Switzerland’s Mammogram Ban: Fact or Fiction?

Switzerland’s Mammogram Ban: Fact or Fiction?

Misunderstandings are proliferating on the internet due to strange rumors regarding an alleged prohibition of mammography exams in Switzerland.

For several months, social media users have maintained that the nation has banned the procedure out of worries about its safety. One common assertion is that mammograms lead to breast cancer because patients are exposed to radiation during the examination.

Furthermore, numerous social media posts claim that 50% to 60% of mammography results yield false positives, causing undue stress and unwarranted medical intervention.

All of these statements are untrue.

EuroVerify contacted the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, which verified that there isn’t a ban on mammography exams in Switzerland.

“A representative from the office stated via email, ‘The screening programs are organized by the cantons,’ adding that mammogram recommendations start at age 50,” the communication read.

Various fact-checkers from different news organizations have also refuted these claims when they surfaced on social media in earlier months.

What do you make of the assertions that mammograms can be harmful?

A major misrepresentation circulating on social media is the claim that the radiation involved in mammograms substantially raises the risk of cancer among women.

According to the experts EuroVerify consulted, this assertion does not hold true.

Dr. Evandro de Azambuja, who leads the Medical Support Team at the Jules Bordet Institute in Anderlecht, clarified that mammograms actually expose patients to very little radiation.

“If they adhere to the stringent guidelines suggested by [… ] agencies, the dosage will be minimal,” he stated. “Therefore, there’s no danger of developing cancer due to the radiation from the mammogram.”

Although certain research indicates that excessively frequent testing might marginally raise the risk of cancer, regular screenings typically do not present an issue.

To provide some context, Julia Schwarz, an expert in early detection at the Swiss Cancer League in Bern, pointed out that there are cases where “a flight attendant might be exposed to more radiation over the course of a single year than what you would receive from a mammogram.”

Are the screening tests known for producing a lot of false positive results?

A frequently shared assertion on the internet suggests that as much as 60% of mammography outcomes result in false alarms, prompting additional examinations and medical interventions unnecessarily. However, this figure is deceptive.

As stated by Dr. Partha Basu, who leads the Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, encountering false positives during screenings is common, but receiving one does not equate to a definitive diagnosis.

“He explained that we must recognize the distinction between a screening test and a diagnostic test. A diagnostic test, such as obtaining a biopsy, requires an extremely high degree of precision,” he stated.

“A screening test is merely intended to pinpoint individuals with a heightened likelihood of having a disease from those with a lower probability,” he explained. “This is precisely why it’s crucial for women who receive a positive result on their mammogram to undergo further investigation at the earliest opportunity.”

According to Schwarz, women should be informed about the possible risk of receiving a false positive result prior to having a mammogram.

She mentioned, ‘They should be aware that there’s a possibility.’ It may not be a high probability, but it could occur […]. One positive aspect of early detection is that the likelihood of recovery is quite significant.’

Why are mammograms important?

Certainly, it’s the early detection provided by mammograms that makes them so effective, as stated by the experts interviewed by EuroVerify.

Despite the incorrect assertions, mammograms remain among the most effective methods for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, as stated by Basu, who also pointed out that all medical procedures, though minor, come with a slight inherent risk.

Taking a paracetamol tablet still carries some risks,” he stated. “Thus, we always assess the risk against the benefits. The advantages of mammograms are significant: they decrease breast cancer deaths by 40%.

Azambuja reiterated this view, pointing out that mammography decreases the overall mortality rate since “early detection of cancer significantly improves the patient’s outlook.”

They similarly suggested performing self-examinations as an effective method for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, despite it being less dependable than a professional breast cancer screening.

“Combining mammography with breast self-examinations ensures that women receive an early diagnosis for breast cancer,” according to Basu.

Lives Saved: The Power of Statins and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Lives Saved: The Power of Statins and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

New research suggests that thousands of lives could potentially be saved by using a combination of statins and another medication for lowering cholesterol levels.

The most extensive study to investigate how to reduce levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in individuals with clogged arteries indicates that these patients should promptly receive a combination treatment of a statin and an additional medication known as ezetimibe, instead of relying solely on statins.

Combination therapy ought to be regarded as the premier approach for treating patients who have experienced a heart attack, potentially preventing numerous fatalities annually, according to researchers.

Scientists examined the results from 14 prior investigations that included data on 108,353 individuals with an extremely high likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, as well as those who had already undergone such events.


The research, featured in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, indicated that combining ezetimibe with a high dosage of statins to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels resulted in a significant 19 percent decrease in mortality from all causes.

