Latest news with #Ehlers-Danlos
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS): Lena Dunham's rare condition that affects skin, joints, and more
Source: Instagram/ Lena Dunham In the era of body positivity and acceptance, Lena Dunham has faced a great deal of criticism from netizens and even the industry over her weight. But the Girls creator and actor is far from a pushover. She has openly addressed the internet's relentless obsession with her body. In a recent interview with The Times, Lena said, 'I expected that people would have a response to the kind of sex the show was depicting or the level of nudity, but the idea that my body, the shape of my body, would become such a hotbed for discussion? It was insane.' So intense was the public's focus on her body that in 2013, Howard Stern referred to the Netflix star as 'a little fat girl,' and the following year, Jezebel magazine offered $10,000 for the unretouched version of her Vogue cover to expose any photo editing. Source: Instagram/ Lena Dunham Lena shared that these things didn't matter to her much, and she has largely managed the criticism surrounding her appearance and self-image. While not the sole reason, Lena gradually stepped out of the spotlight after her show went off air in 2017. Now, eight years later, Dunham is back with a new rom-com series called Too Much on Netflix. Yet the intense scrutiny persists, with many on the internet still trolling her. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo In another interview with Variety, Lena explained, 'I have had my body change because of life, illness, aging, menopause. And it is merciless wherever you are.' This is not the first time Lena has spoken about her body struggles; she has previously shared that her weight fluctuations were influenced by health issues, including endometriosis, a hysterectomy, and recovery from prescription drug addiction. In a 2018 Instagram post, she shared side-by-side photos comparing herself at 138 pounds, when she was struggling with chronic pain and addiction, to 162 pounds, describing herself as 'happy, joyous & free' after gaining 24 pounds. Source: Instagram/ Lena Dunham In 2019, Lena also revealed that she was suffering from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), responding to paparazzi photos showing her walking with a cane. She said, 'An Ehlers-Danlos syndrome flare means that I need support from more than just my friends… so thank you, sweet cane!' But what is EDS? Symptoms and causes of EDS Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) refer to a group of 13 inherited connective tissue disorders caused by genetic changes that affect the structure and function of connective tissue. Each type of EDS has its own unique features and specific diagnostic criteria. However, some symptoms are common across all types, including joint hypermobility (an unusually wide range of motion in the joints), skin hyperextensibility (skin that can be stretched beyond the normal range), and tissue fragility(skin that bruises easily). EDS can affect people differently. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others, the symptoms can be disabling. The various types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that weaken connective tissue. Depending on the specific type, the faulty gene may be inherited from one parent or both. In some cases, the gene change is not inherited but occurs spontaneously in the person for the first time. Some of the rarer, more severe forms of EDS can even be life-threatening. What's the risk age? People of all ages can be diagnosed with National Center for Biotechnology Information says infants with some of the disorder types can take a longer time to sit, stand and walk. 'Those loose joints are unstable and prone to dislocation and chronic pain,' the center says. Another type may cause hip dislocation in infants at birth, according to the center. Types of EDS There are 13 types of EDS, most of which are rare of which Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common type. Arthrochalasia EDS (aEDS): Characterized by severe joint hypermobility and dislocations, with skin hyperextensibility and atrophic scarring. Brittle Cornea Syndrome (BCS): Associated with thin, fragile corneas, leading to frequent eye injuries and potential vision loss. Cardiac-valvular EDS (cvEDS): Primarily affects the heart valves, causing them to weaken and leak, potentially leading to heart failure. Classical EDS (cEDS): The most well-known type, characterized by skin hyperextensibility, atrophic scarring, and joint hypermobility. Classical-like EDS (clEDS): Shares some features with cEDS, but with potentially more severe skin and joint issues. Dermatosparaxis EDS (dEDS): Characterized by extremely fragile and sagging skin, often with hernias and other complications. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS): The most common type, distinguished by joint hypermobility, pain, and fatigue. Kyphoscoliotic EDS (kEDS): Features progressive spinal curvature (kyphoscoliosis), joint hypermobility, and muscle weakness. Musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS): Involves muscle and joint contractures, along with skin and skeletal abnormalities. Myopathic EDS (mEDS): Characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, in addition to joint hypermobility and other EDS features. Periodontal EDS (pEDS): Primarily affects the gums and teeth, causing early tooth loss and gum disease. Spondylodysplastic EDS (spEDS): Involves skeletal abnormalities, including short stature, and may affect the spine and limbs. Vascular EDS (vEDS): The most serious type, characterized by fragile blood vessels that can rupture, potentially causing life-threatening complications. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here.
