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Hot weather can affect your medication – here’s how to store it

29. June, 2026

The hot summer has prompted experts to warn about the importance of storing medication correctly.

According to The Sun, the NHS and online pharmacy Chemist4U say this is particularly important for weight-loss medications, which are sensitive to high temperatures.

If the medication needs to be transported, it is recommended to use a cooler bag or a medical transport pouch with ice packs.

It should also be kept out of direct sunlight and, preferably, stored in its original packaging, according to Chemist4U.

Refrigeration requires care

The medication can be stored in a refrigerator, but the temperature must not become too low.

According to the NHS, the medication must not be frozen, as it can no longer be used if it has been.

It should therefore not be placed near the freezer compartment or at the back of the refrigerator, where temperatures are often the lowest.

At the same time, the NHS recommends drinking plenty of water during hot weather to reduce the risk of dehydration.

May still look normal

According to Chemist4U, the medication may appear completely normal even if it has been exposed to excessive heat.

It is therefore not possible to tell by looking at it whether it is still effective.

Mounjaro and Wegovy may lose their effectiveness if they are exposed to temperatures above 30°C (86°F).

For this reason, both the NHS and Chemist4U recommend storing the medication properly during periods of hot weather.

The silent bone condition affecting millions worldwide

Mie Hermansen

29. June, 2026

The silent bone condition affecting millions worldwide

A broken wrist after a minor fall or a hip fracture from what seemed like an ordinary accident is often dismissed as bad luck. In reality, experts say these injuries can sometimes reveal a problem that has been developing silently for years.

Reporting published by The Conversation, based on an article by Hasmik Jasmine Samvelyan, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Anglia Ruskin University, highlights growing concern over osteopenia, a condition that affects an estimated 40% of adults worldwide.

Unlike osteoporosis, it receives relatively little attention despite being an important warning sign for future bone health, reports ScienceDaily

Often missed

Researchers say osteopenia rarely causes noticeable symptoms, allowing bone density to decline without people realizing it. Many only learn they have the condition after a fracture or when a bone density scan is carried out because of age or other risk factors.

Age remains the biggest contributor to bone loss, but it is far from the only one. Menopause, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of certain medications, poor nutrition, and conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption can all increase the likelihood of weakened bones.

Prevention matters

Although osteopenia increases the risk of osteoporosis, researchers stress that progression is not inevitable. Early identification creates an opportunity to protect bone strength before lasting damage occurs.

Simple lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference:

Stay physically active with weight-bearing and strength-training exercise.
Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
Avoid smoking.
Limit alcohol intake.
Maintain a healthy body weight.

Doctors may also use fracture-risk assessments to determine whether medication is appropriate, rather than prescribing treatment for everyone diagnosed with osteopenia.

A Long-Term Investment

The researchers argue that osteopenia should be viewed as a call to act rather than a diagnosis to fear. Evidence reviewed in The Conversation suggests that healthy habits adopted over many years can slow bone loss and may even improve bone density in some people.

Instead of focusing only on osteoporosis after it develops, experts believe greater attention should be paid to preserving bone health much earlier in life.

They say prevention, regular physical activity, and good nutrition remain the most effective tools for reducing the risk of fractures as people grow older.

How stress can affect your blood in just minutes

Mie Hermansen

29. June, 2026

How stress can affect your blood in just minutes

New research suggests that even short periods of psychological stress can trigger measurable changes in your blood within minutes. Scientists found that stress may make blood more likely to form clots, reports The Conversation.

Stress affects more than the mind

Psychological stress is often seen as a mental challenge, but the body responds at the same time through a series of biochemical processes that can be measured in the blood.

Free radicals rise quickly

Researchers found that levels of free radicals increased within minutes after participants were exposed to psychological stress.

Blood changes its properties

Acute stress made the blood more prone to clotting because it altered the structure of forming blood clots.

Long term stress is a known risk

Previous research has shown that chronic stress is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Oxidative stress may be the explanation

The researchers believe that oxidative stress may be the mechanism responsible for triggering these changes in the blood.

Eight men took part in the study

The study included eight healthy men between the ages of 18 and 30, who participated in two laboratory sessions.