There was additionally a 16 percent decrease in fatalities due to cardiovascular issues, along with a notable reduction of 18 percent and 17 percent, respectively, in significant adverse cardiovascular incidents and strokes when compared to treatment with high-dose statins alone.

The study’s co-author, Professor Peter Toth from the University of Illinois in the US, stated, “This research supports the idea that immediate combination cholesterol-lowering therapy must be regarded as the benchmark for treating individuals at extremely high risk following an acute cardiovascular incident.”

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Tandai Perbedaan Jantung Sehat dan Tidak Sehat dengan Mudah

Tandai Perbedaan Jantung Sehat dan Tidak Sehat dengan Mudah


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Jantung adalah organ penting yang bertugas memompa darah keseluruhan badan.

Merawat kondisi jantung adalah hal yang vital guna mencegah gangguan kardiovaskular.

Berdasarkan WHO, penyakit kardiovaskular menjadi alasan utama kematian secara global.

Oleh karena itu, perlu diwaspadai apabila jantung kita berada dalam keadaan yang prima atau menunjukkan indikasi adanya masalah kesehatan jantung.

Maka, apakah Anda ingin mengetahui gejala dari kondisi jantung yang bugar serta tidak bugar?

Tanda jantung sehat

Dilansir dari
India.com
, berikut adalah indikator jantung yang berfungsi dengan baik:

1. Denyut jantung normal

Detak nadi bisa diidentifikasi melalui pemeriksaan pada pergelangan tangan atau leher. Detak jantung normal dalam keadaan tenang berada di kisaran 60 hingga 200 kali setiap menitnya.

Apabila detak jantung ketika beristirahat di luar rentang normal (kurang dari atau melebihi 60-200 kali per menit), sebaiknya segerakan memeriksanya ke dokter.

2. Tekanan darah stabil

Tekanan darah yang terjaga dengan baik akan mendukung kerja jantung agar maksimal.

Tekanan darah merupakan tenaga darah yang bertabrakan terhadap pembuluh arteri. Hipertensi atau tekanan darah tinggi umumnya berhubungan erat dengan level kolesterol yang meningkat.

Tekanan darah yang dianggap normal umumnya berkisar antara 120/80 mm Hg.

3. Tubuh terasa berenergi

Badan akan merasakan peningkatan kebugaran dan vitalitas seiring dengan performa jantung yang efisien dalam memompa darah serta oksigen.

Dengan aliran darah dan oksigen terdistribusi secara optimal ke seluruh tubuh, seseorang cenderung tidak cepat merasakan kelelahan atau letih.

Olahraga dapat memperbaiki tingkat kolesterol dengan meningkatkan HDL (kolesterol yang bermanfaat), sementara itu juga mengurangi kadar LDL (kolesterol berbahaya) serta trigliserida.

4. Tidak mengalami sakit di dada ataupun kesulitan bernapas

Sakit dada (angina) serta kesulitan bernapas bisa menandakan adanya masalah pada jantung.

Tanda-tanda itu pun mengindikasikan ada kolesterol berlebihan yang membuat pembuluh darah menjadi sempit.

Apabila keadaan jantung Anda baik dan tingkat kolesterol di dalam batas normal, maka Anda tidak akan mengalami gejala seperti sakit dada atau pun kesulitan bernapas.

5. Kesehatan mulut terjaga

Kondisi mulut yang sehat menandakan bahwa jantung seseorang juga dalam keadaan baik.

Dikutip dari
Lifehack My ID
Pada 3 Juli 2020, ahli kedokteran gigi Theresia Dessy menyatakan bahwa orang bisa mengalami peningkatan risiko sebanyak dua hingga tiga kali untuk terserang penyakit jantung akibat adanya inflamasi pada gusi serta keberadaan bakteri di rongga mulut.

Inflamasi pada gusi serta adanya bakteri bisa mengakibatkan penggelapan dan iritasi dalam pembuluh darah, hal ini turut mendukung terjadinya gangguan jantung.

6. Kulit terawat serta rambut yang kuat dan sehat

Kondisi kulit serta rambut Anda bisa menjadi petunjuk mengenai keadaan jantung Anda.

Kulit kering, rambut patah-patah, atau kebotakan berlebih bisa jadi disebabkan oleh ketidaktegaran kadar kolesterol dalam tubuh, terkhusus apabila hal tersebut diiringi dengan hipotiroidisme atau penyakit lainnya yang mengganggu proses metabolis lemak.

Sebaliknya, memiliki kulit dan rambut yang sehat biasanya menunjukkan bahwa kadar kolesterol serta metabolisme tubuh Anda umumnya dalam keadaan baik.