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Service Dog Visits Aquarium, Dolphins' 'Special' Response Says It All
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A visit to the aquarium took a touching turn when Forest, a golden-retriever service dog, encountered the facility's dolphins. The dolphins' unusually strong and curious response to Forest, captured in a viral TikTok video by his owner Ashton McGrady, has left many wondering if they sensed his unique purpose. McGrady, 33, told Newsweek about the video, which has over received 2.5 million views, and what she believed drew the dolphins to Forest. "You won't believe how these dolphins reacted to my service dog," McGrady captioned the video. "I think the dolphins knew he was special." Photos from Ashton McGrady's TikTok video of dolphins at an aquarium reacting to her service dog. Photos from Ashton McGrady's TikTok video of dolphins at an aquarium reacting to her service dog. @radiantlygolden/TikTok McGrady provided insight into the incredible canine companion that captured the dolphins' attention. "Forest is my golden retriever service dog," she said. "He's task-trained to assist with my disabilities, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), syringomyelia, and autism spectrum disorder." Forest performs a wide array of vital tasks, including "cardiac alert, deep pressure therapy, retrieving medication, closing doors or cabinets, removing clothing, meltdown response," and more. The interaction with the dolphins was a first for Forest. "This was the first time he'd ever interacted with marine animals and definitely the first time meeting dolphins," McGrady said, adding that it was "truly something special … It felt like an unusually strong connection—almost like they sensed Forest's purpose." Watching the moment unfold, McGrady was deeply moved by Forest's disposition. "I was completely in awe," she said. "Forest was so calm and curious, and the dolphins were clearly engaged … As someone who relies on Forest for so much, seeing him connect so instinctively with another species was cool. It felt like the dolphins could sense the gentleness in him, or maybe even his purpose. It was a reminder that empathy and connection can transcend species." In the comments section, one former aquarium employee weighed in on the exact phenomenon McGrady witnessed: "I used to work at an aquarium! Dolphins LOVESSSS dogs. They don't understand them. Then find them SOOOO interesting. Same things with strollers. They can feel them roll around with echolocation. It's beautiful," they wrote. McGrady said she hopes this viral moment helps educate the public about the vital role of service dogs. They aren't pets, she added, but "highly trained medical tools and life partners for disabled people." And while Forest is cute, his function in her life is essential to her well-being. "Service dogs do so much more than people realize," McGrady concluded. "[He is] essential to my safety and independence. These dogs perform complex tasks … their presence can truly be lifesaving."
