Sep 05

Insane Amount Of New York Ice Cream May Cause ‘Fatal infections’

Health officials are very worried that ice cream that could lead to a “fatal infection” is in freezers across New York State. The Ice Cream House is recalling all Dairy Ice Cream Products and Non-dairy [Parve] frozen Dessert products due to potential health risks in regards to Listeria monocytogenes, the FDA reports. Ice Cream House Recalled In New York FDAFDA loading… “Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women,” the FDA states. The recalled products were sold at Ice Cream House in Brooklyn, New York as well as at supermarkets in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. For all the news that the Hudson Valley is sharing make sure to follow Hudson Valley Post on Facebook, download the Hudson Valley Post Mobile FDAFDA loading… “Ice Cream has a long shelf life and may still be in the freezers of consumers. Consumers should check their freezers and throw away the recalled ice cream products or return (them) to the place of purchase,” the FDA states. This recall is related to the Soft Serve on the go cups which had been previously recalled by Real Kosher Ice Cream, the FDA confirmed. Real Kosher Ice Cream Recalls Soft Serve on the Go Cups Because of Possible Health Risks in New York FDAFDA loading… Two people were hospitalized due to the Real Kosher Ice Cream recall. No deaths have been reported, the FDA reports. One of the two people lives in New York. The recalled product’s brand name is Soft Serve On The Go. The recalled items include: Real Kosher Ice Cream has stopped production and distribution of the products. Identifying a Recalled Product Ice Cream House Recalled products include all Ice Cream House branded items currently on the market. This includes all Dairy and Non-Dairy [Parve] products, like ice creams, cakes, logs and novelty items with the “Ice Cream House” logo. Below is the long list of recalled Ice Cream House items: Premium Sorbet 5 Liter / All flavors parve 1 PACK Food Service Premium Ice Cream 5 Liter SUGAR FREE / All flavors dairy 1 PACK Food Service Premium Ice Cream 5 Liter / All flavors dairy / parve 1 PACK Food Service Premium Sorbet Mix 4 gal. All flavors parve 1 PACK Food Service Trio Log Sorbet parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15166-5 Trio Log Ice Cream Dairy dairy 1 PACK 0-91404-15137-5 Trio Log Ice Cream Parve parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15136-8 9” Ice Cream Pie Vanilla / Chocolate dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15428-4 9” Ice Cream Pie Razzle dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15112-2 Premium Sorbet Trifle Medium parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15164-1 Premium Sorbet Trifle Small parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15165-8 8′ Sorbet Cake Strawberry / Mango parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15429-1 10” Sorbet 4 Layer Cake parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15111-5 10′ Heart Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15171-9 10′ Hello Kitty Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15174-0 10″ Round Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15179-5 Mini Heart Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15173-3 Mini Round Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15182-5 Mini Sorbet Cake Blueberry / Lime parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15219-8 Mini Sorbet Cake Strawberry / Mango parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15132-0 Heaven Layer Vanilla / Strawberry / Mocha / Vanilla parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15184-9 Tropical Flute / Pre-Cut 12 Slices parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15243-3 Adventures Twist / Pre-Cut 12 Slices parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15244-0 Mont Blanc D’zert Ice Cream / Pre-Cut 12 Slices parve 1 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15247-1 De’Lighting Frozen Dessert / Pre-Cut 12 Slices parve 1 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15266-2 {P} Cookies & Cream Roll Cake parve 1 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15299-3 {P} Strawberry Shortcake Roll parve 1 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15298-0 6′ Heart Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15172-6 6′ Hello Kitty Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15176-4 {P} 6′ Round Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15181-8 6” Razzle Bomb dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15422-2 6″ Sorbet Cake Passion Pomegranate parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15155-9 8″ Square Vanilla Mocha Strawberry parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15143-6 8′ Heart Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15309-6 8′ Hello Kitty Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15175-7 8″ Round Cake dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15180-1 8” Razzle Bomb dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15421-5 Check’ice board Ice Cream Pre-Cut 12 Slices dairy / parve 1 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15144-3 Check’ice board Sorbet Pre-Cut 12 Slices Straw/Mango/Van parve 1 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15144-3 Car Cake large dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15423-9 Car Cake Small dairy / parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15425-3 10” Sorbet Cake cherry parve 1 PACK 0-91404-15111-5 Ocean Waves dairy / parve 5 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15300-3 Cream ‘N’ Sorbet Pizzazz Mango parve 4 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15140-5 Cream ‘N’ Sorbet Pizzazz Strawberry parve 4 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15141-2 French Coffee Oval dairy / parve 4 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15360-7 Black ‘N’ Whites Vanilla Chocolate dairy / parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15260-0 Sorbet Swirl parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15400-0 Double Fudge Sandwich dairy / parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15240-2 Mini Cigars dairy / parve 10 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15120-7 Cigar Shells dairy / parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15130-6 Mini Cone dairy / parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15220-4 Mini Ice Cream Lollies dairy / parve 12 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15110-8 Mini Sorbet Lollies parve 12 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15246-4 Kleina Bites parve 12 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15148-1 Hearty Tart parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15363-8 Mister Cone dairy / parve 6 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15430-7 Sushi ‘N’ Cream parve 8 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15291-4 Mini Razzle ‘N’ Dazzle dairy / parve 9 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15409-3 Mini Sorbet parve 9 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15408-6 Rosebuds parve 5 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15185-6 Mini Chocolate Sorbet Tarts parve 12 PACK / SINGLE 0-91404-15411-6 Strawberry

