Kind. Calm. Hard to break.
Symptoms and causes
Overview
Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits, called plaques, clog the blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain and head (carotid arteries).
These clogged blood vessels increase the risk of stroke.
Stroke is a medical emergency that happens when the brain loses all or much of its blood supply.
During a stroke, the brain doesn’t get oxygen and brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.
Carotid artery disease often develops slowly.
The first sign of the condition might be a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
A TIA is a temporary shortage of blood flow to the brain that does not cause permanent damage.
Treatment of carotid artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes surgery.
Carotid artery
The carotid arteries are a pair of blood vessels.
There’s one on each side of the neck.
The carotid arteries deliver blood to the brain and head.
Symptoms
In its early stages, carotid artery disease often doesn’t have symptoms.
The condition might not be obvious until it’s serious enough to deprive the brain of blood, causing a stroke or TIA.
Symptoms of a stroke or TIA include:
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency care for any symptoms of a stroke.
Even if they last only a short while and then you feel OK, see a healthcare professional right away. You might have had a TIA.
A TIA puts you at risk of a stroke.
Talk to your healthcare professional if you have risk factors for carotid artery disease, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Managing the risk factors might protect you from a stroke. Seeing a healthcare professional early increases your chances of finding carotid artery disease and getting treatment before a stroke occurs.
Causes
Carotid artery disease is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaques, in the arteries that send blood to the brain.
Plaques are clumps that include cholesterol, fat and blood cells that form in the artery.
This process is called atherosclerosis.
Carotid arteries narrow when they are clogged with plaques.
A clog in carotid arteries makes it hard for oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of carotid artery disease include:
Complications
Carotid artery disease causes about 10% of strokes. A stroke is a medical emergency that can cause brain damage, muscle weakness and possibly death.
Carotid artery disease can lead to stroke through:
Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot, known as a thrombus, blocks or plugs an artery leading to the brain.
A blood clot often forms in arteries damaged by a buildup of plaques, known as atherosclerosis.
It can occur in the carotid artery of the neck as well as other arteries.
Prevention
These steps can help prevent carotid artery disease or keep it from getting worse:
Dr Nicholas Veliotes
MBBCh – University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
I am a qualified medical practitioner seeking employment opportunities in the medical and healthcare sector.
I am available for consideration for suitable positions in general medical practice, primary healthcare, emergency medicine, occupational health, aviation medicine and related clinical services.
I bring extensive medical experience, professional commitment and a strong dedication to patient care.
I would appreciate hearing from hospitals, medical practices, healthcare organisations and recruitment agencies with suitable opportunities.
Contact details:
Cell: 082 451 2810
Email: npveliotes@icon.co.za
France 🇫🇷 confirms
deceased patient had
Shamonda virus
— what to know
Death of a patient raises questions about the
risks posed by a
livestock virus
that reached Europe this year
October 22, 2026
First detected in cattle in
Nigeria 🇳🇬 in 1965,
Shamonda virus
has since been found in other parts of Africa 🌍and Asia. 🌏
It was first identified in Europe 🗺️in late July and by October 20 cases had been reported in more than a dozen European countries.
Cancer biomarkers are measurable substances, genes, proteins, or molecular changes that can provide information about cancer presence, tumour type, prognosis, treatment selection, or response to treatment.
Common tumour biomarkers
Important molecular biomarkers
Clinical pearl
A raised tumour marker does not automatically mean cancer. Many markers can increase because of benign diseases, inflammation, pregnancy or other conditions.
Therefore, cancer biomarkers should generally be interpreted together with history and examination, imaging, histopathology and other laboratory investigations.
I am an experienced Wits-trained medical practitioner with approximately 30 years of professional experience and active HPCSA registration.
My background includes primary healthcare, emergency and trauma care, aviation medicine, occupational health, medical assessments and healthcare consulting.
I am currently seeking urgent paid work and am available to discuss locum shifts, sessional clinical work, temporary medical officer contracts, occupational health assignments and suitable medical advisory opportunities.
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Dr Nicholas P. Veliotes
Whattapp 0824512810
Email npveliotes@icon.co.za
Medical Practitioner
Johannesburg, South Africa
It is often believed that taking care of one’s health requires following strict diets, grueling workouts, or engaging in expensive wellness programs.
However, a simple, often overlooked activity can work wonders: a daily walk.
Wellness programs
Running and
hiking
Walking has a positive effect on mood
Walking! At first glance, it may seem trivial, even obvious. But a 30-minute walk a day can bring a number of amazing benefits to your physical and mental health.
Smartwatch.
Firstly, the immediate effect on mood.
After a hard day, instead of reaching for sinful pleasures such as chocolate or alcohol, choose a restorative walk.
Scientific studies have shown that a daily walk has a calming effect on the nervous system.
However, the benefits go beyond aesthetics.
Studies have shown that regular walks reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.
In addition, walks strengthen the circulatory system, preventing varicose veins and improving intestinal peristalsis.
This simple activity, accessible to everyone, can therefore have a profound effect on overall well-being.
A daily walk is conducive to developing a healthy and balanced rhythm of the day.
With its numerous physical and mental health benefits, it can help you achieve other goals more effectively.