Participants faced a stressful challenge

They were asked to deliver a speech in front of a panel of judges before completing a demanding mental arithmetic task.

Blood samples were compared

Researchers collected blood samples before and after both sessions to examine how stress affected the blood.

Blood clots became denser

After the stress test, blood clots were larger and more tightly packed with fibrin fibres.

Blood thickness did not change

The study found no evidence that stress made the blood more viscous or thicker.

More research is needed

The researchers emphasize that larger studies involving more participants and different population groups are needed.

The findings may lead to new treatments

Future research could investigate whether targeting the biochemical processes behind stress may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiologist’s advice: How to get through a heatwave

Body

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

29. June, 2026

Cardiologist’s advice: How to get through a heatwave

When the weather becomes very hot, the body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to dehydration because you sweat more.

At the same time, the body loses essential salts. According to Diastyl, as cited by Dagens.dk, it may therefore be necessary to drink extra fluids and, in some cases, replenish electrolytes.

The risk is particularly high for people with cardiovascular disease, but healthy individuals can also be affected if they become overheated or dehydrated.

Small choices make a difference

According to Diastyl, cardiologist Aleš Linhart recommends avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

A walk early in the morning or later in the evening is a better option.

Alcohol can further dehydrate the body, while energy drinks high in caffeine may place additional strain on the body.

For this reason, the combination of alcohol and energy drinks is especially discouraged.

If you use air conditioning, the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures should not be too great.

Pay attention to the warning signs

People who take medication for high blood pressure or heart failure should be especially cautious during hot weather.

If treatment needs to be adjusted, it should always be be done in consultation with a doctor, Diastyl says.

If a person becomes dizzy, feels unwell, or appears confused in the heat, they should be moved to a cooler place and given fluids.

If severe symptoms develop or the person loses consciousness, emergency services should be called immediately.

Do school mobile phone bans work? New data provides the first answers

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

29. June, 2026

Do school mobile phone bans work? New data provides the first answers

Several U.S. states and schools have introduced rules restricting students’ use of mobile phones during the school day, a trend that is also becoming more common in Denmark.

The measures are driven by growing concerns about young people’s mental well-being.

According to Medical Daily, both U.S. health authorities and the U.S. Surgeon General have warned that young people’s use of smartphones and social media may be contributing to the problem.

However, the rules vary from school to school. Some ban mobile phones throughout the entire school day, while others prohibit their use only during lessons.

Several factors at play

According to researchers, mobile phones are just one of several factors that may affect young people’s mental health.

Loneliness, academic pressure, family finances, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may also play a role.

For that reason, researchers believe it is still too early to determine whether mobile phone bans alone can improve students’ well-being, according to the Pew Research Center.

The results are still uncertain

According to the Pew Research Center, the share of U.S. teenagers who said they were online “almost constantly” fell from 46 percent in 2024 to 40 percent in 2025.

Researchers believe the decline is most likely due to students being prohibited from using their phones during the school day.

As a result, they cannot yet conclude that mobile phone bans lead to improved mental health.

According to the Pew Research Center, further studies over the coming years will be needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

FDA-approved drug shows promise against liver cancer

Mie Hermansen

29. June, 2026

FDA-approved drug shows promise against liver cancer

Sometimes, the biggest medical breakthroughs come from looking at familiar medicines in a completely new way. Instead of developing a drug from scratch, researchers are increasingly discovering that existing treatments may have untapped potential against other diseases.

That may now be the case for a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer, reports Science Daily.

According to researchers from Cornell University and the University of Washington, an FDA-approved drug could help immunotherapy work more effectively against fibrolamellar carcinoma. The findings were published in the journal Gastroenterology.

Why the treatment fails

Fibrolamellar carcinoma accounts for only a small percentage of liver cancer cases, but it primarily affects children and young adults. Because the disease is often diagnosed after it has spread, treatment options are limited and patient outcomes remain poor.

The researchers found that the cancer creates a protective environment that prevents immune T cells from reaching the tumour. Instead of attacking cancer cells, the immune cells become trapped in the tumour’s surrounding fibrous tissue, limiting the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

Using advanced single-nucleus transcriptomics, the team mapped the tumour environment in unprecedented detail, allowing them to identify how this process occurs at the cellular level.