Sep 05

How to Go Back to Sleep After Waking up With Anxiety

Experiencing anxiety in the middle of the night can disrupt your sleep and make it challenging to fall back asleep. The connection between anxiety and sleep is significant, as anxiety can exacerbate sleep disorders like insomnia, while insufficient sleep can also worsen anxiety symptoms. When nighttime worries strike, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to manage anxiety and promote better sleep for your overall well-being. Why Would Anxiety Cause Someone to Wake Up in the Middle of the Night Stressful life events and anxiety can lead to a state of heightened mental and emotional arousal called hyperarousal. This can disrupt your body’s natural fight-or-flight response, which is regulated by hormones like noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Normally, in the morning, your brain releases more noradrenaline, which keeps you awake and alert. However, when stress is present during the day, it can disrupt your sleep at night, particularly if your sleep is vulnerable to stress. This can result in an increase in noradrenaline levels during the night, leading to sudden awakenings with feelings of anxiety and difficulty returning to sleep. Various mental disorders associated with anxiety or stress can contribute to sleep difficulties.These include: The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety During Sleep An intricate relationship exists between anxiety and sleep, often leading to a vicious cycle. Waking up with stress, worry, and anxiety can make it challenging to fall back asleep, creating more anxiety as you wonder if you’ll ever get the rest you need. During sleep, different stages, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, play a role in processing emotions and adapting to stressful events. REM sleep influences how we remember details and can help reduce emotional responses when recalling stressful experiences over time. It also affects autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate. For instance, in the early days after the loss of a beloved pet, intense stress and grief may be experienced, resulting in tears and shortness of breath. However, as time passes and sleep aids in the processing of grief, emotions tend to become less intense. Eventually, the emotional response when thinking back on the loss diminishes. Conditions like anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or sleep disorders can disrupt sleep patterns, including the amount of REM sleep obtained. This reduction in REM sleep can impede emotional recovery from challenging events, further perpetuating the cycle of lost sleep and heightened anxiety and stress. To break this cycle, it is important to prioritize healthy sleep habits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night. Signs that you may not be getting enough sleep include difficulty staying awake during the day, impaired concentration and focus, emotional instability, slower reaction times, and difficulties with decision-making and problem-solving. How to Avoid Anxiety at Night Managing anxiety effectively can significantly improve your sleep. Here are some strategies to help you reduce anxiety and stress: How to Go Back to Sleep Once You Wake Up If you suspect that anxiety is waking and keeping you up at night, it’s important to be aware of the typical signs and symptoms associated with panic attacks. These can include racing and intrusive thoughts, feelings of fear and loss of control, an elevated heartbeat, sweating, chills or hot flashes, shortness of breath or chest pain, nausea or abdominal pain, dizziness or faintness, and numb or tingling sensations in the body. Experiencing these symptoms during the night can jolt you awake and make it difficult to fall back asleep. Even if you’re not having a full-blown panic attack, anxiety symptoms such as persistent worry, muscle tension, restlessness, and fatigue can still keep you up at night. The racing thoughts and fixations on worries can prevent you from finding calm and relaxation necessary for sleep. To further help you reset and go back to sleep after waking up with anxiety, consider the following techniques: When to See a Healthcare Provider Seeking help from a healthcare provider is essential when experiencing anxiety and sleep difficulties. Here are some reasons to consider reaching out to a healthcare professional: Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a proactive step towards better mental health. A healthcare provider can assess your situation, provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you manage your anxiety and improve your sleep. Recap Anxiety upon waking up can indeed disrupt sleep and exacerbate worries and fears. Managing anxiety and finding ways to fall back asleep are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. It’s important to monitor your sleep patterns and ensure you’re getting sufficient rest. If you suspect you have a mental health disorder or if your anxiety is persistent and significantly impacting your daily life, seeking help from a healthcare professional is important. They can provide a proper diagnosis, offer appropriate treatment options, and support you in managing your anxiety and improving your sleep. Remember that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Seeking professional help is a positive step towards understanding and addressing your anxiety and sleep concerns.

