According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 500 people are suspected to have been infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 130 people are believed to have died.
Health authorities fear, according to Everyday Health, that the disease could spread more rapidly because several infected individuals traveled around the region before being identified.
Experts say the virus may have spread undetected for several weeks because some tests do not work effectively against this particular variant.
Hospitals under pressure
Ebola spreads through contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, and feces. The disease initially causes symptoms such as fever and headaches, which can make it difficult to detect in its early stages.
According to U.S. health authorities, several healthcare workers have been infected during the outbreak. This highlights the importance of protective equipment and rapid isolation measures.
WHO and the CDC state that patients can later develop severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and internal bleeding.
No approved vaccine
What makes this outbreak especially concerning is that it is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. There is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment for this specific variant.
The United States has therefore introduced additional screening measures for travelers arriving from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. However, American experts still assess the risk of transmission in the United States as very low.
Researchers point in particular to the lack of a vaccine and the delayed detection of the virus as the reasons behind the growing international concern.
According to gastroenterologists cited by EatingWell, the morning is often the best time to have a bowel movement.
The body’s natural rhythm, breakfast, and overnight fasting all play a role in digestion and bowel activity.
Morning is often the best time
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Experts say that most people find it easiest to have a bowel movement in the morning shortly after waking up.
The body follows a circadian rhythm
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Digestion follows the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which affects bowel activity throughout the day, according to a study published in Frontiers in Physiology.
The bowel is most active in the morning
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The colon is typically most active during the morning hours, which can make it easier to have a bowel movement.
The digestive system works more slowly during sleep, allowing stool to build up in the intestines overnight.
Breakfast activates the bowel
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When the stomach is filled with food and drink, the so-called gastrocolic reflex is activated, encouraging the bowel to move.
Fibre plays an important role
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A fibre-rich diet can help stool move more easily through the intestines and support regular bowel movements.
Hydration is essential
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If the body lacks fluids, stool can become hard and more difficult to pass.
Exercise can support digestion
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Regular physical activity can increase bowel activity and make it easier to have a bowel movement.
Travel can affect the stomach
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Time zones, changes in eating habits, and reduced activity while travelling can make it harder to maintain regular bowel movements.
Stress can change toilet habits
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Stress and anxiety can affect the connection between the brain and the gut, leading to both diarrhoea and constipation.
Certain illnesses can affect bowel movements
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Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can alter bowel habits.
Medication can change digestion
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Some types of medication, including opioids and certain antidepressants, can lead to constipation.
Pregnancy can slow digestion
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Hormonal changes and pressure from the foetus can make it more difficult to have regular bowel movements during pregnancy.
Age affects digestion
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Digestion often slows with age, and the muscles in the intestines and rectum may become weaker.
Good morning routines can help
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Experts recommend consistent sleep habits, morning light exposure, water, coffee, and a fibre-rich breakfast to create a stable routine.
The body can be trained to follow regular toilet habits
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By sitting on the toilet every morning after coffee and breakfast, the body can adapt to a regular schedule.
Regularity matters more than timing
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Experts emphasise that the most important factor is not exactly when you have a bowel movement, but that bowel movements are regular and feel complete.
Sources: EatingWell, Frontiers in Physiology, and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
A new study published in Neurology examined the eating habits of nearly 93,000 adults in the United States over a period of approximately 11 years.
The aim was to investigate whether plant-based diets are linked to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Not all plant foods are healthy
Researchers divided participants’ diets into different categories. Some participants consumed large amounts of healthy plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
Others consumed higher amounts of less healthy plant-based products, including sugar, refined grains, and juice. The study did not specifically focus on vegetarian or vegan diets.
The researchers also accounted for factors such as age, physical activity, and illnesses like diabetes to improve the accuracy of the results.
Lower and higher risk
The findings showed that people with the healthiest plant-based diets had a lower risk of developing dementia. In contrast, those with the least healthy diets faced a higher risk.
In a smaller part of the study, researchers also examined participants who changed their diets over time. Those who moved away from unhealthy plant-based eating habits had a lower risk of dementia later in life.
However, the researchers emphasize that the study only shows an association and does not prove that diet can directly prevent the disease.
Many people use facial moisturizers with sun protection factor (SPF) as a quick everyday solution.
These products are often applied in the morning as part of a regular skincare routine.
However, researchers say this is not the same as using regular sunscreen.
Senior researcher Ellen Bruzell from the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials in Norway told forskning.no that people typically apply too little day cream to achieve the level of protection stated on the packaging.