Economic Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Have a desk job? CMC Vellore doctor warns of major health risk due to poor posture, neck strain. Shares 5 prevention tips
Slipped discs, traditionally an issue for older adults, are increasingly affecting younger individuals in their 20s and 30s. Experts attribute this rise to poor posture, tech neck from prolonged screen use, and sedentary lifestyles. Simple preventive measures, such as practicing good ergonomics, strengthening core muscles, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce the risk of long-term spinal damage. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What exactly is a slipped disc? So what's causing disc prolapse in younger adults? Slouching at the desk. (Pic credit- istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Obesity is one of the risk factors of sedentary lifestyle. (Pic credits- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) Bad sleeping posture. (Pic credit- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only) How can young people protect their spine? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Final word It's no longer just a problem for the elderly—slipped discs are now showing up in people in their 20s and 30s. Surprised? You shouldn't be, says Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, who is seeing a growing number of young patients suffering from disc prolapse . Blame it on tech neck, poor posture , and a sedentary lifestyle . The good news? A few simple changes can go a long way in preventing long-term called disc prolapse or disc bulge, the condition occurs when the cushioning disc between two vertebrae slips out of place and compresses nearby nerves. This can lead to pain in the neck, arms, and shoulders—often accompanied by tingling, numbness or even muscle weakness. Traditionally, slipped discs were more common in people over 50 due to age-related wear and tear. But that trend is rapidly Kumar outlines several risk factors:- Poor posture: Forward head tilt, slouching, and prolonged screen time on computers or smartphones (also called text neck) are key culprits.- Repetitive neck strain : Jobs that involve lifting, overhead work, or frequent neck movement can gradually wear down spinal discs.- Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long hours in poor ergonomic setups weakens the neck and core muscles, making the spine more vulnerable.- Trauma or high-impact sports: Activities like wrestling, CrossFit, or even a whiplash injury can trigger disc problems.- Genetic or congenital factors: Some people are born with conditions like early disc dehydration or connective tissue laxity (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), making them more prone.- Smoking and obesity: Both increase the risk—smoking reduces blood flow to spinal discs, while obesity adds extra strain on the spine.- Bad sleeping posture: Using multiple pillows or poor neck alignment during sleep can also be Kumar suggests a few simple but effective preventive measures:1. Practice proper ergonomics at work and while using screens2. Strengthen your neck, shoulder, and core muscles through regular exercise3. Avoid lifting heavy objects repetitively without support4. Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight5. Use a single, supportive pillow to keep your neck aligned while sleepingSlipped discs might sound like something to worry about in old age, but they're becoming a real concern for millennials and Gen Z. The takeaway? Start early, stay active, and pay attention to your posture—your spine will thank you later.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The simple 30-second finger test that can reveal your risk of devastating incurable disease
Plus, other signs of the disease to look out for HANDS TELL ALL The simple 30-second finger test that can reveal your risk of devastating incurable disease Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOINT flexibility is important for healthy movement and function. But being able to move your joints in an extraordinary way could be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A simple finger test can reveal if you're at risk of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes Credit: Getty 3 EDS makes joints hypermobile and skin can be stretched further than normal Credit: Getty EDS are a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues, primarily the skin, joints, and blood vessels. These disorders result from genetic mutations that impact the production or structure of collagen, a key protein that provides support and structure to various tissues. EDS is characterised by joint hypermobility - an increased range of motion in the joints, making them more flexible than average. Skin can stretch further than normal, joints bend too far and sometimes dislocate, and internal tissues bruise or tear more easily. According to Jeannie Di Bon, a UK-based hypermobility and EDS specialist, just because you're hypermobile doesn't automatically mean something's wrong with your connective tissue or that you've got a syndrome. But if hypermobility begins to really bother you and suddenly becomes very problematic (often overnight), it could be cause for investigation for a connective tissue disorder, such as EDS, Di Bon told Newsweek. Easy test for hypermobility 3 If your thumb can be bent backward so that it touches or goes beyond the palm of your hand or wrist it could mean you have greater joint hypermobility Credit: Getty The nine-point Beighton score is a simple assessment tool used to evaluate joint hypermobility. It involves testing the flexibility of several joints, with each positive result adding a point to the score. A higher score generally indicates greater joint hypermobility. The score is calculated by adding up the points earned for each of the five tests. What is Raynaud's disease? If the finger can be bent back more than 90 degrees - one point for each hand. If the thumb can be bent backward so that it touches or goes beyond the palm of the hand or wrist - one point for each hand. Being able to extend the elbow beyond 10 degrees - one point for each elbow. Being able to extend the knee beyond 10 degrees - one point for each knee. The ability to bend forward from the waist, with knees fully extended, and touch the palms flat on the floor- one point if the palms can touch the floor. A score of more than five out of nine, for an adult, indicates a person has hypermobility. For a child, it's a score of at least six out of nine. The score alone doesn't confirm EDS. A hypermobile-EDS diagnosis is "based on a checklist where the patient meets certain criteria, including a Brighton score level," Dr Bernadette Riley, director of the Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Treatment Center at New York Institute of Technology's College of Osteopathic Medicine, told Newsweek. Official figures for diagnosed cases of EDS in the UK are around 135,000 to 300,000. The actual number of people living with the condition is likely higher due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. EDS can manifest at different ages, depending on the specific type, with some forms being evident at birth and others not being diagnosed until adulthood. While symptoms of inherited EDS can be present at birth, they may not be noticeable until puberty. Some milder forms are often not diagnosed until early adulthood, while more severe types are typically diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue. Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones. EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling. Different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaker. There are 13 types of EDS, most of which are rare. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common type. Several types of EDS may share some symptoms. These include: an increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility) stretchy skin fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily If you suspect symptoms of EDS, speak to your GP. Source: NHS People with EDS have also been found to be more susceptible to respiratory issues, including a range of symptoms from shortness of breath and exercise limitations to conditions like pneumothorax. A 2022 study published in Respiratory Medicine and Research found that almost 85 percent of EDS patients had signs of respiratory problems. And mental health conditions are also widely reported among EDS patients. Another 2022 study found almost half of the EDS patients surveyed had depression and over half had "probable" anxiety. There's no cure for EDS, however, various treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The simple 30-second finger test that can reveal your risk of devastating incurable disease
JOINT flexibility is important for healthy movement and function. But being able to move your joints in an extraordinary way could be a sign of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). 3 EDS are a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissues, primarily the skin, joints, and blood vessels. These disorders result from genetic mutations that impact the production or structure of collagen, a key protein that provides support and structure to various tissues. EDS is characterised by joint hypermobility - an increased range of motion in the joints, making them more flexible than average. Skin can stretch further than normal, joints bend too far and sometimes dislocate, and internal tissues bruise or tear more easily. According to Jeannie Di Bon, a UK-based hypermobility and EDS specialist, just because you're hypermobile doesn't automatically mean something's wrong with your connective tissue or that you've got a syndrome. But if hypermobility begins to really bother you and suddenly becomes very problematic (often overnight), it could be cause for investigation for a connective tissue disorder, such as EDS, Di Bon told Newsweek. Easy test for hypermobility 3 The nine-point Beighton score is a simple assessment tool used to evaluate joint hypermobility. It involves testing the flexibility of several joints, with each positive result adding a point to the score. A higher score generally indicates greater joint hypermobility. The score is calculated by adding up the points earned for each of the five tests. What is Raynaud's disease? If the finger can be bent back more than 90 degrees - one point for each hand. If the thumb can be bent backward so that it touches or goes beyond the palm of the hand or wrist - one point for each hand. Being able to extend the elbow beyond 10 degrees - one point for each elbow. Being able to extend the knee beyond 10 degrees - one point for each knee. The ability to bend forward from the waist, with knees fully extended, and touch the palms flat on the floor - one point if the palms can touch the floor. A score of more than five out of nine, for an adult, indicates a person has hypermobility. For a child, it's a score of at least six out of nine. The score alone doesn't confirm EDS. A hypermobile-EDS diagnosis is "based on a checklist where the patient meets certain criteria, including a Brighton score level," Dr Bernadette Riley, director of the Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Treatment Center at New York Institute of Technology's College of Osteopathic Medicine, told Newsweek. Official figures for diagnosed cases of EDS in the UK are around 135,000 to 300,000. The actual number of people living with the condition is likely higher due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. EDS can manifest at different ages, depending on the specific type, with some forms being evident at birth and others not being diagnosed until adulthood. While symptoms of inherited EDS can be present at birth, they may not be noticeable until puberty. Some milder forms are often not diagnosed until early adulthood, while more severe types are typically diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue. Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones. EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling. Different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaker. There are 13 types of EDS, most of which are rare. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common type. Several types of EDS may share some symptoms. These include: an increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility) stretchy skin fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily If you suspect symptoms of EDS, speak to your GP. Source: NHS People with EDS have also been found to be more susceptible to respiratory issues, including a range of symptoms from shortness of breath and exercise limitations to conditions like pneumothorax. A 2022 study published in Respiratory Medicine and Research found that almost 85 percent of EDS patients had signs of respiratory problems. And mental health conditions are also widely reported among EDS patients. Another 2022 study found almost half of the EDS patients surveyed had depression and over half had "probable" anxiety. There's no cure for EDS, however, various treatments and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
