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Case of measles confirmed in Cleveland: residents of Cuyahoga County advised to self-isolate after possible contactCleveland, Ohio — As the United States faces a resurgence of measles cases — a disease previously considered nearly eradicated — a local case has been detected in Cuyahoga County, prompting the Health Department to issue an official public warning.An unvaccinated child diagnosed with measles received medical care at Hillcrest hospital on May 2 and returned to the emergency department on May 4. According to Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH), the child was examined and sent home in quarantine “for the duration of the illness.”Health professionals expressed concern about potential spread of the virus among individuals present in the hospital's Atrium lobby during that period. Specifically, this concerns the time window from 15:50 to 18:15 on May 2. Everyone who was in the risk zone and does not have confirmed immunity is advised to adhere to a 21-day quarantine and avoid public places.“This is not about panic. It’s about responsibility. If you are unvaccinated — stay home,” — emphasized the department.Who should stay at home?According to CCBH, individuals are considered immune to measles if:they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) after 12 months of age,they have a positive blood test for measles antibodies,they were born before December 31, 1956 (generally assumed to have had measles in childhood).Individuals who do not meet any of the above criteria may be potentially susceptible to infection.For vaccination or quarantine consultations, CCBH recommends calling 216-201-2000 or visiting their website.Cases are rising nationwideThis case is just a drop in a worrying trend. According to CDC, the U.S. has already surpassed 1,000 laboratory-confirmed measles cases this year, the highest since the early 1990s. The largest outbreak was recorded in West Texas, but cases have been reported in nearly all states.Despite years of vaccination efforts, experts warn that a decline in MMR vaccine coverage — partly due to misinformation — creates ideal conditions for the disease to make a comeback.“Measles is not an innocent childhood disease. It is a highly contagious and potentially deadly infection,” — remind the CDC.CCBH and local doctors encourage residents to stay calm — but also to take decisive action: check their vaccinations, isolate if necessary, and consult a doctor if in doubt.Information is our first line of defense, vaccination is our best protection.

Until recently, health for many men was associated with two things: not being sick — therefore, everything is fine, and "going to the doctor — only in extreme cases." But the world is changing, as is the perception of true strength. Today, being a man means not only being resilient but also being responsible — for yourself and your loved ones. That is why three simple yet profound messages can serve as a starting point for a healthy and long life. A recent forum in Southern Jersey dedicated to men's health gathered over 70 participants and confirmed: yes, men care about their bodies and minds, and yes — it’s not too late to change everything even after 50. Discussions, speeches by doctors and a personal trainer showed that modern health views are not a marathon of youth but an open path for everyone. And the three messages most frequently resonated — simple as bread, but solid as bone. Prevention is not weakness, but wisdom The habit of postponing visits to the doctor or avoiding them altogether is a sad standard prevalent among men worldwide. In the USA, the UK, and yes, even in Ukraine — men are afraid, ashamed, or simply don't have time. But in reality, preventive check-ups are not about illnesses but about life. Doctors emphasize: asymptomatic diseases are the most insidious. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems can remain hidden for a long time until it's too late. When you visit a doctor once a year, you’re not just “checking analyses,” you’re building the future — for yourself and those around you. You are not alone. Live healthily for those who love you This rule sounds simple but has a deep emotional resonance. Men often see themselves as pillars for others but forget that their presence also matters. Wife, children, grandchildren, friends — they want to see you healthy, active, happy. Emotional connections are not only a source of inspiration. Research shows: people with strong social ties smoke less, eat better, exercise more often, and live longer. Your health is not only your life but also a part of your loved ones' lives. It’s never too late to change everything There is no age at which it’s too late to start caring for yourself. Even if you're 60, 70, or older — research clearly states: lifestyle changes benefit at any age. Healthy eating, exercise, giving up harmful habits — it’s not necessarily about youth; it’s about choice. A study by Johns Hopkins University showed that physical activity can not only improve form but also literally rejuvenate the heart. The brain? A 100-year-old’s brain isn’t much different from that of an 18-year-old. Another proof: you are your own main resource. Conclusion: don’t heroically act — act wisely Being healthy is not heroism. It’s habits, care, and courage to face the truth. Three simple actions: go to the doctor, think of loved ones, and start today — these are not brochure tips but keys to a long, active, and happy life. So, guys — lift your head, open your calendar, and plan your first step. Because true masculinity lies in responsibility.

