Shark attack survivor shares top 3 tips to help stay safe during encounter
"People go in the ocean every single day against this natural common sense knowing there's sharks in there, knowing there's jellyfish, knowing there's all kinds of beastly aliens in there. We still do it because we love it," Paul de Gelder, who lost his hand and leg in a 2009 shark attack while working as a bomb disposal diver for the Australian Navy, said Monday on "CBS Mornings."
De Gelder shared some tips for surviving an attack.
"I don't want people to have to go through what I went through, it's no fun. It hurts. There's a lot of recovery," he said.
Here are his top tips:
De Gelder is bringing his survival tips to a new Discovery Channel special, "How to Survive a Shark Attack," in which he tries to get attacked by the ocean animals in order to demonstrate how to survive.
"I want to show people by doing," he said of the show. "They get to see what happens when a shark bites someone. What do I do if someone next to me gets attacked by a shark? What do I do if I get attacked by a shark? Let's show them exactly what to do."
In July, officials in Maine warned beachgoers to exercise caution after multiple sightings of great white sharks, and a great white shark weighing more than 1,653 pounds was recently detected about 50 miles off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
There have been some attacks this year, too. Earlier this month, an 18-year-old surf instructor was rushed to the hospital after he was attacked by a shark at a Florida beach. He was bitten on his foot while surfing off New Smyrna Beach, about 60 miles northeast of Orlando. In June, a 12-year-old girl was airlifted from South Carolina's Hilton Head Island after she was bitten by a shark. Just days prior, a 9-year-old nearly lost her hand after being bitten by a shark near Boca Grande on Florida's west coast.
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News24
an hour ago
- News24
Should pharmaceutical advertising in SA be better regulated, and why?
Anyone who has travelled to the United States will have been struck by the extent to which medicines, both those requiring a prescription and those that can be bought by consumers without a prescription, are advertised on television. The situation in South Africa is quite different. While there are many advertisements for medicines shown on local television stations, only some are specific about the proprietary (brand) name of the medicine and its indications. Other advertisements focus instead on the indication (the reason for using the medicine), but do not identify it by name. Instead, viewers are urged to approach their pharmacies or medical practitioners. At a different time, an advertisement may be flighted which identifies a medicine, its strength, pack size and perhaps price, but provides no information about what the indication for the medicine is. To what extent does this represent meaningful and justified regulatory control over pharmaceutical marketing? Only two countries with effective medicines regulatory systems allow prescription-only medicines to be advertised directly to the consumer, these being the United States and New Zealand. Other countries, including South Africa, restrict the advertising of prescription-only medicines to the health professionals who can prescribe or dispense them. READ | #InsideTheBox with Dr Andy Gray | Who can prescribe medicines in SA? One of the key justifications for this restriction on the ability of the pharmaceutical industry to market their products is that direct-to-consumer advertising may result in more inappropriate prescribing, when prescribers are under pressure from patients demanding medicines they have seen advertised. Short television advertisements are unlikely to be able to convey a balanced account of the potential benefits and harms of medicines, especially those that are new to the market. South African law contains an interesting variant to regulation in this area. General Regulation 42 issued in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965, allows medicines containing substances in schedules 0 and 1 to be advertised to the public, but requires that those containing substances in schedules 2 to 6 to be advertised 'only for the information of pharmacists, medical practitioners, dentists, veterinarians, practitioners and other authorised prescribers' or 'in a publication which is normally or only made available' to such persons. While Schedule 0 medicines can be bought in any retail outlet, Schedule 1 and 2 medicines can only be obtained from a pharmacy but not self-selected from a shelf. The justification for that particular cut-off is difficult to trace in any policy document. An amendment to the regulation was published for comment in February 2023, but the final regulation has yet to be issued by the minister of health. 'Failure to follow through' The fundamental problem, however, lies in a failure to follow through on the legislation previously passed by Parliament. Section 18C of the current version of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965, contains a prescriptive instruction to the minister. 