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New E. coli outbreak in 18 states linked to organic carrots. Here’s what to know about symptoms, recalled brands, and how to reduce your risk. Grace Cary/Getty Images Organic carrots have been linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak, resulting in 15 hospitalizations and one death. The CDC is warning consumers to check their refrigerators for the contaminated produce and discard it immediately. E. coli is a common foodborne infection that can result in both mild symptoms and severe complications requiring hospitalization. A multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death so far, according to the CDC. In a food safety alert issued this week, the CDC warned that E. coli infections have been reported from 18 states, with nearly 40 sickened. The outbreak has been traced to organic carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which are available in a wide variety of grocery stores under brand names including Cal-Organic, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and 365. The outbreak is still considered active by the CDC, although the products are no longer on store shelves. Consumers are urged to check their homes and refrigerators for any affected carrots and discard them immediately. Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a bacterium that can live in human intestines and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States. There are multiple species of E. coli, some of which are harmless. Others can result in mild symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, and even more serious, potentially life threatening symptoms.  “This is definitely a recall that consumers should take very seriously to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Joseph Lambson, PharmD, Director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, and an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, told Healthline. Which states and products are affected by the outbreak? The E. coli outbreak has been linked to infections in 18 states across the US, from California to New York. Affected states include Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Colorado, and many more. Currentl,y Washington, Minnesota, and New York are reporting the highest number of cases, followed by California and Oregon. Grimmway Farms organic carrots and baby carrots are sold under many different brand names, including: 365 Bunny Luv Cal-Organic Raley’s Sprouts Trader Joe’s Wegmans President’s Choice A full list of states and products affected by the recall can be found here.  The contaminated products can be identified through their best-if-used-by dates. Baby organic carrots with best-if-used-by dates are approximately between 9/11/2024 and 11/12/2024, and whole organic carrots between 8/14/2024 and 10/23/24. However, not all brands will carry a best-if-used-by date on their packaging. Consumers should check their households for affected products and discard them immediately. Any surfaces that the carrots have come into contact with should be cleaned immediately with hot soapy water.  Signs and symptoms of E. coli infection “E. coli is not a new toxin. It’s something that we’ve known about for a long time in medicine. And the good news is that we know what symptoms to look for. We’re pretty good at detecting and treating the infection. Most people recover, although some of the more severe cases are very tragic,” said Rais Vohra, MD, a professor of Clinical Emergency medicine at UCSF Medical and director of the California Poison Control System Fresno-Madera Division. The symptoms of E. coli generally manifest within 3 to 4 days after infection. Mild symptoms are nonspecific and can feel like general “food poisoning”: Nausea Diarrhea Fever Loss of appetite Vomiting, in rare cases In some cases, the symptoms are more severe, particularly when the variety of E. coli produces shiga toxin. Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) can result in severe, bloody diarrhea (dysentery), and other serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and death. “STEC actually gets into the lining of the gut, and the whole gut starts to kind of just peel off, which is where you get bloody diarrhea; it’s a much more invasive disease. Then the bacteria can actually get into your bloodstream, and then you can even get blood poisoning, also known as sepsis,” said Vohra. Healthy adults will likely survive an E. coli infection with supportive care, but some groups are at increased risk of severe illness.  “If you happen to be immunocompromised, if you happen to have some condition that makes you more vulnerable to dehydration, such as diabetes, you could be at increased risk,” said Vohra. Elderly individuals and young children are also at increased risk of dehydration and severe symptoms from E. coli infection. What to do if you think you are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection The best medicine for foodborne illness is prevention. That means basic hygiene and food safety practices like hand washing and disinfecting surfaces. However, if you think you’ve consumed a contaminated product or already have symptoms, the best course of action is supportive care at home: make sure to rest and hydrate.  Replenishing fluids and electrolytes that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea is the most important facet of care at this stage.  However, in some instances, supportive care may be insufficient. “If the symptoms are more severe, such as having a fever that’s above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or having diarrhea that’s occurring for longer than three days, or bloody diarrhea, any of the symptoms that the CDC on their website lists as more severe, in that situation, it would be recommended to then reach out to a healthcare profession,” said Lambson. Vohra also recommends that everyone pay special attention to hygiene and food safety heading into the holiday season. “Everyone’s getting ready to cook their best dishes and share them with families. Please, please be hygienic when you do that. If you’re going to be cooking meat, know how to prepare it. Clean your vegetables. Double check your list of groceries to make sure that they’re not being recalled at the national or at the state level, wherever you happen to be,” he told Healthline. The bottom line A multistate E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots has resulted in nearly 40 reported illnesses, including 15 hospitalizations and one death. Grimmway Farms sold the contaminated carrots under various brand names, including Trader Joe’s, Cal-Organic, and Bunny Luv. The affected products are no longer on store shelves but may be in your refrigerator. Consumers are urged to check for contaminated products and discard them immediately. E. coli infection is a common foodborne illness that may result in mild symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) or more severe complications, including dysentery (bloody diarrhea) and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Taking daily walks could increase your life span by up to 11 years, new research finds. Fertnig/Getty Images A new study says that regular walking could help you live longer. Those who were most active moved the equivalent of 160 minutes of walking per day. People who are not very active could gain as much as 11 years of life by walking more. Walking increases life span by improving cardiometabolic health. It’s important to start slow and build up to your walking goal. According to a study published online on November 14, 2024, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, getting less physical activity is linked with premature death. However, the researchers found that increasing physical activity — for example, taking daily walks — could extend how long people live. If people were as active as the top one-quarter of Americans, they could live around 5 years longer. Additionally, if people who are among the least active brought their activity up to this level, they might add an additional 11 years to their lives. The authors further speculated that infrastructure changes like walkable neighborhoods and green spaces, which help promote activities like biking and walking, could lead to greater longevity within the general population. Greater physical activity linked to living longer To conduct their study, the researchers gathered data from people older than age 40, which was collected via activity trackers for the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). They also used 2019 U.S. Census data as well as 2017 death data gleaned from the National Center for Health Statistics. The team then created a mathematical model to predict how different levels of physical activity could influence how long people lived. They found that the 25% of individuals who were most active engaged in activity levels equivalent to walking 160 minutes every day at a pace of 3 mph. Based on this, they estimated that if all people boosted their activity to this level, they could increase their life expectancy from 78.6 to 84 years — an increase of over 5 years. However, being in the lowest 25% of activity was associated with a decrease in life expectancy of around 6 years. If these less active individuals logged an additional 111 minutes of walking each day, though, they could conceivably experience even greater benefits, living nearly 11 years longer. How walking might increase longevity John Lowe, MD, a physician at Restore Care specializing in preventive health and lifestyle medicine, who was not involved in the study, explained that regular walking has several beneficial effects that contribute to a longer life. It can help you decrease your resting heart rate, manage cholesterol, and reduce your chances of heart attack or stroke. “Walking … can be useful for glucose metabolism,” he added, “because [it is] known to enhance insulin actions, which would enable better blood sugar management and reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes. A walk after meals is particularly effective for blood glucose control.” Regular walking can also protect the body from systemic inflammation, according to Lowe. Systemic inflammation has been associated with several chronic diseases in epidemiological studies. “Maintaining a walking routine helps downregulate inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), which helps improve immune system responsiveness and maintain cellular health,” he concluded. How to get started walking more daily steps Dr. Sean Ormond, a pain management doctor with Atlas Pain Specialists, who was also not a part of the study, said that walking doesn’t have to take a large commitment to make a difference for you. “Start with small, doable changes that fit into your daily life,” he said. “For example, instead of finding the closest parking spot, park farther away and enjoy the walk. Swap the elevator for the stairs when you can. Take five- or ten-minute walking breaks during your workday — maybe a quick lap around your house, office, or even your yard.” Ormond added that taking a gentle walk after meals can be beneficial because it helps you digest your food and doesn’t feel like exercise. “If you have kids or pets, make walking a family affair,” he suggested. “[I]t’s a great way to bond while staying active.” If you’d like to take a more structured approach, Ormond said step-counting apps and fitness trackers can make walking more fun. “Set small, realistic goals, like an extra 500 steps a day, and build from there,” he said. Also, he said that people shouldn’t become discouraged if the 160 minutes of activity mentioned in the study seems like a daunting goal. “Every step you take is a step toward better health,” said Ormond. “What matters most is consistency.” “So, lace up your shoes and see where a walk can take you — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s one of the easiest ways to nurture your body and mind for years to come,” he said. Takeaway A new study has found that greater amounts of physical activity are associated with living longer. Setting a goal to walk 160 minutes per day could increase people’s lifespan by around 5 years. Also, those people who are least active could increase their longevity by as much as 11 years. Walking helps you live longer because it has beneficial effects on your cardiometabolic health. To get started with walking, make small, realistic changes, keep things fun, and build up slowly.