Sep 05

WVU Retirees Association to hold blood drive

The WVU Retirees Association, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, will be holding a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Erickson Alumni Center, Nutting Gallery. To donate blood, please email [email protected] for a time slot. Walk-in slots are not available. WVU students can obtain community service hours for donating blood and volunteering to work at the blood drive. Contact the Center for Service and Learning to sign up or for clarification on this opportunity. Donating blood can save lives in our community.

Sep 05

I Finally Had My Trichotillomania Under Control Before the Pandemic—But Now I’m Struggling in Quarantine

Recently, while working from home, I unexpectedly recalled a Zoom meeting. A wig, the first one I could reach from my bed, seemed the most natural, so I put it on before turning on my camera. It was short and dark brown. I sloppily threw on a stocking hat and combed my hair into place, figuring no one would notice anyhow. One of my employees asked me, “Kimi, did you cut your hair?” shortly after the call started. Shit. My typical workplace wig was a different color than I remembered and reached just halfway down my waist. “Uh, I actually got it cut a few weeks ago,” I explained. “Fair enough; I haven’t seen you in person for an entire month, after all,” the coworker said. I hadn’t yet worked up the nerve to inform my coworkers that I suffer from trichotillomania, a disorder that causes me to pull out my hair excessively and is conceptually similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines trichotillomania, also known as ‘trich’ by those who suffer from it, as an impulse control disorder characterized by compulsive, repetitive hair-pulling despite conscious efforts to stop, resulting in both objectively noticeable hair loss and perceived distress or impairment in daily functioning. Since I was a young adolescent, trich has been a part of my life. I have attempted counseling and medicine to treat it, but ultimately have learned to embrace it as part of who I am. But wow, this confinement is making me crazy. Before the pandemic—and after fourteen years of pulling my hair—I had finally come up with a game plan to get my trichotillomania under control, and it was working. I decided at the beginning of the year to make a concerted effort to lengthen my hair. My hair was at its shortest then, but I was able to use creative styling to cover most of my thinning areas. Eventually, I was able to reduce my hair-pulling practically to nil by covering my hair with a wig whenever I left the house (for work or otherwise). I had made excellent progress, but staying put brought up a totally different set of conditions than I had anticipated. No longer was I required to wear wigs for work, so I stopped using them to avoid damaging my hair. Three months of development were undone in a matter of days due to the stress of working from home and worried about my family’s safety or my friends’ who had lost their employment. You have to understand that trich causes hair-pulling to become an automatic habit. I used to spend hours on daily conference calls while socially isolating and working from home, aimlessly trying to shave off split ends and other “off” patches of hair (such as those that are thicker or coarser than the rest) with my fingers. After a long day, my hair would accumulate on the floor of my bedroom like tumbleweeds, and I’d have to sweep it up. I never went more than fifteen minutes without yanking. A few days into my confinement, I looked in the mirror and saw that one of the bald patches I’ve had for years had spread across my entire scalp. I felt like a failure and was devastated by my own failure. I’m not alone right now—the pandemic may be worsening hair-pulling and skin-picking disorders for many others. An increase in hair-pulling and skin-picking during the pandemic was primarily attributed to extreme fluctuations in sensory or emotional stimulation, according to Fred Penzel, PhD, a psychologist who serves on the scientific advisory board for the International OCD Foundation and the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. “I’ve always believed that this is a form of self-regulation; it’s a way of dealing with being overstimulated or under-stimulated,” Penzel said. Although it is too soon to say with data that body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are on the rise primarily due to self-isolating, the TLC Foundation recognized an early need for services and quickly rolled out additional programming for support groups and webinars featuring several experts in BFRB research to address the growing number of people affected by this condition. Two of my friends, Rebecca and Jude (who asked that their last names not be used for privacy reasons), also suffer from trich, and they told me that they had an especially hard time avoiding hair-pulling when they were socially isolated. For Rebecca, “the pulling” became increasingly stressful. And Jude could relate: “At the beginning of lockdown, my scalp-pulling was off the charts.” During their time in quarantine, Rebecca and Jude shaved their heads in an extreme measure to combat their impulse to tear out their hair. “Even though I had done it before, the decision to shave my head was very difficult,” recalls Rebecca, who was unable to receive her usual shorter haircut since barber shops were closed. I wasn’t thrilled with it at first, but I’m beginning to like it again. It’s tough to live at a time with so many unknowns, so be kind to yourself, and do what you can to take charge of the things you can. While Rebecca has gone for a complete shave, Jude has opted for something closer to an undercut: “I made the decision to claim my hair,” she explains. “As soon as I did it, I felt completely at peace and wondered why I had waited so long.” Since my previous strategy to reduce hair-pulling wasn’t working in quarantine, I knew I had to come up with a new plan. It’s crucial to remember that there are various causes of hair pulling and that no two people will respond to the same treatments in the same way; therefore, while I knew that shaving my head would help me, I also knew that it would help Rebecca and Jude as well. Psychologist at MGH and TLC Foundation scientific advisory board member Nancy Keuthen, PhD, recommends first learning about the roots of one’s