An old drug, a new purpose

The scientists then tested AMD3100, a drug that has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for another medical condition.

In laboratory experiments using patient tumour samples, the drug enabled immune T cells to move back into the tumour rather than remaining trapped in surrounding tissue. When AMD3100 was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumour cell death increased significantly compared with immunotherapy alone.

Next step: clinical trials

Although the research has so far been limited to laboratory studies, the findings suggest a promising new strategy for treating fibrolamellar carcinoma.

One advantage is that AMD3100 is already FDA-approved, meaning researchers may be able to move more quickly into clinical testing than would be possible with an entirely new drug.

The research team is now seeking collaborators to launch clinical trials and determine whether the combination treatment can improve outcomes for patients living with this rare form of liver cancer.

How chia seeds can affect your blood sugar if you eat them regularly

Mie Hermansen

29. June, 2026

How chia seeds can affect your blood sugar if you eat them regularly

Chia seeds have become a popular part of a healthy diet, and research suggests they may also benefit blood pressure. However, their effects appear to be greatest when combined with other heart healthy habits, reports Health.

Results take time

Experts say it typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of daily consumption before any potential changes in blood pressure are likely to be noticeable.

The amount matters

Most studies have used a daily intake of 2 to 3 tablespoons of chia seeds, while some have examined amounts of up to 4 tablespoons.

Research found a modest reduction

A 2025 meta analysis found that overweight adults with diabetes or high blood pressure experienced an average reduction of 3 to 7 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure after consuming chia seeds.

Even a small drop can make a difference

A modest reduction in systolic blood pressure may help lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Healthy habits are still essential

Experts emphasize that chia seeds cannot make up for an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. They work best as part of an overall heart healthy lifestyle.

They are not a replacement for medication

Current evidence does not show that chia seeds can replace blood pressure medication for people who need medical treatment.

Omega 3 may help protect blood vessels

Chia seeds provide omega 3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation, limit plaque buildup, and decrease artery stiffness.

Minerals support healthy circulation

Potassium and magnesium found in chia seeds may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Antioxidants help protect the arteries

“Chia dessert granada, grapefruit“/ CC0 1.0

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that may help protect blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals.

Some people may benefit more than others

Most research has focused on people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or overweight, suggesting these groups may experience the greatest benefits.

Preparation may influence nutrient absorption

Some studies suggest that ground chia seeds may improve nutrient absorption, while there is still limited research on soaked chia seeds.

Start with a small serving

Because chia seeds are high in fiber, experts recommend starting with a small amount and gradually increasing your intake. People with digestive issues should consult a doctor before making significant dietary changes.

New finding: Birth control pill use linked to healthier brains

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

29. June, 2026

New finding: Birth control pill use linked to healthier brains

Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, researchers are investigating whether hormones play a role in maintaining brain health throughout life.

This is according to a new study published in the journal NeuroImage and reported by HealthDay.

How birth control pills may play a role

The researchers analyzed brain scans from 459 women who participated in a study on exercise and brain health.

Among other things, the women reported whether they had used birth control pills or hormone therapy during menopause.

The researchers then compared this information with the size and structure of the participants’ brains.

The study also found that women who experienced menopause later in life had thicker brain tissue in areas commonly affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers suggest that a longer period of exposure to the body’s natural estrogen may be one possible explanation.

Larger brain volume

Women who had previously used estrogen-based birth control pills had, on average, greater brain volume in older age than women who had never used them.

The association was strongest among women who had used birth control pills earlier in life and had also received hormone therapy after menopause.

The researchers emphasize that the study does not prove that hormone therapy protects the brain.

The findings show only an association, and further research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Europe swelters: Hundreds of deaths linked to the heat

Mie Hermansen

29. June, 2026

Europe swelters: Hundreds of deaths linked to the heat

It doesn’t take long in extreme heat before daily life begins to change. Sleep becomes more difficult, simple tasks feel exhausting, and spending time outdoors quickly becomes uncomfortable.

According to Reuters and several European weather agencies, millions of people across Western Europe are now experiencing exactly that, reports LADbible.

