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Salmonella outbreak linked to melon kills 18 more as cases spread

Consumers have been warned to steer clear of cantaloupe melons sold at certain stores after 18 more cases of salmonella poisoning were reported amid a broader outbreak.

As some brands of cantaloupe were recalled earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration urge people in America to clear the melons from their diets until the outbreak is contained. The agencies continue to add to the ever-growing list of stores that recalled the fruit.

Cantaloupe has been linked to at least two fatalities, 117 illnesses and 64 hospitalisations in 34 states, according to the CDC. Eighteen illnesses have been reported since last week. “The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the C.D.C. said adding that it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether an illness is linked to an outbreak.

Pre-cut cantaloupe, sold at major grocery stores Kroger, Trader Joe's and Sprouts Farmer Market has joined the do-not-buy list. Health officials said customers should also eschew buying pre-cut cantaloupe at Aldi, Kwik Trip, Freshness Guaranteed, RaceTrac, Vineyard and Bix Produce, according to NBC.

The CDC'S recommendation to avoid whole cantaloupes from the brands Malichita or Rudy still stands as it advises consumers to not eat pre-cut versions of the fruit if they are unaware of which brand it came from. You should also wash anything that has touched the recalled fruit.

Salmonella is a food-borne bacterium that ravages the intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC. Other than ingesting contaminated foods or water, people can get infected by touching afflicted animals, their poo or environment Those infected with salmonella will likely experience diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps anywhere from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.

The infection, which is treated with antibiotics in extreme cases, is said to be harsher against young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella accounts for most illnesses related to food reported in the United States, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Roughly 1.35 million people are reportedly afflicted with the illness each year. More than 400 people die from the illness annually. The bacteria can grow rapidly in uncooked meats, however, the most recent outbreaks have been traced back to a plethora of foods, like diced onions, alfalfa sprouts, cookie dough and peanut butter.

Last month, peaches, nectarines and plums were linked to a listeria outbreak that caused one death. 

Reference: Mirror: Story by Mataeo Smith  

Top 5 health benefits of aubergines

Full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, aubergines are a great choice for salads, stews and beyond. Registered nutritionist Jo Lewin shares the health benefits and history of this versatile ingredient.

What are aubergines?

Along with tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers, the aubergine (Solanum melongena) belongs to the nightshade plant family (Solanaceae). In fact, aubergines grow in a manner much like tomatoes, hanging from the vines of a plant that grows several feet in height. They have a deep purple, glossy skin encasing cream-coloured, sponge-like flesh dotted with small, edible seeds.

In addition to the classic purple variety, aubergines are available in other colours, including lavender, jade green, orange and yellow, and are also available in a range of shapes and sizes. The most popular variety of aubergine looks like a large, pear-shaped egg, hence the American name ‘eggplant.’

Discover our full range of health benefit guides or check out some of our best aubergine recipes, from our aubergine & chickpea bites to  steak & aubergine salad. 

Top 5 health benefits of aubergines© Provided by BBC Good Food

Nutritional benefits

An 80g serving of aubergine provides:

An 80g serving of aubergine counts towards your five-a-day. Discover more with our handy five-a-day infographic.

Top 5 health benefits

1. Source of antioxidants

2. May help manage blood sugar control

Aubergines are a useful source of fibre and low in fat and sugar, making them a valid inclusion for those managing type-2 diabetes. In fact, test tube studies suggest that extracts of eggplant may help control glucose absorption, making them potentially helpful for managing type-2 diabetes and reducing the associated high blood pressure.

3. May help manage cholesterol levels

Some animal studies suggest including aubergine in your diet may help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the type often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. These effects are likely to be due to the fibre as well as the antioxidant content of aubergine, including nasunin. However, human trials are needed to clarify what is known in this area and to confirm its relevance in a human diet.

4. May help manage weight

Being a good source of fibre and a low-calorie choice, aubergine is an ideal ingredient to use in a weight management programme. It can be successfully used to replace more calorie-dense options in a range of different recipes.

In addition to this, plant compounds in aubergine appear to inhibit the action of pancreatic lipase, and as such may inhibit fat digestion.

5. May support heart health

The beneficial compound nasunin helps dilate blood vessels by activating a compound called nitric oxide, and in turn, another compound in the skin of the aubergine, chlorogenic acid, enhances this action to further help lower blood pressure. In addition to this, compounds in the pulp of a variety of different aubergines, including white aubergine, act as ACE inhibitors. This means they inhibit the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme in the management of blood pressure. 