Eating some of your favorite Thanksgiving foods while taking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may trigger or worsen uncomfortable side effects. The Good Brigade/Getty Images Eating certain foods can exacerbate GI discomfort and other common side effects associated with GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Navigating holiday meals can be challenging as they often include many of these foods, such as high fat, greasy, and sugary items. Health experts say it’s essential to understand what foods might worsen the side effects of the medication so that you can approach the holiday with strategies to minimize severe discomfort. Thanksgiving is a time for family, (parade) floats, and, let’s be honest, food. “Thanksgiving is all about food, eating, and over-indulgence: Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie,” says Chris McGowan, MD, a gastroenterologist, obesity medicine specialist, and the founder of True You Weight Loss. “For many, eating to the point of discomfort is the highlight of the holiday and a way of showing appreciation to the host and chef.” But McGowan says that, for the hundreds of thousands of people taking GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, the eat-until-you’re-full-and-then-get-seconds approach may present physically painful challenges. These medications are associated with common side effects like nausea and vomiting, which can intensify when a person consumes certain foods, including high fat, high-sugar items that are often front and center on Thanksgiving tables. “As we approach the food-centric holiday season, it’s essential to understand which foods might worsen the side effects of anti-obesity medications,” McGowan says. Healthline spoke with McGowan and other obesity medicine specialists, who shared their tips for which Thanksgiving foods are the least likely to trigger side effects and which ones are best to limit or avoid for people taking weight loss drugs. How GLP-1 drugs can affect appetite and tolerance for certain foods GLP-1 medications are a class of antiobesity and antidiabetic drugs, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). They can help people lose significant weight, but they can also change how a person tolerates certain foods. “GLP-1 medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in the small intestine. This hormone regulates blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion,” says Michael L. Glickman, MD, a triple board certified family and obesity medicine physician who founded Revolution Medicine. “The medication helps with weight loss by slowing digestion and increasing satiety. This helps reduce food portions.”  Portions are generally large on Thanksgiving, but that’s not the only potential pitfall for people taking drugs like Ozempic. “Thanksgiving favorites, which tend to be high in sugar, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, can be more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues when they stay in the stomach longer,” Glickman says. GI issues, like nausea and vomiting, are common side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs, so consuming these foods can either trigger or worsen them, explains Mir Ali, MD, a board certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center. Thanksgiving foods to avoid on Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs First, it’s important to note that there is no specific “Ozempic diet,” and you can still enjoy all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes in moderation. “It’s perfectly fine to enjoy all of Thanksgiving’s tastes and flavors, but be mindful of portions and keep the heavier foods to a minimum,” McGowan says. Ali says greasy, fried, sugary, high carb, calorie-dense foods take a while to digest. Because of this, they may be more likely to trigger uncomfortable side effects. According to McGowan, some Thanksgiving staples that fit this bill include: Stuffing Candied yams (often doused in butter, sugar, and marshmallows) Green bean casserole (often heavy in cream and fried onions) Mashed potatoes with gravy Pecan pie Canned cranberry sauce (often high in sugar) Macaroni and cheese Ali also advises people to be mindful of alcohol consumption. “Alcohol contains a large amount of carbohydrate calories and can cause more nausea and reflux,” Ali says. Ali also adds that foods affect people differently, so it’s critical to tune into your body. Thanksgiving foods least likely to cause side effects on Ozempic, Wegovy The holidays can feel emotionally nourishing — and they can be physically, too.   “For many, the holidays represent an important time for family and social gatherings and celebrations,” McGowan says. “It’s important to continue enjoying the season’s positive aspects without triggering troublesome or potentially dangerous medication side effects.” Glickman suggests prioritizing foods like lean proteins, fiber, and non-starchy vegetables. Glickman and McGowan said the meal’s star, the turkey, fits that bill if it’s roasted. McGowan says some other foods include quintessential Thanksgiving menu items like:  Roast vegetables like oven-roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts Homemade cranberry sauce using a recipe that minimizes sugar Sauteed or steamed green beans Tips for managing Thanksgiving while taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic  McGowan recommends taking time before Thanksgiving to reflect on details like the menu, guest list, location, and potential challenges.  “Anticipating these scenarios can help you stay in control and enjoy the day,” McGowan says. The following simple tips can help you manage potential challenges during holiday meals. Don’t skip meals Glickman and McGowan say “saving” calories by ditching or severely limiting food intake ahead of a Thanksgiving meal is a common mistake for people trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss. It can backfire.  “Skipping meals will only lead to excessive hunger and overeating,” McGowan says. Glickman suggests prioritizing breakfast on Thanksgiving morning. “Start your day with a healthy high protein and fiber breakfast and lunch,” Glickman says. “This will prevent you from starting Thanksgiving dinner with 10/10 hunger and limit overeating.” Bring a food you’re excited to eat Food is more than fuel for the body — it’s about taste, socialization, and memories. Hearing about the foods you “can’t eat” or “can’t have much of” ahead of a food-centered holiday like Thanksgiving can feel like a downer, especially if you aren’t the host or handling the cooking. McGowan says you can avoid this pain point by adding some favorite dishes to the Thanksgiving meal that you know you’ll enjoy from a taste and lack of side effect perspective.  Strategize the meal Glickman recommends starting the meal by filling your plate with whole foods like veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins before adding smaller portions that can worsen GLP-1 side effects. Then, eat the nourishing foods that are less likely to cause discomfort first, like protein-rich roasted turkey and fiber-packed veggies. “This will also help with satiety,” Glickman says. Savor the meal “Eating slower allows time for the sensation of fullness to become more apparent and helps avoid overeating,” Ali says. McGowan says it also helps you enjoy the whole experience of the meal, including family, friends, and flavors. Go for a post-meal walk Glickman says heading out for a walk following a meal is useful. “Going for a walk within 30 minutes of your Thanksgiving meal helps with motility, improves digestion, and limits insulin spikes,” Glickman says. “Walking after large meals can be a useful tip to help stay on track with your weight loss journey.” Avoid leftovers “Once-a-year” foods can become more than that because of leftovers. “Keep Thanksgiving to one meal,” McGowan says. “If you are hosting, send your leftovers with guests. If you’re a guest, either decline the leftovers or take them home and toss them.” Takeaway If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, eating certain foods can trigger common side effects such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Navigating holiday meals can be challenging as they often include many of these foods. Health experts say it’s essential to understand what foods might worsen the side effects of the medication so that you can approach the holiday with strategies to minimize severe discomfort. Experts say eating foods like lean proteins (including roasted turkey) and fiber-rich foods like roasted vegetables may be best to prioritize, while it’s a good idea to limit foods that are high in fat, carbs, and sugar.

Full House cast members Bob Saget (left), Dave Coulier (center), and John Stamos (right). Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Actor Dave Coulier, known for playing Uncle Joey on Full House, announced he has stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system. It can cause symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, chest pain, or fever. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy. Full House actor Dave Coulier, 65, has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The actor was diagnosed in October after a respiratory infection caused his lymph nodes to swell, reports PEOPLE.  When the swelling increased rapidly, Coulier’s doctor advised him to undergo PET and CT scans and have a biopsy. “Three days later, my doctors called me back and they said, ‘We wish we had better news for you, but you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and it’s called B cell and it’s very aggressive,’” he told PEOPLE.  What is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma? Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system that helps fight germs. In this type of cancer, white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow abnormally and can lead to the growth of tumors in other parts of the body. “The most common presentation of it is usually a swollen lymph node that is painless, and soft and rubbery,” said Jack Jacoub, MD, medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, Calif. You have lymph nodes throughout the body, but the ones that you can easily feel with your hand are those in the neck, the armpits, and the groin, he said. Other things can cause lymph nodes to become swollen, such as an infection. But in this case, they return to their normal size when the infection is over. If a lymph node continues to be large or is painless, or if a lymph node is swollen on only one side of the body, then you should have it checked by a doctor, said Jacoub. “Symptoms [of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] can also include things like fevers or sweats that you can’t explain or unexplained weight loss,” he told Healthline. According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers. There are many subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Coulier has B cell lymphoma, which he described as “very aggressive,” reports PEOPLE. Most cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma arise from B cells. Coulier revealed that a test of his bone marrow showed that his cancer had not spread. “At that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range. And so that was a great day,” he told PEOPLE. How non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends upon the types of cells involved and how aggressive the lymphoma is. If the lymphoma appears to be growing slowly and is not causing any signs or symptoms, you might not need immediate treatment. Instead, your doctor will monitor your condition every few months to see if your cancer is progressing. But there are “more aggressive forms of lymphoma, where if you don’t do something, someone could die in a few months,” said Jacoub. For more aggressive lymphomas, or if it is causing signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment such as: chemotherapy radiation therapy targeted drug therapy engineering your own immune cells to fight the lymphoma, known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy bone marrow transplant immunotherapy Coulier told PEOPLE that he started chemotherapy two weeks after his diagnosis, adding that he shaved his head as a “preemptive strike.” In general, “treatment [for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma] is extremely effective and can cure the majority of people,” said Jacoub, “even when it’s stage four.” How to reduce your cancer risk Most people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma don’t have obvious factors that increase their risk of developing this type of cancer. There are some factors that may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, although not everyone who has these risk factors will develop this cancer. These include: Medications that suppress the immune system, such as those taken after an organ transplant. Infections with certain bacteria and viruses, such as HIV, the Epstein-Barr virus, or the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori. Certain chemicals, such as insect- and weed-killers. Being older than 60 years. “Sometimes certain families seem to have a higher risk of lymphoma. This is why knowing your family history is important,” said Jacoub. “But there is no hereditary disorder that has been identified to say that these people have a higher risk of lymphoma.” You can’t eliminate your risk entirely. But you can help catch this and other cancers earlier — when they are easier to treat — by having concerning symptoms checked by a doctor and ensuring you have recommended screenings. “Take great care of yourself because there’s a lot to live for,” Coulier told PEOPLE. “And if that means talking with your doctors or getting a mammogram or a breast exam or colonoscopy, it can really make a big change in your life.” Jacoub also recommends living a healthy lifestyle in general, which can reduce the risk of other cancers. “Limit drinking, stop smoking, lose weight as much as you can, exercise, and eat a plant-based or health-conscious diet,” he said. Takeaway Full House star Dave Coulier, 65, revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of cancer begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. There are several types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Coulier has a type that arises from B cells. He revealed that his cancer is “very aggressive,” but a test showed that it had not spread to his bone marrow, which improves his chances of being treated successfully. Coulier is undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer. Other treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and bone marrow transplant.  Certain factors may increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, such as exposure to insect- and weed-killers. However, many people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have no known risk factors.

