Health & Wellness

Diabetes medication: Using insulin to withhold watch over blood sugar

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2023

Level Up Magazine

Diabetes medication: Using insulin to withhold watch over blood sugar

Discovering out how insulin affects your blood sugar can allow you to better effect up your situation.

By Mayo Sanatorium Physique of workers

Insulin remedy continually is a truly vital share of diabetes medication. It helps withhold blood sugar below withhold watch over and prevents diabetes issues. It works love the hormone insulin that the body in total makes.

The characteristic of insulin in the body

Insulin comes from an organ in the abdominal house known as the pancreas. The main characteristic of insulin is to develop obvious that sugar from vitamins in meals is accurately broken-down or saved in the body.

In case your body can develop ample insulin, you form now not occupy diabetes. In folks that form now not occupy diabetes, insulin helps:

Control blood sugar ranges. After you eat, your body breaks down vitamins known as carbohydrates into a sugar known as glucose. Glucose is the body’s main offer of energy. It’s moreover is idea as blood sugar. Blood sugar goes up after you eat.

When glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas responds by making insulin. Then insulin permits glucose to enter the body’s cells to offer them energy.
Retailer extra glucose for energy. After you eat, insulin ranges are excessive. Additional glucose is saved in the liver. This saved glucose is is idea as glycogen.

Between meals, insulin ranges are low. All the diagram thru that time, the liver releases glycogen into the bloodstream in the blueprint of glucose. This keeps blood sugar ranges within a slim range.

If you happen to could perchance occupy diabetes:

Your blood sugar ranges withhold rising after you eat. That’s because there is now not ample insulin to slide the glucose into your body’s cells. With form 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin. With form 2 diabetes, the pancreas would not develop ample insulin. And in some folks with diabetes, insulin does now not work smartly.

If you happen to form now not accept medication for diabetes, excessive blood sugar can lead to smartly being problems over time. These prerequisites embody:

Coronary heart attack or stroke.
Kidney disease main to kidney failure.
Eye problems, in conjunction with blindness.
Nerve ruin with nerve anxiety or numbness, known as diabetic neuropathy.
Foot problems which will result in surgery to rob away the foot.
Dental disorders.

Targets of insulin remedy

Insulin remedy keeps your blood sugar within your aim range. It helps forestall serious issues.

If you happen to could perchance occupy form 1 diabetes, you will need insulin remedy to conclude healthy. It replaces the insulin your body would not develop.

If you happen to could perchance occupy form 2 diabetes, insulin remedy could perchance be share of your medication. It’s wished when healthy-daily life adjustments and quite about a diabetes treatments form now not withhold watch over your blood sugar smartly ample.

Insulin remedy moreover is as soon as quickly wished to treat a form of diabetes that happens in the course of being pregnant. Right here is is idea as gestational diabetes. If you happen to could perchance occupy gestational diabetes, that you just too can need insulin remedy if healthy habits and quite about a diabetes treatments form now not aid ample.

Forms of insulin

Any forms of insulin aid treat diabetes. Every form varies in how fleet and the diagram long it controls blood sugar. That you just must perchance occupy to rob bigger than but but every other or much less insulin. Factors that aid decide which forms of insulin you will need and the diagram critical you will need embody:

The form of diabetes you want to perchance even occupy.
Your blood sugar ranges.
How critical your blood sugar ranges trade throughout the day.
Your daily life.

The main forms of insulin remedy embody:

Lengthy-performing, ultralong-performing or intermediate-performing insulins. If you secure yourself now not engaging, your liver releases glucose so your body has energy. Lengthy-, ultralong- or intermediate-performing insulin prevents blood sugar ranges from rising with out engaging.

Examples of these insulins are glargine (Lantus, Basaglar, others), detemir (Levemir), degludec (Tresiba) and NPH (Humulin N, Novolin N, others). Intermediate-performing insulin lasts about 12 to 18 hours. Lengthy-performing insulin works for roughly 24 hours. And ultralong-performing insulin lasts about 36 hours or longer.
Hastily-performing or quick-performing insulins. These insulins are ultimate for use earlier than meals. If desirous a few meal, they are able to aid bring blood sugar aid all of the diagram down to the baseline. They moreover blunt the sugar spikes after you eat. They inaugurate to work critical faster than long-performing or intermediate-performing insulins attain. In most cases, instant-performing insulins open up working in as few as 5 to 15 minutes. But they work for a critical shorter time. Hastily-performing insulin lasts about 2 to a couple hours. Immediate-performing insulin lasts about 3 to 6 hours.