/9
1/9 Walking has many benefits
A walk! At first glance, it may seem trivial, even obvious. But a 30-minute walk a day can bring a number of surprising benefits to your physical and mentalhealth.
2/9 Walking has a positive effect on mood.
Firstly, the immediate effect on mood.
After a difficult day, instead of reaching for sinful pleasures such as chocolate or alcohol, choose a restorative walk.
Scientific studies have shown that a daily walk has a calming effect on the nervous system,
thus reducing anger and hostility.
3/9 Walking together is even better!
What’s more, walking with a companion
strengthens social bonds and improves mood, especially
in company of natural sunlight.
Walking is beneficial in preventing seasonal disorders such as winter blues.
Dictionaries and encyclopedias
4/9 Walk to Lose Weight and Boost Creativity.
Walking also has a positive effect on creativity.
When you’re feeling blocked or looking for solutions to complex problems,
a simple walk can unblock your mind.
Psychology
5/9 Science proves that walking supports brain function!
Journal in Experimental Psychology found that walking stimulates creativity,
and walkers are able to think more originally
than sedentary people.
Psychology
6/9 Easier Weight Loss
Physically, regular walks contribute to weight loss and muscle tone.
Although the results on the scale may not be spectacular, the reduction in fat in the abdominal area is significant.
Walking improves metabolism,
Weight loss diets
7/9 Healthier Lifestyle
Through Walks
However, the benefits go beyond aesthetic issues.
Studies have shown that
regular walks reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
For example, researchers at Boulder University found that walking significantly lowered blood pressure and reduced the risk of stroke.
Diseases
8/9 Impact on overall well-being
What’s more, walking strengthens the circulatory system, preventing varicose veins and improving intestinal peristalsis.
This simple activity, accessible to everyone, can therefore have a profound effect on overall well-being.
Auto-assistanceet motivation
9/9./ Better health through walks
Health
A daily walk is conducive to developing a healthy and balanced routine.
With its numerous physical and mental health benefits, it can help you achieve other goals more effectively.
Regular walking can support your heart, muscles, metabolism, mood, sleep, balance, and everyday physical function.
You don’t need to run, lift heavy weights, or spend hours at a gym.
For many people, walking is an accessible way to begin building a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Walking regularly gives your cardiovascular system repeated opportunities to work.
At a purposeful pace, your heart beats faster and your breathing increases as your muscles need more oxygen.
Over time, consistent aerobic activity can support cardiovascular fitness and healthier blood-pressure patterns.
Walking also helps break up long periods of sitting, which is especially useful for people who spend much of the day at a desk or in a car.
Your legs and hips also receive valuable low-impact exercise. Walking works the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and supporting core muscles.
This can help maintain mobility and make everyday activities such as climbing stairs, standing from a chair, carrying groceries, and walking longer distances easier.
However, walking alone is usually not enough to build substantial muscle mass, so strength training can complement it.
Walking also uses energy and may support weight management.
The amount of energy burned depends on your body size, pace, distance, terrain, and duration.
A brisk, longer walk generally uses more energy than a gentle stroll, but shorter walks still count.
Walking can be especially useful when it replaces sedentary time and is combined with balanced nutrition and other healthy habits.
Regular movement may also help your body manage blood sugar more effectively because working muscles use glucose for energy.
A short walk after meals can be a practical way to add movement during a period when blood sugar may rise.
People with diabetes, particularly those using medications that can cause low blood sugar, should follow individualized medical advice.
The benefits aren’t only physical. Walking can provide a mental break from screens, work, and daily responsibilities. Outdoor walks may add daylight, fresh air, nature, and social interaction.
Regular physical activity is associated with better psychological well-being and may support healthier sleep patterns, although persistent anxiety, depression, or insomnia may require professional care.
There is no single number of kilometers that everyone must walk each day.
If you’re inactive, starting with 10–15 minutes and gradually increasing duration, frequency, distance, or pace can be more sustainable than immediately attempting long walks.
30 minutes a day is a useful practical target for many adults, but shorter sessions can be divided throughout the day.
The biggest benefit may be consistency rather than perfection.
A daily walk can improve endurance gradually, reduce prolonged sitting, support mobility, and become a sustainable habit.
If walking causes significant chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, sudden weakness, or unusual worsening pain, stop and seek appropriate medical advice.
Walking is not a miracle cure, but one step at a time, it can become a valuable foundation for a healthier lifestyle
BE RESPECTFUL
BE DISCIPLINED
BE FOCUSED
TRAIN HARD
NO HORSEPLAY
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
BE READY
STAY POSITIVE
KEEP YOUR WORD
ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE WRONG
Lung cancer is linked with cachexia or extreme muscle wasting. A way to counter both tumor growth and cachexia has been found by using tiny fatty compounds called lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver follistatin messenger RNAdirectly to lung cancer cells via the bloodstream, courtesy of vitronectin, a blood serum protein.
Once inside the tumour, the genetic material directs cancer cells to produce follistatin, which is a key protein that weakens tumor progression and promotes muscle growth. Thus achieves an approximately 2.5-fold greater reduction in tumor burden vis-à-vis conventional LNPs which tend to accumulate in the liver following systemic administration.
