Latest news with #UniversityofPittsburgh
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I'm An ER Physician. Here Are 5 Types Of Pain I'd Never Ignore.
When it comes to severe medical situations, emergency medicine doctors see it all. They're the physicians who folks of all ages rush to when something serious goes wrong. But just what does 'serious' mean? What kinds of pain constitute a visit to the emergency department? Experts say that it's a hard question to answer. 'Unfortunately, it can be so variable from patient to patient, and sometimes people that even have minor pain may have something very serious going on. So [pain is] not something that anybody should ignore,' said Dr. Michael Turturro, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Meaning, you should take pain seriously and see a doctor if you have any concerns. It's better to be told nothing is wrong than to regret not seeing a medical professional sooner. (We know there are financial considerations that come along with this — more on that below.) While all pain is worth taking seriously, experts told HuffPost there are certain pains that are generally across-the-board alarming and reason enough for medical attention. Here's what they are: 'Generally, pain that is sudden and severe and does not go away is something that should really get your attention,' Turturro said. This goes for pain anywhere on your body, he noted. A medical professional will need to evaluate the pain and determine if it's serious or not, but if you have a sudden and alarming new pain, it's a good idea to get it checked out and not to ignore it. 'We'd rather people err on the side of caution,' Turturro added. 'If they're concerned enough that they feel something is not right and they need to be evaluated, then they should be evaluated whether or not it's related to something serious or not.' Say you're worried about new hand pain that came out of nowhere. Instead of brushing it off, consider seeing a doctor. 'If it's concerning enough that it is troubling to you, and particularly if it's a pain you've never experienced before, that's something you should really consider getting urgent medical attention for,' he added. Chest pain is often (and rightfully) associated with heart attacks, which makes this type of pain important to take seriously. 'Chest pain is definitely a concerning one to us. If people are developing that sudden onset of chest pain, something they've never felt before, or they've had it before [and] they've been told that they have heart problems, they should be checked out sooner rather than later,' said Dr. Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Turturro said chest pain is particularly worrisome in older people and for folks who have risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Beyond heart attacks, sharp chest pain could also mean other serious issues, such as a blood clot in the lung or a tear of major vessels in the chest, Turturro said. But it's impossible to say exactly what chest pain could signify in one person versus another, and it isn't always serious. 'Chest pain could be rather related to very benign causes as well, such as heartburn,' Turturro added. Since lots of things can manifest as chest pain, you shouldn't totally panic, but you also shouldn't discount your chest pain (or, once again, any pain). Instead, you should see a doctor who can determine what's going on. According to Conroy, lower leg pain, specifically in the calf, can be worrisome when it's accompanied by leg swelling and/or redness of the calf. 'I always get concerned that they might have the concerning symptoms for a blood clot, or what we call a DVT, deep venous thrombosis,' Conroy said. 'That would be a concerning pain that I would definitely want someone to get seen sooner rather than later for, especially if they recently had surgery and they've been just laying in bed, or ... they had a long plane ride recently,' he noted. Back pain is a common affliction that can happen in a number of scenarios, such as sleeping in a bad position, working out improperly, sitting in a chair that doesn't provide support and more. While it's always worth taking care of your back pain, there is one specific type that Conroy said needs medical attention. If you have back pain that feels like a tearing sensation through your upper back or at the back of the chest,you should see a professional as soon as possible. 'Having that tearing sensation can represent a problem with the main large blood vessel in your body, called the aorta,' Conroy said. 'The abdomen is one of those [pains] I think every emergency physician gets a little bit nervous about because there's just so many things that can go on,' Conroy said. 