Examples of these insulins embody ultrafast-performing aspart (Fiasp) and lispro (Lyumjev); instant-performing aspart (NovoLog), glulisine (Apidra) and lispro (Humalog, Admelog); and quick-performing, traditional (Humulin R, Novolin R).

In most cases, insulin-makers combine two forms of insulin. Right here is is idea as pre-blended insulin. It will even be purposeful for folk which occupy wretchedness the use of larger than one type of insulin. Pre-blended insulin continually begins to work in 5 to 60 minutes. It will withhold working for 10 to 16 hours.

Be conscious that quite about a preparations of insulin vary when it involves when they open working and the diagram long they final. Produce obvious to learn the instructions that attain alongside with your insulin. And conform to any instructions from your smartly being care team.

Ways to rob insulin

Insulin would not attain in tablet blueprint. The digestive system would ruin the tablet down earlier than it had but every other to work. But there are quite about a systems to rob insulin. Your smartly being care team can allow you to in deciding which diagram fits easiest for you.

Picks embody:

Pictures or pens. That you just must perchance be ready to inject insulin into the beefy genuine below the skin with a syringe and needle. Or that you just too can inject it with a pen-love tool. Each forms of devices preserve insulin with a needle hooked up. How continually or now not it is a long way a will have to occupy to utilize an insulin pen or shot relies on the form of diabetes you want to perchance even occupy. It moreover relies to your blood sugar ranges and the diagram continually you eat and exercise. That you just must perchance occupy to rob insulin pictures or use insulin pens a few cases a day.
Insulin pump. An insulin pump presents you tiny, actual quantities of instant-performing insulin all over the day. This works love the use of a shot of long-performing insulin. A pump moreover can give a instant burst of insulin, continually desirous about meals. This works love the use of a shot of instant-performing insulin. The pump pushes the insulin into a thin tube placed below the skin. A whole lot of quite about a forms of insulin pumps are available.
Inhaled insulin (Afrezza). This diagram of insulin is instant performing. You breathe it in thru a tool that goes in your mouth, known as an inhaler. You rob this diagram of insulin originally of every meal. Folks who smoke can also accrued now not use inhaled insulin. Nor can also accrued folks which occupy lung problems equivalent to asthma or power obstructive pulmonary disease.

In most cases, the use of insulin remedy could perchance be a project. On the other hand or now not it is an efficient technique to diminish blood sugar. Seek suggestion from a member of your smartly being care team when you happen to could perchance occupy any wretchedness alongside with your insulin routine. Query for aid genuine away if at-house glucose assessments repeat that you just want to perchance even occupy very low or very excessive blood sugar. Your insulin or quite about a diabetes medicines can also can also accrued be adjusted. With time, that you just too can secure an insulin routine that fits your wishes and daily life. And that can allow you to handbook an brisk, healthy life.

If you happen to rob many doses of insulin a day, inquire your smartly being care provider if there is one diagram to develop the routine less complicated. Including noninsulin medicines to your medication idea can also decrease the number of insulin pictures you will need everyday. And when you happen to rob fewer insulin pictures, that you just can occupy to examine your blood sugar much less continually. Particular noninsulin medicines occupy quite about a smartly being advantages too. Some can aid withhold watch over weight and decrease the possibilities of coronary heart attack or stroke, coronary heart failure, and kidney failure. Some folks with form 2 diabetes can end taking insulin entirely after they open taking noninsulin medicines. On the other hand or now not it is a long way a will have to occupy to withhold taking your insulin as prescribed unless your smartly being care provider tells you or now not it is OK to end.

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Aug. 04, 2023

Insulin fundamentals. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/healthy-residing/medication-treatments/insulin-quite about a-injectables/insulin-fundamentals. Accessed March 8, 2023.
Mantzoros C, et al. Insulin circulate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 8, 2023.
What’s diabetes? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/fundamentals/diabetes.html. Accessed March 8, 2023.
Insulin, medicines & quite about a diabetes treatments. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Ailments. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/smartly being-data/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments. Accessed March 8, 2023.
Weinstock RS. Overall recommendations of insulin remedy in diabetes mellitus. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 8, 2023.
What’s diabetes? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Ailments. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/smartly being-data/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes. Accessed March 8, 2023.
Afrezza (prescribing data). MannKind Corp.; 2023. https://afrezza.com/. Accessed March 8, 2023.
Insulin routines. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/healthy-residing/medication-treatments/insulin-quite about a-injectables/insulin-routines. Accessed March 8, 2023.
Forms of insulin. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/fundamentals/form-1-kinds-of-insulin.html. Accessed March 9, 2023.
Diabetes and nerve ruin. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/capabilities/diabetes-nerve-ruin.html. Accessed March 28, 2023.
Diabetes and your feet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/capabilities/healthy-feet.html. Accessed March 28, 2023.
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Wu J, et al. Causes for discontinuing insulin and factors linked to insulin discontinuation in sufferers with form 2 diabetes mellitus: A true-world proof see. Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology. 2021; doi:10.1186/s40842-020-00115-2.

