#Public health risk

[newsepick]

Extreme temperature-related deaths expected to soar in the U.S. without stronger climate action

A study published in JAMA Network Open examines excess mortality linked to extreme temperatures in the U.S. Researchers project a rise in heat-related deaths, particularly among older adults and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations, due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2008 and 2019, annual average extreme heat days were 13.3, expected to rise significantly by 2035-2065. Under high emissions, projected deaths could increase from 30.9 million to over 22,936 annually. The findings highlight the urgent need for climate change strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

[davidaugust]

Covid is not done with us even if people are trying to be done with it.

via @1goodtern

[dontmean2bepoliticalbut]

[cbirt]

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) computer scientists developed iPGS, a model that gives accurate polygenic score calculations for the genetic makeup of individuals belonging to diverse ancestral backgrounds. Diversity in human beings can be attributed to the 0.1% of DNA that varies across individuals. It determines the phenotypes that would be expressed as well as the risk of contracting or developing certain diseases. The overall effect of gene variation can be assessed by the generation of ‘polygenic scores’ by statistical models. However, one major problem with such models is that the datasets used to train them have been largely based on people of European descent. ‘Admixed’ is a term used to describe individuals whose chromosomes have been inherited from a mixture of ancestries and populations that were previously isolated. 

To perform disease risk assessments for people in an inclusive manner and to ensure equal health opportunities for all regardless of their ethnic background, it is imperative to either upgrade the datasets used by existing models or to develop new ones entirely, which is exactly what scientists attempted to accomplish.

Scientists achieve this feat by developing a model that uses genetic information obtained from people who come from varying ancestries all around the world. The iPGS model can accurately predict the possibility of diseases caused by various expressed genetic traits, even for underrepresented communities. According to Manolis Kellis, a professor of computer science at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) of MIT, the model was 60% and 18% more accurate than previous models when making predictions for people that come from African and admixed ancestries, respectively. In addition to enhancing public health policies and results for those who are at risk, the researchers believe that widespread implementation of this approach will make genome sequencing a more widely available and accepted procedure worldwide. Public users and members of the scientific community can access the data collected for this study.

Continue Reading

[alwaysbewoke]

[voulezloux]

x

[hersheysmcboom]

Please sign below 👇

[jojossillywalk]

i feel like bar none the most depressing thing about avpol is that it could be argued that neither of them are technically morosexual on the grounds that both parties actually think the other is very smart If Not "Occasionally Frustrating" and "A Bacterial Lawn Growing In My Mind's Sterile Plate Of Nutrient Agar"

[bill-needle]

wait wait what was the call elaborate on the call you said you got a freaky call or something what happened there

Oh goddammit.

...Yes, on one of those stupid call-in shows I did - forget which one, there were a few - some creep phoned in.

I wouldn't want to bore you with the details. I know I've tried to put the whole thing out of my mind. Suffice it to say there was a lot of heavy breathing throughout.

And yes, there was some discussion of "my needle". Ugh. It was the unoriginality of it that really bugged me.

I swear, if I ever have to do a program like that again, I'm demanding an operator.

[doggirlnarcolepsy]

Wow... So they might actually outlaw self-medding for trans women here in Denmark and make estrogen and anti-androgens a controlled substance because of a bogus study that claims that self-medicating HRT *will* cause blood clots... All based on data from less than 50 trans women who've had blood clots early in life. All while literally not taking into account any of their other risk factors (substance abuse, V-Leiden, obesity, smoking, etc) and blaming it solely on their hormone treatment... Here we go backsliding on all the strides in regulation that we've made in the last decade wooooooooooo...

[tomorrowusa]

An 80% jump in cancer rates should be cause for alarm. Public health authorities around the world should be focusing more on this problem.

Global cases of early onset cancer increased from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019, while cancer deaths of adults in their 40s, 30s or younger grew by 27%. More than a million under-50s a year are now dying of cancer, the research reveals. Experts are still in the early stages of understanding the reasons behind the rise in cases. The authors of the study, published in BMJ Oncology, say poor diets, alcohol and tobacco use, physical inactivity and obesity are likely to be among the factors. “Since 1990, the incidence and deaths of early onset cancers have substantially increased globally,” the report says. “Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, the restriction of tobacco and alcohol consumption and appropriate outdoor activity, could reduce the burden of early onset cancer.”

Specifically, they are looking at people in the 14 to 49 age group. A disproportionate amount of this spike in cancer can be traced to consumption.

They looked at new cases, deaths, health consequences and contributory risk factors for all those aged 14 to 49 to estimate changes between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, new cancer diagnoses among under-50s totalled 3.26 million, an increase of 79% on the 1990 figure. Breast cancer accounted for the largest number of cases and associated deaths, at 13.7 and 3.5 for every 100,000 of the global population respectively. Cases of early onset windpipe and prostate cancers rose the fastest between 1990 and 2019, with estimated annual percentage changes of 2.28% and 2.23% respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, cases of early onset liver cancer fell by an estimated 2.88% a year. A total of 1.06 million under-50s died of cancer in 2019, an increase of 27% on the 1990 figure. After breast cancer, the highest death tolls were linked to windpipe, lung, stomach and bowel cancers. The steepest increases in deaths were among people with kidney or ovarian cancer. The highest rates of early onset cancers in 2019 were in North America, Oceania and western Europe. Low- and middle-income countries were also affected, and the highest death rates among under-50s were in Oceania, eastern Europe and central Asia.