New cases of chlamydia and syphilis may be stabilizing in the U.S., while gonorrhea cases have declined for two consecutive years. Alyssa Pointer for The Washington Post via Getty Images Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) appear to be leveling off after decades of growth in the U.S., according to the latest statistics from the CDC. STIs remain at record levels, but new cases of chlamydia and syphilis could finally be stabilizing, while cases of gonorrhea have declined for two years in a row. Large discrepancies in STIs persist for certain populations, with adolescents, gay men, and Black individuals bearing much of the burden. The STI epidemic in the United States could finally be leveling off, according to a recently released report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2023, chlamydia, the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI), stabilized at pre-pandemic levels. Gonorrhea cases fell for the second straight year. Meanwhile, cases of syphilis, including reporting for different stages of the disease and congenital syphilis, continued to grow. Still, there’s been a steep decline in syphilis cases compared to prior years. More than 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported last year; the vast majority (1.6 million) were chlamydia, followed by gonorrhea (600,00) and syphilis (209,000). Overall, the total number of STIs decreased by 1.8% between 2022 and 2023.  While new cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis — the three most common STIs — are still at or near record levels, experts are cautiously optimistic about the new CDC data. Declining condom usage and a changing landscape for sexual education are possible reasons for the high number of STIs in the U.S. “We’re at an inflection point in the epidemic. This report is encouraging in a number of areas, but it also shows that we have a lot of work to do,” Bradley Stoner, MD, director of the Division of STD Prevention at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention at the CDC, told Healthline. “We still have a lot of STIs in the U.S., and they’re not equally distributed,” he said. The data confirms discrepancies in disease burden, Stoner noted. Rates of STIs are not equally distributed, with certain groups, including gay and bisexual men, Black people, and young adults (ages 15-24) disproportionately affected. ‘Alarming’ number of syphilis cases Syphilis, an STI that can lead to serious health problems, including nerve and brain damage remains the most pressing concern for doctors, and particularly congenital syphilis, which is when the disease is spread to a baby during pregnancy. In 2023, cases of syphilis increased by 1%, marking more than a 10% decrease compared to the prior year, and the first substantial decrease since 2001. But, the U.S. still reported nearly 210,000 cases, the highest number since 1950. “I think the most important part of the report is the fact that we’ve seen a decline in the growth of syphilis cases. The fact that the overall syphilis rate only ticked up by one point. This is really profound,” David Weismiller, MD, ScM, professor of family and community medicine for the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, told Healthline. There were also nearly 4,000 reported cases of congenital syphilis reported in 2023, the largest number of cases since 1992. Among those cases, 279 resulted in congenital syphilis-related stillbirth and infant death. Jake Scott, MD, clinical associate professor of infectious disease at Stanford Medicine, called the congenital syphilis statistics “alarming.” “Congenital syphilis should never, ever occur. No child should die from syphilis. It’s so easy to prevent,” Scott told Healthline. Gonorrhea declines, chlamydia stabilizes Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is spread through genital contact and bodily fluids. This STI can infect the genitals, as well as the rectum, eyes, throat, mouth, and female reproductive tract. While it may be asymptomatic, common symptoms of gonorrhea may include painful urination and discharge from the penis or vagina. The disease fell to historic lows in 2009, but subsequently climbed for more than a decade. The CDC data shows that 2023 marks the second straight year of decline in the U.S.: gonorrhea decreased by 9.2% between 2021 and 2022 and 7.7% from 2022 to 2023. Chlamydia, also a bacterial STI, is often asymptomatic, but left untreated can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. Symptoms may include painful urination and discharge. Cases of the disease have been on the rise for roughly two decades, except for a brief, unexplained dip between 2011 and 2013. Chlamydia cases declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did rates of other STIs, but subsequently rebounded. Experts believe the dip has more to do with a lack of sexual health resources at that time, including disease screening, rather than changes to sexual behavior. “Society opened back up and STIs rose to beyond pre-COVID levels. What we think happened there was a lack of clinical care, because STI clinics were closed for the most part,” Stoner said. The latest data indicates that chlamydia has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but, the authors of the CDC report warn, this may be an artifact of reductions in chlamydia screening. Prevention, screening key to ending STI epidemic It’s too early to tell whether 2023 will signal a renewed downtrend for STIs in the U.S. or not. Experts emphasized the need for more resources, particularly for STI education and screening, and safe sex practices. “One of the goals of our field is to destigmatize STIs so that people aren’t afraid to ask for the tests that they want or need and for clinicians to have those discussions with their patients,” Stoner said. Using latex condoms is still one of the simplest ways to prevent STIs, pregnancy, and HIV. Scott said while the report is “encouraging,” discrepancies in care need to be addressed.“Nearly half of STI cases were in people ages 15 to 24, and so that’s clearly a sign that we are failing to provide effective sexual education to those ages. We aren’t providing enough resources in terms of not only education, but routine testing and treatment,” he noted. The CDC now also recommends doctors to discuss Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy PEP) or taking a course of doxycycline after a potential STI exposure to prevent disease with gay and bisexual men. “It’s basically like the morning-after pill for sexually transmitted infections…And it’s clearly quite effective at lowering rates of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis,” Scott added. Since many STIs may not have symptoms, regular screening is key to prevention. “STI are oftentimes spread without any awareness and without any symptoms. So, for that reason, when people are sexually active, especially if they’re sexually active with multiple partners, and if they’re not using barrier protection, meaning condoms, then regular screening tests are essential because that’s going to be the only way to diagnose,” Scott said. Takeaway The three most common STIs in the U.S. — chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — remain at or near record levels, but could be leveling off, according to a new CDC report. The data show that 2023 marked two years of declining cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia that since returned to pre-pandemic levels.  Syphilis and congenital syphilis remain alarmingly high, however the number of new cases in 2023 only grew by 1%, representing about a 10% drop from the year prior. Condom usage (or other barrier protection) and regular screening remain the two most effective tools for STI prevention.

Protein Diet Coke is a new twist on the ‘dirty soda’ trend that’s going viral on TikTok, but is the beverage really a healthy way to increase your protein intake that can aid with weight loss? Protein Diet Coke has been gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. The drink is typically made by mixing a diet soft drink with a flavored protein shake. Health experts say the trendy beverage can help people who are searching for ways to increase their daily protein intake, but adding Diet Coke to a protein shake does not add nutritional value. Instead, experts recommend focusing on a balanced diet that includes natural high protein foods, especially for those who are increasing their daily protein to aid with weight loss. Protein Diet Coke is the latest viral drink trend that’s taken over TikTok. The beverage isn’t an official product of the Coca-Cola Company, but rather — as its name suggests — a combination of vanilla protein shake and Diet Coke. Rebecca Gordan, an elementary school teacher from Utah, helped popularize the drink after a video she posted of herself enjoying a cup of the bubbly brew quickly went viral on TikTok. @beccers_gordonn Protein diet coke gets a 10/10 for me. Gotta love utah gas stations #utah #gasstation #soda #proteindietcoke #dietcoke #utahcheck #swig ♬ Did Somebody Say HipOpera – Latto & Christina Aguilera Since then, videos of people trying the beverage and sharing their twists on the recipe have racked up millions of views on social media platforms, with many singing the drink’s praises as a delicious way of meeting their daily protein goals. But is this trendy beverage really a “healthy” way of getting more protein in your diet? Healthline spoke with nutritionists to help break down the pros and cons of Protein Diet Coke and reveal whether the viral soda is really worth a sip or one you should skip. What is Protein Diet Coke? Protein Diet Coke is an offshoot of the “dirty soda” trend, which exploded in popularity in 2022. A “dirty soda” typically consists of a base soft drink with added flavored syrups, creams, or fruit juices — such as “Pilk” (Pepsi + milk) — similar to a root beer float or an alcohol-free mocktail. Protein Diet Coke most often includes two simple ingredients: your choice of diet soft drink mixed with a bottle of ready-made protein shake. Is Protein Diet Coke healthy? “I wouldn’t label Protein Diet Coke as a healthy drink, but I don’t think that it’s unhealthy either,” said Destini Moody, a certified registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. “I do find it a bit odd that we are mixing ready-to-drink protein in soda when we could just…drink the protein. The soda really doesn’t add anything of value considering it doesn’t have any calories and certainly doesn’t contain any additional protein or micronutrients.” However, Moody noted that adding more protein to your diet in the form of whey protein shakes can pack a nutritious punch, especially if you’re trying to increase your daily protein intake. She personally favors the Fairlife Core Power protein shakes, which are frequently used as a primary ingredient in many #proteindeitcoke videos posted on TikTok. “They provide a good amount of high quality protein with all of the essential amino acids, half of your daily requirement of calcium, and can certainly go a long way in helping you stay full between meals,” said Moody. Can Protein Diet Coke help you lose weight? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 suggest that adult males should eat at least 56 grams of protein daily, while adult females should eat at least 46 grams daily. Research suggests, however, that eating higher amounts of protein may help you lose weight weight while retaining and building muscle mass. Protein can help increase the body’s production of hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY, which can help you feel fuller longer. Protein can also help reduce ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”). Moody said that, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Protein Diet Coke may help aid with weight loss when consumed in moderation. “Adding more protein to the diet in the form of whey protein shakes is always an excellent way to both build muscle and lose weight, so if mixing it with [diet] coke encourages more protein intake, I totally co-sign,” Moody said. “Drinking this beverage between meals to curb cravings can help you lose weight compared to eating high calorie, carb-based snacks like chips and granola bars that leave you feeling hungry again shortly after you eat them.” However, she stressed that it’s better to simply “drink the protein shake” without adding the additional soda. “The Diet Coke does not add any additional benefit for either building muscle or weight loss. I’d label it as more of a flavor enhancer if anything,” she said. Healthier ways of increasing your daily protein intake While drinking beverages like Protein Diet Coke in moderation may help you beef up your daily protein intake, Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian and heart health expert at Entirely Nourished, said focusing on an overall healthy diet should be a higher priority. “For sustainable muscle growth, weight loss, and overall health, it’s better to focus on a balanced meal post-exercise that ensures nutrient adequacy. This approach is more effective because it provides consistent, long-term results and fuels the body appropriately for optimal recovery,” she said. She also noted that relying on protein shakes as meal replacements “could lead to nutritional gaps, hinder proper recovery post-workout, and potentially contribute to increased oxidative stress, which can impair muscle repair and overall recovery.” Instead, she recommended increasing your protein intake by including more whole foods in your diet, such as: lean meats fish eggs dairy legumes nuts seeds Rather than drinking a Protein Diet Coke for a protein-rich snack, Routhenstein recommends trying healthier options like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or edamame to meet your daily protein needs. However, if you plan to incorporate protein shakes into your diet, Moody suggests beefing them up with healthier natural ingredients. “I love to take strawberry core power shakes and blend it with frozen strawberries, bananas, Greek yogurt (for even more protein) and chia seeds,” Moody said. “In this example, you are getting fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and more micronutrients like calcium and Vitamin C along with the protein. You get none of that with Diet Coke.” Takeaway Protein Diet Coke has been gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. The drink is made by mixing a diet soft drink with a flavored protein shake. Health experts say the trendy beverage can help people who are searching for ways to increase their daily protein intake, but adding Diet Coke to a protein shake does not add nutritional value. Instead, focusing on a balanced diet that includes natural high protein foods is recommended, especially for those who are increasing their daily protein to aid with weight loss.