Are aubergines safe for everyone?

Aubergines are a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which includes bell peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. Some people choose to avoid this family of vegetables because anecdotal reports suggest there may be a link between aggravated arthritic symptoms and their consumption. However, to date there have been no case-controlled studies to confirm these reports.

Aubergines contain oxalates, although in comparison with other fruits and vegetables they are not significant contributors. However, some individuals with a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones may choose to avoid over-consuming them or as a minimum, choosing cooking methods that help reduce levels, such as boiling.

In rare cases an allergy may occur, but most reactions are mild. However, a small number of cases have included anaphylaxis. 

Reference: BBC  Good Food:  By Nicola Shubrook – Registered nutritionist 

What every man should know before they take testosterone

The guys in your local gym have been peddling it for years as essential for muscle growth. 

But in the past two decades, prescriptions for testosterone therapy (sometimes called TRT) have doubled. And it’s being marketed by direct-to-consumer campaigns for general health, sex drive and mood – not just big biceps.

That has also come with an increasing number of men looking to have their testosterone levels tested. 

But while the hormone testosterone decreases with age, the drop might not be significant for all men, so not everyone will need it. 

Plus, taking testosterone comes with risks – especially to heart health – if you’re the wrong candidate. 

Is it all about sex and bulking up?

Testosterone does indeed contribute to the development of typically male characteristics – like, yes, a high libido and the growth of muscle tissue as well as face and body hair.

But people think they will become an over-sexed bodybuilder if they take it. That will only happen if you take too much, and if you don’t need it. If you’re medically tested and found to have low levels and you take it under a doctor’s supervision, your levels should just return to normal. That could include making it easier to build muscle and balancing and/or improving your sex drive. 

It’s important to understand that testosterone impacts other areas too, especially those associated with your mood and brain, like attention, memory and focus. 

It also affects many other bodily processes, like your metabolism. So having the right balance can give you more energy (not having enough can conversely leave you tired). It also contributes to healthy glucose levels.

 

Having the right testosterone balance can give you more energy - Getty© Provided by The Telegraph

Is the male menopause or andropause real?

These are media terms used to compare low testosterone with menopause. But low testosterone in men is very different to the menopause in women. 

Firstly, not all men will show symptoms, whereas all women will go through the menopause at some point in their late 40s or 50s when their oestrogen levels dramatically drop. Then they’re likely to show symptoms and their periods eventually stop. 

In men, testosterone levels naturally peak at age 30 and then drop by about one per cent every year. If you’re born with high levels and you’re physically active and look after yourself, you may never even notice the drop. 

That decline in men can in fact be gradual or quick but symptoms won’t affect every man so it’s much harder to pick up.

The condition itself is known as testosterone deficiency or, technically, male hypogonadism (not very catchy).

What symptoms should I look for?

Low sex drive and muscle loss may be part of it, but in the early stages there can be other more subtle signs. 

Most men with low testosterone will see changes in one or more of these areas:

A drop in mental sharpness and mood – they feel less happy, they’re grumpy and irritable, and less motivated at work. They may struggle to concentrate and be more forgetful than usual. They may also feel there’s no happiness in their relationship and they can’t be bothered fixing it. 

Changes in their bodies – they might go to the gym but not gain as much muscle as they used to. They’re probably fatter despite doing the same amount of exercise. 

Tiredness they can’t crack – They’re more tired than ever and sleep doesn’t seem to help. They don’t recover like they used to.  

Testosterone therapy is being marketed by direct-to-consumer campaigns for general health, sex drive and mood - Getty© Provided by The Telegraph

Do erection problems always mean low testosterone?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t just about testosterone. It’s often an early sign of heart disease – where the veins and arteries start to narrow – and that’s why it always has to be reported to a doctor. 

Still, if you’re not having regular morning erections, you should be tested for low testosterone. Left untreated, it worsens so eventually men can get erectile problems. But that can be anything from not being as hard as it used to be to the near complete inability to get an erection.  

The best question to ask yourself is: “When was the last time I had regular morning erections?” If you can’t remember, that’s a red flag for testosterone. 

How common is low testosterone?  

There are various studies showing the prevalence of testosterone deficiency among men ranging from about 12 per cent to up to a quarter of men. But not all men with low testosterone will need treatment, which is why it’s so important only to be seen by a doctor if you’re seeing symptoms. 

If you have Type 2 diabetes though, get tested anyway. A paper published in The Lancet in 2021 found that 50 per cent of all adult men with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone levels. 

