Long-term health problems following COVID-19 have been known for several years, according to HealthDay.
However, a new American study published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open suggests that the number of affected individuals may be far higher than official figures indicate.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 460,000 people who had previously been infected with COVID-19.
Artificial intelligence
In the project, researchers used artificial intelligence to identify patients who had developed new health problems after their COVID-19 infection.
The model was tested using patient records from 58 hospitals across the United States. The analysis also showed that the number of cases continued to rise through mid-2024.
According to the researchers, many people may have symptoms that are being treated within the healthcare system without being recorded as long COVID.
Twice as many
Only after all the data had been reviewed did the full scale become apparent. The analysis found that around 16 percent of former COVID-19 patients showed signs of long COVID.
If that proportion applies to the entire United States, it would correspond to more than 18 million people. That is approximately twice as many as current official estimates.
The researchers therefore believe that millions of cases may have been missed by existing reporting systems. The findings suggest that long COVID may be far more widespread than previously thought.
What we eat is often viewed as fuel, but scientists are increasingly discovering that certain foods may influence much more than hunger. Some ingredients could play a role in biological processes linked to long-term health, sparking growing interest among researchers.
Now, a new study from Ohio State University suggests that a specially formulated tomato-soy juice may help reduce inflammation in people living with obesity. The findings were published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
More than nutrition
Obesity is about more than excess weight. It is frequently associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, a condition that has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term health problems.
Researchers wanted to investigate whether naturally occurring compounds found in tomatoes and soy could influence these inflammatory processes. Earlier studies had already hinted that both foods contain bioactive substances with potential health benefits.
Rather than examining the ingredients separately, the team focused on a specially developed juice containing elevated levels of lycopene from tomatoes and isoflavones from soy.
What researchers found
The study involved adults with obesity who consumed the tomato-soy juice daily over a four-week period.
After analyzing blood samples, researchers found reductions in several proteins associated with inflammation. Additional testing of urine samples also revealed biological changes that suggested the beverage was affecting metabolic activity within the body.
Although the study was relatively small, the findings provide further evidence that certain dietary compounds may influence measurable health markers.
What comes next
The researchers stress that the drink is not intended to replace medical treatment. Instead, they see it as part of a broader effort to explore food-based approaches that could complement existing therapies.
The team is already planning further research to investigate whether the same beverage could benefit people with chronic inflammatory conditions, including pancreatitis, where treatment options remain limited.
While more extensive studies will be needed, the results add to growing scientific interest in how everyday foods may help support long-term health.
British health authorities are urging people who use Ozempic and Mounjaro to seek medical attention if they develop certain symptoms that could signal a serious condition, reports Unilad.
Authorities issue warning to users of popular weight loss drugs
Photo: Shutterstock.com
More people are turning to GLP 1 medications to help with weight loss, but experts say users should remain alert to symptoms that may require prompt medical attention.
Originally developed for diabetes treatment
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro were designed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Widely used for weight loss
Photo: Shutterstock.com
In recent years, these drugs have also become increasingly popular among people looking to lose weight.
Digestive side effects are common
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are among the most frequently reported side effects.
Authorities are monitoring serious cases
Photo: KK Stock / Shutterstock.com
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continues to track reports of pancreatic problems linked to GLP 1 medications.
Rare cases have raised concerns
Photo: Matt Fowler KC / Shutterstock.com
According to the regulator, some users have reported acute pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, although such cases remain uncommon.
More than 1,200 reports have been logged
Photo: Shutterstock.com
MHRA data shows that 1,296 reports of pancreatitis had been received up to October 2025.
US findings have been mixed
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Research and adverse event reports in the United States have produced varying results regarding a possible link between GLP 1 drugs and pancreatitis.
Doctors exercise additional caution
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Some healthcare professionals avoid prescribing these medications to patients with a previous history of acute pancreatitis.
No clear evidence of increased risk
Photo: Shutterstock.com
At present, there is no conclusive proof that drugs such as Ozempic directly increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.
Abdominal pain may be an important warning sign
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Pain in the upper abdomen that spreads to the back or shoulders and worsens after eating is listed as a possible symptom.
Several symptoms can occur together
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Tenderness in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat and fever are all associated with acute pancreatitis.
Severe pain should not be ignored
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Medical experts advise anyone experiencing sudden or intense abdominal pain to seek medical attention, especially if the discomfort is severe enough to make it difficult to sit still or find a comfortable position.
Researchers have long searched for more effective treatments, but progress has been limited.
Blocking a protein
Much of the research has focused on the protein Kras, which drives the growth of most cases of pancreatic cancer.