Pandemic-era drinking habits persisted after the pandemic ended, particularly among adults in their 40s. Alistair Berg/Getty Images A large new study shows that heavy drinking habits among adults in the U.S. have persisted beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers say drinking levels stabilized before the pandemic, spiked during initial lockdowns, and persisted through at least 2022, if not longer. Alcohol use is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, such as heart disease and different types of cancer. Heavy alcohol use among adults under 50 rose by as much as 20%, with experts raising concerns over what they call a major public health issue. Alcohol use has reached unprecedented levels despite there being no safe level of consumption. Heavy drinking in the United States spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued after it ended, according to Keck Medicine researchers at the University of Southern California (USC). The large nationally representative study, published November 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that alcohol use among adults ages 18 and older rose by 4% from 2018 to 2020, with heavy alcohol use increasing by a staggering 20%. Researchers say the increases were sustained in 2022.  “These numbers reflect an alarming public health issue that could result in severe health consequences for far too many people,” said Brian P. Lee, MD, MAS, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist with Keck Medicine of USC and principal investigator of the study, said in a statement. “Our results suggest men and women under 50 are at special risk.”  Alcohol use rising among young adults  The population-based study included adults ages 18 and older who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2018 to 2022.  The data included 24,965 respondents from 2018, 30,829 from 2020, and 26,806 from 2022. The researchers divided respondents into two categories: having any alcohol use or heavy alcohol use within one year of the survey. They defined heavy drinking as greater than or equal to five drinks a day or 15 drinks a week for males and greater than or equal to four drinks a day or eight drinks a week for females.   The rise in alcohol use was seen across all age groups, genders, races, ethnicities, and regions of the U.S., except for Asian Americans and Native Americans. Adults ages 40-49 had the largest increase in heavy alcohol consumption. The researchers did not assess what may have driven the increase but theorized the 2020 surge was linked to pandemic-related stressors that normalized heavy drinking, particularly among adults in their 40s. “Heavy alcohol use increasing highest among young adults under 50 is something we see in the clinic and in the hospital and is showing up in the numbers,” Lee told Healthline. “Three years ago, we showed there were increases in alcohol use,” Lee said of his prior research. “Now we’re showing that these increases are sustained. We’ve also shown that health consequences from increased alcohol use, whether it’s for liver transplants or alcohol-related mortality, have increased as well. It’s become quite clear that this has become a crisis.” According to Lee, Americans have reached “historic highs” with their levels of alcohol consumption. “To me, that’s very concerning. We know that alcohol is a toxin. We know it has severe health consequences,” he said. Alcohol is addictive Alcohol use rose during the pandemic, likely due to stressors from lockdown to boredom to changes to the workplace or how children attended school, Lee noted. “Before the pandemic, we were seeing stabilization toward a decline in heavy drinking. But the pandemic reversed that trend in very alarming ways,” he said. For many people, alcohol is a maladaptive coping mechanism that may lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), an addiction disorder.  “We know that alcohol can become a habit, and even if the trigger that initially started a new habit is gone, the habit might still be there,” Lee said, offering a possible explanation as to why alcohol use has persisted. “And we know that alcohol is addictive — it can start as a habit, and then it can become an addiction. The more ingrained and entrenched alcohol use becomes, the harder it is to stop,” he added. Joseph R. Volpicelli MD, PhD, executive director at the Institute of Addiction Medicine, told Healthline that pandemic-era drinking persisted among adults, particularly those in their 40s, for several reasons.  Increased stress, anxiety, and depression linked to work, parenting, reduced social interactions, and economic uncertainty may have led many people to use alcohol as a way to cope, he said. “Habits formed during lockdowns and social isolation gave more opportunities to drink at home,” Volpicelli explained. “Habits formed over months can become ingrained, making it hard to cut back when life returns to normal. Negative health effects from increased alcohol consumption might not show up immediately, allowing habits to continue unchecked until more serious problems arise,” he said. Other health risks of alcohol use Alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, including heart disease and cancer, and is a leading preventable cause of illness and death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Alcohol use may also lead to or exacerbate mental health issues like depression and anxiety.  Lee, who is a hepatologist, pointed out that nearly half of all liver-related deaths are tied to alcohol, with alcohol-related cirrhosis a leading cause of liver transplants. “I think liver disease needs to be prioritized in terms of not only research but also screening and treatment for people with alcohol use,” he said. Moderate drinkers also face potential health risks, with emerging evidence linking adverse health outcomes to moderate drinking.  For instance, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open linked moderate alcohol consumption to a higher risk of cancer- and disease-related mortality.  “The big picture of the health risks of alcohol should not be ignored,” David Cutler, MD, board certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Healthline in response to the JAMA study.  “The evidence shows that alcohol, in any amount, can be harmful. We don’t tolerate it at all in pregnant women or minors. And prudent people should give serious thought to whether any alcohol consumption is in the best interest of their overall health,” Culter said. Addressing heavy alcohol consumption as a public health issue may require targeted campaigns to raise awareness about the risks, Volpicelli noted, and improved access to mental health services. “Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and providing support for changing habits can help individuals reduce their drinking to pre-pandemic levels,” Volpicelli said. Tips to reduce alcohol consumption It’s never too late to stop drinking alcohol or cut back your consumption. Doing so could have immediate positive effects on your body, from repaired liver damage to a reduced risk of heart disease or improved brain health. Volpicelli offered the following tips to cut back on drinking:  Set clear goals and be mindful of drinking behavior. Avoid triggers (i.e., people, places, or activities) for heavy drinking. Develop healthy coping strategies for stress management (i.e., yoga, meditation, exercise). Limit alcohol at home and stock up on non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling water or teas. Choose lower-alcohol options or dilute drinks. Designate alcohol-free days. Find support, such as talking with friends or family or joining support groups. Seek professional help from a doctor or mental health professional. Consider medications like naltrexone, which can help reduce cravings. Develop alternatives to drinking, such as hobbies or social activities that don’t involve alcohol.  Reward your progress and celebrate milestones when you reach your goals. “Cutting back on alcohol is a personal journey, and different strategies can help you achieve your goals. Medications like naltrexone may offer additional support but should be part of a comprehensive plan that includes professional guidance and lifestyle changes,” Volpicelli said. Takeaway New research shows that heavy alcohol use among adults in the U.S. has persisted beyond the pandemic. Heavy alcohol use rose by 20% from 2018 to 2020 and remained stable in 2022, particularly among adults in their 40s.  Alcohol use is associated with over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. The authors of the new study hope the findings will draw more awareness to the dangers of heavy drinking. “We encourage healthcare providers to offer more screenings for harmful drinking as well as interventions for at-risk populations,” Lee said in a statement.

New research finds that taking a daily vitamin D supplement may help lower blood pressure, especially for older adults with obesity. Tatjana Zlatkovic/Stocksy United A new study found that taking vitamin D supplements was associated with lower blood pressure. People with obesity and high blood pressure got the best results. Better calcium regulation may be one of the main reasons for this effect. Before supplementing with vitamin D, people should get their levels tested. According to new research published on November 12, 2024, in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, supplementation with vitamin D plus calcium may help lower blood pressure in older adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI) greater than 30). These supplements appeared to decrease both systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). However, they noted that more is not necessarily better when it comes to lowering blood pressure. The effect was independent of the dose administered. The people who took part in the study had high blood pressure. The American Heart Association states that normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Anything greater than a systolic blood pressure of 130 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 is deemed to be high blood pressure. Vitamin D supplements linked with reduced blood pressure The study included 221 individuals ages 65 and older who were taking vitamin D supplements. They were all classified as having overweight (BMI greater than 25). Additionally, they had a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level between 10 and 30 ng/mL. Anything below 30 ng/mL is considered insufficient, while values less than 20 are classified as vitamin D deficiency. Two doses were examined: 600 IU/day (the Institutes of Medicine’s (IOM) recommended daily dose) and 3,750 IU/day. Both groups also took 250 mg of calcium citrate. The study participants were followed for one year. Upon comparing the two groups, they found that the higher dose of vitamin D did not provide greater benefit than the lower one. However, both groups experienced a statistically significant drop in blood pressure, with their systolic blood pressure dropping by 3.5 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure dropping by 2.8 mm Hg. The research further found that people with obesity and low vitamin D status improved their blood pressure the most. Why vitamin D might affect blood pressure Reimas Geiga, MD, a medical doctor, registered dietitian, and clinical nutritionist with Glowbar LDN, explained that vitamin D can affect blood pressure in several ways. “One of the primary ways is by aiding in calcium regulation,” he said, “which is crucial for the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. By improving vascular function, vitamin D could help reduce blood pressure.” Additionally, in those with obesity, there is chronic, low-grade inflammation, said Geiga. This can impair blood vessel health, contributing to high blood pressure. “Vitamin D has known anti-inflammatory properties that may help counteract this effect,” he explained. “Moreover, people with obesity are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency because fat cells can store vitamin D, reducing its availability to the body.” According to Geiga, supplementation back to adequate levels can help improve vascular health and lower blood pressure. “Additionally, vitamin D influences the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a key regulator of blood pressure,” he said. “Adequate vitamin D levels may reduce the activity of this system, leading to better blood pressure control.” Are vitamin D supplements right for you? Given that vitamin D is easy to obtain, patients may wonder how they can apply the study’s findings to their own lives. Dr. Rita Hawle, a clinical dietitian and nutritionist with ClinicSpots, says the first step is determining whether you are actually low in vitamin D. “A simple blood test can reveal any deficiency that may be contributing to blood pressure issues,” she said. “If levels are low, supplements or a bit of natural sunlight exposure (when safe) can help improve vitamin D status over time.” However, she added that vitamin D supplementation really needs to be a part of a larger strategy. “Blood pressure responds well to a combined approach—regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and effective weight management are all important for long-term benefits,” said Hawle. Additionally, while the study looked at supplementation with 600 IU and 3,750 IU doses, she advises speaking with your physician about what is an appropriate dose for you.  Vitamin D can accumulate in the human body, leading to a toxic build-up of calcium. “This study provides encouraging insights,” Hawle concluded, “but it’s best to view vitamin D as part of a larger wellness plan, particularly for individuals managing both obesity and high blood pressure.” Takeaway A new study reports that older people with high blood pressure who were taking a vitamin D supplement along with calcium had lower blood pressure after a year. The best results were experienced by people with obesity and lower initial levels of vitamin D at the start of the study. Improved calcium regulation, lower inflammation, and reduced activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system could account for the reduction in blood pressure. Experts recommend getting a blood test to determine if you are actually low in vitamin D and following your doctor’s advice regarding the dose you take before supplementing with it. Supplementation should be part of a combined approach that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and weight management.