Can I get tested at my GP?

If you have symptoms you can go to your GP or a private clinic. The test is easy but many doctors (NHS and private) don’t know the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone, or know the latest recommendations on the normal range. It is possible to have normal total testosterone but low free testosterone, which is the active form of testosterone which regulates mood, libido and muscle mass. 

These are the nuances that a doctor needs to know to get your levels right, which is why it’s best to see someone who has a special interest in testosterone.

Therefore many men are told levels are normal when they do not have the whole picture. 

Overall, my advice is if you have any of the symptoms we’ve talked about here, you should get it looked into, even if you only have one symptom. Many patients present to me with only one symptom. 

In short, a GP is a great starting point but don’t be put off looking further if the tests say normal and you still have symptoms.

What affects my testosterone production?

Age is the most important factor and accounts for more than 90 per cent of symptoms. But other things influence testosterone production. 

These include obesity, Type 2 diabetes (see above), alcohol consumption, smoking, cancer treatments, antifungal therapies and even medical conditions like asthma and high blood pressure.  

Age is the most important factor and accounts for more than 90 per cent of symptoms - Getty© Provided by The Telegraph

Will it keep my bones strong?

We naturally convert a small amount of testosterone to oestrogen. This is essential for keeping our bones dense. If we have low testosterone this means not enough oestrogen and men can get brittle bone disease.  

Will I put on weight?

It’s possible to put on a small amount of weight when you start taking testosterone. Although this might be initially water, over time, most men reduce their body fat and increase their muscle mass which is heavier. So, they might show a higher number on the scales but look like they’re in better shape. 

Will lack of sleep affect my testosterone?

You need around six to seven hours’ sleep a night for your brain to trigger a testosterone surge, which happens naturally in the morning (it’s why you get morning erections). 

But you won’t get as much of that if you’re sleep deprived. So it’s important to keep a regular sleep pattern to maximise your own natural production. 

Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep) can be made worse with testosterone. So anyone prescribing it should check for this first.

What happens if I stop taking it?

Most men that take testosterone will have to take it forever. We are replacing what your body can’t produce naturally so if you stop, your body will go back to what it was before. 

As long as you do it at safe levels, you can come off and go back to what you were before. 

For most people it’s not going to make you dependent. It will be like taking thyroxine for thyroid disease, insulin for diabetes or HRT for menopause.

Will it affect my fertility?

Taken in isolation, taking testosterone will decrease fertility in men. But there are treatments you can use in conjunction with it that can help to preserve your fertility. It makes it more complicated but it’s not impossible.

Will it increase my prostate cancer risk?

There is no evidence that testosterone replacement therapy causes prostate cancer. But conversely, if you already have prostate cancer and you take testosterone, then a malignant cell that was sensitive to testosterone could grow. 

You should be tested for prostate cancer (using a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen or PSA test) before you take testosterone. This is why you need to get it from a doctor, not a commercial clinic online. 

What’s the biggest risk?

Testosterone stimulates your body to make erythropoietin, an essential component in your blood. Too much of that can make your blood sticky and dense and more likely to clot, which can increase your risk of strokes and heart attacks.

All patients taking testosterone need to have their blood monitored closely by their doctors – ideally twice a year.

Testosterone therapy comes in two forms: topical gel and an injectable treatment - Alamy© Provided by The Telegraph

How is it taken?

You can take testosterone in two forms: a topical daily gel/cream taken once every couple of days or an injectable form taken once every nine to 12 weeks. The one that’s right is the one that suits you – a third of our patients will change their minds about what type to take after three to six months.

If anyone tells you taking testosterone in a certain form is the best way, they’re lying and probably trying to market a certain type to you.

What are the side effects?

At the start of treatment you might experience acne, breast swelling or ankle swelling but that should settle down. If the dose is mild, there are usually no side effects.

If you’re getting persistent breast tenderness or swelling you will need to talk to your doctor to find out why your body is converting the testosterone to oestrogen and you’re getting excess in your breast tissue. 

Will it make me angrier?

It’s a Goldilocks effect. Men with low testosterone will be grumpy, irritable and snap more easily. Bring their testosterone levels back to normal and they usually feel better.

But likewise, when the dose is too high, they can get grumpy and angry as well. Get it just right and their tempers tend to level out.

Can lifting weights help?

In a small group of patients, lifestyle can make a difference. That means exercising hard – usually with weight training – losing weight and sleeping better. 

