. However, research shows that there may be a biological factor in this. A 2019 study published in the European journal of neuroscience explains that women's brains seem to process fear differently than men's, which might explain why they're more prone to anxiety disorders. Scientists are now studying this to find better ways to help.

Knowing about several conditions and diseases may not seem like a feasible thing to do for many people, but knowledge does come with power. Knowing signs and symptoms of certain diseases can help you tackle them early on. While many people know what insomnia, vertigo etc. are, only a quarter of them are aware of these particular diseases which is responsible for two of the most common issues, malnutrition and pneumonia.

Dysphagia, which is a condition that makes it difficult to swallow, is much more common than you may think. Published in the Dysphagia journal, this study wanted to see how much people really know about dysphagia compared to other health issues. They found that even though lots of folks struggle with swallowing problems, they don’t know the name of the problem or what it causes. The study showed that 99% of the participants knew about insomnia, 87% knew about Vertigo, but only 25% knew about dysphagia

This lack of knowledge is a big deal because it means people might not get the help they need.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a scientific term used for trouble swallowing. The Cleveland Clinic explains that it happens when something goes wrong with the muscles or nerves you use to move food and drinks from your mouth to your stomach. Sometimes, it's a problem with the shape of your throat or esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. When you can't swallow properly, food can go down the wrong way, into your lungs. This can cause a serious lung infection called pneumonia. Cleveland clinic explains that it increases the risk of pneumonia because it can lead to aspiration, where food, liquid, or saliva enters the lungs instead of the digestive tract, causing infection and inflammation.

The Frontiers in Neurology 2022 study found that people who had dysphagia after a stroke were 10 times more likely to get pneumonia. Dysphagia also causes malnutrition as it makes it harder to consume enough food and fluids, potentially leading to reduced appetite, fear of eating, and a decreased enjoyment of meals, ultimately impacting nutritional intake.

Is This A New Issue?

To double-check what people said in the survey, the researchers looked at the records of millions of patients in hospitals. They found that dysphagia was written down in many more records than vertigo. Insomnia was the most common problem, but dysphagia was still a big issue. This means that a lot of people go to the doctor because they’re having trouble swallowing. The records back up the survey: lots of people have dysphagia. It's important to know about this problem because it affects many lives.

Is Dysphagia A Symptom or A Condition

The Cleveland Clinic explains that dysphagia a symptom of various health issues. These problems might involve your brain and nerves, your muscles, or something physically blocking your throat. To help with swallowing difficulties, doctors may prescribe medicine, suggest changes to how you eat, or perform certain procedures.

Why Should More People Know About This?

The researchers who did this study hope that more people will learn about dysphagia. They want doctors and nurses to know more about it, too. They think that if we talk about it more, people who have trouble swallowing will get help sooner. They want more money to be spent on research to find better ways to treat it. Furthermore, they want everyone to have access to good healthcare, so no one has to suffer because they can’t swallow properly. It’s important to spread the word so people get the help they need

We have all heard about the benefits of using sunscreens, but how many of us actually follow it through? Especially among the men, there is a conventional belief that anything on their skin is not manly enough. But, what if I tell you that even someone as strong as John Cena recommends everyone to wear sunscreen? Would you still choose to not use it?

John Cena, actor and the WWE star has recently opened up about a past skin cancer diagnosis in an effort to bring attention to the important of wearing sunscreen. He told People that he grew up in Massachusetts in the 1970s and 80s, and "never" wore sunscreen. It was later in life when he moved to Florida, and there he "fell in love with the sun", but "neglected" to protect his skin and use sunscreen.

“I was stubborn. I didn’t want to have a routine and I also thought the problem would never reach me. And it’s one of those things where I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection and it caught up with me,” said Cena.

How Did The Diagnose Happen?

It was during one of his routine check-ups that made Cena to re-think to use sunscreen. “It wasn’t until I went to a dermatologist and got a skin checkup and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec,” he said.

Cena is now also the face of a sunscreen brand with SPF 70. He revealed that he was "very lucky" to have a good dermatologist who help him face his fear around his diagnosis.

After the removal of first cancerous spot on Cena's chest, there was another. "A year later, I went back and had another spot removed close to my right shoulder. It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and on my shoulder. If you watch WWE, you’ll be able to see them," he said.

It was a shock to him, because he never saw being diagnosed with skin cancer coming. "Mind always goes to the worst case scenario," he said. However, it was the diagnosis that allow him to understand the importance of sunscreen that protects one's skin from sun's rays.

“I’m at a great space in my life where that’s now important to me. And I’m so grateful to be able to dodge those two bullets, but I wear them as a reminder of, ‘Hey man, you need to take the extra few seconds to protect yourself every day,’” he said.

ALSO READ: Does Sunscreen Block Your Body's Natural Vitamin D Production?

At What Time Of The Day Should You Apply Sunscreen?

As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, wearing sunscreen is the easiest and the best ways to protect your skin's appearance and health at any age. It recommends to use it regularly to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.

While everyone needs sun exposure to produce vitamin D, unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, skin, and the immune system.

To protect, apply 1 ounce of sunscreen throughout your body. To protect your face and neck, you will need about half a teaspoon of sunscreen.

Experts also believe that as long as the sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and is water-resistant, it does not matter what order you apply your skin care products. While some people find it is easiest to work with bare skin, some do it at the end.

"If you’re out there and you brush your teeth, at a young age you learned that going to the dentist when your teeth are in bad shape is bad because it’s painful. The same thing will happen if you don’t take care of your skin, and it’s actually easier than brushing your teeth. Because it’s not something you should exercise to just make you look more beautiful,” Cena said.

“It’s something you should exercise to allow you to be who you are for a longer period of time.”