Several key changes are coming to Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans in 2025. andreswd/Getty Images In 2025, an annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap will keep costs low for Medicare enrollees on drugs covered by Part D plans. A payment plan will allow Medicare enrollees to pay for their drugs in capped monthly installments rather than paying the full cost upfront at the pharmacy. A drop in the number of stand-alone Part D drug plans will mean fewer choices for enrollees, which may simplify the process of choosing a Medicare plan. Several changes are coming to Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans in 2025 that could potentially impact enrollees’ benefits and costs, including changes in premiums, a new out-of-pocket cap, and a drop in the number of drug plans being offered. “All in all, these 2025 changes offer a good balance between managing costs and adding protections for Medicare beneficiaries,” said Brandy Burch, CEO at BenefitBay. “For most people, these updates will provide more stability and predictability in their healthcare expenses,” Burch told Healthline, “which can make a big difference when it comes to planning for the year ahead.” Here’s a rundown of the top five changes coming to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Increase in Plan D prescription drug base premium The Medicare Part D base beneficiary premium will increase in 2025 over the previous year. However, this doesn’t mean Medicare enrollees will pay more out of pocket each month for their Part D drug benefits. Here’s why. The base beneficiary premium will be $36.78 in 2025, a 6% increase from 2024, reports nonprofit KFF. This increase is capped at 6% due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act also provides a premium stabilization mechanism. This limits the actual premium increases for Part D plans to about $2 per month on average. The base premium is not what Part D enrollees pay each month. It is the base amount allowed for premiums. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that, thanks to the government’s premium stabilization efforts, the average monthly premium for stand-alone Part D plans will decrease by 4% to $40.00 in 2025. Actual monthly premiums will range from $0 to $100 or more, reports KFF. In addition, enrollees with higher annual incomes ($103,000 or greater for individuals; $206,000 or greater for couples) will pay an income-related premium surcharge on top of the regular premium. CMS projects that the average monthly premium for people with a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage will fall by 13% to $13.50 in 2025. However, a recent analysis by ValuePenguin found that overall Medicare Advantage premiums will increase by 4% for 2025 over the previous year — going from $24 to $25 per month. This rate change varies by state. These are average changes, so your plan’s premiums may change by a different amount — up or down. It’s important to shop around during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, to find the best plan for your budget and needs. In addition, over 14 million people with Medicare will have a $0 premium for Part D plans, thanks to the government’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program. $2,000 out-of-pocket max and end of coverage ‘donut hole’ You may have heard about the “donut hole” — or gap in prescription drug coverage — about Medicare Part D.  You enter this gap once your Medicare Part D plan has paid a certain amount for your prescription drugs during a single coverage year. At this point, you’ll pay more out of pocket for your prescription drugs until you reach your yearly limit. Depending on your plan, when you hit your yearly limit, the plan may help pay for the cost of your prescription drugs again. If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. The donut hole will disappear after 2024 and be replaced by a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in 2025. This change, due to the Inflation Reduction Act, affects all Medicare plans. Once you have paid $2,000 out of pocket for covered drugs during a calendar year, you will automatically get “catastrophic coverage.” As a result, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for drugs covered by Part D for the rest of the year. An estimated 1.4 million Medicare Part D enrollees without low-income subsidies are expected to benefit from the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, reports KFF. These people had annual out-of-pocket spending above this limit. Burch said the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap will have a big impact for Medicare enrollees. “For people who rely on costly medications, having this cap means they can finally plan their healthcare budget without worrying about unexpected high costs,” she said. “It’s a big step in providing peace of mind and knowing that once they hit that $2,000 threshold, they’re covered for the rest of the year.” This change will not only lower out-of-pocket drug costs for enrollees — especially for those taking multiple or high-priced medications — but it is also likely to help them take their drugs as prescribed, which can improve their health outcomes. Payment plan to spread out drug costs Also coming in 2025 is the option for Part D enrollees to pay their prescription drug costs in capped monthly installments instead of all at once at the pharmacy. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is available for all plans at no cost, including Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. However, participation is voluntary. If you choose this option, instead of paying for your drugs at the pharmacy, you will get a monthly bill from your Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. ”This [payment plan] makes the cost [of drugs] feel more manageable by breaking it down over time,” said Burch. “It’s like having a bit of breathing room, rather than facing a large payment all at once. And that flexibility can be a relief for those on a tight budget.” Jenn Kerfoot, chief strategy and growth officer at DUOS pointed out that people on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can’t be sent to a credit collector for not paying their bills. However, the plan can kick them off the payment plan if they don’t pay their bills, she told Healthline. Fewer stand-alone Part D plans KFF reports that in 2025, there will be 26% fewer standalone Part D plans than in the previous year and 5% fewer Part D plans for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries. These drops are due to changes stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act, which takes effect in 2025, including the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. Part D plans and drug manufacturers will also have to pay a larger share of drug costs above the cap, and Medicare will pick up less for drug costs. However, KFF said enrollees in each state will still be able to choose from at least a dozen standalone plans and many Medicare Advantage drug plans. While some people may end up losing their current plan, having fewer plans overall could help simplify things for people during Medicare Open Enrollment. “Fewer choices mean people don’t have to spend as much time evaluating and comparing endless options, which can be overwhelming,” said Burch. “For a lot of older adults, a streamlined set of options can make the process easier and help them focus on finding the best fit, without all the guesswork.” New Manufacturer Discount Program At the start of 2025, the Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program will end. This program helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for Part D beneficiaries who reach the donut hole.  Since the donut hole is going away due to the new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, the Coverage Gap Discount Program is no longer needed. It will be replaced starting in 2025 by the Manufacturer Discount Program. Under this program, the manufacturer will typically pay a 10% discount for brand-name drugs and biologics during the initial Part D coverage phase, said CMS.  When a beneficiary reaches the catastrophic phase—after the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap—the manufacturer will typically offer a 20% discount on these drugs and biologics. “This change may alter how drug discounts are applied, particularly for brand-name medications,” said Burch. “but the good news is that financial relief [for enrollees] for prescriptions should still be there.” However, “it’s important for enrollees to double-check how this update might affect their specific medications during open enrollment,” she added. “That way, they can avoid any surprises when it comes to costs.” Kerfoot recommends that people consider several things when shopping for a Medicare drug plan this year, including whether their plan from 2024 is still offered, whether their existing plan cut their benefits, whether the medications they are taking are still covered by the plan, and whether the premium changed. Burch also suggests that people keep in mind the five major changes happening next year. “With the adjustments to out-of-pocket limits, payment options and plan choices, it’s important to pick a plan that best aligns with their specific healthcare and financial needs,” said Burch. “Taking a little extra time now to understand the new landscape can help save a lot of worry, and potentially a lot of money, throughout 2025.” Takeaway Several changes are coming to Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in 2025 that could impact drug costs and plan coverage. One change is an annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. Once enrollees hit this limit, they won’t have to pay out of pocket for their drugs for the rest of the year. A new payment plan is also starting up in 2025 that will allow enrollees to pay for their drugs in the form of capped monthly installments rather than all at once at the pharmacy. This free option is available for all Part D plans, including Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage. Participation is voluntary. In 2025, there will be 26% fewer stand-alone Part D plans than in 2024 and slightly fewer Part D plans for low-income older adults. However, at least a dozen stand-alone plans are available in each state, so enrollees will still have options.

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have been liked with strong relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Nazar Rybak/Getty Images A new study suggests semaglutide use may help reduce severe knee pain. People also lost weight during the course of the study. The reduction in pain likely occurred because weight loss leads to less joint stress. Semaglutide is also capable of balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation. Experts say we are likely to see continued advances with drugs like semaglutide. While semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) is best known as a drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, research is increasingly finding that it may have applications outside of these uses. For example, recent studies have found it could help reduce the risk of opioid overdose, early death, hidradenitis suppurativa, and Alzheimer’s disease. Now, new research published on October 30, 2024, in The New England Journal of Medicine adds to the list, finding that once-weekly semaglutide usage was associated with relief from the severe knee pain associated with obesity and osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition. It can cause: cartilage breakdown misshapen bones chronic pain inflammation stiffness loss of mobility Obesity is one cause of osteoarthritis due to the strain that added weight put on joints, especially the knees, hips, and the spine. How semaglutide use is linked to knee pain relief The study enrolled 407 patients with an average age of 56 to evaluate the effects of semaglutide use on knee pain. Their average body mass index (BMI) was 40.3. A BMI of 30 or greater is classified as obesity. Additionally, these individuals had an average WOMAC pain score of 70.9 on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores meaning worse pain. All were diagnosed with moderate to severe knee pain. The majority of study participants (81.6%) were female. Everyone, regardless of whether they received semaglutide or not, was provided with counseling on diet and exercise. Over the course of the 68-week study, people using semaglutide lost an average of 13.7% of their body weight compared with only 3.2% weight loss in those who did not use the drug. Those using semaglutide also experienced an average reduction in their WOMAC pain score of 41.7 points, whereas the untreated group had an average decrease of 27.5 points. Why semaglutide might provide relief for severe knee pain Sandeep Singh, MS, MBBS, an orthopedic surgeon with Clinic Spots, said the biggest reason that Ozempic might provide pain relief really comes down to weight reduction. “In osteoarthritis, every pound of weight lost takes about four pounds of pressure off the knee joints,” he explained. “So, the study’s average 13.7% weight loss likely brings considerable relief to the joints just from reducing that mechanical load.” However, according to Singh, there may be more at play. The medication could have certain direct effects on relieving pain. “We’re starting to see that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, may have anti-inflammatory effects,” he said, “which could help with knee pain beyond weight loss alone.” Singh said that inflammation is a major factor in osteoarthritis which can lead to joint pain and deterioration. “Even a slight reduction in inflammation can lead to a noticeable improvement in pain and stiffness,” he said. Singh also pointed to semaglutide’s ability to stabilize blood sugar, which can bring down inflammation. “This mix of lowered inflammation, reduced joint pressure, and better blood sugar control could potentially work together to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms,” he said. How weight loss drugs may help improve future overall health William Seeds, MD, a board certified orthopedic surgeon and the owner of Redox Medical Group, was enthusiastic about the findings of the study. “This continues to be exciting evidence in the areas outside of weight loss that benefit improved quality of life issues and have profound effects on reducing healthcare dollars in the future second to the devastating effects of Osteoarthritis on the healthcare system,” he said. Seeds added that he believes we are going to see continued advances in drugs like semaglutide. “My belief is as we get better at improving the overall efficiencies of cellular mitochondrial function with continued advances in GLP1RAs we will be humbled by the continued beneficial signaling pathways that improve overall health,” he said. Seeds further noted that we are seeing advancement in GLP-1 receptor agonists going from semaglutide (binds with GLP-1 receptors) to tirzepatide (binds with GLP-1 and GIP receptors) to retatrutide (binds with GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors). “The evolution from GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide) to dual (tirzepatide) and triple agonist (retatrutide) represents a significant progression in enhanced cellular efficiencies, optimizing metabolic responses and therapeutic outcomes,” he said. “These are exciting times in peptide development and clinical translation to life changing results!” Takeaway A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that using the type 2 diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide was linked with improved pain scores in those with osteoarthritis, a painful and degenerative condition affecting the joints. The weight loss engendered by this medication reduces the strain on joints. Additionally, semaglutide helps to balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation. The sum of these effects is likely what reduces osteoarthritis pain in the knee. Experts say we are likely to see continued beneficial effects from drugs like semaglutide due to the ways GLP-1 drugs impact signaling pathways.

