Fifteen dengue fever cases were reported in Week 29, and 23 cases in Week 30, none of which were severe enough to require hospitalisation

View the full post Steady rise in dengue fever cases on NOW Grenada.

A majority of voters believe that Vice President Kamala Harris knew about — and covered up — President Biden’s reported cognitive health issues.

That’s according to a YouGov/Times of London poll that surveyed 1,170 registered voters on July 22 and July 23.

Among those who believe Biden’s health issues were kept under wraps, 92% said they think the vice president was well aware of the situation.

DOCTORS REACT AFTER BIDEN'S LIVE ADDRESS TO THE NATION: A CONCERNING ‘LACK OF EMOTION' 

Overall, 68% of respondents believe Biden’s decline was on Harris’ radar.

"There's no way for me to know what went through Kamala's head or what her experience has been dealing with Joe Biden," Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

"Perhaps seeing him on a regular basis made it difficult for her to pick up on any changes," said Alpert, who has not treated Biden.

"Of course, this is just speculation, and we do not know of any formal diagnosis."

Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, a luxury medical services provider in Southlake, previously spoke with Fox News Digital about the failure of those around Biden to seek help for the president.

JOE BIDEN'S HEALTH: LEADERSHIP ABILITY QUESTIONS MOUNT AS OVAL OFFICE SPEECH GAVE NO REASON FOR EXITING RACE

"Either they are in denial and have watched this take place over a period of time, so they are less sensitive to the contrast, or they are fully aware but can’t bear the thought of what happens to the family (on many levels) if Joe is no longer president," said Gaman, who also has never treated the current commander-in-chief. 

Although there's long been debate about potential signs of cognitive decline, the issue came to the forefront after the June 27 presidential debate, when Biden sparked concerns with his sometimes incoherent speech and unclear train of thought on national live television.

The president, who is 81, has also appeared to "freeze" on stage during public appearances on more than one occasion.

In mid-July, Biden tested positive for COVID-19, and was said to experience upper respiratory symptoms that included "rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise," according to a statement on the White House's website.

On July 23, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s personal physician, released a letter stating that Biden’s symptoms had resolved and that he would "continue to be monitored for any recurrence of illness."

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has stated that Biden has seen a neurologist multiple times as part of routine health exams, but that he is not being treated for any neurological disorders.

Outside the political arena, it is common for family members and loved ones to avoid facing signs of cognitive decline and potential dementia, experts say.

"Ask any family who has dealt with Alzheimer’s, dementia or Parkinson’s, and they will tell you that what we are seeing play out [here] is classic with most families who face this," said Gaman, whose own mother struggled with Alzheimer’s disease.

"His story just happens to be playing out on the big stage," Gaman added. "Remember, everyone rallying around Biden and covering up the truth has something personal to gain by him continuing to hold office."

In some cases, Alpert noted, signs may be genuinely missed.

EARLY DEMENTIA OFTEN HAS A SURPRISING WARNING SIGN, REPORT SAYS: 'FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES'

"Generally speaking, family members who see their loved one on a regular basis don't always pick up on the cognitive decline as perceptively as those who might just see someone on occasion," he said.  

"For example, someone seeing Grandma once a year during the holiday season is more likely to pick up on a decline than if they were seeing her monthly."

That’s because cognitive decline is usually gradual in the beginning, he noted.

"Early signs might be subtle and perhaps mistaken as normal aging or stress."

In other cases, the person experiencing the decline may find ways to adapt and develop strategies to compensate for the cognitive difficulties, according to Alpert, which can make the symptoms less obvious to close family and friends. 

Experts agree that a denial of someone’s cognitive decline doesn’t do the person any favors.

"If family members and close associates are in denial about a loved one's cognitive decline, it can delay diagnosis and treatment of the person," Alpert warned. 

FDA APPROVES NEW DRUG FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

"Dismissing an obvious issue as ‘just a bad day’ or saying ‘everyone forgets from time to time’ doesn't help the person, and will only slow access to resources and proper management of the condition," he added.