According to researchers, mutations in the Kras gene are found in more than 90 percent of patients with the most common form of the disease.
The new drug, daraxonrasib, has been developed to block the Kras protein and thereby slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers also believe that similar treatments could eventually play a role in treating other cancers, including lung and colorectal cancer.
A longer life
A clinical trial involved 500 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients who received daraxonrasib survived for an average of 13.2 months.
By comparison, patients who received chemotherapy survived between 6.6 and 6.7 months.
The trial also showed fewer side effects than traditional treatments.
According to The Guardian, several independent experts have described the findings as one of the most significant advances in pancreatic cancer treatment in many years, as the average survival time was nearly doubled.
Sources: The Guardian and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
For years, type 2 diabetes has been closely associated with excess weight. Yet millions of people develop the condition despite having a normal body weight, leaving researchers searching for answers beyond the usual risk factors.
Now, a new study from Brazil suggests that inflammation within the immune system could play a far greater role than previously believed.
Researchers supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) found evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may help improve insulin resistance in a form of type 2 diabetes that occurs without obesity, reports Science Daily.
Looking beyond weight
The research focused on a well-established animal model used to study non-obese type 2 diabetes. While obesity remains one of the strongest risk factors for the disease, experts estimate that a notable share of patients develop diabetes without being overweight.
Scientists investigated whether fish oil supplementation could influence the biological processes linked to insulin resistance in these cases.
The results showed improvements in blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides among the animals that received omega-3 supplementation.
The inflammation link
Rather than focusing solely on metabolism, the researchers examined how the immune system behaved during the progression of diabetes.
Their findings suggested that omega-3 fatty acids helped shift immune activity away from a pro-inflammatory state. This is significant because chronic inflammation is known to interfere with the body’s ability to respond effectively to insulin.
The study also found changes in key immune cell populations, supporting the growing theory that type 2 diabetes is influenced not only by metabolic factors but also by immune system activity.
More questions ahead
The researchers caution that the findings come from animal experiments and cannot be directly applied to humans.
However, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that inflammation may be an important driver of diabetes, even in the absence of obesity. It also highlights the need for further clinical research into whether omega-3 supplementation could offer benefits for people living with type 2 diabetes.
For now, the findings provide another clue that the disease may be more complex than previously thought, with the immune system potentially playing a much larger role than once assumed.
Body language plays a major role when interacting with other people. Facial expressions, movements, and posture can quickly influence the impression you leave behind.
According to Forbes, certain habits can send unintended signals in social situations.
Body language reveals more than words
Photo: Shutterstock.com
People often form a first impression within seconds by observing facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture. As a result, body language can significantly affect how others perceive you.
Communication also happens without words
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Psychoanalyst and philosopher Paul Watzlawick highlighted in Forbes that communication is not limited to spoken words.
Body language is also an important part of how people exchange signals and convey meaning.
Facial expressions are noticed quickly
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Other people often notice facial expressions, even when they occur unconsciously. Small reactions can therefore influence how a message is received.
Frowning can create uncertainty
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Furrowing your brow may make the other person feel uncertain, even if the action is not intended negatively.
Eye-rolling sends the wrong message
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Rolling your eyes can come across as dismissive or negative toward the person you are speaking with.
A smile appears more welcoming
Photo: Shutterstock.com
A smile is often highlighted as a way to appear more likable and friendly when interacting with others.
Eye contact builds trust
Foto: Shutterstock.com
Looking away during a conversation can create the impression that you are hiding something. This may lead to distrust from the other person.
Lack of eye contact can be seen as insecurity
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Avoiding eye contact may also be interpreted as insecurity or a lack of interest in the conversation.
Keep your focus on the person you are speaking with
Photo: Shutterstock.com
During a conversation, it is recommended to focus your attention on the other person rather than letting your gaze wander around.
Avoid looking at your watch
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Checking the time in the middle of a conversation can quickly reduce the other person’s willingness to continue sharing their thoughts.
A watch can signal impatience
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Looking at the time is often perceived as a sign of impatience and a lack of respect for the person you are speaking with.
Respect personal space
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Standing too close to someone can make them uncomfortable. Maintaining an appropriate distance demonstrates respect for the other person.
Invading personal space can seem threatening
Photo: Shutterstock.com
When you cross someone else’s personal boundaries, you may come across as disrespectful or, in some cases, even threatening.
Crossed arms send a closed-off signal
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Crossing your arms in front of your chest can create an impression of distance and resistance during a conversation.