At first glance — this seems trivial: getting up from a seated position. But this simple action can become a window into your overall physical condition. Medical professionals call it the "Sit-To-Stand test" (English: Sit-To-Stand or STS), and it surprisingly reveals a lot about your muscles, balance, endurance, and even heart risk. What is this test? STS is a self-assessment method that can be easily performed at home. All you need is a straight-backed chair (without armrests), a timer, and some space. Sit in the middle of the chair, cross your arms on your chest, place your feet flat on the floor — and count how many times you can fully stand up and sit down again in 30 seconds. This test is widely used in geriatrics — to assess the physical condition of elderly people. However, it can also be a valuable marker of overall physical health and the functional capacity of the body for younger individuals. What do your results mean? Organizations such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA) have established average benchmarks for each age group. For example, a person aged 60–64 typically performs 12–14 stands. In older categories, these numbers decrease. If your result is significantly below the norm — it’s a signal that you should consult a doctor. For young people, it serves as a kind of fitness indicator. For instance, a study in Switzerland showed that at ages 20–24, the average result is about 50 stands per minute. But there were also exceptional participants who managed to stand up 72 times! Why is this important? A low score may indicate deteriorating heart and vascular function, muscle weakness, or fall risk. For the elderly, the last is especially dangerous: one-third of people over 65 fall each year. The consequences can be serious — from fractures to loss of mobility and social isolation. Studies have even shown that people with worse results in the STS test have a significantly higher risk of mortality in subsequent years. But don’t be alarmed — it’s just a marker, not a verdict. How to improve your result? The most effective way is to stay active. Even light physical activities, such as household chores, walking, or taking stairs instead of the elevator, can have a significant impact. For those with limited mobility, it’s recommended to start with simple seated exercises, gradually progressing to full standing. Playing with grandchildren, gardening, short walks — all of these not only improve scores but also positively influence emotional well-being and social activity. According to experts, loneliness is no less a health hazard than lack of physical activity. Simple test — great significance The STS test is not just exercise. It is a way to look at yourself, an opportunity to assess where you are now — and which direction to move to preserve or regain control over your own body. It doesn't require expensive equipment or medical expertise, but provides a clear idea of your physical shape and potential risks. If you think, “Now is not the time” — perhaps that’s exactly the best moment to check your health. And remember: it’s never too late to change habits.

Back pain – a problem affecting millions of people around the world. In some cases, surgery becomes the only way to return to a normal life. In Cleveland, neurosurgeon Xiaofei Zhou is implementing the latest minimally invasive endoscopic surgical technique for treating intervertebral disc hernias. This procedure is minimally invasive, allowing patients to recover faster and return to active life. How does the new method work? Traditionally, spinal surgeries require bones to be drilled and muscles to be cut, leading to a long and painful recovery. The new Arthrex procedure, used by Doctor Zhou, allows for the removal of a herniated disc through a tiny incision. "We access the nerves through a very small camera port. This allows us to operate through a cut the size of a fingernail, without damaging bones or muscles," – explains Zhou. This approach significantly shortens the recovery period, and patients can walk the same day after surgery. Theresa Tuma's story: quick recovery 29-year-old Theresa Tuma from Lakewood suffered from severe pain due to an intervertebral disc hernia for a long time. The woman tried steroid therapy and physiotherapy, but relief did not come. "It was destroying my life," – she recounts. In February 2025, Zhou performed an endoscopic operation on her, after which the patient was able to stand and walk on the same day as the surgery. "I didn’t feel any pain, even though I wore the brace for almost a year. I thought there would be stiffness or discomfort, but nothing like that happened," – shares Tuma. Is this surgery suitable for everyone? Doctor Zhou emphasizes that this method is not suitable for all patients. "We cannot promise a perfect operation – there are always risks. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to avoid surgical intervention, we choose that," – explains the doctor. However, for those who meet the criteria, this procedure represents a real breakthrough in back pain treatment, allowing patients to return to normal life much quicker than after traditional surgery.