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8. AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Protecting the Digital World

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Published

2 months ago

September 19, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

Health-Heart Attacks and Strokes Annually in the U.S

Health experts have discovered that certain blockbuster weight-loss drugs could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, offering new hope for broader cardiovascular protection. Certain blockbuster weight-loss drugs have been found to offer significant protection to the heart, and new research indicates that the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs may extend to a much broader set of patients than clinical trial data has previously shown. This new insight suggests that these drugs, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists, could prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes in the United States each year. These findings could mark a substantial shift in how these drugs are viewed, moving beyond their use for weight loss to potentially becoming critical tools in preventing cardiovascular events on a much larger scale.Clinical trial data from Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy, showed that people who used the drug had a 20% lower risk of experiencing a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke, compared to those who were given a placebo. This data prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March to approve an update to Wegovy’s label, making it the first weight-loss medication officially approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death in individuals who are at a higher risk of these conditions. Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, and its active ingredient, semaglutide, is also available as Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk’s clinical trial, however, was limited to people who were living with obesity and had already experienced a previous cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or those with symptoms of peripheral artery disease, which includes conditions like clogged arteries in the limbs. This group is at higher risk of future heart problems, and the trial focused on whether Wegovy could help prevent subsequent events in this population.

Now, new research from Dandelion Health, a health platform leveraging real-world data and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance personalized care, suggests that GLP-1 drugs could also be highly effective as a primary prevention method. This means that these drugs might significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes even for people who have mild or moderate cardiovascular disease but have not yet suffered a major cardiovascular event. The implications of this research are profound, as it suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists could benefit an even larger group of people than previously thought, extending beyond those with a history of heart disease.

The researchers at Dandelion Health used AI to analyze real-world medical records of patients who shared similarities with those in the Novo Nordisk clinical trial but had no history of major cardiovascular events. By tracking years of medical data, particularly focusing on electrocardiogram readings (which measure the heart’s electrical activity), the AI model predicted the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The AI-driven predictions were then validated against actual patient outcomes.

What the researchers found was striking: GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 15% to 20%—a result that mirrors the findings of the clinical trial but for a much broader population. Based on these results, the researchers estimate that if everyone in this larger group of potentially eligible patients took GLP-1 drugs, it could prevent around 34,000 heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. each year. This could transform the way cardiovascular disease is managed in millions of people, marking a shift toward using GLP-1 drugs as a cornerstone in heart disease prevention.

“In clinical research, you take the moderate to severe patients because you require fewer patients to prove out the efficacy. But there’s this huge danger that you will consistently miss the impact of medication on broader populations because you just can’t afford the time or money to study them. This is just a natural flaw of clinical research,” explained Elliott Green, co-founder and CEO of Dandelion Health. He emphasised that broadening the scope of research through the use of AI can help capture data on patients who might otherwise be overlooked in traditional clinical trials—those he referred to as the “clinically silent” group.

The potential for GLP-1 drugs to reshape cardiovascular care has already been transformative. Many experts now consider these drugs not merely as weight-loss solutions but as powerful tools that promote overall health, particularly heart health. Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist and scientist at Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital, who was not involved in the Dandelion Health analysis, sees the growing evidence of the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s as potentially game-changing. “We could reframe the discussion,” Krumholz said, explaining that instead of focusing solely on the weight-loss effects of these drugs, the conversation could shift to how they help reduce cardiovascular risk and promote longer, healthier lives. This added evidence of heart health benefits may help persuade more people to consider the use of GLP-1 drugs.

Dr. Brendan Everett, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, is among the physicians who have already begun prescribing GLP-1 drugs for their cardiovascular benefits. “I am a preventive cardiologist who wants people to be well and has watched this epidemic of obesity and what we call cardiometabolic disease consume the United States over the past two or three decades,” he said. Everett highlighted that GLP-1 drugs have created an “absolute paradigm shift” in the way cardiovascular disease is treated. He believes that expanding the use of these drugs to patients with mild or moderate cardiovascular disease could provide even greater benefits, as long as the costs and prevention goals are clearly understood.