Your posture can appear dismissive
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Even if standing with your arms crossed feels comfortable, it can cause others to perceive you as closed off and unapproachable.
For many years, health authorities have warned against excessive sun exposure.
UV rays can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. According to the Swedish Cancer Society (Cancerfonden), the sun’s radiation contributes to thousands of cases of melanoma in Sweden each year, a situation that also applies to many other countries.
For this reason, people are still advised to avoid sunburn and protect their skin from intense sunlight.
Large study
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute followed nearly 29,000 women over a period of 34 years. The aim of the study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, was to examine how different lifestyle habits affect health.
The researchers found that people who rarely spend time in the sun may have poorer health.
The study identifies a lack of sun exposure as a risk factor alongside well-known factors such as smoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity.
Surprising findings
Researcher Pelle Lindqvist recommends spending short periods in the sun every day, preferably around midday. He believes it is important to get some sunlight without staying outside long enough to damage the skin.
He is also critical of the way many people use sunscreen.
According to him, some individuals may feel so protected that they stay in the sun longer than they otherwise would.
According to Pelle Lindqvist and his colleagues, moderate sun exposure may be associated with a lower risk of dying from cancer. At the same time, the researchers emphasize that excessive sun exposure can still increase the risk of melanoma.
Breakfast plays an important role in maintaining energy levels throughout the day. As a result, there is growing interest in foods that both promote satiety and provide the body with the nutrients it needs.
According to the Lithuanian media outlet Lrytas.lt, experts particularly emphasize foods in which vitamins and minerals are more readily absorbed by the body.
Benefits for the body
Dietary fiber is well known for supporting digestion and helping people feel full for longer. At the same time, a low glycemic index may help keep blood sugar levels more stable.
Lrytas.lt also notes that nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins are important for concentration, immune function, and the nervous system, among other functions.
The experts’ choice
According to Lrytas.lt, experts recommend eating sprouted green buckwheat.
Unlike the more common roasted buckwheat, they have not been heat-treated. As a result, they are able to sprout, which, according to Lrytas.lt, makes their nutrients easier for the body to absorb.
During the sprouting process, substances that can otherwise inhibit mineral absorption are broken down.
They should not be cooked at high temperatures, as some of their beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants may be lost.
Sunny days often bring thoughts of outdoor activities, cold drinks, and time spent with family and friends. But as temperatures climb, there is another issue many people may overlook.
According to health specialist Rhysa Phommachanh from Landys Chemist, some medications can become less effective in hot weather, while others may increase the body’s vulnerability to heat-related problems, reports Unilad.
Medications need extra attention
Several types of medication can be affected by high temperatures. Insulin is one example, as exposure to heat may reduce its effectiveness. EpiPens may also become less reliable if they are stored above recommended temperatures.
Asthma inhalers are another concern, as extreme heat can affect the pressure inside the container and potentially influence how the medication is delivered.
The body may respond differently
Some medicines can make it harder for the body to cope with hot conditions. Antihistamines may reduce sweating, while certain antidepressants can interfere with the body’s natural temperature regulation.
Diuretics, often referred to as water tablets, can increase fluid loss and raise the risk of dehydration during a heatwave.
Meanwhile, some acne treatments containing ingredients such as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the likelihood of sunburn.
Expert advice during hot weather
Health experts recommend storing medications in a cool, dry place and keeping them away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
People using Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications are also being encouraged to pay close attention to their fluid intake. These treatments can reduce feelings of thirst, making it easier for dehydration to go unnoticed during periods of hot weather.
Many people eat dried fruit with breakfast, on yogurt, or as a snack. Dried fruits contain fiber and nutrients that may be beneficial for the body.
According to USA Today, some dried fruits also contain antioxidants. These compounds can help the body protect cells from damage and inflammation.
Beneficial bacteria
Several studies have investigated how dried fruits affect the bacteria in the gut. A study published in Food & Function found evidence that one particular type may help beneficial bacteria grow.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foodalso showed that the fruit may contribute to more regular digestion. This is partly due to its high fiber content and natural compounds that help keep stools softer.
The special fruit
In the same study, researchers observed improvements in digestion among people who consumed around 84 grams of the fruit daily. They also found changes in certain markers associated with gut health.
The dried fruit in question was raisins. According to the studies cited by Le Journal des Femmes, raisins have a strong prebiotic effect. This means they can help beneficial gut bacteria thrive.
However, experts do not recommend eating too many raisins.
USA Today reports that around 40 to 50 grams per day is appropriate for most adults. It is also recommended to choose raisins without added sugar and unnecessary preservatives.