Sep 05

What Is COVID-19 Anxiety?

Experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19 is a normal response to the various challenges and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. The disruptions in daily life, social isolation, and concerns about the health and well-being of oneself and loved ones can trigger feelings of anxiety and stress. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on society since its onset in March 2020. The highly contagious nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has necessitated significant changes in how people interact, work, and travel. The widespread transmission of the virus has placed a strain on healthcare systems, leading to overwhelmed hospitals and increased anxiety in the population.1 The mental health implications of the pandemic are substantial. From March 2020 to January 2021, an estimated 76 million people were diagnosed with anxiety, representing a 25% increase compared to the period from 2010 to 2019 when 30 million people were diagnosed. These statistics highlight the significant impact of the pandemic on mental well-being and the prevalence of anxiety-related concerns. COVID-19 Anxiety Symptoms Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by intense feelings of fear and apprehension in response to perceived threats. There are various types of anxiety disorders, including phobias, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Despite their distinct features, these disorders often share common symptoms and manifestations.3 Individuals with anxiety disorders commonly experience symptoms such as: Additionally, anxiety can lead to the avoidance of situations or activities that were once enjoyable or deemed as safe. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and overall quality of life.3 What Causes COVID-19 Anxiety? The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, leading to the development or exacerbation of anxiety symptoms in many individuals. Various factors related to the pandemic have contributed to heightened anxiety levels among the population. One prominent factor is the pervasive uncertainty surrounding the virus itself. During the early stages of the pandemic, there was limited knowledge about the novel coronavirus, including its transmission, treatment, and long-term effects. The uncertainty surrounding these aspects created a sense of fear and concern among individuals, leading to increased anxiety. Social isolation and disrupted daily routines have also played a significant role in anxiety development. The necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus, such as lockdowns and physical distancing, resulted in limited social interactions and disrupted regular activities. The prolonged periods of isolation and the loss of familiar routines have contributed to feelings of loneliness, distress, and heightened anxiety. Financial worries have been another significant stressor for many individuals during the pandemic. The economic impact of the crisis, including job losses, reduced income, and financial instability, has caused significant distress and anxiety for individuals and families. The uncertainty surrounding employment and financial security has added an additional layer of anxiety to the already challenging circumstances. Healthcare providers and frontline workers have faced immense stress and anxiety throughout the pandemic. Overwhelmed healthcare systems, increased workload, and the risk of exposure to the virus have taken a toll on the mental health of these individuals. The constant pressure and demands placed on healthcare professionals have contributed to heightened anxiety levels. While the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and improved treatment options may have alleviated some of the initial uncertainties and stress, new variants such as Delta and Omicron have introduced new concerns and anxieties. The ever-evolving nature of the virus and its potential impact on public health can contribute to ongoing anxiety among individuals. Risk Factors Certain factors can increase an individual’s vulnerability to developing anxiety in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these risk factors can help identify individuals who may require additional support and intervention. Some key risk factors include: How Is COVID-19 Anxiety Diagnosed? Healthcare providers play a crucial role in identifying and assessing anxiety disorders. During a screening or evaluation, they may employ various methods to gather information and determine the presence of anxiety. Here is a general outline of the process: Treatments for COVID-19 Anxiety Treating anxiety often involves an interdisciplinary approach. For example, a healthcare provider may advise a mix of psychotherapy, medication, support groups, or stress management techniques. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is an effective treatment option for addressing anxiety related to COVID-19 and other concerns. Here are some common types of psychotherapy used to alleviate anxiety: Medication Medications can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety symptoms, although they do not provide a cure for anxiety. Here are some classes of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety: Support Groups Support groups can be a valuable resource for individuals with anxiety. Connecting with others who share similar experiences and concerns can provide a sense of belonging, validation, and support. Here are some key benefits of joining a support group: In addition to in-person support groups, many organizations offer virtual support groups, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online support groups can provide a convenient and accessible way to connect with others, particularly for individuals who may have limited access to local support groups or prefer the anonymity of virtual interactions. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a reputable resource that offers a directory of support groups, both in-person and online. Exploring their directory or reaching out to mental health organizations in your area can help you find a support group that aligns with your needs and preferences. Stress Management Techniques Stress management techniques are valuable tools for reducing anxiety and promoting overall well-being. Here are some commonly recommended techniques that can help alleviate stress: How To Prevent COVID-19 Anxiety Taking proactive steps to prevent stress and fear related to COVID-19 can be empowering and help alleviate anxiety. Here are some precautions you can take: Assess Your Risk Assessing your risk of contracting COVID-19 can indeed empower you and help alleviate anxiety. Here are some steps you can take to determine your risk: Remember that assessing risk is about gaining a sense of control and making informed decisions rather than increasing anxiety. By actively engaging in this process,