However, the cost of GLP-1 drugs remains a critical consideration. A recent analysis published in *Health Affairs* suggested that if Medicare were to cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, Part D spending could increase by $3 billion annually, even if only 5% of eligible patients were prescribed the drug. However, preventing costly heart attacks and strokes through the use of GLP-1 drugs could potentially offset these costs in other areas of healthcare. For example, research from last year found that each heart attack costs hospitals an average of about $19,000.

While clinical trials with randomized controls, such as those conducted by Novo Nordisk, remain the gold standard for determining the safety and efficacy of medications, AI-driven research like that from Dandelion Health offers valuable insights. This new research also had some advantages over the Novo Nordisk trial. For instance, the Dandelion Health analysis included a more diverse patient population, with a more balanced ratio of men and women and nearly three times the number of non-white patients. Additionally, the AI model was able to identify the decreased cardiovascular risk in less than two years, whereas the Novo Nordisk clinical trial took over three years to complete.

As heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and stroke is the fifth leading cause, the opportunities to improve cardiovascular health through the use of GLP-1 drugs are significant. With the growing popularity of these medications, additional data from real-world analyses and clinical trials could help healthcare providers better allocate the currently limited supply to those who would benefit the most.

Health & Wellness

Weight loss drug liraglutide shows promise for younger children with obesity, study finds

Published

2 months ago

September 12, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

In a recent study, children who used the weight loss drug liraglutide experienced a significant reduction in weight compared to those who received a placebo. This groundbreaking research sheds light on a potential new treatment avenue for younger children struggling with obesity, a group that has traditionally relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as diet and exercise.

Managing obesity is challenging for individuals of all ages, but it is particularly difficult for children. While adults and adolescents aged 12 and older have access to GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications effective for weight management, younger children typically rely solely on lifestyle modifications. These include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling. Despite these efforts, substantial weight loss in younger children has often proven elusive, with most interventions yielding only modest results.

Liraglutide, known commercially as Saxenda and Victoza, was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 for weight loss in adults. Its approval was expanded in 2020 to include children aged 12 to 17. The recent study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the annual European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference, represents the first investigation into liraglutide’s effects on children aged 6 to 12 with high BMI.

Conducted by Dr. Claudia Fox, a pediatrician at the Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, the study involved 82 children. These participants were divided into two groups: 56 children received daily liraglutide injections, while 26 received a placebo. All participants also received counseling designed to promote healthier eating habits and an increase in physical activity, specifically moderate to high-intensity exercise for at least an hour each day.

The results were notable. After just over a year, children in the liraglutide group experienced a 5.8% reduction in BMI, compared to a 1.6% increase in the placebo group. This represents a 7.4 percentage point difference in BMI between the two groups. These findings align with previous studies involving teenagers but were even more pronounced in the younger children studied.

Liraglutide was generally well-tolerated by the participants, though some adverse effects were reported. Both the liraglutide and placebo groups experienced gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, with these symptoms being more prevalent among those receiving the medication. However, these side effects were mostly transient and did not result in a high dropout rate.

The study has several important implications but also some limitations. One key unanswered question is the long-term effectiveness and safety of liraglutide for younger children. The trial did not explore how long children would need to remain on the medication or the long-term effects of discontinuing it. After the study period ended and medication and counseling stopped, BMI levels among participants began to increase again, although the rise was less pronounced compared to previous studies involving teenagers. This suggests that early intervention with liraglutide might offer more durable results, but additional research is needed to confirm this.

Obesity is a prevalent and serious health issue among children in the United States, affecting nearly 20% of the population. This condition often persists into adulthood, leading to various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious conditions. Effective treatments for childhood obesity are crucial not only for managing weight but also for preventing long-term health complications.

Developing and implementing weight loss medications for children is complex due to their ongoing growth and development. It is crucial to ensure that such treatments do not negatively impact physical growth or developmental milestones. Although the study did not indicate any adverse effects on growth or puberty, further research is essential to verify that liraglutide does not interfere with these important developmental processes.

The potential benefits of weight loss medications like liraglutide must be weighed against their costs and long-term effects. While the current research is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand the implications of such treatments for young children. These studies should focus on long-term safety, potential impacts on growth and development, and the overall efficacy of maintaining weight loss over time.