Used differently
Researcher Berit Granum from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health believes the products serve different purposes.
Sunscreen is normally applied several times throughout the day, while face cream is often used only once.
This means the UV protection quickly becomes too weak. According to the researchers, products containing SPF must be reapplied several times to work properly.
The researchers also point out that day creams do not always protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Risk of false security
Ellen Bruzell emphasizes that some consumers may believe they are well protected throughout the day, even when that is not the case.
The researchers conclude that day creams with SPF should not replace regular sunscreen during extended periods in the sun.
She explains that regular sunscreens in Europe must meet stricter requirements than day creams containing SPF.
At the same time, the researchers recommend fragrance-free sunscreens, especially for children, because fragrances can cause skin irritation and allergies.
Asthma is often linked to pollen and dust, but many ordinary things at home and in daily life can also irritate the airways. Several of these triggers may go unnoticed until symptoms begin to worsen.
Pets can affect the airways
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Proteins from animals can be found in fur, skin, urine, and saliva. In people with allergies, this may lead to irritation and asthma symptoms.
Strong scents can cause irritation
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Perfume, cleaning products, and other heavily scented items may irritate the airways and make symptoms more noticeable.
Household chemicals may be irritating
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Products such as paint, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and air fresheners can affect people with sensitive airways.
Cold air can create problems
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Dry and cold winter air may irritate the lungs and lead to increased discomfort for people with asthma.
High temperatures may affect breathing
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Hot and humid air can make breathing more difficult while also increasing the amount of pollution and allergens in the air.
Smoke residue can linger indoors
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Chemicals from cigarette smoke can remain in carpets, furniture, cars, and clothing long after the cigarette has been extinguished.
Insect stings can trigger symptoms
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Bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants may create problems for people with allergies and asthma.
Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the lungs
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The gas is found in appliances that burn gas, kerosene, or wood and may affect both the throat and airways.
Stress can affect the body physically
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People with asthma may experience more chest tightness and shortness of breath during periods of high stress or anxiety.
Many expecting parents focus on healthy food, sleep, and vitamins before welcoming a child into the world. But scientists are increasingly examining whether a mother’s work environment may also influence a baby’s development long before birth.
A major international study led by researchers from Johns Hopkins University has now uncovered a striking link between certain professions and a higher likelihood of autism in children. The findings were published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, reports Illustreret Videnskab.
Jobs under focus
The research team analyzed data from more than 110,000 Danish children born between 1973 and 2012. Among them, 1,702 had been diagnosed with autism.
According to the study, women working in jobs involving high stress levels or regular exposure to chemicals and pollution showed a noticeably increased risk of having children later diagnosed with autism.
The strongest association was found among women employed in military-related roles, while transport workers also showed elevated numbers compared with other professions.
Possible causes
Researchers believe several workplace exposures may help explain the findings. Military environments can involve contact with fuel fumes, industrial solvents, and heavy metals linked to ammunition.
Transport workers may face daily exposure to diesel emissions and air pollution from traffic.
The scientists stress that the study does not prove these jobs directly cause autism. However, they say the results add to growing evidence that stress and chemical exposure during pregnancy could affect fetal brain development.
More research ahead
The findings remained significant even after researchers adjusted for factors such as smoking, mental health history, age, and social background.
The World Health Organization estimates that around one in 127 people globally are on the autism spectrum, although experts believe many cases still go undiagnosed.
Researchers now hope future studies will identify which specific workplace factors may have the greatest impact during pregnancy.
The prices of meat and fish have risen in recent years. As a result, more people are choosing eggs as a cheaper alternative that is high in protein.
In the past, many believed that eggs caused high cholesterol. Today, nutrition experts generally agree that eggs can be part of a balanced diet.
What do eggs contain?
Nutritionist Arnaud Cocaul describes eggs to the media outlet L’édition du soir as a nutrient-rich food containing vitamins, proteins, and amino acids.
Nutrition expert Corinne Chicheportiche-Ayache explains to the same outlet that egg whites contain high-quality protein, while the yolk contains antioxidants and other nutrients.
The experts do not believe that the color of the eggshell or whether hens are free-range makes a major difference to the nutritional value.
However, Corinne Chicheportiche-Ayache points out that the hens’ feed can affect the nutritional content of the eggs. For example, hens fed flaxseed may produce eggs with higher levels of omega-3.
How many eggs should you eat?