'So instead of specific conditions, it's really more, how are the symptoms presenting?' 'If you're having abdominal pain, or what we call flank pain ... kind of the right or left portion of your lower back or lower abdomen, then certainly that could be concerning for things like kidney stones, or if you're having fevers with it, it can be a kidney infection,' he said. It could also be appendicitis if the flank pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, Conroy added. If you have this kind of lower abdominal pain along with any of the above problematic symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor quickly. While going to the doctor, and especially an emergency medicine department, can feel foreboding, you should never ignore or dismiss your pain. Seeing a doctor about an alarming problem is the best move for your health, even if the pain ends up being nothing at all — which is the ideal outcome. 'It may be that you get a brief evaluation, you get some kind of screening labs or screening tests, and hopefully, some reassurance that the worst-case scenario is not what's going on,' Conroy said. It can certainly be frustrating to hear nothing is wrong while still having to pay for health care costs, particularly if you're paying emergency room prices, which tend to be much higher than routine visits or scheduled specialist visits. If you need fast medical attention but not emergent medical attention, you can consider visiting your local urgent care, which tends to be cheaper than a visit to the ER. You can also call your primary care provider's office to see if they have after-hours or last-minute appointments available, which would also be cheaper than an ER visit. That said, certain issues do require immediate emergency department visits and are worth the cost for your safety. Urgent care staff or your doctor should be able to help you determine if emergency care is needed — and, if you're not sure if you need emergent attention, it's best to go to the ER. I'm A Colorectal Cancer Doctor. Here Are 5 Things I'd Never Do. If Your Stomach Pain Feels Like This, It's Time To Go To The ER 7 Things ER Doctors Say You Should Always Do After A Fall
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Canadian tourist mysteriously found dead in Dominican Republic in Sudiksha Konanki-like drowning
Dorian MacDonald, a 38-year-old Canadian tourist, was found dead in the Dominican Republic's popular Puerto Plata resort town, CTV reported. The Nova Scotia resident's death, under mysterious circumstances, comes about three months after University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance and presumed drowning in Punta Cana. Dorian MacDonald was found dead in Dominican Republic months after Sudiksha Konanki's presumed drowning (Facebook) According to the CTV report, MacDonald, staying alone at a Puerto Plata hotel, took a late-night walk around 2 AM on June 20, near the beach. An hour later, at approximately 3 AM, a 911 call reported him missing. His body was later discovered, with Dominican authorities classifying the death as a drowning, though specific details remain undisclosed. Read More: 'This is the reality of Canada': Indian woman shares video of massive job fair queues for just 5 positions Police found his body in the water during high tide at 4:15 AM local time. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) spokesperson told CTV News that the department is 'aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in the Dominican Republic', but did not reveal details due to 'privacy considerations'. The 38-year-old's family is yet to issue a statement. GoFundMe set up Tara McKenzie, a close friend, described MacDonald as a 'brother' on a GoFundMe page, raising over $33,000 toward a $40,000 goal for funeral expenses. She highlighted his vibrant personality, noting his 'infectious laugh' and generous spirit. 'The painful reality is now facing the unthinkable task of trying to bring him back to Nova Scotia in a timely manner—to his Mom, his sisters, his family, his people. As much as we know how much he loved D.R (IYKYK) we need him home,' the GoFundMe description reads. Read More: North Korea opens new 'sight spot' in bid to boost tourism | What we know Sudiksha Konanki's case Like MacDonald, Konanki vanished during a pre-dawn beach visit at Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana on March 6. She was last seen on CCTV at 4:15 AM with Joshua Riibe, who reported being swept by a wave while swimming. Konanki's case saw extensive searches, yet her body wasn't found, prompting her parents to request a death declaration.