In summary, the study on liraglutide offers a promising new option for managing obesity in younger children. With significant weight loss observed and a generally acceptable safety profile, liraglutide could become a valuable tool in treating childhood obesity. However, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term impact and to ensure its safe and effective use in the younger population.

Health

How a Weekend Nap Might Boost Your Heart Health, New Research Reveals

Published

3 months ago

September 6, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

When a demanding week disrupts your regular sleep routine, catching up on sleep over the weekend often seems like a sensible remedy. However, new research suggests that this approach might offer more than just temporary relief—it could actually benefit your heart health. Set to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress on September 1, the study indicates that making up for lost sleep on weekends is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease.

This research, based on data from the UK Biobank study involving over 90,000 participants, reveals intriguing findings. Those who used weekends to compensate for lost sleep showed a 19% lower risk of heart disease compared to individuals who didn’t catch up as much. The benefit was notably greater for those who regularly faced inadequate sleep during the workweek. Over an average follow-up period of nearly 14 years, participants who averaged the most additional sleep on weekends were less likely to develop serious cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

For people suffering from chronic sleep deprivation—defined as getting less than seven hours of sleep per night—this research found that catching up on sleep over the weekend reduced the risk of heart disease by 20%. This suggests that even intermittent sleep recovery can have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.

Despite these promising results, experts stress the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the entire week. Irregular sleep patterns, often referred to as “social jet lag,” can have detrimental effects on heart health, undermining the benefits of weekend sleep recovery. For instance, excessive weekend sleep might not fully mitigate the adverse effects of insufficient sleep during the week.

The research, while compelling, remains in abstract form and has some limitations. It primarily reflects the UK population, and the study’s methodology does not yet account for all potential risk factors for heart disease or variations in individual sleep needs. Further research is needed to determine the optimal amount of daily sleep and whether there are thresholds beyond which additional weekend sleep offers no further benefit.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of Atria New York City and a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes the broader implications of the findings. She points out that chronic sleep deprivation is known to contribute to various cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, while catching up on sleep can be beneficial, it is crucial to aim for a consistent sleep routine to maximize heart health.

Other experts, like Dr. Nour Makarem from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, highlight that maintaining regular sleep patterns every day is likely the best strategy for long-term health. They also suggest discussing sleep issues with healthcare providers to address any underlying problems and ensure the most effective approach to improving sleep and overall cardiovascular health.

In summary, while making up for lost sleep on weekends appears to offer heart health benefits, the ideal approach is to maintain a consistent and adequate sleep schedule throughout the week. Further research will be needed to refine these findings and provide more specific guidelines for optimizing sleep for heart health.

Health

Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks Star as New Additions in ‘Minecraft’ Movie Trailer

Published

3 months ago

September 5, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks Star as New Additions in 'Minecraft' Movie Trailer

The vibrant, cubic universe of Minecraft is set to leap off the screen with the release of the first teaser trailer for “A Minecraft Movie,” the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved video game. Starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jack Black, the film promises to bring the pixelated world of Minecraft to life in an exciting new way.

The teaser introduces Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, who, along with Brooks, “Wednesday” star Emma Myers, and Sebastian, finds himself transported into the enchanting realm of Minecraft through a mysterious portal. The trailer showcases their journey through this imaginative landscape, where they encounter various Minecraft creatures like bleating sheep, menacing piglins, and an intriguing character named Steve, played by Jack Black.

In a memorable moment from the trailer, Black’s character declares, “Anything you can dream about here, you can make,” while The Beatles’ “The Magical Mystery Tour” plays in the background. This line underscores the movie’s theme of creativity and exploration in the fantastical world of Minecraft.

The film’s official synopsis reveals that Momoa’s character and his friends face ordinary challenges that become extraordinary once they are thrust into the Overworld, a surreal and cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To return home, they must embrace their unique creative abilities, which will ultimately help them in their real-world lives.

Directed by Jared Hess, known for “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Masterminds,” “A Minecraft Movie” marks the first live-action adaptation of the popular video game that originally launched in 2011. The film is a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4, 2025.

Health

Raygun Apologizes to Breakdance Community for Controversial Paris Olympics Performance

Published

3 months ago

September 5, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

Raygun Controversial Paris Olympics Performance

Rachael Gunn, known in the breakdancing world as Raygun, has issued a heartfelt apology to the breaking community following the significant backlash from her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old university lecturer and breakdancer garnered international attention for her unique and unconventional routine, but her performance did not resonate with many in the sport, leading to a storm of criticism.

