Author: yosua kodjovi Domedjui

“Le Monde” has launched a series of podcast episodes focusing on the climate crisis, featuring thought-provoking discussions on how public health intersects with environmental changes. In a recent episode of “Chaleur humaine,” which aired on June 6, 2023, Dr. Jean-David Zeitoun explores the critical need to balance concerns about public health with the ongoing ecological shift. Human activities significantly impact both the environment and public health. Over the next three decades, global warming is expected to become one of the most significant risks to human health. Various activities contribute to environmental degradation and pose health risks, including industrial pollution, deforestation,…

Renowned Harvard researcher and physician Dr. William Li highlights over 200 foods that can cure dementia, prevent cancer, and treat dozens of other avoidable illnesses When we choose meals that appear healthy, we often believe we are making beneficial choices for our well-being. However, some of these seemingly nutritious meals can be detrimental to our long-term health. Ultra-Processed Plant-Based Foods: An Unhealthy Trap While foods made entirely of plants may seem nutritious, excessive processing can strip them of their health benefits. “We know that highly processed foods are detrimental to our overall well-being. In fact, consuming excessive amounts can actually…

A groundbreaking AI-assisted ultrasound technology is poised to revolutionize maternal and newborn healthcare across Africa. This innovative solution promises to save thousands of lives by enabling early and accurate prenatal exams, especially in regions such as South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, and Uganda. Expanding Access to Prenatal Care With the introduction of AI-assisted ultrasound, midwives are now able to conduct examinations using a portable probe linked t o an AI system. This advancement significantly increases access to prenatal care, potentially reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates by democratizing access to essential medical services. Addressing Healthcare Disparities Inadequate access to specialists and…

At the NUTRITION 2024 conference, groundbreaking research has revealed a troubling connection between the consumption of highly processed foods and increased mortality rates. The study, led by Dr. Erikka Loftfield of the National Cancer Institute, investigated the eating habits of over 540,000 individuals and discovered a significant correlation between the intake of certain processed foods and a higher risk of death. The research focused on participants aged 50 to 71, with data collected during the 1990s. These individuals were categorized based on their consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugary drinks and processed meats. The results showed a notable disparity…

Recent research from the French National Institute for Medical Research (Inserm) suggests that coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This promising finding indicates that caffeine could be an effective treatment for this type of dementia. For many coffee enthusiasts, the morning ritual of having a cup of coffee provides an essential “kick-start.” Caffeine is well-known for its stimulating effects, enhancing focus and alertness. However, it is also recognized for its potential benefits on memory. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that consistent, moderate caffeine intake—about two to four cups per day—may reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease…

Researchers have identified a molecule that could pave the way for new treatments for Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the UBE3A gene. This discovery offers hope for managing a condition that currently has no known cure. Angelman syndrome arises from a unique genetic anomaly where the UBE3A gene inherited from the father is dormant in the neurons of affected children, while the maternal copy is absent. This rare condition affects about 1 in 15,000 individuals in France and manifests early in life, often within the first few months. The disorder presents a range of symptoms,…

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), South Africa’s key government diagnostic pathology organization, is grappling with a severe disruption following a ransomware attack that has destroyed backups and continues to impact operations. This cyberattack, which exploited vulnerabilities in NHLS infrastructure, has caused significant delays in laboratory testing at public health facilities. Despite all laboratories currently operating at full capacity and handling clinical samples, doctors are unable to access test results online. While reassuring the public that no patient data had been exposed, the NHLS stated that it would take a few weeks to retrieve the damaged data. The delays in…

A recent report highlights a worrying trend in global health, with 1.8 billion adults worldwide, or nearly a third of all adults, not engaging in the recommended amounts of physical activity in 2022. This represents an alarming increase of about 5 percentage points since 2010, indicating that adults are becoming less physically active over time. The global aim of eliminating physical inactivity by 2030 is currently far from being met. If the current trend persists, the degree of inactivity is expected to rise even further to 35% by that time. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that individuals engage in…

Santé Publique France has issued a warning regarding the resurgence of the Hyalomma marginatum tick, also known as the “giant tick,” in Corsica and southern France. This development has raised concerns among health officials and the public due to the tick’s association with the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus. In 2023, the CCHF virus was first discovered in France, examined on cattle ticks from the French Pyrénées-Orientales region. Although no human cases have been reported in France thus far, the potential for transmission remains a significant concern. Thirteen people have died from the virus in Spain, underscoring the potential severity…

American psychologist Mark Travers explains the gut-brain connection and lists three dietary categories that should be followed as much as possible to improve mental health in a piece that was published in Psychology Today. What we put on our daily plates has a direct impact on our mental health. To grasp this, we need to imagine a dialogue between our intestine, or more precisely our digestive tract, and our brain, or more precisely our central nervous system. According to American researcher Mark Travers, this exchange affects “mood, cognitive functions and even mental health disorders.” Travers’ article was published on June…