Delaying treatment can also pose safety risks, experts agree.

"Although in the short term it might be easier to look the other way, ultimately denial leads to more stress for the loved one as the condition worsens," Alpert said.

"Sometimes, getting a proper medical diagnosis provides the clinical validation necessary for the patient to actually feel understood."

In Alpert’s practice, he said he sometimes has patients who experience a host of symptoms, but don’t know exactly what is going on.  

"Once I confirm the diagnosis, they feel a bit relieved to know that their symptoms are real and part of a medical or psychological disorder, and not just made up," he said.

In Biden’s case, denial of a possible cognitive disorder isn’t just dangerous for the president, but also for the country as a whole, experts say.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

If Biden is experiencing cognitive decline, failure to get him the medical attention he needs could be putting his health in danger, according to Gaman.

"From the standpoint of the country, we need to address this as a health crisis and not a political crisis," she said.

Gaman also noted that if Biden does have one of these conditions, he may not understand the need to ask for help.

"This is a prime opportunity to increase funding for research, raise awareness and encourage others dealing with this to come out of denial."

Gaman noted that she is not claiming to diagnose the president, but rather asking that the country open up the discussion on neurodegenerative disease, "especially since it’s on the rise."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris campaign requesting comment but did not receive a response. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

In response to earlier outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said that "health was not a factor" in Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. 

"He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people," the White House said in its statement. 

Several foods that can be consumed regularly to help ease the effects of sinusitis and congestion include pineapples, garlic, peppers, spicy foods and turmeric and ginger

View the full post Foods that promote and relieve sinus congestion on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Sandals Foundation and Great Shape! Inc. Health Care Missions to include eye care services on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.-  In a commitment to enhance mental health services and improve quality of life, Minister of Health Víctor Atallah, in coordination with First Lady Raquel Arbaje, announced the extended operating hours of the “Cuida tu Salud Mental” Contact Center.

Starting September 1, the center will be open from 8 AM to midnight, including weekends, to provide greater support for those in need. To support this expansion, additional healthcare staff will be hired to ensure the availability of more professionals offering psychological counseling and support.

The center can be reached at 809-200-1400 for consultations with trained behavioral health specialists. This initiative aims to improve access to mental health services nationwide.

Minister Atallah reaffirmed his commitment to transforming mental health services during a visit to the Padre Billini Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center and meetings with the Society of Psychiatry and the Dominican College of Psychologists.

The Ministry of Health is also updating protocols for managing depressive disorders in adults, substance use in children and adolescents, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in minors. Technical committees composed of various institutions and specialists are overseeing these updates.

Additionally, efforts are underway to update the National Mental Health Plan and Mental Health Law 12-06, with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other institutions, ensuring policies align with international best practices and local needs.

Strategic guidelines for suicide prevention are being developed, reviewed by technical committees and specialized consultancies, and will be implemented through decentralized units, including provincial, municipal, and health area offices.

The Ministry is also preparing a mental health bulletin and a study to characterize homeless individuals, aiming to provide updated information for decision-making and the implementation of appropriate intervention strategies.

Former West Indies cricket captain, Sir Clive Lloyd on Sunday appealed to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to focus on combatting prostate cancer. Speaking at his investiture with the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) award that coincided with the opening of the summit of regional leaders in Grenada, Sir Clive hoped that the same emphasis ...

Santo Domingo – The Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) reports that as of week 27, 8,484 dengue cases had been registered, and nine deaths had been reported.

However, it states that as of week 27, only 941 cases and nine deaths have been confirmed in the Dominican Republic.

The provinces with the highest incidence of cases are Santiago (255), Puerto Plata (133), and Duarte (99). The official data for cases can be verified.

The most affected sex is males between the ages of 10 and 19. Six cases were reported last week.

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a disease that affects people of all ages, with symptoms ranging from a mild fever to an incapacitating fever, accompanied by intense headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and erythema.

Malaria
The total number of suspected malaria cases under investigation is 28,007.

