Health care after a hurricane; cholesterol screening at home; lasers vs. strokes – Morning Medical Update

Hurricane Helene damage

The Southeast United States is dealing with effects of Hurricane Helene. Here’s a report about how hospitals in western North Carolina are operating in “managed chaos” with backup generators, alternative water supplies, and disrupted travel for doctors, other clinicians and patients. Here’s also a way to help: Donate to Operation Airdrop, a Texas-based nonprofit that recruits volunteer pilots to fly in supplies to areas where natural disaster makes ground access difficult.

New screening at home

The Family Heart Foundation has launched the new Cholesterol Connect program that offers free at-home lipid screening. The Family Heart Care Navigation Center will provide live support to help people understand the risks of cardiovascular disease, and how to lower chances of ill health effects. The consequences could be vast: An estimated 71 million Americans have LDL-Cholesterol in the blood, but more than 40% are unaware of that high-risk condition. The website is www.cholesterolconnect.org.

Lasers against strokes

Strokes are a leading cause of death worldwide, with about 15 million people a year suffering them. Strokes occur due to disruption of blood flow to the brain and can damage brain cells, leaving victims with lasting health effects or worse. A new noninvasive laser-based device can measure changes in blood flow and volume in the brain. Researchers say it’s an affordable and scalable way to lower chances of stroke and reducing their severity.