7. Pencernaan sehat

Pencernaan yang sehat serta BAB yang rutin juga bisa jadi tanda kondisi tubuh secara menyeluruh, termasuk keseimbangan kadar kolesterol.

Kolesterol memiliki peranan penting dalam pembentukan empedu, yang memfasilitasi proses pencernaan lemak. Apabila kolesterol terjaga pada tingkat seimbang yang baik, maka sistem pencernaan dapat berfungsi dengan lebih optimal.

Tanda jantung kurang sehat

Dilansir dari
Hindustantimes
Berikut adalah beberapa indikasi bahwa kondisi jantung Anda mungkin tidak baik dan perlu diwaspadai:

1. Sering merasakan sakit di area dada

Sakit di dada bisa menjadi tanda adanya kelainan atau penyakit pada jantung.

Umumnya, rasa sakit di dada mengindikasikan ada kadar kolesterol tinggi yang memicu penggelapan pada pembuluh darah.

2. Mual

Apabila Anda kerap mengalami rasa mual hingga ingin memuntahkan isi perut, kondisi tersebut bisa menjadi indikasi dari gejala yang timbul saat serangan jantung.

3. Rasa sakit menyebar ke arah lengannya

Sakit yang menjalar hingga ke lengan adalah salah satu tanda serangan jantung yang umum terjadi. Biasanya, gejalanya menyebabkan rasa nyeri yang meluas ke bagian kiri dari badan.

4. Pusing terus-menerus

Apabila Anda mendadak mengalami kepala berputar, dan kondisi itu kerap kali terulang, ini bisa menjadi indikasi bahwa tekanan darah menurun sebab jantung tak dapat menyedot darah dengan efisien.

5. Sesak napas

Apabila Anda kerap merasakan sesak napas, bahkan ketika melakukan aktivitas yang sederhana, mungkin jantung belum optimal dalam memompa darah.

6. Keringat berlebihan

Berbekas kering secara berlebihan tanpa sebab yang jelas atau berkeringat dingin juga bisa menjadi indikasi serangan jantung.

Berikut adalah beberapa indikasi untuk mengetahui apakah jantung Anda bermasalah atau masih dalam keadaan baik.

Sangat disarankan untuk berkonsultasi dengan dokter untuk mendapatkan diagnosa dan pengobatan tambahan bila Anda mencurigai adanya indikator penyakit jantung.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? Experts Reveal the Answer

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? Experts Reveal the Answer

Sleep remains an enigma even though it is essential for our well-being.

Many of us dedicate about one-third of our lives to sleep, yet you might require more or fewer than eight hours each night.

This is what sleep experts and physicians recommend regarding the amount of time you should dedicate to sleeping.

‘Self-care’

“The exact reasons remain unclear, yet it’s a crucial activity for everyone,” stated Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a sleep expert from Stanford University.

When you sleep, something extraordinary occurs. It stands as the most innate way of taking care of yourself.

The majority of people get between seven to nine hours of sleep, which shows the least correlation with health issues, according to Molly Atwood, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist at Johns Hopkins.

According to Atwood, once individuals consistently obtain less than six hours or over nine hours of sleep per night on average, their likelihood of experiencing health issues gradually increases; however, individual differences play a role.

According to Pelayo, when determining the amount of sleep required, it’s crucial to consider the quality of your rest. He mentioned that the ultimate goal should be waking up rejuvenated.

“If someone informs me that they get plenty of sleep but still feel exhausted upon waking, there’s an issue,” Pelayo stated. “You should not depart from your preferred eatery without being satiated.”

The amount of sleep required varies from person to person.

The quantity of sleep required varies across our lifetime. Infants require the highest amount—ranging from 14 to 17 hours.

“Atwood mentioned that definitely during our infancy and childhood, as we grow very quickly, we require much more sleep,” he stated.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that many adults aged from 26 to 64 should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Seniors might receive somewhat lesser amounts, whereas young adults aged 16 to 25 could potentially get slightly higher sums.

People go through various sleep stages approximately every 90 minutes. During the initial part of the night, as Atwood mentioned, a larger segment of this cycle consists of slow-wave sleep, also known as deep sleep, which is crucial for bodily repair and restoration. This is also when “growth hormone” gets secreted.

During the later part of the night, a larger portion of your sleep cycle is dedicated to REM sleep, also known as dream sleep. This stage plays a crucial role in learning and consolidating memories, essentially converting short-term experiences into long-lasting ones.

Children experience more “profound sleep,” spending roughly half the night in this stage, she explained. This decreases during adolescence, according to Atwood, as our bodies require less repair and rejuvenation.

Another intriguing change during puberty is the emergence of gender-based disparities in sleep patterns.

Is it true that women require more sleep compared to men?