Popular chocolate brand Tony's Chocolonely voluntarily recalls seven batches of its chocolate bars due to possible inclusion of small stones. These bars are sold in major retail chains, including Walmart, Target, and Jewel-Osco, and have been distributed throughout the United States. Reason for the recall The company received 12 reports from consumers who found foreign objects in the chocolate. The issue arose due to , supplied by an external manufacturer. Cases have been reported outside the US and Canada, and no injuries have been reported so far. “Although the likelihood that any individual product may contain foreign objects is low, we decided to take this step to ensure consumer safety,” – the company's statement reads. Which chocolate bars are being recalled? Products subject to recall: Product DescriptionWeightBatch CodeExpiration DateUPCTony's Chocolonely Everything Bar180 g / 6.35 oz4327November 22, 20258500118285644330November 25, 20258500118285644331November 26, 2025850011828564M4331November 26, 2025850032676441Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt180 g / 6.35 oz163094April 2, 2026858010005641162634February 28, 2026858010005641M162634February 28, 2026850011828908 The company noted that other chocolate bars of the brand are not affected by the recall. What should you do if you purchased these bars? If you bought chocolate from the recalled batch, do not consume it. The company recommends returning the product to the store where it was purchased for full refund or replacement. Alternatively, you may dispose of the bar. Detailed information about the recall and refunds can be found on the official Tony's Chocolonely website.

Summer is a time for outdoor relaxation, picnics, and travel, but along with sunny weather, the risk of encountering ticks also increases. Warming temperatures and an extended warm season contribute to the activity of these small but potentially dangerous parasites. In many regions, specialists forecast a particularly challenging season due to the early arrival of warm weather. Why is this important? Ticks can carry serious diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. To avoid bites and know how to act if a tick bites you, it’s advisable to follow simple but effective rules. How can you protect yourself from ticks? Preventing a tick bite is much easier than treating possible consequences. Here are the main safety measures: 🔹 Proper clothing: Wear light-colored clothing to more easily spot ticks. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck your pants into socks – this makes it harder for ticks to reach your skin. 🔹 Using repellents: Products with DEET (20-30%) effectively repel ticks. Use on clothing – it acts as an insecticide. 🔹 Inspection after being outdoors: After returning home, thoroughly check your skin, especially areas under armpits, behind ears, under knees, in the groin, and on the scalp. Also examine your clothing and things – ticks can move around. Take a shower – this helps wash off ticks that have not yet attached. What to do if you find a tick on yourself? If a tick has already embedded in your skin, it’s important to remove it correctly: ✅ Use a fine-tipped tweezers.✅ Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.✅ Carefully, without sudden movements, pull upward – do not twist or crush it.✅ Treat the bite site with an antiseptic.✅ If part of the tick remains in the skin, try to remove it with sterile tools or see a doctor.✅ Wash your hands with soap. What not to do?❌ Do not apply oil, Vaseline, or alcohol to the tick – it may release infected fluids into your blood.❌ Do not burn the tick with a match.❌ Do not squeeze it with your hands. How to know if a tick has bitten you? The bite itself is usually painless, so many people notice the parasite only after it has attached. Main signs of a bite:🔸 Red spot or swelling.🔸 A characteristic rash in the shape of a "bull’s eye" may indicate Lyme disease.