The Daily News – February 3, 2025

Today we’ll discuss how walking pneumonia cases are rising in Canada. Next can estrogen cream combat, skin, aging science, and last, a simple supplement to help lower blood pressure in overweight seniors. Welcome to the Daily News. First, walking pneumonia has been making headlines since the colder weather began. Doctors reported a noticeable increase in cases across parts of Canada, particularly in children walking. Pneumonia is a bacterial infection. It often feels like a mild chest cold, but can escalate into a more serious lung infection. Symptoms can range from sore throat and coughing to fatigue and fever in children under five, the signs may include diarrhea, sneezing, and a runny nose. The head of family medicine at Markham Stobel Hospital emphasizes the need for a calm response. He explains the message is not to panic. It’s just more raising awareness about what’s happening. Doctors also note the infection’s unusual nature. One doctor from the University Health Network in Toronto highlights the importance of using the right medication. It requires a different antibiotic than regular pneumonia, and patients won’t get better without it. Experts believe the unusual spike may be linked to lowered immunity after the pandemic. Because the bacteria is incubation, period is one to four weeks. Outbreaks tend to occur in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes. If you notice symptoms, particularly in children and seniors, health officials recommend visiting a primary care provider. Diagnosis of walking pneumonia is made by listening to breathing sounds with a stethoscope and possibly ordering an x-ray or taking mucus swabs to confirm the diagnosis. Tips to prevent infection and transmission include frequent hand washing, getting adequate rest and nutrition, and coughing into a tissue or elbow instead of your hands. Early detection and appropriate antibiotics can ensure a full recovery. Next up, we’re reporting on a Washington Post article that asks, can estrogen cream help fight skin aging as menopause begins and estrogen levels drop, women often face drier skin, reduced collagen, and more pronounced wrinkles. Prescription estrogen creams are intended for vaginal use, but some dermatologists prescribe them off-label for the face. The study found improvements in wrinkles and skin firmness after six months of treatment with low dose estrogen compounds. However, experts caution that this use is understudied, especially for the face experts. Say results may depend on the type of estrogen used, the concentration and the dosage. It’s unclear whether the effects are from direct contact with the facial skin or from the amount that is absorbed into the bloodstream prescription. Estrogen creams are not FDA approved for cosmetic purposes, and women with hormone sensitive conditions should consult their doctor before use. Dermatologists emphasize there are safer well research options for skin aging. The bottom line, according to the article, topical estrogen creams might help some women, but they are not a proven anti-aging solution. Experts recommend sticking with better study products for now. Now for our last story, new research suggests vitamin D with calcium may help lower blood pressure in older adults who are overweight. The study found the effects were strongest in those with obesity and people diagnosed with hypertension. Researchers studied 221 participants who were recruited through outpatient departments, clinics, and advertisements in the greater Beirut area. They were age 65 and older. All had low vitamin D levels and were classified as overweight. Over 12 months, they took either 600 IU or 3,750 IU of Vitamin D three. Blood pressure was measured throughout the study. Results showed both systolic and diastolic pressure dropped significantly. Those with obesity saw even greater reductions. People with hypertension benefited from the vitamin D regardless of the dose. The study’s lead author stated, our study found vitamin D supplementation may decrease blood pressure in specific subgroups such as older people, people with obesity, and possibly those with low vitamin D levels. The study had limitations including its focus on sedentary participants, many with pre-diabetes. Despite this, the research shows how simple steps like supplementation can support heart health in older adults. Those were our top stories for today. Thank you so much for joining us on the Daily News.