World Brain Day (July 22) champions brain health for all. For patients & providers, the focus is on 5 keys: Awareness, Education, Prevention, Access & Advocacy. Let’s use tech, share stories & build healthy habits to protect our brains.
Moderate coffee (1–2 cups/day) may lower risks of hypertension, diabetes, heart attack, AF, and early death via anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. Filtered coffee is best, as unfiltered can raise LDL. Caffeine may trigger PVCs in some but is generally heart-safe.
Excerpt:
A 12-week clinical study has found that **daily astaxanthin supplementation** (4 mg) significantly reduces **digital eye strain** in children aged 10 to 14 who regularly use digital devices. Compared to placebo, children taking astaxanthin experienced a **20% decrease in chronic symptoms** and a **57% reduction in acute symptoms**. Additional improvements were observed in **depth perception, pupillary light reflex**, and **tear production**. These results suggest astaxanthin may be a promising strategy for managing **computer vision syndrome** in school-aged children, with effects noticeable as early as two weeks into use.
Excerpt
Despite the growing role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in guiding personalized cancer therapies, real-world data reveal that only 30% to 40% of patients with advanced cancers undergo this critical testing. Alarmingly, a significant number receive results too late—often within the final three months of life—limiting access to targeted treatments that could improve or extend survival. These findings highlight an urgent need to integrate NGS testing earlier in the cancer care continuum.
Key takeaways: The apparent suicide of a patient with an LVAD sparked discussion about mental health in this population. Healio spoke with Quentin R. Youmans, MD, MSc, about mental health …
**Excerpt:**
A peer-led intervention helped adults with obesity maintain weight loss more effectively over 18 months than standard physician-led care, according to the CHAMPS trial published in *JAMA Internal Medicine*. Participants receiving support from fellow patients regained less weight, were more active, and had lower diastolic blood pressure. The study suggests peer support may offer a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for long-term weight-loss maintenance. Further research is needed to assess its impact in real-world settings.
Key takeaways: Mycophenolate mofetil outperformed methotrexate, steroids and other immunosuppressives in diffuse cutaneous SSc skin and lung outcomes. Outcomes were particularly good with a disease duration of 2 years or …
Key takeaways: A study following 200,000 people for decades revealed new data on the importance of food quality for heart health. PCPs should focus on their patients’ macronutrient quality, a …
AD109, a new oral treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, significantly reduced AHI in a phase 3 trial, offering a non-device alternative for patients intolerant to CPAP. Over half of participants improved in disease severity, with strong safety and tolerability reported.
**Excerpt:**
From February to April 2023, WHO India supported nationwide immunization campaigns, helping vaccinate children and pregnant women in remote and underserved areas. Efforts focused on measles-rubella catch-up drives, reducing vaccine hesitancy, and strengthening routine immunization with government partners.