In some of these cases, we might supplement with a bit of testosterone and that can kick-start their bodies into making it. But in the past 10 years I have treated over 1,000 patients and around 30 have managed to do this.

Any last bits of advice?

If you’re thinking of buying testosterone from someone in the gym or from a commercial clinic that doesn’t involve a full medical check and doctor’s supervision all along the way, I’ve got one word of advice: don’t. 

Reference: The Telegraph: Story by Anna Magee

If your eyes are persistently sore, you could be dealing with this lesser-known skin condition

You’ve probably heard of rosacea, a skin condition that causes persistent redness, burning, papules and thickened skin to name a few, but have you heard of rosacea of the eyes? Known medically as ocular rosacea, it’s a lesser-known about type of rosacea and doesn’t yet have a cure. However, symptoms can be managed and are best done so when diagnosed and treated early. 

We spoke to consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes to find out some things you need to know about the condition, including tips, tricks and when you should seek professional help. 

What is ocular rosacea? 

Ocular rosacea is essentially rosacea of the eyes. It’s one of the four types of rosacea, the others including erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (the most common, which is the persistent redness), papulopustular rosacea (characterised by pimples on the face, often misdiagnosed as acne) and phymatous rosacea (thickening of the skin, often the nose). 

Interestingly, ocular rosacea can present on its own, meaning you don’t have any other forms of the condition. “Some people will have rosacea that affects their skin, as well as ocular rosacea and some will have it affecting just their skin and others just their eyes.” However, it’s estimated that around 50% of those with rosacea have eye sensitivity, too.  

We still don’t know exactly what rosacea is caused by, some suggestions include being hereditary, environmental factors, bacteria and blocked glands in the eyelids. But as we said, there isn’t a clear answer and research is still being carried out. 

What are the symptoms of ocular rosacea?  

There are a few signs and symptoms of ocular rosacea and the tricky thing is that they can be difficult to differentiate from dry eyes and other conditions. There are no tests to diagnose the condition so your healthcare professional will listen to your symptoms and history before taking a look at your eyes before coming to a conclusion. The most common symptoms, Dr Hawkes explains are: 

Who does it impact the most? 

Although ocular rosacea can impact anyone, Dr Hawkes explains that women are more likely to experience the condition. Those aged between 30 and 50 are also more likely to develop ocular rosacea. 

What are the risks of ocular rosacea? 

Unfortunately, there are risks of this type of rosacea so management is key. “Ocular rosacea can sometimes cause the cornea to become inflamed and damaged, which is called keratitis,” explains Dr Hawkes. “The damage can make the cornea [the transparent part that covers the eye] susceptible to ulceration and infection, which could possibly threaten sight, so in that sense it is a more severe type of rosacea,” she adds. Even if you have only mild rosacea of the skin, you can develop serious eye problems from ocular rosacea, Dr Hawkes warns, so it’s definitely something to take seriously and see a professional for if you’re concerned.  

“People with mild rosacea are often not aware it can develop in the eyes and may mistake symptoms such as burning or dry eyes for allergies,” says Dr Hawkes. “This can be dangerous as it’s important to catch eye symptoms early and treat them.”

If left undetected, ocular rosacea can lead to more medical conditions, including blepharitis, chronic dry eyes and keratitis. “Keratitis, which is due to ocular rosacea, tends to begin at one edge or the bottom of the eye and then spread to affect the lower half to two-thirds of the cornea. It is very serious,” explains Dr Hawkes. 

How to treat ocular rosacea

Sadly, there is no cure for ocular rosacea. However, the good news is that there are things you can do to ease symptoms. If your condition is moderate to severe, you’ll be referred to an ophthalmologist who will suggest things like steroid eye drops or ointments, antibiotics and artificial tears to lubricate dry eyes. 

Management at home can help symptoms immensely. “I would advise keeping the routine, even when your condition clears up, as it will help prevent flare ups,” Dr Hawkes adds. This includes things like:

When to seek professional help 

It’s important to know when professional help is needed. It can be tricky to know when we are suffering from a touch of dry eyes or seasonal allergies or if it’s something more serious. Rosacea—and any other skin condition for that matter—should never be self-diagnosed. Visit your GP or an ophthalmologist who can help make that rosacea diagnosis for you and put you on a treatment plan. 

If you notice your eyes getting sore, more red or discoloured, irritated or sensitive than normal, visit your GP who may refer you for further help.  

Reference: Marie Claire UK: Story by Tori Crowther