🔸 Feeling of itching, pain, or burning. If the tick has embedded and remained on the body for several days, the risk of infection increases. What to do if a tick bites you? After removing the tick, carefully monitor your well-being. If within a few days or weeks you develop any of the following symptoms, see a doctor: ⚠ Fever or chills⚠ Headache or muscle pain⚠ Weakness and fatigue⚠ Rash, especially in a ring shape⚠ Joint pain Important! Some diseases, including Lyme disease, may not show symptoms immediately. If an infection is suspected, the doctor may prescribe tests or a preventive course of antibiotics (doxycycline). Where are tick-borne diseases most common in the USA? Ticks are widespread across the entire USA, but some regions are hotspots for infections: 📍 Lyme disease – Northeast, Midwest, Atlantic coast📍 Ehrlichiosis – Southeast, Texas📍 Babesiosis – Northeast, Great Midwest📍 Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Western USA You can see the map of tick-borne disease distribution on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website. Conclusion To avoid tick-borne diseases:✅ Wear appropriate clothing.✅ Use repellents.✅ Check yourself after outdoor activities.✅ Properly remove a tick if bitten.✅ Monitor your health. Ticks are not a sentence, but neglecting safety measures can lead to serious consequences. Take care of yourself and enjoy summer without troubles! 🌿☀

Is there a threat to the population? On Wednesday, representatives of the Philadelphia Department of Health reported a possible contact with measles patients at two locations in the city. At the same time, specialists assure that there is no threat to the general public. The case of illness is related to international travel and has no connection to recent measles cases detected in Montgomery County or in Texas. "This case of measles does not pose a threat to the population," — emphasized the Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. Where and when could the contact have occurred? According to officials, the infected person was present at the following places: 📍 South Philadelphia Health and Literacy Center 📅 Friday, March 7, 2025, 10:45 AM – 2:40 PM 📅 Saturday, March 8, 2025, 9:05 AM – 1:20 PM 📍 Address: 1700 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145 This building includes: CHOP Pediatric Primary Care in South Philadelphia Department of Health Center No. 2 South Philadelphia Library (no contact in the library) 📍 CHOP Emergency Department 📅 Monday, March 10, 2025, 7:55 AM – 10:15 AM 📍 Address: 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104 What is measles and why is it dangerous? Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that is transmitted: By airborne droplets through coughing or sneezing Through direct contact with infected droplets Primary symptoms of measles: High fever Runny nose and cough Eye inflammation Characteristic red rash The illness remains contagious for four days before and after the rash appears. Infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are unvaccinated are particularly vulnerable. In severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia, brain infections, and even death. How to know if you are protected? If you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) – you are protected. The vaccine is 97% effective and provides lifetime immunity. People born before 1957 generally have natural immunity. If you have previously had measles, re-infection is unlikely. "If you are protected, you do not need to do anything," — officials from the health department stated. What should you do if you are not vaccinated? If you have not received the vaccine, contact a doctor to get the MMR vaccination. If you have been in contact with infected individuals, monitor for symptoms. If infected, stay at home for 21 days to prevent the spread of the virus. The Philadelphia Department of Health provides additional information about places where you can get vaccinated. Conclusion Despite the identified case, experts state that the risk of measles spread is low. Nevertheless, this once again underscores the importance of vaccination as the only reliable protection against this dangerous virus.

