Latest news with #healthconditions
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat warnings issued in Ontario, nights will offer little relief
Widespread heat warnings are in effect across southern Ontario as a multi-day heat event builds across the region. Expect the combination of heat and humidity to reach dangerous levels beginning Sunday and lasting through Tuesday. Heat affects everyone. Vulnerable people are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including those with chronic health conditions and folks living without air conditioning. Be sure to check on your elderly family, friends, and neighbours. DON'T MISS: Heat builds into Ontario to start the week A strong ridge of high pressure building south of the border will exert its influence over southern Ontario to end the weekend. Expect high heat and humidity to arrive Sunday and continue into Tuesday. Air temperatures will climb into the lower 30s, with excess humidity pushing feels-like values into the lower 40s for most of the region. Humidity hampers your body's ability to cool off through sweat; prolonged exposure without sufficient relief can lead to medical emergencies like heat stroke. Making matters worse is that overnight temperatures will remain 5 to 7 degrees above seasonal for the duration of the heat event, preventing any significant relief at night. MUST SEE: Temperatures overnight Monday will only dip to 24°C in Windsor, 22°C in Toronto, and 22°C in Ottawa. The combination of uncomfortably warm days and stuffy nights will put stress on vulnerable people, especially those living without reliable access to air conditioning. Healthy individuals can also develop heat-related illnesses by overexerting outdoors on a hot day. 'Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others,' Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) said in its heat warning for the region. 'Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.' Relief from the heat is on the horizon. A strong cold front expected to push across southern Ontario will spark a fresh round of active weather throughout the region. Below-seasonal temperatures will sweep into the province behind this front, ushering in a cooler stretch of weather to round out July and kick off August. Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Ontario. Header image created using graphics and imagery from Canva. WATCH: Try these hacks to beat the trapped heat in your car Click here to view the video
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experience night sweats? Don't ignore them, says sleep expert — here's why
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Any number of things can keep you from getting a good night's rest. Among common offenders, night sweats affect as much as 41 percent of primary care patients. While hormonal imbalances are well-known culprits, they're far from the only causes. Moreover, how can you tell if you're actually experiencing night sweats—or if you simply run hot or have a sub-optimal sleep environment? And if you are dealing with true night sweats, how can you pinpoint the cause? More importantly, can you stop them from sabotaging your sleep and well-being? We're asking a sleep medicine physician and digging deeper into the research to find out. What are night sweats Night sweats are recurring episodes of excessive sweating that occur while you sleep. They differ from infrequent bouts of overheating at night, which can happen now and then due to environmental factors. According to Andrea Matsumura, MD, MS, FACP, FAASM, board-certified sleep medicine physician at Sleep Goddess MD, running hot at night can occur if your room is too warm, your bedding is heavy, or you've consumed alcohol or spicy food before sweats, on the other hand, are often a sign of an underlying health condition. They tend to stand out with a few key traits: Frequency and severity. 'If you're waking up drenched in sweat multiple nights per week and needing to change your clothes or sheets, that's a red flag,' says Dr. Matsumura. Adverse symptoms. If you experience night sweats alongside other symptoms—including but not limited to weight loss, fever, menstrual irregularities, chronic fatigue, or mood swings—Dr. Matsumura says a bigger health issue may be at play. What causes night sweats? Hormone changes Hormonal fluctuations are among the most common causes of night sweats—especially for women. 'Fluctuating estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause are some of the most common triggers,' says Dr. Matsumura. Per a 2023 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 50 to 75 percent of women experience night sweats, hot flashes or both during the menopausal transition. A lower percentage of women may also experience night sweats during pregnancy. 'Even menstrual cycle shifts can cause temporary night sweats for some women,' Dr. Matsumura adds. Medication Certain medications can also cause night sweats by affecting the nervous system, hormone levels, or body temperature regulation. According to Dr. Matsumura, medications that contribute to night sweats include but aren't limited to: Antidepressants Pain relievers Fever-reducing drugs Steroids Some blood pressure medications 'If your medication list has changed recently, it's worth consulting with your doctor,' she shares. Sleep disorders Sleep apnea is mainly associated with breathing issues while asleep. 'However, those with sleep apnea may also see an uptick in night sweats,' says Dr. Matsumura. In one Icelandic study, over 30 percent of males and 33 percent of females with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reported nocturnal sweating three or more times per week, which was three times higher in untreated OSA patients than in the general population. Per an observational study published in the journal Sleep and Breathing, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who had night sweats also had a higher hypoxic burden (which is essentially a measure of how severe and frequent oxygen drops are during sleep). Essentially, night sweats can result from not getting enough oxygen throughout the night. Health conditions A range of different health conditions can result in night sweats. Dr. Matsumura says these include but aren't limited to hyperthyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, infections, and certain cancers. Reasons can involve a range of mechanisms, including those that overlap with medications—such as effects on the nervous system, hormones, and body temperature regulation—but also metabolic and immune responses. For instance, hyperthyroidism (i.e., a chronically overactive thyroid) increases metabolism and body temperature, leading to excess warmth and sweating that can occur both day and night. Mental health Mental health challenges often interfere with sleep, and night sweats are no exception. 'Anxiety, stress, and depression can activate the sympathetic nervous system at night,' says Dr. Matsumura. 'This essentially mimics the body's fight-or-flight response, which can lead to sweating.' But that's not all. 'Nightmares and night terrors caused by mental health issues can also lead to sweating episodes,' she adds. How to stop night sweats If you suspect that you're dealing with night sweats (potentially alongside other symptoms), be sure to consult your physician for guidance. They'll not only be able to help decipher if and why you're sweating through the night, but also help you achieve cooler, higher-quality sleep and support overall health. 'If night sweats are disrupting your sleep or quality of life, don't ignore them,' advises Dr. Matsumura. 