Forbes
16 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
Inactivity Is Bad For Your Brain Health
Exercise is good for one's health. However, a recent study has shown that spending too much time sitting down or lying down can be bad for one's brain health, even if one exercises regularly. Dr. Marissa Gogniat of the University of Pittsburgh and colleagues studied 400 people over a 7-year period, tracking levels of physical activity, sedentary time (such as sitting down), neurocognitive function, and brain volume loss measured with MRI scans. They found that, 'Greater sedentary behavior was associated with smaller hippocampal volume and worse cognitive performance over a 7-year period despite taking into account the level of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each person engaged in.' Although the exact mechanism for this loss of brain function is not completely understood, the researchers recommend that, 'healthcare professionals might consider assessing not only a patient's exercise regimen but also the amount of time they are sedentary throughout the day, recommending a reduction in such sedentary behavior in addition to increasing daily physical activity.' The hippocampus of the brain — a critical portion of the brain the helps with learning and memory. On the other hand, overwork can also alter one's brain. Researchers in South Korea studied brain structural changes in people who worked fewer than 52 hours per week vs. those who worked more. They found that, 'People who worked 52 or more hours a week displayed significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation, unlike participants who worked standard hours.' In particular, 'the overworked group showed higher brain volume in the areas which regulate executive function: the left middle frontal gyrus, left precentral gyrus, bilateral superior frontal gyrus-dorsolateral, and insula.' How to interpret that data isn't exactly clear. The researchers suspect this reflects 'neuroadaptive responses to chronic occupational stress.' They also note that overwork is already known to lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. However, whether the brain changes are a cause of the mental health issues, an effect of them, or are independent manifestation of overwork is unclear. As an analogy, people who work in physically demanding but risky jobs such as coal mining might have both greater muscle mass as well as shortened life expectancy due to accidents. The increased muscle mass is neither a cause nor an effect of the decreased life expectancy, but rather independent manifestations of the chronic work environment. The Korean research team acknowledges this noting, 'While the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the exploratory nature of this pilot study, they represent a meaningful first step in understanding the relationship between overwork and brain health.' So how do these research studies apply to our everyday lives? Although both studies have limitations, they suggest that both too little activity and too much stressful work can affect our brains. The first study illustrates the importance of both regular exercise and reducing sedentary time. For example, a retiree might wish to avoid sitting for hours at a time watching television (or working in front of a computer), but rather break up that time with regular standing and walking breaks every 30-45 minutes. In addition to a daily workout, consider regular ongoing movements throughout the day. It is more difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the second study. The observed brain changes from overwork have not been linked to specific cognitive or emotional deficits. But workers can still strive to maintain an appropriate work-life balance, including limiting excessive work hours, and advocating for healthier workplaces. I am not surprised that physical inactivity and workplace stress can affect the brain. I am also excited to know that we now have ways of measuring some of these brain changes, and may soon be able to better understand how to optimize our levels of activity to best protect our brain health.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
US neta with Indian heritage: New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani has Mumbai connection
NEW DELHI: When Zohran Mamdani announced his mayoral bid last October, few New Yorkers outside political circles had heard his name. Now, the 33-year-old state lawmaker is emerging as a potential frontrunner to lead America's largest city—and could soon become its youngest mayor in generations and the first Muslim and Indian American to hold the post. Mamdani declared victory in the Democratic primary from a rooftop bar in Queens on Tuesday evening, shortly after former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded. Though the final outcome hinges on a ranked-choice count scheduled for 1 July, his early lead has already stirred national attention. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Behind Mamdani's rapid rise is a story shaped by migration, art, scholarship, and activism—grounded in his Indian heritage. Born to Indian parents with global lives Zohran Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents—both widely recognised in their respective fields. His mother, Mira Nair , is one of India's most acclaimed filmmakers, celebrated for works like Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake and Mississippi Masala. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a prominent scholar of postcolonial studies at Columbia University in New York. Both Nair and Mahmood were born in India—Nair in Rourkela, Odisha, and Mahmood in Mumbai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo They later lived and worked across Africa, Europe, and the United States. Zohran spent his early childhood in Uganda and South Africa before moving to New York at the age of seven. Mahmood Mamdani, now regarded as a leading public intellectual, was raised in Kampala by Gujarati Muslim parents. In the 1960s, he was selected for the landmark Kennedy Airlift programme, which sent East African students to study in the United States during the decolonisation era. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became active in civil rights movements—a legacy of activism his son would later embrace. From rap and cricket to politics Zohran Mamdani attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, where he co-founded the school's first cricket team. He later studied Africana Studies at Bowdoin College in Maine and helped launch a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. Before entering politics, Mamdani dabbled in music as a fledgling rapper, performing under the stage name 'Mr. Cardamom.' His lyrics often reflected themes of race, identity and social justice. In 2020, he was elected to the New York State Assembly from Queens, representing Astoria. Since then, he has been vocal on housing rights, climate justice, and immigrant protections—an agenda shaped by both his upbringing and his family's intellectual legacy. Earlier this year, he married Syrian American artist Rama Duwaji. The couple met on a dating app and now live in Astoria.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mahmood Mamdani education and career path: How Zohran Mamdani's father built a legacy of revolution through ideas and exile
Zohran Mamdani As Zohran Mamdani positions himself for one of the most consequential roles in American municipal governance, the mayoralty of New York City, his political philosophy is being examined not only for its content but also for the intellectual tradition from which it emerges. A democratic socialist with deep grassroots ties and a precise policy instinct, Zohran's approach to power is shaped not just by conviction but by inheritance. This inheritance is not merely biological; it is profoundly intellectual. At the heart of that legacy stands his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a political thinker shaped by exile, rooted in anti-colonial critique, and internationally renowned for reshaping how the world understands state authority and postcolonial governance. Here is the story of his education and career—the foundation that has indelibly shaped his son's political consciousness. Mahmood Mamdani's academic journey: How a student of struggle became a scholar of power Mahmood Mamdani's academic journey is as compelling as his scholarship. Born in 1946 in Bombay and raised in Kampala by Gujarati Muslim parents, his early years were marked by constant movement across East Africa and growing political awareness. Selected as part of the historic Kennedy Airlift initiative in the 1960s, he joined a select cohort of East African students who studied in North America during the decolonisation period. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh, where his commitment to justice took root through civil rights activism. After participating in protests in Montgomery, Alabama, and facing imprisonment for his stance, Mamdani deepened his engagement with revolutionary thought. He went on to complete a Master's at Tufts University and later obtained a PhD in Government from Harvard, where his dissertation on class and politics in Uganda laid the intellectual foundation for his future work. Mahmood Mamdani's career: A life of scholarship forged in struggle Mamdani's academic and personal life has been shaped by political upheaval. Shortly after returning to Uganda to conduct doctoral research, he was expelled by Idi Amin for his ethnicity and forced into exile. From the United Kingdom, he moved to Tanzania, joining the University of Dar es Salaam — a crucible for postcolonial thought. Despite being rendered stateless in the 1980s due to his criticism of Milton Obote's regime, Mamdani continued his work with unrelenting conviction. He returned to Uganda after Obote's fall and became the founding director of the Centre for Basic Research, one of the country's first independent think tanks. His academic career spanned institutions across the globe, including the University of Cape Town, Princeton, and Columbia University, where he currently teaches in the departments of Government, Anthropology, and African Studies. His scholarship remains foundational in the study of colonialism, authoritarianism, and the politics of knowledge. In his landmark work Citizen and Subject, Mamdani argued that the colonial state in Africa operated through a bifurcated system — one that simultaneously created urban civil power for citizens and rural authoritarian rule over subjects. This analytical framework challenged the conventional understanding of apartheid and extended far beyond South Africa. His writings continue to inform how academics and policymakers understand the enduring legacies of colonial governance and state violence. For Zohran Mamdani, these were not distant theories, but lived realities, discussed, debated, and dissected within his own home. Mahmood Mamdani's legacy finds its voice in Zohran's politics Where Mira Nair offered her son a global lens for storytelling and empathy, Mahmood Mamdani provided him with the intellectual tools to interrogate power and structure. Zohran's political style — principled yet strategic, radical yet methodical — carries clear echoes of his father's analytical discipline. In his advocacy for housing justice, immigrant rights, and racial equity, Zohran channels not only the urgency of social movements but also the clarity of postcolonial critique. His is a politics informed not just by protest, but by a lifetime immersed in theory, history, and the study of systems that marginalise and exclude. In a political age often defined by spectacle and short-termism, Zohran Mamdani's approach stands apart. It is grounded in an education shaped by two of the most dynamic thinkers of their generation. Mahmood Mamdani did not simply shape academic discourse — he cultivated a worldview in his son that merges scholarship with service, resistance with reform, and vision with action. The intellectual lineage that Zohran carries into public life is not just an inheritance; it is a compass. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
