As 2022 draws to a close, let us gaze back at some of the global health stories from the past 12 months. And while COVID-19 is undoubtedly still fresh in our minds, this year’s list contains some heartening indications of normalcy: offline classes, researchers reenergized their fieldwork, and people are back to their offices. Undoubtedly, there were reminders that COVID-19 and other public health threats still threaten us. But these success stories demonstrate that we can overcome even the most difficult health challenges by collaborating across boundaries and with a common goal. So here are a few…

1. Monkeypox Rise and Decline

A total of 80,000 cases of monkeypox were reported in 109 countries in 2022, which led to 36 fatalities. Hmmm….this year’s outbreaks were the first on record for most of these nations. Globally, the number of new infections began to decline by the end of August, and the

We’ve all heard how it’s important to “eat your greens.” This is because green fruits and vegetables are high in various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that we need for living a healthy life.

But like so many things in our instant, fast-paced world, many of us are always on the lookout for a “miracle food” shortcut that’ll make it easier to get these nutrients. And in recent years, some folks thought they found it with something called chlorophyllin, also known as “liquid chlorophyll.”

While chlorophyll supplements have been around for years, liquid chlorophyll recently gained popularity through social media. Celebrities and other social media users began boasting of supposed benefits that provide everything from increased energy to cancer prevention. But does the truth match the hype?

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives green plants their color and allows them to convert sunlight into nutrients through photosynthesis.

Cancer has become a part of our lives. With so many probable causes, it seems impossible to avoid. Living a natural lifestyle and staying physically fit are our best defenses for prevention. However, we still need to monitor our bodies for any changes.

The problem – changes to our bodies usually happen slowly. Whether it be chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes or cell changes like cancer, it can be difficult to recognize any signs or symptoms associated with the change.

“Almost all common cancers have minimal to no symptoms at earlier stages,” said Manpreet Sandhu, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist at OSF HealthCare. “For example, a small polyp in the colon does not cause any symptoms until it turns into a tumor large enough to cause problems with bowel movements or bleed into the stool.”

At what age we should be screened depends on our average risks and exposures

While the COVID-19 pandemic has understandably captured the attention of much of the healthcare system and the general public, it is all too easy to overlook other pressing health concerns. A startling 30 % rise in cancer diagnoses among people aged fifteen to thirty-nine between 1973 and 2015 was reported in a recent study in the United States. Among these cancers are those of the kidney, liver, pancreas, breast, colon, and esophagus.

A cancer diagnosis is always heart-wrenching, irrespective of a person’s age and gender. It is even more upsetting for younger adults as they are at a critical juncture in life when they work on being more independent, starting careers, and establishing new relationships. Young adults also have the lowest rates of health insurance coverage and are frequently less financially stable than older adults. Before diving deep into this cesspool of grief, let us try and understand the reason