We can't do anything about our genes, but there's a lot we can do about what we put into our bodies.

Genetic factors are likely to have a role, the researchers said. But diets high in red meat and salt and low in fruit and milk, along with alcohol and tobacco use, are the main risk factors underlying the most common cancers among under-50s, with physical inactivity, excess weight and high blood sugar contributory factors, the data indicates. [ ... ] “If people are concerned about their cancer risk, there are lots of ways to help reduce this such as not smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and staying safe in the sun.”

I would add that eliminating or substantially reducing meat consumption is not just good for our bodies but also good for our planet. 🌎

As for exercise, too many people associate it with joining gyms or investing in Peloton equipment. For most people, all that's necessary is to fit more physical activity into everyday routines. Regularly walking or cycling (when possible) instead of relying on motor vehicles can provide a boost to overall health.

Of course affordable healthcare is essential. Medical professionals can advise us and detect conditions which can be treated before becoming serious.

[usascripthelpersofficial]

TYPES OF HEART DISEASE

Heart disease encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular problems. Various conditions fall under the heart disease umbrella, each affecting the heart or blood vessels in distinct ways. Understanding these types can help in recognizing symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment. This article explores the primary types of heart disease, their causes, and potential treatments.

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Overview:

Coronary Artery Disease is the most common type of heart disease. CAD occurs when the coronary arteries, responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol and other materials, known as plaque, on their inner walls. This process is called atherosclerosis.

Symptoms:

Chest pain (angina)

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Treatment:

Treatments include lifestyle changes, medication, and possibly procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

2. Heart Arrhythmias

Overview:

Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. This can be due to a fault in the heart’s electrical system.

Symptoms:

Palpitations

Dizziness

Fainting

Treatment:

Treatment might involve medications, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, implantable devices like pacemakers or procedures like catheter ablation.

3. Heart Valve Disease

Overview:

The heart contains four valves: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves. These valves open and close to direct blood flow through the heart. Valve disease occurs when one or more of these valves do not function properly.

Symptoms:

Fatigue

Swollen ankles or feet

Shortness of breath

Treatment:

Treatment may include medication, surgical repair, or valve replacement depending on the severity and specific type of valve disease.

4. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Overview:

Heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. This can result from any condition that damages the heart muscle, including CAD, high blood pressure, and heart valve disease.

Symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Persistent coughing or wheezing

Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet

Treatment:

Managing heart failure involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly surgery or devices like ventricular assist devices (VADs) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

5. Cardiomyopathy

Overview:

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. These diseases enlarge or make the heart muscle rigid and more prone to arrhythmias.

Symptoms:

Breathlessness

Swelling of the legs

Fatigue

Treatment:

Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or devices to help the heart pump more effectively.

6. Congenital Heart Defects

Overview:

Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present from birth. They can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the arteries and veins near the heart.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary widely and can include cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails), breathing difficulties, and fatigue.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect and may involve medication, catheter procedures, or surgery.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a broad term that covers various conditions affecting the heart’s structure and function. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these different types can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving quality of life and outcomes for those affected. Regular check-ups and conversations with healthcare providers about heart health can help individuals understand their risks and take proactive steps towards heart disease prevention.

[rhizomehaunt]

never not wild to me how people are risking covid infection and resulting life long illness/disability that as a sick person I would love to exist just a day without and they’re doing it all so they can eat at a mediocre restaurant

[sharingresourcesforpalestine]

you know, I feel like, as little money as I have, I still haven’t put into perspective how much I have that could still be of use. I’m not so poor that I can’t make a difference. I can still buy a meal if I go out. I can buy a trinket. I’m not so poor or struggling with life that I don’t have food in my stomach and a place to sleep. Donating like I have this week has me wanting to do something that I hope many others are already doing. For every cent I would have spent for myself, on groceries, deliveries, gifts, etcetera (beyond the strikes where I am not spending money on anything but Palestinian causes) I will donate equal or greater that amount to Palestine. Because if I have money for me, I should have money for others. This is not me setting myself on fire to keep others warm, I know I would be of no use long term if I destroyed myself by going entirely broke with no way to survive myself. This is considering things beyond medical bills and life expenses that I need to keep going. When I count groceries, it’s things like when I use Instacart bc I can’t go out, because even though I don’t have a means of transportation, delivery is a luxury and if I can afford to pay for that, I can afford to donate. If I buy something non-essential like some snacks or the like, I have to match it with a donation. Because if I can afford to buy that, I can afford to donate. And just due to the nature of being a reminder, every time I get my period I’m going to donate to sanitary products for Palestine, because while pads are an essential product, donating even a little bit towards helping others get even the opportunity to get the same access as I do is an important reminder. There’s $5 donations available for those, and that’s about the cost of an average subscription I would be able to afford— it won’t buy a whole kit, but it will still put money towards that goal. I may not be able to do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do. As much as I can spare, I will donate. I only wish I could do more.

[heyitslapis]

Here's a potentially fun, hypothetical way to describe your OC's personality/moral alignment; Does your OC wear a mask when they're in public? When/where? Why/why not? What do they feel/think about it?