In an interview aired on the Australian current affairs show “The Project,” Gunn expressed her deep regret over the negative impact her Olympic appearance had on the breaking community. Gunn’s performance, which featured distinctive moves like the kangaroo hop, backward rolls, and various contortions while lying or crawling on the floor, did not score a single point in her matches against competitors from the United States, France, and Lithuania. She lost each round 18-0, a result that fueled the controversy surrounding her style and approach.

Gunn’s style was met with confusion and disapproval from many in the breaking community, who felt that her routine diverged significantly from traditional breakdancing elements. Despite qualifying for the Olympics by winning the Oceania championships, Gunn admitted in her interview that she was nervous about competing and anticipated a mixed reception to her performance. “I knew that I was going to get beaten, and I knew that people were not going to understand my style and what I was going to do,” she said. “The odds were against me, that’s for sure.”

The reaction to Gunn’s performance extended beyond the breaking community and captured the attention of the global media. Singer Adele publicly questioned the seriousness of the performance during a concert in Munich, while actress Rachel Dratch parodied Gunn’s routine on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Gunn revealed that she had not seen the Fallon sketch but felt conflicted about the attention it brought her. “I don’t know whether to hug (Fallon) or yell at him, because what platform he ended up giving me,” she remarked.

Gunn’s performance, while controversial, was a bold attempt to bring a new perspective to breakdancing, a sport that made its Olympic debut in Paris but will not be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Gunn’s approach, though not widely accepted, highlights the ongoing debate within the sport about the balance between innovation and tradition.

In light of the backlash, Gunn has decided to take a step back from competitive breakdancing. She expressed a desire to avoid the spotlight and focus on the positive aspects of her experience, including the joy and fun she found in performing. “I would much rather focus on the positives out of this, and the positive responses and the joy that I brought people,” she said. Gunn emphasized that her goal was to have fun and push boundaries, even in the face of defeat.

Rachael Gunn’s apology and decision to step away from competition reflect her acknowledgment of the controversy and her commitment to the sport, despite the challenges she faced. Her story underscores the complexities of introducing innovative approaches to traditional sports and the need for ongoing dialogue within the breaking community about the future direction of the sport.

Health

Fatman Scoop, Renowned Rapper with Hits for Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, Dies at 56 After Stage Collapse

Published

3 months ago

September 2, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

Fatman Scoop, the acclaimed rapper and hype man known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has passed away at the age of 56 after collapsing onstage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Chanel Rae, who directed fans to a tribute posted on Fatman Scoop’s official Instagram page. The tribute described him as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light,” recognizing him not only as a top performer but also as a father, brother, uncle, and friend. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett also offered condolences on Facebook, acknowledging the large turnout for what would be Fatman Scoop’s final performance and expressing gratitude to those who provided life-saving assistance. She announced that grief counseling would be available for those affected by the tragedy. Sharron Elkabas, the musician’s representative, expressed shock at his sudden death, noting that he had been in good spirits recently. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been released. Fatman Scoop gained prominence with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful” and went on to collaborate with notable artists such as Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, and Skrillex. His contributions included helping to make Missy Elliott’s 2005 single “Lose Control” a hit and collaborating with Mariah Carey on “It’s Like That,” earning him a Grammy in 2006 for best short form music video

Health & Wellness

CDC Urges Check of Fridges Amid Expanding Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Deli Meat

Published

3 months ago

August 30, 2024

Sahil Sachdeva

CDC Urges Check of Fridges Amid Expanding Listeria Outbreak Linked to Recalled Deli Meat

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the public to avoid consuming recalled deli meats amid a significant listeria outbreak, which has become the largest in the US since 2011.

In late July, Boar’s Head recalled over 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products due to potential listeria contamination. Recently, the CDC has reported at least a dozen additional listeriosis cases linked to the outbreak.

Documents from the US Department of Agriculture reveal that insects and mold were found at the facility connected to the recall. The outbreak has resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states and nine deaths. The CDC notes that this outbreak is now the largest since the 2011 listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe.

The CDC also indicates that the actual number of illnesses might be higher, as some milder cases may not have been tested for listeria. There is also a delay between when an illness occurs and when it is linked to an ongoing investigation.

Consumers are advised to check their kitchens for any remaining recalled products, as they can have a long shelf life. Look for “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels. Some products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024. Recalled items include liverwurst, ham, bologna, sausage, and roasted bacon. Most reported illnesses are associated with eating turkey or liverwurst, though some involve ham.

Boar’s Head has stated that products currently available at deli counters are not part of the recall.