Illegal Alcohol Deaths: At least 10 people died after drinking illegally produced alcohol in India’s Gujarat, with police suspecting methanol poisoning and detaining suspects as investigations continue. Brain Health Programs: A two-year, culturally adapted lifestyle study across 11 Latin American countries found older adults improved memory and thinking, with the biggest gains among participants getting more structured coaching and support. Kidney Crisis Across Borders: Reporting highlights mesoamerican nephropathy, a growing chronic kidney disease affecting workers along Central America’s Pacific coast, with suspected links to heat stress, dehydration, and agrochemical exposure. Local Health Risk From Sewage Flooding: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers while residents report severe flooding and sewage overflow, raising concerns about worsening contamination and public health hazards. Costa Rica Medical Cannabis Milestone: Costa Rica inaugurated its first laboratory for manufacturing medicinal cannabis medicines, marking a new step for local access and production. Immigration Update: Costa Rica began accepting applications for a complementary special temporary category that could regularize thousands of people with unresolved or rejected refugee cases. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: A piece on why Costa Rica draws repeat visitors ties the trend to wellness travel that’s more than spa treatments—focused on nature, movement, food, and rest.