Sep 05

Blood cancer warning as silent killer presents ‘vague’ symptoms

Around 16,000 people die from blood cancer every year in the UK, making it the third biggest cancer killer – but what are the signs and symptoms of the devastating disease? There are more than 100 different types of blood cancer, with most being variations of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, but they can also include myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), explains Blood Cancer UK. All cases of blood cancer are caused by mutations in DNA within blood cells, causing the cells to start behaving abnormally. Warning signs of the disease can be hard to spot as symptoms are often vague, but early diagnosis is vital to ensure better treatment outcomes. According to Blood Cancer UK, there are 11 common red flags to watch out for. These include: Unexplained weight loss Unexplained bruising or bleeding Lumps or swellings Breathlessness Drenching night sweats Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe Unexplained fever (37.5°C or above) Unexplained rash or itchy skin Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep Paleness (pallor) – the skin under your lower eyelid looks white rather than pink. One in 19 people will develop blood cancer, so if you have just one symptom that you can’t explain, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. If you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, get medical help straight away by calling 999 or going to A&E. Want to get the latest health news direct to your inbox? Sign up for the Mirror Health newsletter HERE Unexplained bruising or bleeding is a blood cancer warning sign ( Getty Images) Who is at risk of blood cancer? It is not fully understood why someone will develop blood cancer, but the disease has been associated with genetic and environmental factors. Yale Medicine explains that smoking, radiation exposure, and exposure to certain chemicals have all been linked to increased risk of some types of blood cancers. The health site writes: “Epstein-Barr virus, HIV and human T-cell lymphoma/leukaemia virus infections are also risk factors for developing lymphomas and leukaemias.” What is the difference between blood cancer and leukaemia? Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells in the bone marrow, usually white blood cells. Leukaemia occurs when the body creates too many abnormal white blood cells and interferes with the bone marrow’s ability to make red blood cells and platelets. Blood cancer, meanwhile, is caused by changes in the DNA within blood cells. Blood Cancer Awareness month As part of Blood Cancer Awareness month – which takes place every September – Blood Cancer UK have urged people to break the silence surrounding blood cancer by saying its name. In a campaign video, those with lived experience – alongside actor Stephen Fry – encourage people with blood cancer to qualify that their individual condition is a type of blood cancer, to help raise crucial awareness. Stephen said: “76% people aren’t told what they have is blood cancer when they’re diagnosed, they end up finding out on google or not at all. And they’re missing out on being part of a supportive community. And that’s why I’m asking when you’re speaking about these conditions to say blood cancer.” Drenching night sweats is a red flag of blood cancer ( Getty Images) People with experience of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukaemia, and those MPNs are all featured in the film. Aimee Togher, 23, is one of the faces of the campaign and was just 22 when she found a lump on her neck, she was later diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin-lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. She said: “Getting a blood cancer diagnosis was a complete shock. Not