'The minister shall, after consultation with the relevant industries and other stakeholders, make regulations relating to the marketing of medicines, medical devices or IVDs and such regulations shall also provide for codes of practice for relevant industries,' it states. From 2003 to 2017, the section read: 'The minister shall, after consultation with the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders, make regulations relating to the marketing of medicines, and such regulations shall also provide for an enforceable code of practice.' The expansion of the remit to include medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) was added by Parliament in 2008 but only took effect in 2017. READ | #InsideTheBox with Dr Andy Gray | Are clinical trial participants in South Africa protected? The wording is peremptory – the minister 'shall' – which leaves no room for delay. While the word 'enforceable' has been removed, the very intent of a regulation is that it should be enforced. That no regulations have been forthcoming in more than 20 years is an extraordinary failure of governance. That failure is compounded by another act of omission. Section 18A of the act states: 'No person shall supply any medicine, medical device or IVD according to a bonus system, rebate system or any other incentive scheme.' The law also enables the minister to 'prescribe acceptable and prohibited acts' in this regard, in consultation with the Pricing Committee. No final regulations have been issued since 2017. The Pricing Committee is established to advise the minister on matters relating to the pricing of medicines, such as the annual maximum increase and the dispensing fees charged by pharmacists and licensed dispensing practitioners. It is already an offence, in terms of Section 29 of the act, for any person to make 'any false or misleading statement in connection with any medicine, scheduled substance, medical device or IVD'. Regulation 42 also states: 'No advertisement for a medicine may contain a statement which deviates from, with or goes beyond the evidence submitted in the application for registration of such medicine with regard to its safety, quality or efficacy where such evidence has been accepted by the authority in respect of such medicine and incorporated into the approved information of such medicine'. While these two provisions may prevent false or misleading advertising, they are limited in their scope. 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Public safety demands an effective regulatory mechanism to proactively examine pharmaceutical marketing, across all media, the ability to take meaningful action where transgressions are identified and an even playing field for all actors. - Gray is a senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and co-director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Pharmaceutical Policy and Evidence Based Practice. This is the fourth of a new series of #InsideTheBox columns he is writing for Spotlight. Disclosure: Gray is a member of South Africa's National Essential Medicines List Committee and co-chairs its Expert Review Committee.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
The 5 Best Cereals to Reduce Stroke Risk, According to Cardiologists and Dietitians
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Shredded Wheat (Unfrosted) When it comes to heart-healthy cereals, Post Shredded Wheat Original Spoon Size® cereal stands out. "When looking for a cereal to reduce your stroke risks, generally, you are looking for one that is high in fiber and low in added sugar," says Abigail Nessle, RDN, LDN. This option checks those boxes, with one serving (1 ⅓ cup) providing 8 grams of fiber, which is 28% of the Daily Value. It also contains essential nutrients, including iron, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Magnesium, in particular, has been shown to protect against stroke risk (particularly in women), though more research is needed. Plus, Post Shredded Wheat is sodium-free—a big win for a heart-healthy diet. Most Americans consume significantly more sodium than the recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg per day, with average intake exceeding 3,000 mg. Reducing sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 2. Cascadian Farm Organic No Added Sugar Cereals Added sugars are a sneaky contributor to cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. Breakfast cereals are a common source of added sugar, even in those labeled as healthy due to their high fiber or whole grain content. Cascadian Farm Organic No Added Sugar offers a tasty solution. It comes in two flavors—Vanilla Crisp and Mixed Berry—so you have a choice to fit your preferences. Each 1 ¼-cup serving offers 5 g of protein and 5-6 (depending on the flavor) g of fiber—two nutrients that contribute to increased feelings of satiety. Plus: "One of the many superpowers of fiber is to help block the absorption of cholesterol that can turn into plaque in the veins and arteries," says Nessle. When cholesterol is elevated, blood flow can be blocked, resulting in a type of stroke called an ischemic stroke. One caveat: Both flavors are higher in sodium than what many dietitians recommend for a stroke-smart breakfast, with 390-400 mg per serving. Karen E. 