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus that are spread to people through the bite of mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus. It is a preventable and curable disease. According to Epidemiology, it is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. National data establish that for week 27 of this year -2024, 618 suspected malaria cases were reported, of which 9 cases were confirmed, eight male and one female, within the age group of 10 to 19 years old. These cases correspond to the active outbreaks in the provinces of San Juan, with eight cases, and Azua, with one case.

Covid-19 cases
In the last week, 159 cases of COVID-19 were reported, and as of week 27, 636 cases have been confirmed.

Leptospirosis
In the Dominican Republic, up to week 27, 323 probable cases of leptospirosis were reported; this represents an increase of 318% in the variation of the rate compared to 2023, when it was 154%.

The provinces with the highest incidence are Santo Domingo (55), Monte Cristi (43), Santiago (28) and Distrito Nacional with 15 cases.

The most affected sex is male, within the age group of 20 to 29 years old.

The Epidemiology Department keeps up to date with its weekly bulletins.

Santo Domingo – During one week, week 28, the Epidemiological Surveillance System recorded three maternal deaths from three provinces. Their ages ranged from 21 to 29 years old.

Nine deaths remain from dengue. The system indicates that as of the 28th epidemiological week of the year 2024, 135 suspected cases and 16 confirmed cases have been registered. Dengue is a disease transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is notifiable.

Maternal mortality
The three maternal deaths came from the Peravia, Espaillat, and Monte Cristi provinces.

The health centers that reported cases were Maternidad Nuestra Señora La Altagracia, Centro Médico Guadalupe, and Clínica Unión Médica del Norte.

Sixty-seven percent or two out of three cases reported this epidemiological week, are of Dominican nationality.

The accumulated number of maternal deaths up to week 28 is 88 deaths, involving women between 17 and 44 years of age who resided in the Metropolitan region with 34 deaths, North Cibao, 15, East 15, Valdesia, eight, El Valle, five, Enriquillo, three, Northeast Cibao, three, Western Cibao, three and Central Cibao, two.

Of the 88 deaths reported, 45%, or 40 out of the 88 deaths, were Haitian women in labor.

Concern
Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a major concern, with many preventable deaths that have not decreased significantly in recent years. The World Health Organization stresses the importance of adequate maternal care for short- and long-term well-being. Although there has been progress, challenges persist.

Dengue fever
To date, 8,602 suspected cases of dengue have been reported.

The last week, 13.3%, or 18 of the 135 cases reported in the last week are concentrated in Hermanas Mirabal, 12.6%, or 17 of 135 in Duarte province and 10.4%, involving 14 of 135) in Santiago province. The cumulative incidence is 17.05 per 100,000 inhabitants, the province with the highest cumulative incidence is Hermanas Mirabal with 655.16 suspected cases per 100,000 inhabitants. A total of 8,602 suspected cases of febrile illness have been reported. Of the total number of suspected cases. Fifty-three percent of the suspected cases (4,523 out of 8,602) were male and affected the 10-19-year-old age group.

A total of 83.2% of the cases received care in a health facility, with 54% showing alarm signs and 45% without. Up to week 28, 4,475 dengue tests have been processed at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

This is a communicable disease indicator that is monitored by the authorities. Notification is mandatory.

View the full post Ministry of Education supports children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on NOW Grenada.

During a live address on Wednesday night, President Biden spoke of his decision to exit the 2024 race, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, and announced his intent to stay in office for the rest of his term, which is 178 days at this point.

He did not, however, mention his health status or his recent COVID battle.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s personal physician, told reporters on Thursday that Biden’s health and mental cognition were both "excellent," yet some experts have been expressing concerns that remaining in office could take a physical and mental toll on the president.

DOCTORS REACT AFTER BIDEN'S LIVE ADDRESS TO THE NATION: A CONCERNING 'LACK OF EMOTION'

Here's what some doctors are saying.

Health experts said the high-pressure nature of the presidency could pose "significant health risks" for Biden, who has recently displayed signs of cognitive challenges.