While a modest amount of physical activity may help lower AFib risk, more exercise offers greater protection. SolStock/Getty Images New research indicates that one hour of moderate exercise per week can help prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). The study utilized robust data from thousands of individuals using FitBit fitness trackers to report exercise behavior. While a minimum amount of exercise lowered AFib risk in study participants, those who exercised more reaped even greater benefits. A single hour of exercise per week can cut your risk of developing atrial fibrillation, according to new research. The findings build on prior evidence suggesting that exercise, even at minimum recommended levels, is protective against atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common form of heart arrhythmia. The protective benefits of exercise expand with more physical activity. Participants who exceeded recommended exercise saw even greater reduced risk compared to those who did the least. These latest findings are compelling due to the strength of the data. The study included individuals with one year of accelerometry data (from health and fitness trackers like Fitbit). Data from fitness wearables is preferable in research because it is viewed as more objective in reporting exercise behavior.  Most existing studies on the subject have typically relied on self-reported behavior, which is notoriously unreliable. They have also been too short (about one week) to be of much scientific value.  The authors say the new study is the largest of its kind. “This study makes use of high quality objective physical activity data that reassuringly aligns with the previous kind of less high quality data to support that greater amounts of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of developing atrial fibrillation,” Sean P. Heffron, MD, director of cardiovascular fitness and nutrition at the NYU Langone and senior author of the research, told Healthline. The research, led by Souptik Barua, PhD and a team at NYU Langone, is being reviewed for publication. The study is being presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions on November 16 in Chicago. Every hour of exercise lowered AFib risk by 11% Heffron’s team utilized health and accelerometry data from the All of Us Research Program led by the National Institute of Health. The program includes health, genetic, lifestyle, and demographic data for a cohort of individuals intended to reflect the diversity of the United States, including groups historically underrepresented in medical research. More than 6,000 individuals were included in the study. The group was predominantly white (83%) and female (70%). Cohort members also tended to be college-educated. To be included, participants had to have at least one year of accelerometry data and health records.  Researchers wanted to investigate how exercise levels, based on WHO Guidelines, affected AFib outcomes over a five-year follow-up period. The WHO recommends adults get a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Like prior research, exercise was inversely associated with AFib risk, but exercise levels also made a big difference. One key takeaway: Each hour of physical activity per week reduced the risk of AFib by 11%. Those hours are cumulative, too, so five hours of exercise would be the equivalent of a 55% reduction in risk. Rod Passman, MD, a professor of medicine and director of the Center for Arrhythmia Research at Northwestern University, who wasn’t affiliated with the research, told Healthline, “This is an interesting study and supports current guidelines that lifestyle choices, including moderate levels of exercise, are an integral part of preventing AF.” The protective benefit was also apparent when researchers grouped the participants by their average activity level. Compared to a sedentary individual (less than 30 minutes of exercise per week), exercise level was incrementally associated with reduced AFib risk: 30–150 minutes per week: 38% reduction 151–300 minutes per week: 60% reduction 300+ minutes per week: 65% reduction “The more you exercise, the better. That’s not going to be a surprise. And that relationship is true for atrial fibrillation as well,” Evan L. Brittain, MD, MsC, an associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who was not involved with the study, told Healthline. Does too much exercise cause AFib? Exercise is one of the most important parts of cardiovascular disease prevention, including atrial fibrillation. But is too much a bad thing? Some studies have suggested that exercise may be an “emerging cause” for young, otherwise healthy individuals. However, only high-level and endurance athletes are likely to be at risk, and not the average American. “There are some sort of provocative data showing that the benefits of exercise may reverse themselves once you get to an extreme amount of exertion. But, even if you are an extreme athlete, the overall benefits undoubtedly outweigh whatever sort of modest risk may emerge,” said Brittain. Heffron, who works with endurance and other high level athletes in his practice, is even more blunt: “No one needs to worry about their exceeding the amount of activity to the point where they’re going to put themselves at risk for AFib.” Both Heffron and Brittain strongly recommend that individuals try to get more physical activity into their day-to-day life.  “Never underestimate the impact of any amount of physical activity: five minutes here or there, it all adds up. You put together five minutes a few times a day, and over the course of a week, you’re going to reach the level that is going to help reduce your risk, not only of atrial fibrillation but of other cardiovascular diseases as well,” said Heffron. Takeaway Exercise is an important component of cardiovascular disease prevention, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). Research has indicated that exercise reduces the risk of AFib, but much of it has relied on low quality data. New research based on thousands of individuals personal Fitbit data gives a clearer picture of the impact of exercise on AFib risk. The study suggests that every hour of exercise per week results in an 11% reduction in risk. Some prior studies have indicated that extreme amounts of exercise may be a risk factor in developing AFib. However, doctors warn that the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle far outweigh any risks of excessive exercise. AFib is the most common form of heart arrhythmia. It occurs when the heart’s two upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly. The condition can lead to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.

New research indicates that people with CKM syndrome may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease up to 28 years earlier. Marko Cvetkovic/Getty Images New research reports that people with chronic kidney disease have an elevated cardiovascular disease risk eight years earlier than people without the disease. Researchers add that people with type 2 diabetes have the elevated cardiovascular risk about a decade earlier. People with both conditions can have that higher risk as much as 28 years earlier than people without those diseases, researchers say. Experts say you can maintain good heart health by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels. People with type 2 diabetes have an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease earlier than someone who doesn’t have the condition. The same goes for those with chronic kidney disease. For people with both conditions, however, the risk may be much higher, according to new research being presented November 16–18 at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, but the researchers said their report provides valuable information. “Our findings help to interpret the combination of risk factors that will lead to a high predicted [cardiovascular disease] risk and at what age they have an impact on risk,” Vaishnavi Krishnan, lead study author and researcher at Northwestern University in Chicago, and medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, said in a statement. “For example, if someone has borderline-elevated levels of blood pressure, glucose and/or impaired kidney function, but they don’t yet have hypertension or diabetes or chronic kidney disease, their risk may not be recognized. Understanding how age interacts with risk factor levels is important to optimize [cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic] health,” Krishnan continued. How age may affect cardiovascular disease risk In October 2023, the American Heart Association identified a new condition called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. CKM syndrome makes the connections between cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes. Its risk factors have four stages. In May 2024, experts reported that 90% of adults in the United States may have CKM syndrome. In the new research being presented this week, researchers report females with CKM syndrome can expect to reach an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease at age 68. For males with the condition, the age of increased cardiovascular disease risk is 63. The researchers said that for females with type 2 diabetes, the predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk was elevated at age 59. For males, it was 52. That is 9 years earlier for females and 11 years earlier than males compared to those without the condition. They also reported that for females with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, the predicted cardiovascular risk was elevated at age 60, while for males, it was 55. Both are 8 years earlier than people without the disease. For people with both type 2 disease and kidney disease, the researchers said the 10-year risk for females was elevated at age 42 while for males it was 35. That’s 26 years earlier for females and 28 years earlier for males compared to people without CKM syndrome. Experts say the findings are startling. “Surprising to see such a significant impact on health and quality of life with disease developing nearly three decades sooner (28 years). That is really jaw dropping,” Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs for Hello Heart, told Healthline. “Even astute clinicians will likely be surprised by the sobering prediction that the co-existence of these two problems radically increases the risk of early myocardial infarction and stroke,” added Richard Wright, MD, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. New research is a ‘simulated’ study It should be noted that this research was a simulated study as opposed to using information from medical records of patients. For this study, the researchers used data from the National and Nutritional Examination Survey 2011-2020. The researchers utilized this information to create risk profiles to simulate men and women for chronic kidney disease and/or type 2 diabetes at each age from 30 to 79 years. They then used the American Heart Association Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTS (PREVENT) calculator to try to determine at what age someone with each risk profile could be expected to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Experts said the simulated study does have its merits. “This interesting and provocative analysis is only a simulation and is not based on actual clinical data, but nevertheless, dramatically points out the potential ‘more-than-additive’ risk these conditions possess in predicting future cardiovascular events,” Wright told Healthline. “Although not as scientifically sound as an actual prospective population study, the current assessment is based on valid science and should not be ignored,” he added. “To gauge risk, one can use multiple methods, including retrospective review, a prospective study, or what the authors did — a simulated risk in a simulated population (i.e. not actual patients),” Marilyn Tan, MD, the chief of the Stanford Endocrine Clinic in California, told Healthline.  “With a simulated risk, the goal is to use various models to identify how different medical factors impact risk,” she noted. How diabetes and kidney disease affect heart health Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term that includes heart disease, heart attack, and stroke that may cause serious health issues. Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This narrows the arteries, making it more difficult for blood to follow and potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. Heart failure is also a form of CVD, which occurs when the body isn’t pumping blood as well as it should. Heart valve problems may also develop with CVD, as well as arrhythmia, which is when the heart beats irregularly. The most common form of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AFib). The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Around 1 in 3 has at least three risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. Experts say conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes have a direct effect on heart health. “Type 2 diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which damage the blood vessels in our body. This then results in atherosclerosis which can then lead to conditions such as heart attack and stroke,” explained Cheng-Han Chen, MD, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California. “Similarly, chronic kidney disease can have effects such as increased blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and inflammation, all of which can then increase the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Chen told Healthline. “Unhealthy kidneys cannot regulate blood pressure, leading to hypertension,” Morgan added. “Hypertension damages blood vessels and the heart. Sodium retention increases as the kidneys fail, further increasing blood pressure and the workload of the heart, which could lead to heart failure.” “High blood glucose damages blood vessels and nerves both within the heart and supplying blood to the heart,” she noted. “This leads to early plaque buildup and atherosclerosis, further increasing the risk of heart attacks.” How to improve your heart health The American Heart Association has launched a four-year Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Health Initiative. The initiative will help assess gaps in clinical care as well as identify areas for future research. It will also implement guidelines and screening recommendations. There are myriad steps you can take to improve your heart health, such as: Follow a heart-healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats with high amounts of fruits and vegetables. Stay active and exercise regularly. Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Manage your stress levels. Experts had praise for the AHA’s new health initiative. “This is a great initiative to really understand the interplay of these disease processes on the heart, the body, and on healthy aging,” Morgan said. “It’s great that the AHA is working on guidelines and educating other healthcare providers (including nephrologists and endocrinologists) to promote best practices for reducing cardiovascular risk in the setting of kidney and metabolic disease,” added Tan. “This is truly a call to action, to both identify those at such risk and to begin more aggressive treatment, earlier than we have traditionally felt necessary,” said Wright.  “Fortunately, it is known that aggressive lifestyle changes, weight loss, hypertension control, and use of modern pharmacologic therapies can interrupt the vicious CKM spiral and can bend the risk curve in the desired fashion. The American Heart Association should be commended for starting their CKM Initiative and placing a spotlight on this issue. We can only hope that the medical community pays attention,” Wright added. Takeaway Researchers say conditions associated with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome can elevate a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease at an earlier age. They report that people with chronic kidney disease can reach that elevated risk eight years earlier than people without the disease. They add that people with type 2 diabetes can see an elevated risk a decade earlier than those without the condition. They stress that people with both these diseases, known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, can see an elevated cardiovascular disease risk as much as 28 years sooner than people without this condition.