The research does not indicate that women require more sleep; however, women generally tend to get marginally more rest compared to men, according to Atwood.

It begins when they are young. Despite having similar sleep requirements, adolescent girls appear to obtain less shut-eye compared to their male counterparts, according to Pelayo. Furthermore, teen girls often report experiencing insomnia more regularly.

According to Allison Harvey, a clinical psychologist and professor specializing in sleep at UC Berkeley in the U.S., when women become first-time mothers, they tend to look after their newborns during nighttime more often, resulting in reduced sleep.

Hormones can also affect how much and how well women sleep during pregnancy and menopause.

Specialists suggest that women might require additional rest leading up to their period.

When should you get assistance with sleep?

You’ll recognize if you aren’t getting sufficient rest if you feel cranky, easily annoyed, and unable to concentrate. Over time, these small issues can escalate into severe concerns – potentially life-threatening ones.

Atwood mentioned that if you’re not getting adequate sleep or if you have untreated insomnia or sleep apnea, your likelihood of experiencing depression goes up.

You face higher risks of cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. Your immune system gets weakened. You become more susceptible to Alzheimer’s.

If you’re meeting the suggested hours of sleep each night yet still feel exhausted upon waking, it may be time to consult with your primary care physician.

They can eliminate other medical issues that might impact your sleep, according to Atwood. However, if the troubles continue, consulting a sleep specialist might be beneficial.

Social Media Misinformation Blamed for Spike in ADHD Prescriptions

Social Media Misinformation Blamed for Spike in ADHD Prescriptions


  • EXPLORE FURTHER: Widely Used Medication Might Eliminate Symptoms of ADHD

Popular applications and social media personalities have fueled a considerable increase in this trend.
ADHD
concerning studies cautioned today.

Experts discovered that prescriptions for medications to address the condition have surged nearly 20% year-over-year since the start of the pandemic.

However, social networking websites such as
TikTok
And thoseInstagram posts that highlight common daily issues as possible signs of ADHD have planted the seeds for misinformation, prompting individuals to pursue diagnoses, according to the researchers.

Alternatively, users ought to handle this data with care as the precision and dependability of the material may differ considerably, they advised.

This warning has come at a time when more celebrities have been openly discussing their personal struggles with the condition over the past few months.

Up until now, approximately five percent of children and as high as four percent of adults were believed to have ADHD in England.

In the research, though, specialists from Aston University and the University of Huddersfield found that national prescription rates went up from 25.17 items for every 1,000 individuals in 2019/2020 to 41.55 items in 2023/24—a yearly rise averaging 18 percent.

However, the increase reached up to 51 percent.
Birmingham
and Solihull. In contrast, Norfolk and Waveney saw an uptick of only 5 percent.



The group examined English prescription information for the five presently approved ADHD medications across national, regional, and NHS integrated care board (ICB) levels.

There were three stimulants mentioned: methylphenidate, which is available as Ritalin and Concerta; dexamphetamine; and lisdexamphetamine.

Atomoxetine and guanfacine made up the remaining two non-stimulant options.

The researchers discovered that methylphenidate was still the most commonly prescribed medication, with a rate of 19 items for every 1,000 individuals.

However, the most significant rise was observed in lisdexamfetamine prescriptions, which surged by 55 percent compared to the previous year.

Writing in the journal
BMJ Mental Health
The researchers indicated that social media was probably responsible for the significant increase.

‘The heightened public and professional awareness, aided significantly by social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, may have prompted more individuals to pursue evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy,’ they noted.

‘Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have emerged as new centers for discussions about ADHD, where numerous individuals share their personal stories, management techniques, and paths to being diagnosed.’

While social media plays a key role in raising ADHD awareness, it’s important to be cautious when consuming this information since the accuracy and dependability of such content may differ greatly.

‘False information on these platforms can result in misunderstandings regarding signs, detection, and care.’

They included: “It is crucial to conduct studies on reliable techniques for reviewing and managing ADHD-related content on social media platforms so as to guarantee that initiatives aimed at raising awareness do not unintentionally disseminate false information.”

The extensive disruptions and stresses brought about by the pandemic might have contributed to increased prescription rates, according to the research team.

The pandemic has dramatically changed everyday activities like shifting to online or hybrid methods of education and employment, which also led to heightened stress for numerous individuals, according to them.

These modifications might have intensified ADHD symptoms in certain individuals, rendering these symptoms more apparent and leading people to pursue a diagnosis and treatment.

Individuals with ADHD often experience difficulties such as lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. They might find it challenging to focus on specific tasks or exhibit excessive restlessness.

The use of medications to alleviate severe symptoms was backed by substantial evidence, according to the researchers.