According to Corinne Chicheportiche-Ayache, most people can eat five to six eggs per week without any issues.
People with diabetes or high cholesterol, however, should limit themselves to two to three eggs per week. She also stresses that eggs used in pies and other dishes count toward the total number consumed.
During a press conference at the White House, Donald Trump said that the United States is working on an experimental medicine with highly unusual results, Express reports.
According to the American president, the treatment has already been tested with positive outcomes.
Trump also explained that, in his view, the medicine has helped patients who were in critical condition.
However, he did not mention the name of the drug or present any clinical data or studies.
Experts doubt the story
The announcement has sparked debate among doctors and researchers. Several experts believe there is a lack of documentation supporting the claims made during the press conference.
According to critics, there is no known medicine capable of bringing dead people back to life.
Some therefore believe that Trump may have been referring to patients who were seriously ill, but not clinically dead.
The debate has also been linked to the US government’s healthcare policy.
At the same time, several healthcare professionals are criticizing plans to reduce support for existing treatment programs and preventive measures aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths.
Referred to previous legislation
During the press conference, Trump also linked the medicine in question to the so-called Right to Try Act.
The law was passed during his first presidential term and gives terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments.
Since then, the statements have sparked widespread debate on social media and among commentators, with several people comparing the story to the plot of a science fiction movie.
Compounds known as catechins and EGCG are believed to be among the main reasons. They have been linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood circulation.
May affect blood pressure and cholesterol
Researchers have also investigated how green tea affects cholesterol levels and blood pressure in a study published in Medicine.
Several analyses suggest that the tea may help lower harmful LDL cholesterol while also supporting healthy blood vessels.
A study published in Nutrition Journal also found modest improvements in overall lipid profiles among people who consumed green tea over a longer period.
Research published in Nutrition Research further indicates that green tea may have a positive effect on gut health, which could play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Several cups may make a difference
Green tea cannot replace a healthy diet or exercise, researchers emphasize.
However, the study published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases suggests that drinking two to four cups daily may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
The same study, which included nearly 800,000 participants, found that people who drank around three cups of green tea per day had up to a 15 percent lower risk of heart disease.
Many adults do not get enough calcium in their daily diet, even though the nutrient is important for bones, muscles, and nerves.
Fortunately, several drinks rich in calcium can serve as alternatives to regular milk, according to Parade.
Calcium should be spread throughout the day
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Experts recommend spreading calcium-rich foods and drinks across the day instead of consuming everything at once.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium
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According to experts, it is important to combine calcium with vitamin D because the vitamin helps the body absorb the nutrient.
Kefir
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Kefir is a drinkable yogurt and may be easier to tolerate for people who have problems with regular dairy products.
Kefir contains more calcium than milk
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One cup of kefir provides around 316 milligrams of calcium, which is more than the amount found in one cup of milk.
Kefir may also support gut health
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Kefir contains probiotics that may support gut health.
Experts recommend choosing the plain version rather than sweetened varieties.
Fortified almond milk
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One cup of fortified almond milk can contain around 482 milligrams of calcium, depending on the brand.
Almond milk is often low in calories
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According to experts, almond milk typically has a low calorie content as long as it is not sweetened with added sugar.
Ready-made nutrition drinks
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Ready-made shakes and nutrition drinks are available with varying calcium levels.
Experts recommend products that provide at least 20 percent of the recommended daily calcium intake.
Nutrition drinks should be checked for sugar
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It is recommended to read the nutrition label carefully to make sure the drink does not contain too much added sugar.
Smoothies with tofu
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Tofu is highlighted as a major source of calcium.
One cup of tofu contains around 861 milligrams of calcium and can be used in smoothies.
Tofu makes smoothies creamier
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According to experts, tofu gives smoothies a creamy texture, but it should be combined with ingredients such as berries to improve the flavor.
Fortified soy milk
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Soy milk with added calcium can contain around 202 milligrams of calcium per cup.
According to experts, it is nutritionally the closest alternative to cow’s milk because it also contains protein and vitamin D.
Calcium can settle at the bottom of the carton
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Experts recommend shaking soy milk cartons well before use, as calcium can settle at the bottom of the drink.
Fortified orange juice
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Many types of orange juice are fortified with both calcium and vitamin D. One cup can provide up to 300 milligrams of calcium.
Orange juice should be combined with food
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Experts recommend drinking orange juice together with protein and healthy fats such as eggs, Greek yogurt, or avocado to avoid sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