Seven out of 10 states that had abortion on the ballot during the 2024 presidential election voted to expand abortion access. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images Abortion was a key focal point of the 2024 presidential election, with abortion rights ballot measures passing in 7 of 10 states. Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris marks a turning point for American politics and an uncertain future for reproductive rights. While Trump has said he won’t sign a nationwide abortion ban, experts remain skeptical of the impending administration. President-elect Donald Trump’s sweeping win over Vice President Kamala Harris ushered in a new era of uncertainty in the battle for reproductive rights. Abortion became a major focal point of the November 2024 election following the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, with abortion rights ballot measures prevailing in 7 of 10 states. Despite these victories for abortion protection, they won’t change overnight. States that passed abortion rights amendments in 2022 and 2023, like Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri, were mired in legal red tape. Months would pass before any new abortion protection policies could take effect, KFF Health News reports.  “Every day we live under Trump’s abortion bans, more people will suffer and die,” Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) said in a statement.  “Abortion is powerful and popular. The American people do not want politicians making their health care decisions. In poll after poll, voters said abortion mattered to them — mattered in their lives and mattered in the voting booth… the majority of voters were clear and unequivocal: people are dying. People are suffering. Fix this,” McGill Johnson continued. Abortion protective ballot measures pass in 7 states Abortion was on the ballot for voters in 10 states during the 2024 presidential election.  According to the Guttmacher Institute, the following states passed abortion rights ballot measures: Arizona: Proposition 139 (Right to Abortion Initiative) Colorado: Amendment 79 (Right to Abortion and Health Insurance Coverage Initiative) Maryland: Question 1 (Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment) Missouri: Amendment 3 (Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative) Montana: CI-128 (Right to Abortion Initiative) Nevada: Question 6 (Right to Abortion Initiative) New York: Proposal 1 (Equal Protection of Law Amendment) In Florida, an amendment to limit government interference with abortion fell short of the needed 60% support at just over 57%.  In Nebraska, where both abortion protective and anti-abortion measures were on the ballot, the anti-abortion measure passed.  In South Dakota, an amendment to prohibit the state from restricting abortion during the first trimester failed to pass. The state currently has an abortion law that permits abortions to save the life of a pregnant person. Changes to abortion access will take time In the seven states that saw victories for abortion access, the bans or restrictions in place are not automatically repealed, which means change will likely take some time. Abortion advocates will have to petition courts to overturn the anti-abortion laws in place to align with the new amendments, according to the Associated Press. “Access to abortion clearly continues to mobilize voters across the country, even those where a measure did not pass this year,” Candace Gibson, director of State Policy at the Guttmacher Institute, said in a statement shared with Healthline. “As we prepare for an incoming Trump Administration and additional attacks on reproductive freedom, we must continue to push policymakers at all levels to protect reproductive freedom, support state-based organizations, and donate to abortion funds,” Gibson continued. Sarah Prager, MD, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, told Healthline she was “extremely gratified” by the passed ballot measures. “This clearly shows that the American people want access to abortion in spite of what some legislators and legislatures are saying,” Prager said.  “I do think that over time, more state efforts to increase access to abortion and/or codify the right to abortion in state constitutions will be successful. However, that is not an option in all states — 24 states do not allow for citizen-initiated statewide initiatives or ballot measures,” Prager continued, noting how newly implemented barriers like the 60% majority rule in Florida caused the ballot measure to fail with just 57% of the vote.  “We will continue to see positive and successful efforts to restore the right to abortion and reproductive health care, but in the meantime, patients are suffering and even dying,” she said. Will Trump ban abortion nationwide? The impending 2025 Republican administration could further impact abortion access, even in states without bans, experts say. If Congress were to approve a national abortion ban, it could potentially override any state protections, NBC reports.  Access to abortion medication, such as mifepristone, could also face scrutiny during Trump’s second term as president. The uncertainty that lay ahead is rooted in the president-elect’s shifting position on whether he’d sign a national abortion ban.  During the tail-end of his campaign, Trump reversed his stance and said he wouldn’t and that the issue should continue to be left up to the states. Whether he’ll remain true to this position is unclear. “Donald Trump ran from his record and said he would not ban abortion nationwide. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is going to hold him to that every day for the next four years,” McGill Johnson said. Prager said she is certain Trump will sign a nationwide abortion ban. “It may be called something else, it may not completely ban all abortions, but it will be introduced early, and if Republicans control the House and Senate, it will pass and Trump will sign it. It may take some time for that to go through the courts, but with our current Supreme Court, I have no doubt it will go through,” Prager noted. “Of course, those are my beliefs — I cannot predict the future, but I can be informed by the past.” Takeaway Abortion rights ballot measures passed in 7 of 10 states during the November 2024 election. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris signals an uncertain future for reproductive rights. While Trump claims he won’t sign a nationwide abortion ban, experts remain wary. If Congress were to approve such a ban, it could potentially override any state-level abortion protections in place.

A new study shows an extra 5 minutes of daily heart-pumping exercise could help control blood pressure. Twenty47studio/Getty Images New research shows adding a few minutes of vigorous “everyday” physical activity to your daily exercise routine could help control blood pressure.  Heart-pumping activities like cycling, running, and stair climbing were linked to lower blood pressure readings among study participants. An extra 5 minutes of exercise led to mild improvements in blood pressure, with clinically meaningful results at an additional 10 and 20 minutes of physical activity. Experts recommend aiming for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily to control blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. Exercise is universally linked with positive outcomes, like maintaining healthy blood pressure. Short bursts of physical activity can help get your heart pumping, but regular exercise is key for overall health. A new study published November 6 in the journal Circulation suggests that adding a few minutes of vigorous physical activity to your daily exercise routine can help lower blood pressure.  The researchers found that an extra 5 minutes of stair climbing, cycling, and running was linked to slight reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while clinically meaningful improvements were seen at an additional 10 and 20 minutes of daily exercise.  Less strenuous forms of movement, such as standing or walking, had minimal effects on blood pressure. “Our findings suggest that, for most people, exercise is key to reducing blood pressure,” first author Jo Blodgett, PhD, a senior research fellow at UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, said in a statement.   “The good news is that whatever your physical ability, it doesn’t take long to have a positive effect on blood pressure. But if you want to change your blood pressure, putting more demand on the cardiovascular system through exercise will have the greatest effect,” Blodgett continued. Everyday activities help control hypertension Researchers from University College London and the University of Sydney conducted this study with support from the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The research team analyzed health data and blood pressure measurements from 14,761 participants with an average age of 54 from six cohorts in the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting, and Sleep consortium (ProPASS). They tracked blood pressure changes over 24-hour periods comprising six different activities with the following average durations:  sleeping — 7.1 hours  sedentary behavior (i.e., sitting) —  10.7 hours slow walking (fewer than 100 steps per minute) — 1.6 hours fast walking (more than 100 steps per minute) — 1.1 hours standing — 3.2 hours exercise (i.e., running, cycling) — 16 minutes They estimated the impact of replacing one type of activity with an additional 5, 10, and 20 minutes of exercise. They found that replacing less active behaviors with 5 minutes of exercise lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 0.68 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 0.54 mmHg. They note that a 2mmHg reduction in SBP and a 1mmHg reduction in DPB equates to a 10% reduction in heart disease risk. They also estimate that 20 additional minutes of daily exercise could lead to clinically meaningful improvements in SBP, and 10 extra minutes of exercise per day could improve DBP. The researchers emphasize that everyday activities that get the heart pumping may promote healthy blood pressure. “What’s unique about our exercise variable is that it includes all exercise-like activities, from climbing the stairs to a short cycling errand, many of which can be integrated into daily routines. For those who don’t do a lot of exercise, walking did still have some positive benefits for blood pressure,” Blodgett continued.  Exercise lowers blood pressure, benefits heart health Cheng-Han Chen, MD, board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, told Healthline the study reinforces physician-backed recommendations for regular daily exercise. “It is encouraging to see measurable changes in blood pressure with just a few minutes of exercise, something that can be incorporated into even a busy schedule,” Chen said. “We know that physical activity directs our organs and tissue to undergo changes that improve their performance and efficiency, which can then lead to improved blood pressure control. By increasing the intensity of exercise, you are accelerating the physiological changes that are providing the benefits to heart health,” he explained. How much physical activity do you need? The findings of this study do not suggest that 5 minutes of exercise a day is enough but rather encourage people already getting regular exercise to increase their output, particularly those with high blood pressure. Current CDC guidelines for physical activity recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for adults, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, or a combination of moderate and vigorous exercise. For heart health, Chen said he typically recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity daily on most days of the week. To effectively lower blood pressure, Chen echoed the findings from this study and recommended aerobic forms of exercise, such as:  walking jogging cycling swimming or water aerobics “It is also helpful to incorporate some strength training, as this also helps to improve the function of blood vessels and improve blood pressure,” Chen said.  “Patients who do not have their blood pressure under control should avoid very high intensity exercises such as sprinting or heavy weights, as these activities can lead to a spike in blood pressure,” he advised. Other ways to lower blood pressure  Chen noted that many people may not realize the health benefits of adding a little exercise to their daily routine.  “There are many easy ways to incorporate physical activity throughout the course of the day,” he noted. Some examples may include:  short 5-minute brisk walks while at work   taking the stairs instead of the elevator parking farther from the store and walking Chen noted that if you live with high blood pressure, you should talk with your doctor about lifestyle factors that can help control it. Regular physical activity aside, other ways to lower blood pressure may include:  following a healthy, balanced diet low in sodium  getting enough quality sleep maintaining a healthy weight avoiding tobacco and alcohol managing stress Takeaway A new study showed improvements in blood pressure with an additional 5 minutes of daily exercise. The findings became more significant with an extra 10 and 20 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity each day.  Aim for around 30 minutes of aerobic daily exercise to control blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. If you have high blood pressure or live with another chronic health condition, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Music legend Quincy Jones, known for producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album and other hits, managed living with two brain aneurysms and type 2 diabetes years before his death at 91. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night Quincy Jones, the iconic music mogul who produced Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” died recently at the age of 91. Jones lived with type 2 diabetes for years and previously shared how he approached challenges managing the condition. He also spoke publicly about health scares, including two brain aneurysms in 1974 and a diabetic coma in 2015. Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and many others, died this week at age 91. Jones, who had type 2 diabetes, was public throughout his life about his health problems. He died on Sunday, November 3, at home with his family. With a decades-spanning career, Jones was a titan of the music industry, receiving 28 Grammy Awards and countless other accolades. He worked with artists like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson, for whom he produced “Thriller” in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time. But, alongside his many successes, Jones experienced health setbacks as well, including brain aneurysms and receiving a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.  Two aneurysms nearly killed Jones in 1974 In 1974, Jones had two brain aneurysms at the age of 41. Brain aneurysms are deformities, resembling balloons or berries, in the arterial wall of the brain that fill with blood. If an aneurysm bursts, the resulting brain damage can be fatal without immediate medical attention.  Jones recalled the incident in a post on his Facebook page in 2018. “It felt like a shotgun was fired inside of my head. While operating for 7.5 hours, my doctors discovered a second aneurysm that was ready to blow, so they had to schedule a second operation. During this time, it didn’t look too promising, so my friends planned a memorial service for me at The Shrine in LA, & I basically attended my own funeral,” he wrote. Though he recalls having a mere one in a hundred chance of surviving, the operations were both successful. But, to prevent further recurrences, doctors advised him that he could no longer play the trumpet, which he’d played since his teenage years.  His doctors had used metal clips to close off the aneurysms in his brain and were worried that intracranial pressure caused by playing the instrument would dislodge them. In an interview with GQ magazine, Jones said he swore to give up his trumpet playing. But, while on tour in Japan shortly after recovering, he decided to pick it up again. This time, though, he felt an immediate pain in his head from the pressure. After that scare, he put down the trumpet for good. How Quincy Jones learned to manage type 2 diabetes Jones lived with and managed type 2 diabetes for years, which required him to make major lifestyle changes.  In 2015, he went into a diabetic coma, a moment he recalled in a Facebook post from 2019 as “what should’ve been my last breath.” “A diabetic coma refers to when you have diabetes and that you lose consciousness for some reason. It can be due to low blood sugar, or it can be due to very high blood sugar,” Sun Kim, MD, an endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at Stanford Medicine, told Healthline. “It’s very serious. If you don’t present to medical attention, there’s a high degree of mortality associated with it,” she added. Following the incident, Jones decided to give up drinking alcohol for good. “I had enough alcohol to last multiple lifetimes, & the doctors told me I had to call it quits!! After substituting drinking with eating sugar-free popsicles, I lost 50 pounds, & started feeling 37 again,” he wrote. Kevin Peterson, MD, MPH, Vice President of primary care at the American Diabetes Association, told Healthline that quitting drinking is an important step in managing diabetes, alongside other lifestyle changes. “The most important lifestyle changes are maintaining a healthy diet and a healthy weight.  Maintaining blood sugars in a healthy range is more difficult with alcohol consumption since alcohol changes the way that the liver processes blood sugar. Unhealthy drinking habits make it difficult to maintain healthy blood sugars and pose a health risk in themselves,” he said. Complications commonly associated with type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease that can significantly increase an individual’s risk for other health problems. These risks include: Heart and blood vessel damage Kidney damage Eye damage Foot damage Dementia Individuals with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. The disease is also a leading cause of blindness in adults due to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, which is when the blood vessels in the retina of the eye are damaged. “Diabetes affects the entire body. In particular, it damages blood vessels. Over time, this damage can take a toll on eyes, kidneys, and on the nerves. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease,” said Peterson. However, there are ways to manage the condition, including lifestyle changes, exercise, and medication. “The way you’re supposed to live with diabetes is how we’re all supposed to live, but it just becomes more real when you have diabetes. We all could eat less sugar. We could all eat less processed foods. We could all eat less refined carbs and more whole grains,” said Kim. Doctors and researchers also continue to make improvements to diabetes care and management year after year. “Many advances in diabetes have occurred since Mr. Quincy was first diagnosed with diabetes several decades ago.  New labs, medicines, and devices make the treatment of diabetes simpler and more effective now than it has ever been,” said Peterson. The bottom line Quincy Jones, the famed producer behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” has died this month at the age of 91. Jones lived with type 2 diabetes for many years and learned to manage it through lifestyle changes, including avoiding drinking alcohol. He was also public with other health scares throughout his life, including having two brain aneurysms in 1974 and falling into a diabetic coma in 2015. Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease that damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of multiple other conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetic retinopathy.