Today’s experts, who weren’t part of the research, recognized that healthcare providers have observed a ‘substantial rise’ in individuals seeking assistance for ADHD.

Dr. Ulrich Muller-Sedgwick, who advocates for ADHD at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, stated, “This increase can be attributed to several factors such as better identification of ADHD in females, heightened societal understanding, and the effects of the pandemic which worsened numerous individuals’ conditions.”

The correct diagnosis along with proper treatment, such as medications and suitable modifications, can significantly improve individuals’ well-being and enable them to achieve their fullest potential in studies or professional life.

We understand that increasing ADHD services via focused funding would aid in guaranteeing individuals get the essential support they require.

Dr. Paul Keedwell, a consulting psychiatrist and expert in neurodiversity, likewise proposed that there

‘There might be an instance of excessive diagnosis.’


He stated: “Even though there isn’t concrete proof of this, it’s crucial that every person gets a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist.”

‘A variety of other psychological disorders can lead to symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD.’

For instance, my clinical practice has uncovered numerous instances where issues with inattention stemmed from undiagnosed depression instead of ADHD.

Furthermore, ADHD frequently coexists with various mental health conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, complex trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Others have also previously

alerted that unscrupulous private clinics are misdiagnosing the issue excessively.

However, experts have also contended that ADHD was first recognized in the UK as an adult disorder back in 2008.

Previously, it was considered merely a childhood issue that children would eventually grow out of.

Consequently, instead of being overdiagnosed, some experts argue that numerous adults currently receiving an ADHD diagnosis may have had their symptoms overlooked for many years.

What is ADHD?


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by issues with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions.

Approximately five percent of children in the United States experience this. In the UK, about 3.6 percent of boys and 0.85 percent of girls are affected.

Symptoms usually show up at a young age and tend to become more apparent as the child develops. They may also encompass:

  • Constant fidgeting
  • Poor concentration
  • Excessive movement or talking
  • Acting without thinking
  • Difficulty in handling stress
  • Minimal awareness or disregard for potential risks.
  • Careless mistakes
  • Mood swings
  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty organising tasks
  • Constantly beginning fresh tasks without completing previous ones
  • Difficulty in listening or following directions

Many instances are identified from ages six to twelve. However, adults may also experience it, though there is limited study on that aspect.

The precise reason for ADHD remains unknown, yet it is believed to be linked to genetic changes that influence how a person’s brain functions and develops.

Babies born prematurely as well as those who have epilepsy or brain damage are more susceptible.

ADHD is associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s syndrome, and epilepsy as well.

There is no cure.

Typically, a mix of medications and therapy is suggested to alleviate symptoms and smooth out daily activities.


Source:


NHS Choices

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Study Sounds Alarm: Early Sign of Alzheimer’s May Be as Simple as Sleeping In

Study Sounds Alarm: Early Sign of Alzheimer’s May Be as Simple as Sleeping In

Frequent oversleeping might be an initial sign of several serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, suggests recent research.

Research has shown that individuals getting approximately seven hours of sleep are less prone to experiencing significant health problems.

Individuals who get more than seven hours of sleep are at an increased risk of experiencing cognitive decline along with heart disease and conditions related to it.
diabetes
.

However, individuals who managed less than seven hours of sleep tended to experience lower moods, feelings of tiredness, and poorer muscle and bone health.

MRI studies showed that the brain regions associated with emotions tend to be smaller in individuals who get less sleep. Experts think this shrinkage may explain why these people often experience lower moods.

Experts labeled the discoveries as a ‘game changer’ in comprehending the link between sleep and well-being.

The research conducted at the University of Warwick examined sleep patterns involving almost 500,000 individuals aged between 38 and 73 years old.

The researchers indicate that for individuals who sleep excessively, this is probably a sign of an underlying condition rather than the reason behind it.


Prior studies have indicated that getting more than nine hours of sleep might signal the presence of Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disorder. However, investigators from Warwick suggest that consistently sleeping for over seven hours may also point towards this serious illness.

Nevertheless, individuals who get less than seven hours of sleep attribute their health problems to the lack of sufficient rest.

Experts express their optimism that these discoveries could enable early detection of illnesses and swiftly offer treatment strategies for individuals struggling with sleep issues.

The subsequent phase of the study will involve monitoring alterations in sleep patterns as time progresses.

‘This represents a significant change in our understanding of the connection between sleep and overall health,’ states Professor Jianfeng Feng, a biologist and co-author of the study at Warwick University.

‘Our final objective is to create a complete sleep health overview throughout an individual’s entire lifetime, offering practical recommendations for people at each developmental stage.’

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