Mosquitoes are not only annoying companions of summer holidays in Florida but also carriers of dangerous diseases. However, a new study shows that even such small changes in the ecosystem, like the fight between local lizards and invasive species, can significantly impact their behavior and, accordingly, human health. Lizards, mosquitoes, and humans: an unexpected connection Researchers from the University of Florida found that the brown anole — small lizards with orange throats — can help humans by becoming a “target” for mosquitoes, thus reducing the risk of disease transmission to people. At night, these lizards sleep on branches and leaves, making them easy prey for mosquitoes. However, the situation changes due to the invasion of rock agamas — a large invasive lizard species introduced as an exotic pet but quickly spreading in the wild. Agamas, which are three times larger than anoles, displace them from their habitat, eating their food and even preying on anoles themselves. As a result, the lizard population decreases, and mosquitoes are forced to look for new victims. How does this affect humans? When mosquitoes can no longer feed on brown anoles, they switch to other animals, such as birds. This is an alarming factor, as birds are the main carriers of many dangerous viruses. Researchers believe that the more often mosquitoes bite birds, the higher the likelihood they will pick up pathogens and transmit them to humans. To confirm this hypothesis, a team of scientists conducted large-scale field studies, catching mosquitoes in areas dominated by agamas and analyzing their diet using DNA tests. Then, scientists restored the population of anoles in these locations and repeated the experiment. It is expected that the results will show that the return of lizards to their habitats reduces the number of mosquitoes feeding on birds, thereby decreasing the risk of spreading dangerous diseases. Will global warming make the situation worse? According to Dr. Joyti Soman, an infectious disease specialist at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami-Dade, the spread of invasive species is not the only factor influencing the proliferation of mosquitoes and infectious diseases. Large-scale use of fossil fuels and climate change contribute to mosquitoes remaining active longer. Forecasts suggest that over the next 25 years, the mosquito activity season in the USA will last two months longer, which could lead to an increase in disease cases transmitted by these insects. Diseases of greatest concern Mosquitoes in Florida can carry dangerous viruses, including: Dengue fever Chikungunya virus Zika fever West Nile virus Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE or “Triple E”) Eastern equine encephalitis is particularly dangerous, as it causes severe complications such as blindness, hearing loss, or mental disorders. The mortality rate from this disease can reach 30%. What can be done? Researchers hope that their results will help local authorities allocate resources to combat agamas and protect brown anoles, which could positively impact the reduction of mosquito-borne diseases. As ecologist Melissa Miller notes, even such small changes in the ecosystem can have a significant impact on human health. Therefore, supporting the natural balance and controlling invasive species is an important step to protect not only Florida’s flora and fauna but also the residents of this region themselves.

Ohio remains the epicenter of avian influenza spread in the USA, ranking first in the number of recorded cases. Recently, the State Department of Agriculture reported the confirmation of a new virus cluster in Stark County, in the northeastern part of the state. The exact location of the infected flock has not been disclosed yet. New case and scope of the threat According to official data, avian flu was detected in a backyard flock consisting of 30 birds. Some of the infected birds have been culled to prevent further spread of the virus. "This is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in this region in the past year. Unfortunately, the trend indicates a worsening situation," — stated epidemiologist Julianna Smith from the Stark County Department of Health. She added that the number of infections in the state and nationwide is increasing, surpassing previous years' figures. Over the past month, avian flu has affected over 8.5 million birds in Ohio, including commercial farms. Although the primary impact of the virus is on poultry farming, a recent case of human infection has also been registered in the state. It occurred in early February in Mercer County. Is there a threat to humans? Experts note that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assures that the risk of infection for the general population remains low. "All recorded cases among people in the USA, totaling 70 so far, have been mild and without complications. They are mainly linked to direct contact with infected birds," — explained Smith. She added that the increased risk is for poultry workers, farmers, and people caring for domestic poultry. How to stay safe? Medical professionals recommend avoiding contact with sick and dead birds. If you notice a suspicious bird, you should immediately report it to the local health department. "We urge people not to touch dead birds with bare hands. If it is necessary to move the carcass, use thick gloves, a double-layer disposal bag, and an N-95 mask or similar protection," — stated the medical director of Summitt County, Dr. Erika Sobolevski. Conclusions While the situation remains under control for now, the increasing number of cases requires heightened caution. Ohio authorities continue to monitor the situation and take measures to prevent further spread of avian influenza. Citizens are advised to follow sanitary norms and contact relevant authorities if sick or dead birds are found.