Popular News

• 

  • 菲律賓國旗

  U.S. Commits Up to $27.8 Million to Expand Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced up to $27.8 million in funding over three years for three initiatives designed to prevent falls among older adults. Administered through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the funding will expand evidence-based prevention programs, strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations, and help state and local partners identify risks before falls lead to serious injuries or loss of independence.Falls are a major cause of injury among Americans aged 65 and older, with approximately one in four older adults experiencing a fall each year. Beyond physical injuries and hospital stays, falls can undermine confidence and make everyday activities such as shopping, walking and socializing more difficult. Nonfatal falls are estimated to account for about $80 billion in healthcare spending annually. Early risk assessments, strength and balance exercises, and safer home environments can help reduce preventable incidents and their consequences.The funding will support two complementary approaches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI initiative helps healthcare professionals screen for and assess fall risks, while the community-based Stepping On program focuses on strength and balance training and factors such as medication use, vision, footwear and home safety. The National Council on Aging will receive approximately $4.78 million to expand clinical-community partnerships. Another $7.5 million will support a National Falls Prevention Resource Center, providing training, practical tools and tailored assistance. Additional awards will help organizations in multiple states broaden access to established programs, train local providers and strengthen referral networks.The initiative will bring together resources from multiple federal agencies to improve coordination between healthcare assessments and community-based prevention services. By expanding evidence-based programs and helping local organizations sustain their delivery, the U.S. government aims to reduce fall-related injuries and healthcare costs while helping older Americans remain safely and independently in their homes and communities.

  2026-10-13 09:00
• 

  • 菲律賓國旗

  AI-Powered Smart Shoes Could Track Changes in Movement

  Everyday sneakers could eventually become tools for monitoring changes in physical movement. A smart shoe prototype combines motion sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze walking patterns, using energy generated by footsteps to power its electronics without a conventional rechargeable battery. The technology could eventually help healthcare professionals observe changes in mobility over time and provide additional information for health assessments and rehabilitation monitoring.The shoe integrates sensors, a small processor and an AI algorithm into a device in the sole. Pressure and friction generated by each step produce energy, which is converted into electricity for the electronics. An accelerometer measures foot movement along three axes, while the AI system analyzes data in 15-second intervals to identify activities such as slow walking, fast walking, running and climbing stairs. The results are displayed on a screen attached to the shoe.To reduce computing demands and power consumption, researchers streamlined the original AI model. Testing showed that the revised model classified movements with 95.4% accuracy, ran about 15 times faster and used approximately one-sixth as much current as the original. Laboratory tests also found that even slow walking generated enough energy to power the system. However, the evaluation involved only four healthy volunteers aged 23 to 26. The technology has not yet been validated in older adults, people with mobility disorders or patients undergoing rehabilitation.The findings, published in Science Advances, offer a potential direction for wearable health technology. If further research confirms its reliability, smart shoes could help track gait changes, assess rehabilitation progress or identify unusual walking patterns that warrant further evaluation. The technology remains at the prototype stage and cannot currently diagnose medical conditions, predict falls or determine whether a treatment is effective. Additional testing and clinical research are needed before its practical medical applications can be established.

  2026-10-13 09:00
• 

  • 菲律賓國旗

  Bladder Cancer Symptoms Can Be Overlooked in Women, Highlighting Need for Assessment

  Bladder cancer affects both men and women, and symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination and discomfort during urination can overlap with those of urinary tract infections and other conditions. Cancer Australia estimated approximately 3,345 new bladder cancer cases in 2025. Between 2017 and 2021, the five-year relative survival rate was about 57% overall, at approximately 50% for women and 60% for men. These figures highlight the importance of symptom awareness and timely medical assessment.Possible symptoms include blood in the urine, changes in urine colour, frequent or urgent urination, and pain or a burning sensation during urination. Some people may also experience reduced appetite, weight loss, or pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen or lower back. These symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer and may have other causes, so they cannot establish a diagnosis on their own.Blood in the urine warrants medical attention, even when the urine appears only slightly pink or rusty. People with persistent or recurring urinary symptoms, or symptoms that do not improve after treatment, should seek further medical assessment and explain any changes to their healthcare provider. Depending on the circumstances, investigations may include urine tests, imaging, cystoscopy or a biopsy to help determine the cause.Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Age, family history and exposure to certain chemicals may also be relevant. Because urinary symptoms can have multiple causes, persistent discomfort should not be repeatedly ignored or automatically attributed to an infection. Anyone experiencing recurring symptoms should discuss further assessment with a healthcare professional and consider a second medical opinion if concerns about the diagnosis or treatment remain.

  2026-10-12 09:00