everyone gets told this. Many people don’t know what blood cancer actually is. It isn’t just one cancer – it’s so many different types. I was lucky that I knew lymphoma was a type of cancer. The ‘c word’ was never actually mentioned by my doctor. We need to spread awareness of blood cancer, what it is, who’s affected by it, so that we can bring people together.” Aimee has five tumours in three places, with one being over 5 cm and close to her heart and lungs, which makes treatment riskier. She’s now completed intensive chemotherapy. “I wasted summers stressing over how big my arms looked in vest tops, if my hair and skin looked greasy and now, I’m living with the side effects of chemotherapy, blood cancer is humbling,” she said. “The road to recovery is far from easy, but with unwavering determination and the support of loved ones, I’ve taken each step with the hope of better days.” Helen Rowntree, Chief Executive of Blood Cancer UK said: “Few realise that blood cancer is amongst the top five most prevalent cancers in the UK, and even fewer know that leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are all types of blood cancer. By breaking the silence, raising awareness, we hold the power to reduce the harm blood cancer causes. Let us unite to make a difference in the lives of those battling these conditions.”

Sep 05

Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in southeast Poland on decline with only 1 new case reported

Just one new case of Legionnaires’ disease has been reported in southeast Poland in an area close to the Ukraine border, an indication the spread of the disease has been curbed following chlorine disinfection of the water system ByThe Associated Press September 5, 2023, 8:00 AM FILE – This 1978 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Legionella pneumophila bacteria which are responsible for causing the pneumonic disease Legionnaires’ disease. Poland’s internal security officers were searching for the source of a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease which has killed seven people and infected more than 100 others in the strategic city of Rzeszow, near the border with Ukraine, authorities said Friday Aug. 25, 2023. (Francis Chandler/CDC via AP, File) The Associated Press WARSAW, Poland — Just one new case of Legionnaires’ disease was reported Tuesday in southeast Poland in an area close to the Ukraine border, an indication the spread of the disease has been curbed following chlorine disinfection of the water system. The latest fatality was registered on Friday, bringing to 19 the death toll since the outbreak in July. A total of 166 people have been infected in the region of Rzeszow, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the border. It’s a key transit hub for international military support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion last year. Some 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in the area. Health authorities, prosecutors and internal security agency were still looking for the source of the pulmonary infections in a strategically sensitive region. Experts say it could come from warm water in rarely used plumbing amid hot weather. Fatalities from the disease were among elderly people who also suffered from other health issues like cancer, authorities said. Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection that comes from inhaling infected water spray. It’s not spread through drinking water. It is usually caught in places like hotels, hospitals or offices where the bacteria have got into the water supply, for example in air conditioning systems or taps and showers that are not in frequent use. The germs multiply in temperatures of between 20 and 50 degrees Celsius (68-122 degrees Fahrenheit). The disease is treated with antibiotics.