'Sleep is when your body restores and regulates itself, and persistent disruption can have knock-on effects on your overall health.' On top of seeking professional guidance, these tips and tricks can help manage or reduce night sweats: Dietary and lifestyle changes While severe night sweats will likely require medical intervention, a few dietary and lifestyle tweaks can help avoid exacerbating the issue. Some expert-backed food for thought? 'Cut back on alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and heavy meals before bed,' Dr. Matsumura shares. On the lifestyle front, carving out time and space to wind down before sleeping can also elicit positive changes. Why not creative your own nighttime routine? For example, 'Guided relaxation and journaling before bed can help calm the nervous system,' says Dr. Matsumura. Create a cool bedroom environment Your bedroom environment can make or break your sleep quality—not to mention make a dent on how mild or severe your night sweats are. For starters, the best temperature for sleeping ranges from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celcius). So set your thermostat with these temperatures in mind. Keeping your room dark via blackout shades, as well as running a fan, can also help with temperature regulation. In addition, Dr. Matsumura suggests that those with night sweats use breathable sheets and consider investing in a cooling mattress and/or topper. Exercise regularly Consistent exercise works wonders for just about every aspect of your health. It even has the potential to mitigate night sweats. 'Daily movement can help regulate hormones and improve sleep,' says Dr. Matsumura. There's just one catch: Aim to avoid intense workouts 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, as they can be too stimulating. If you prefer high-intensity workouts, aim to schedule them earlier in the day. If you only have time to move your body at night, aim for lower intensity forms of movement such as walking, yoga or gentle stretching. Use our guide on how to exercise for better sleep. Medical interventions Night sweats often indicate that an underlying health condition is at play. That said, it's important to discuss your symptoms in detail with a medical professional. Different causes may warrant diverse protocols—including but not limited to medications—to reduce not only night sweats but also other symptoms. 'If the root cause is thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, or a side effect of medication, treatment should target that specific issue,' Dr. Matsumura explains. Moreover, if perimenopause or menopause is driving your night sweats, your provider may suggest interventions tailored to your unique needs. 'For menopausal women, hormone therapy (estrogen) or non-hormonal options like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), gabapentin, or clonidine can be prescribed depending on your health profile,' she concludes. Always ensure you consult with a physician before taking any new medication.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UK launches fund to support people with health conditions return to work
The UK Government has launched the WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund, a pilot programme designed to assist individuals with health conditions return to work while simultaneously easing the workload on general practitioners (GPs). With £1.5m ($2.01m) in financial support, the initiative is set to benefit 15 regions. This approach tackles an issue where, out of the 11 million electronic fit notes issued in primary care across England last year, 93% indicated that individuals were 'not fit for work', without providing any alternative support. Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), WorkWell sites will bridge this gap by connecting patients to local services that offer work and health advice. The investment will enable the hiring of professionals within GP practices. Additionally, the programme will focus on enhancing the skills of occupational therapists and physiotherapists. UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Every person we help back into work isn't just transforming their own life - they're contributing to our communities, our economy and breaking the cycle that's been holding Britain back.' The initiative is exploring alternative methods to reduce the administrative burden on GPs. With 90% of fit notes being issued by doctors, the new funding will investigate how other healthcare professionals can contribute to a more supportive system for both patients and employers. The WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund aligns with the government's ten-year Health Plan. The government has also made strides in increasing the number of GPs, with recruitment initiatives. As part of a broader effort to reduce waiting lists and improve healthcare accessibility, the government has deployed specialist clinical teams and opened new community diagnostic centres operating seven days a week. This initiative complements a £100m investment in Connect to Work programmes. Evidence from the WorkWell pilot will inform a wider strategy on work, health, and skills, as part of the government's Plan for Change. Each of the 15 WorkWell pilot sites will receive a share of the £1.5m fund, amounting to £100,000 per site, to support up to 56,000 individuals by early 2026. "UK launches fund to support people with health conditions return to work" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RNZ News
14-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
The Panel with Deborah Hart and Anton Mathews Part 2
This half hour the panel speaks to Otago University Public Health professor Nick Wilson about a study showing that many former leaders of the world's nuclear-armed nations were impaired by health conditions while in office. After that, they head to Oamaru, the Victorian capital of New Zealand, where a passionate group of volunteers run a clothing hire service.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Sick note pilot launched to 'help people back to work'
A new pilot programme is set to launch in Surrey, which the government claims will get people with health conditions back into work, boost the economy and reduce pressure on the NHS. The £1.5m scheme will change how fit notes (also known as sick notes) are issued in Surrey Heartlands, alongside 15 other areas across the country. The government said the WorkWell pilot will combat the practice of immediately writing people off sick. Those given sick notes will instead be supported to find ways to get back into work, it added. Fit notes need to be written by a healthcare professional if a person is unwell and cannot work for more than seven days, according to the NHS. They can be used to claim benefits or statutory sick pay. 'Broken system' Under the pilot, people given sick notes will be connected with support services to provide work and health advice, such as career coaches or occupational therapists. Patients will also receive targeted and timely support to manage their health condition, while exploring "realistic options" for staying in or returning to work, the government said. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting called the pilot a "step towards transforming a broken system that's been failing people for years". It would "fundamentally change the conversation from 'you can't' to 'how can we help you?'," he added. Some 56,000 disabled people or those with health conditions are expected to be in work due to the pilot by spring 2026, according to the the 11 million sick notes issued electronically in primary care across England last year, 93% declared people "not fit for work", without offering a constructive alternative or support pathway to employment, it said. Some 2.8 million people are currently out of work due to health conditions, the government continued.
