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fisioterapia

Child’s Rare Reaction to Common Virus: ‘Body Turned to Stone’

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor March 2, 2026

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

A British toddler, Lettie, experienced a rapid onset of paralysis and neurological deterioration after a seemingly unremarkable morning, prompting a diagnosis of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare and often fatal condition, according to reporting from TNH1 on March 1, 2026.

The 1-year-old and 8-month-old girl initially refused breakfast, a deviation from her normal routine. This was quickly followed by vomiting, paleness, and difficulty breathing, culminating in a collapse in her father’s arms. Hospitalized and initially suspected of having a febrile seizure, further examination revealed an asymptomatic case of COVID-19 as the trigger for the ANE. The condition, characterized by rapid neurological decline, carries a 50% survival rate, according to the report.

Following over 100 days of intensive care, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Lettie has been discharged from the hospital and is showing signs of progress, though she continues to require specialized care. Her parents are now advocating for increased awareness of ANE and its potential severity.

ANE, even as exceptionally rare, involves inflammation and swelling of the brain, potentially leading to seizures, altered consciousness, coma, permanent brain damage, and death, as detailed in a report by CNN Brasil. A recent study published in JAMA analyzed ANE cases and found a mortality rate of 27%, even with intensive medical intervention.

According to Crescer, a similar case involving a 4-year-old English girl, Sienna, who developed ANE after contracting the flu, highlighted the potential for severe neurological complications from viral infections. Sienna, who had not been vaccinated against the flu, fell into a medically induced coma, and her long-term prognosis remains uncertain. Her father, Gary Dunion, has publicly urged parents to vaccinate their children against the flu.

The Crescer report, citing infectologist André Bon, notes that while ANE is rare, the flu can lead to other serious complications, including severe respiratory illness, bacterial pneumonia, fungal infections, sinus infections, febrile convulsions, Guillain-Barré syndrome, meningitis, and myocarditis. Renato Kfouri, president of the Department of Immunizations at the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, emphasized that neurological complications from the flu are “extremely rare,” with bacterial infections being more common.

Another condition, Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (SIM-P), a rare but serious inflammatory reaction affecting children and adolescents following COVID-19 infection or previous infection, shares similarities with ANE in its severity and potential for multi-organ impact, according to Sanarmed.com.

The CNN Brasil report indicated that between October 2024 and May 2025, the United States saw an estimated 47 to 82 million cases of the flu, resulting in approximately 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations. The CDC estimates between 37 and 199 flu-related deaths in children each season.

March 2, 2026 0 comments

Health

Physiotherapy Degree Returns to Pescopagano Hospital in 2026

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor March 1, 2026

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Pescopagano, Italy – Starting March 2nd, 2026, the Ospedale di Pescopagano will initiate hosting practical training placements for students in their second and third years of the physiotherapy degree program at the University of Basilicata, a key step towards the full activation of the course in September.

The initiative, confirmed by Regional Council President Francesco Fanelli, follows a public meeting held last December and represents a “concrete result” of a determined effort to re-establish the physiotherapy program at the hospital, according to Fanelli. “After the public meeting last December, the organizational phase was immediately activated, allowing, starting in March 2026, the start of training internships at the Pescopagano Hospital for students in the second and third year,” Fanelli stated.

Thirty-seven students are expected to participate in the initial placements, with first-year students utilizing the hospital facilities for formative laboratory function. This expansion of educational opportunities is viewed as strategically essential for the hospital, which has a long-standing reputation as a regional center of excellence in rehabilitation and orthopedics.

According to Fanelli, the regional government has “translated commitments into actions and results” to revitalize the hospital, working in collaboration with the Azienda Ospedaliera Regionale San Carlo. The hospital’s established specialization in care has positioned it as a center of competence deserving of reinforcement and increased investment.

President of the Basilicata Region, Vito Bardi, previously emphasized the hospital’s importance as a vital component of the regional healthcare network, noting its ability to attract patients from outside the region due to the high quality of care provided. Bardi highlighted the hospital’s focus on proximity, specialization, and continuity of care as central to the region’s healthcare vision.

The full physiotherapy course, including both didactic activities and practical training, is scheduled to be fully operational by September 2026.

March 1, 2026 0 comments

Health

Exercise Reduces Depression & Anxiety: New Study Findings

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor February 12, 2026

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Exercise is a powerful tool for alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety across all age groups, according to a new meta-analysis of nearly 80,000 participants. Researchers found that aerobic exercise, group fitness formats, and supervised routines yielded the most significant benefits for individuals experiencing depression, while low-intensity, shorter-duration exercise proved more helpful for those with anxiety.

The comprehensive study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from 63 studies encompassing 81 meta-analyses and 1,079 individual investigations. Researchers, including Neil Richard Munro from James Cook University and collaborators from the University of Western Australia, Deakin University, Kids Research Institute Australia, and Central Queensland University, concluded that exercise can be as effective as medication or psychotherapy in managing these conditions.

The research was motivated by the widespread prevalence of depression and anxiety, affecting an estimated 7% to 25% of the global population, with particularly pronounced impacts on young people and women. The team aimed to determine how different types of exercise – considering intensity, frequency, and modality – influenced depressive and anxious symptoms.

“Exercise reduced depression and anxiety, with aerobic exercise demonstrating the most substantial impact on both symptoms,” the study reported. Researchers specifically noted that young adults and women in the postpartum period experienced the most significant reductions in depressive symptoms through exercise.

For anxiety, shorter durations and lower intensities of exercise were found to be most effective. The study indicated a stronger association between reduced anxiety and exercise of “lesser duration and lower intensity.” Group settings and professional supervision were also highlighted as beneficial, enhancing motivation and psychological well-being through social interaction and support. Individual exercise also provided benefits, though to a lesser extent.

The analysis encompassed all exercise modalities – aerobic, strength training, mind-body practices, and combined approaches – demonstrating positive effects on mental health. These benefits were consistent across all age groups and were observed in both individuals with clinically diagnosed conditions and those experiencing general emotional distress.

The researchers emphasized that the effectiveness of exercise interventions was comparable to that of pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. They also pointed to the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of physical activity, particularly in settings where traditional treatments are limited.

The study recommends prioritizing physical activity in the treatment of depression and anxiety, especially in resource-constrained environments. Promoting group exercise and professional supervision was also suggested to maximize the observed benefits. The team acknowledged limitations in the variability of defining exercise intensity and duration, as well as a lack of data for certain age subgroups, but maintained that the findings can help healthcare professionals provide targeted, cost-effective, and evidence-based support tailored to individual preferences.

February 12, 2026 0 comments