Sep 05

An immunotherapy strategy against all blood cancers

A broad new strategy could hold hope for treating virtually all blood cancers with CAR T cell therapy, which is currently approved for five subtypes of blood cancer. Scientists in the Perelman School of Medicine have demonstrated the potential efficacy of this approach in preclinical tests. Image: iStock/PhonlamaiPhoto In the study, published in Science Translational Medicine, the researchers used engineered CAR T cells to target CD45—a surface marker found on nearly all blood cells, including nearly all blood cancer cells. Because CD45 is found on healthy blood cells too, the research team used CRISPR base-editing to develop a method called “epitope editing” to overcome the challenges of an anti-CD45 strategy, which would otherwise result in low blood counts, with potentially life-threatening side effects. The early results represent a proof-of-concept for epitope editing, which involves changing a small piece of the target CD45 molecule just enough so that the CAR T cells don’t recognize it, but it can still function normally within the blood immune system. “Up to this point, we haven’t had the tools to create a targeted cell therapy approach that could work across all different forms of blood and bone marrow cancers,” says senior corresponding author Saar Gill, an associate professor of hematology-oncology. “We’re excited to create a new solution that could solve a major issue in immunotherapy, which is the inability to target surface markers that are found on both cancer cells and healthy cells.” Because CD45 is found on nearly all blood cells—and is usually highly expressed on blood cancer cells—a treatment that wipes out all CD45-bearing cells would leave patients without any blood cells, including red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and even the marrow-based stem cells that generate new blood cells. Furthermore, since T cells are blood cells and normally express CD45, CAR T cells targeting CD45 effectively would kill each other before they could be infused into patients. The team built on previous work to overcome this challenge, using CRISPR base-editing to develop a new strategy called epitope editing. This involves the genetic modification of both the CAR T cells and blood stem cells to alter a small piece of the CD45 structure or “epitope” where the CAR T cells bind to the CD45 molecule. The altered version of CD45 still works but differs enough from normal CD45 that the anti-CD45 CAR T cells do not recognize and attack it. “It’s essentially a blood stem cell transplant paired with CAR T cell therapy,” says lead author Nils Wellhausen, a graduate student in pharmacology and a member of Gill and June’s labs. “The idea is that when the engineered cells are infused, the CAR T cells kill the cancer cells that bear normal CD45, but don’t kill each other or the newly engineered blood stem cells. This allows the engineered blood stem cells to begin making new blood cells.” Read more at Penn Medicine News.

Sep 05

‘Topless man covered in blood’ flees robbery scene in landmark shopping street

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails A shirtless man slashed himself with a knife in dramatic scenes following a violent street robbery in London’s West End, according to a BBC radio reporter who was live on air at the time. The victim was targeted outside the Royal Gifts Gallery in Oxford Street on Tuesday, with shop staff coming to his aid as thieves tried to steal his watch and phone, catching one of the robbers. BBC reporter Anna O’Neill said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that one of the thieves began slashing himself with a large knife until his accomplice was released. She wrote: “While I was live on air, a violent street robbery happened outside one of the gift shops! Poor Phil, visiting the UK on business, was attacked for his watch. “He was wrestled to the group (sic) by two men who tried to take his watch and phone. “The men in the gift shop came out and pulled the robbers off Phil. They managed to apprehend one of the men who was wearing a grey suit. “But his partner came back with a large knife and started slashing himself until they let his partner go … which they did. “We’ve heard police cars, vans and an ambulance heading towards Marble Arch. “The second man was naked from the waist up and covered in blood, holding a large knife.” She was speaking to Eddie Nestor on BBC Radio London as the drama unfolded. The victim, named only as Phil, later spoke to the broadcaster. He said: “They tackled me and they were trying to get my watch off me and get my phone. “And I was able to hold on to the small guy who was trying to take my watch and I wouldn’t let him go. “These guys were around him and pulling them off, and then he got up and he ran without getting my watch. “And they retained the other fellow but the other guy came back, the small fellow who tackled me, and he was starting to cut himself with a knife.” The man who slashed himself is believed to have run off to Marble Arch Tube station, although this has not yet been confirmed by police. A spokesman said: “Police were called at 10.51am on Tuesday, September 5, to reports of a man with a knife in Oxford Street. “It was reported that he was harming himself and threatening to harm others. “Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. “The man was detained nearby, inside Marble Arch Underground station. “The man was Tasered to prevent him causing further harm to himself or the public. “He was taken to hospital for treatment to self-inflicted injuries. “No other injuries were reported.”