Meteorologists say the region is being affected by a powerful high-pressure system known as an Omega block. The pattern is preventing cooler air from moving in while drawing exceptionally hot air north from North Africa, pushing temperatures to record levels for June in several countries.

France has recorded temperatures close to 41°C, parts of Spain have exceeded 42°C, and the United Kingdom recently experienced its hottest June day on record. Authorities across the region have responded with severe heat warnings.

Human cost grows

The prolonged heat is increasingly being linked to deaths across Europe. Reuters reports that numerous drowning incidents in France occurred as people sought relief from the extreme temperatures.

Authorities in both France and Spain have also confirmed deaths in which the intense heat is believed to have been a significant factor.

Spanish health monitoring data indicates that more than 200 deaths over several days may be associated with the exceptional temperatures, although officials continue to analyse the figures.

Why experts are concerned

Scientists say this event differs from many previous summer heatwaves because the hot air remains trapped over the same areas for an extended period.

Combined with elevated humidity in some regions, the conditions make it much harder for the human body to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Researchers have compared the current weather pattern with the devastating European heatwave of 2003, which claimed tens of thousands of lives.

For that reason, authorities continue urging both residents and travellers to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day and follow local health guidance until temperatures begin to fall.

Her cat wouldn’t leave her side – then came the diagnosis

Mie Hermansen

28. June, 2026

Her cat wouldn’t leave her side – then came the diagnosis

Anyone who has lived with a pet knows how quickly animals notice even the smallest changes. A different routine, a shift in mood or an unusual scent can sometimes trigger behaviour that owners struggle to explain.

Stories of pets reacting to illness have fascinated researchers for years, although scientists are still trying to understand exactly how much animals can detect.

According to PA Media, a young woman from Hampshire believes her family cat began reacting to her illness long before doctors identified what was wrong, reports UNILAD.

Something had changed

As a teenager, Sophie Hilgers started experiencing a range of unexplained health problems. Persistent fatigue, sickness and physical discomfort gradually became part of daily life, but answers were hard to find.

Around the same time, her family noticed an unexpected change in Arthur, their usually independent cat. Instead of keeping to himself, he became unusually attached to Sophie, following her around the house and seeking constant contact.

At first, the behaviour seemed strange but harmless.

The dagnosis

After months of worsening symptoms, Sophie was eventually admitted to hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a form of blood cancer.

She underwent intensive treatment and later entered remission. As her health improved, Arthur reportedly returned to his normal behaviour.

Years later, however, the pattern appeared to repeat itself. Shortly before doctors discovered that the cancer had returned, the cat once again became unusually affectionate and attentive.

A lasting memory

Following further treatment, including immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy, Sophie was eventually declared cancer-free.

Her story joins a growing number of accounts from pet owners who believe their animals sensed illness before a formal diagnosis was made. Researchers have explored whether changes in human scent, body chemistry or behaviour may influence how animals respond, but experts say more evidence is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Arthur later developed cancer himself and died in 2025. For Sophie, however, the family cat remained a source of comfort throughout some of the most difficult moments of her life.

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Refrigeration requires care

May still look normal

Often missed

Prevention matters

A Long-Term Investment

Stress affects more than the mind

Free radicals rise quickly

Blood changes its properties

Long term stress is a known risk

Oxidative stress may be the explanation

Eight men took part in the study

Participants faced a stressful challenge

Blood samples were compared

Blood clots became denser

Blood thickness did not change

More research is needed

The findings may lead to new treatments

Small choices make a difference

Pay attention to the warning signs

Several factors at play

The results are still uncertain

Why the treatment fails

An old drug, a new purpose

Next step: clinical trials

Results take time

The amount matters

Research found a modest reduction

Even a small drop can make a difference

Healthy habits are still essential

They are not a replacement for medication

Omega 3 may help protect blood vessels

Minerals support healthy circulation

Antioxidants help protect the arteries

Some people may benefit more than others

Preparation may influence nutrient absorption

Start with a small serving

How birth control pills may play a role

Larger brain volume

Human cost grows

Why experts are concerned

Something had changed

The dagnosis

A lasting memory

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