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"Packed with 4-5 grams of fiber per ½ cup, [oats] lower cholesterol with beta-glucans and keep blood sugar steady,' says Todd. Beta-glucan, a component of soluble fiber found in oats, is especially beneficial for reducing cholesterol in the blood. Optimal dietary fiber intake also helps support a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. For added fiber and antioxidants, stir in chia seeds or top with fresh berries. 5. Bran Cereals Bran cereals are another fiber-rich pick, typically offering 5 to 7 g of fiber per serving. Many are also fortified with key vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin D. Bran cereal may help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—all critical factors in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Just be sure to check the Nutrition Facts label—some brands sneak in more than 200 mg of sodium per serving. How to Build a Stroke-Smart Breakfast Building a stroke-smart breakfast means paying close attention to a few key nutrients. When choosing a morning cereal, Todd recommends avoiding those that are high in added sugar or sodium, as well as refined-grain cereals and instant oatmeal packets with added sugars. Here's how to round out your morning meal for better heart health: Add Fruits or Vegetables Potassium-rich foods, such as fruits and veggies, support heart health and are often missing from breakfast. "A 2023 review of more than 25 studies found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables earlier in life may lower stroke risk compared with meat and fat intake," says Brittany Brown, RD, IBCLC, CDE. Try blending leafy greens like spinach into a smoothie or topping your bowl of cereal with fresh berries. Limit Sodium Some common breakfast choices—like breakfast meats, biscuits and some processed cereals—are high in sodium. "Diets high in salt can increase your blood pressure and risk of stroke," says Suri. Aim to stay under 2,300 mg of sodium daily (ideally closer to 1,500 mg) for heart protection. Cut Back on Added Sugar While added sugar is found in obvious foods like pastries, tarts and muffins, it often sneaks into less obvious ones as well. Be sure to check the nutrition facts label when looking for a breakfast option. And limiting sugar doesn't mean that you can't satisfy your sweet tooth; Todd recommends turning to naturally sweet foods like fruit and unsweetened dairy products. Incorporate Healthy Fats "Some cereals contain nuts and flax seeds, which can improve our levels of good HDL cholesterol," says Suri. Add in walnuts, almonds, chia or hemp seeds for more heart health benefits. Our Expert Take "Your plate is a powerful tool for stroke prevention," says Todd. And if you're choosing cereal, then your bowl is too. A breakfast cereal made from whole grains, with minimal sugar and sodium, can become a daily opportunity to protect your health—starting with your heart. Don't forget to boost your bowl with extras like fruit, seeds and nuts to enhance the fiber and nutrient profile. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Associated Press
T-NeuroDx to Present Advances in Blood Test for Early Alzheimer's Detection at Major Conference
'We believe that studying the body's adaptive immune system will play a pivotal role in the early detection of Alzheimer's'— Dr. Wheeler ALBUQUERQUE, NM, UNITED STATES, July 27, 2025 / / -- T-NeuroDx, a company pioneering new diagnostic tools that use abnormalities in the immune system to detect Alzheimer's Disease, will present its latest research at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto, Canada, from July 27–31. Dr. Christopher Wheeler, the company's Chief Science Officer, will share new findings about the company's promising blood test for Alzheimer's. The research focuses on identifying specific aged immune cells in the blood that act as an early warning sign, or 'biomarker,' for the disease. A significant breakthrough in this new study is the enhancement of the test to be effective for all Alzheimer's patients, a critical step toward making this technology widely available. This builds upon Dr. Wheeler's initial discovery of the biomarker announced last year . 'We believe that studying the body's adaptive immune system will play a pivotal role in the early detection of Alzheimer's,' said Dr. Wheeler. 'Our results strengthen our case for a scalable, blood-based diagnostic that can move us closer to timely intervention and improved outcomes.' T-NeuroDx's vision is to create simple, accessible blood tests that can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's sooner, allowing for earlier treatment and better patient care. Presentation Details: • Poster Title: #107315 - Levels of age-related blood CD8 T cells binding a non-self peptide/HLA epitope track with Alzheimer's disease status in HLA-A2+ and HLA-A2- cohorts: a T cell biomarker assay applicable to all patients. • Session: Biomarkers (non-neuroimaging) track. • Event: Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 • Date: Monday, July 28, 2025 • Time: 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM EDT • Location: Toronto, Canada For more information about T-NeuroDx, please visit John Chavez T-NeuroDx +1 505-660-1046 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