"I am definitely concerned about the stress, and am worried he could be depressed while apparently continuing to fail cognitively," Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

He has not treated Biden. 

He also said, "I am furious that the White House is in denial mode and is not giving us any details, and that the White House doctor is not coming forward," adding that he "feels compassion" for the president.

BIDEN HEALTH CONCERNS PERSIST AS HE MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE AFTER ENDING CAMPAIGN

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, reiterated that the "immense, demanding and relentless" stress of the presidency can significantly impact physical and cognitive health.

"For President Biden, who has a history of cognitive issues, the toll of such stress is particularly concerning," he told Fox News Digital, expressing his professional opinion. Osborn has not examined or treated the president. 

Stress can worsen cognitive issues by causing a spike in cortisol, the primary stress hormone, Osborn said.

"Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can accelerate the deterioration of brain regions, such as the frontal and temporal lobes, which are crucial for cognitive functions like memory, decision-making and impulse control," he said.

"This suggests that the demanding nature of the presidency could further accelerate any existing cognitive decline in President Biden, potentially diminishing his ability to fulfill the complex and high-stakes responsibilities of his office."

AFTER BIDEN DROPS OUT OF RACE, DOCTORS REVEAL WHY THE DECISION MAY HAVE BEEN BEST FOR HIS HEALTH

Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, also surmised that in the presence of any type of dementia, it may be more difficult to process stressors and handle stressful situations, which can lead to worsening cognitive abilities. 

"In the long run, this can affect overall physical health," Murray told Fox News Digital.

Even with cognitively healthy presidents, Murray said, the high-pressure job has been known to have physical ramifications. (Murray and other doctors referenced here have not treated Biden.)

"If you look through presidential history, [you can] compare pictures of presidents at the beginning of their term to pictures of them at the end of their term," he said. 

"It's obvious that the aging process has likely occurred at a faster rate than the normal population due to the immense pressure and stress the presidency brings on a daily basis," he also said. 

"This would be accentuated in someone with cognitive limitations."

Although continued public scrutiny could also lead to increased stress, the fact that Biden has bowed out of the presidential race means that a significant stressor in his life has been eliminated, according to Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist and author based in New York City.

AFTER BIDEN’S 'TERRIBLE' DEBATE, HEALTH EXPERTS WARN OF DENIAL DANGERS, CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF SYMPTOMS

"Biden might actually feel a bit of relief now that he has stopped running for president," he told Fox News Digital.

"The intense pressure and stress from constant attacks by the opposing side and scrutiny from within his own party will be lessened significantly, and he will likely be better able to focus on his role and responsibilities," Alpert added.

Doctors who shared professional opinions with Fox News Digital agreed that in their view, Biden should receive ongoing medical care and monitoring.

"Given the noticeable decline in the president's health, my hope would be that he is closely monitored by his physician and that the team brings in any experts necessary to properly evaluate any new issues that might arise in coming months," Alpert said.  

"President Biden should be given full treatment and support that's honest and transparent, as the remainder of his term plays out."

Neurologist Murray said that a patient of his with a certain degree of dementia "needs fairly consistent supervision."

He added, "I would not recommend making large financial decisions or higher-level executive decisions without advice from family members who are looking out for the best interests of the patient." 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

It is essential that the president receives appropriate medical care and stress management for the remainder of his term, Osborn said.

"While President Biden's commitment to serving his country is commendable, the potential health risks associated with continuing in such a high-pressure role cannot be ignored," the neurosurgeon said.

It is crucial for Biden to prioritize health and well-being, according to Osborn, even if it means stepping back from demanding roles. 

Healthy lifestyle behaviors — such as daily exercise, stress management, and proper nutrition and supplements — are also important, he advised, as well as a "robust support system of professionals, including a neurologist who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and a physical therapist."

"These are crucial steps in maintaining his health and, by extension, the effective governance of the nation, which he otherwise places at extreme risk," Osborn added.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

In response to earlier outreach from Fox News Digital, the White House press office said that "health was not a factor" in the president's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race. 

"He looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people," the White House said in its statement.