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is sharing details about the earliest warning sign of dementia her husband exhibited and why it was dismissed. Angela Weiss / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images Bruce Willis’ wife has stated that an early sign of his dementia was first dismissed as stuttering. Experts say frontotemporal dementia itself does not cause stuttering. However, its associated language issues can make an existing stutter worse. Early warning signs can also include changes in personality, behavior, or motor function. If you spot the warning signs, it’s a good idea to speak with your primary care provider. According to Emma Heming Willis, wife of action hero Bruce Willis, her husband’s frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was initially dismissed as a return of childhood stuttering. Speaking in an interview with Katie Couric for Town & Country, she explained: “He had a severe stutter as a child. He went to college, and there was a theater teacher who said, ‘I’ve got something that’s going to help you.'” Heming Willis said this is where Bruce got his start in acting since he realized that he could memorize a script and say his lines without stuttering. “Bruce has always had a stutter, but he has been good at covering it up,” she said. So, when he began to experience difficulties with language, it seemed like it was just a part of his stutter. “Never in a million years would I think it would be a form of dementia for someone so young,” said Heming Willis. How common is stuttering as a warning sign of FTD? Stephanie Jeret, who is a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Speak with Stephanie, said stuttering is not commonly associated with FTD. This condition mainly impacts people’s ability to understand and use language, she said. “For instance, Bruce Willis had developmental stuttering that likely persisted into adulthood,” said Jeret. “He may have developed coping strategies to manage it, but with the onset of FTD, he could have experienced a regression in his language skills, leading to overt stuttering as a symptom of this decline rather than a direct symptom of FTD.” Jason Krellman, PhD, a Neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, agreed with Jeret. “Stuttering is itself not considered a typical first symptom,” he said. “But stuttering could be caused by more common early symptoms such as changes in word finding and sentence construction or changes in the person’s ability to physically articulate words.” According to Krellman, changes in personality and behavior, language, or motor functioning are usually seen early in the development of FTD. “People can become withdrawn or impulsive, rigid, and socially inappropriate,” he said. “They can have difficulty finding words or understanding language. They can have spasms, tremors, or weakness.” How to get help when you spot FTD warning signs Krellman added that it can be challenging for patients and healthcare providers alike to tease out whether what’s being seen is indeed FTD symptoms or just a natural part of aging, stress, psychological problems, or, as in the case of Willis, another medical condition. “For example, word-finding difficulty is a common feature of normal cognitive aging, motor changes can be due to musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, and people can tend to socially isolate themselves or become irritable, more easily agitated, and therefore appear socially inappropriate when they’re depressed,” he said. Additionally, FTD can come on slowly and progress so gradually that you might not notice the differences right away, said Krellman, comparing it to noticing the hands of a clock moving. However, Krellman says people should contact a primary care provider any time they have concerns, keeping in mind that the person themself may not notice the changes. “A PCP can do an initial evaluation to decide whether to refer the person to a neurologist for further evaluation,” he said. Krellman went on to offer reassurance, stating that “FTD is pretty uncommon, and it is much more likely than not that any concerning symptoms are due to normal aging or a more common and potentially treatable condition.” He noted, however, that if symptoms are getting worse over time and having a negative impact on a person’s daily functioning, it’s always a good idea to get a checkup. He added that in addition to seeing your primary care physician, organizations like the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and the Alzheimer’s Association can provide support and educational resources. Takeaway In a recent interview with Town & Country, Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis, discussed her husband’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, revealing that they first thought his worsening stuttering was simply a part of a condition that he had had since his youth. Experts say that stuttering itself is not a symptom of FTD. However, the language difficulties associated with FTD can make it more difficult for a person to control their existing stuttering. People can also experience changes in personality, behavior, and motor functioning. If you or someone you know is showing early warning signs — especially if they are growing worse or negatively affecting daily functioning — you should seek an evaluation with a primary care provider.

The former “Dawson’s Creek” star’s diagnosis is part of a startling trend in rising colon cancer cases among young adults. Casey Flanigan/IndieWire/Penske Media via Getty Images Actor James Van Der Beek, formerly of “Dawson’s Creek, announced that he is battling colorectal cancer. The 47-year-old actor’s diagnosis is part of a startling trend in rising colon cancer cases among young adults. In 2021, the recommended screening age was lowered from 50 to 45 in response to the growing number of early-onset colon cancer cases. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but is also highly treatable if found early. Television and film star James Van Der Beek announced that he is battling colorectal cancer.  The 47-year-old former “Dawson’s Creek” actor announced the diagnosis on his personal Instagram page and later confirmed it to People. Van Der Beek had been keeping the news private but was compelled to come forward to prevent a tabloid from running the story. “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong,” Van Der Beek wrote in the post. “It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready,” he wrote. Van Der Beek added that he hopes to be able to tell his story on his own terms and raise awareness about the disease. “I hope because of his story that others will reevaluate some of their symptoms they may be having, and hopefully, meet with a physician to investigate further to ensure maybe that they can be diagnosed earlier rather than later,” Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, executive director of the Young Adult Cancers Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, told Healthline. Colon cancer increasing in young adults Colon cancer (CRC) has become more prevalent among younger adults in recent years. Between 1995 and 2019, the number of CRC diagnoses in individuals under 55 has doubled. The number of deaths associated with CRC in those younger than 50 has also increased by 1% annually since 2005. In response, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a new recommendation to lower the age to start screening for colorectal cancer from 50 to 45 years of age.  “CRC has now become the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women under the age of 50 years old. That is a remarkable finding, and this certainly goes with that trend,” Christina Annunziata, MD, PhD, senior vice president of Extramural Discovery Science at the American Cancer Society, told Healthline, referring to Van Der Beek’s diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors associated with the increasing incidence of colon cancer among younger adults include excess body weight, processed meat consumption, and smoking. Colon cancer is also more common in males than females. Racial and ethnic factors are also prominent indicators of risk: Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Blacks have the highest incidences of CRC. “We do not know exactly why this is happening, but I would definitely say it is multifactorial at the end of the day. The numbers are concerning and alarming when you’re seeing a young patient in your clinic with stage 4 disease that is surgically unresectable and incurable,” Eng said. Screening for colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer affects the cells of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. CRC is the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States but is the second-leading cause of all cancer-related deaths. Despite being one of the most deadly cancers, it is highly treatable when it is diagnosed early. Current guidelines recommend people with an average colon cancer risk begin regular screening at age 45. At 47, Van Der Beek was narrowly within that window. The actor didn’t offer any additional details about the diagnosis, nor did he specify what treatment options he’s pursuing.  Colorectal cancer most often starts out as small growths known as polyps, which vary in size and shape from bumps and flat growths to mushroom-shaped growths. Most polyps may be benign, but some will eventually develop into cancer. The size of a polyp and the number of polyps in the colon may be indicators of the likelihood of the polyp developing into cancer.  Without knowing the stage of Van Der Beek’s cancer, it’s impossible to say when it developed. According to Eng, it takes an average of 5 to 10 years for a noncancerous polyp to develop into cancer, meaning that polyps could have been present as early as a person’s late 30s. “You can have a polyp without having any symptoms,” Eng noted. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer There are numerous signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, many of them are nonspecific, meaning they could be the result of other conditions and, therefore, difficult to diagnose. “Some of the early warning signs may include blood in the stool, abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, and fatigue,” Christopher Chen, MD, an assistant professor of Oncology and director of Early Drug Development at the Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Medicine, told Healthline. Rectal bleeding is the most obvious symptom of colorectal cancer and should be pursued with a doctor. Ovunc Bardakcioglu, MD, FACS, chief of colorectal surgery at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Las Vegas, told Healthline that people should not only be aware of these symptoms but pay particular attention to their frequency and duration. Occasional abdominal pain isn’t out of the ordinary, but persistent cramping could warrant a discussion with a healthcare professional. “I’ve seen in my practice patients having these symptoms for a long period of time, up to a year, and I think it would be very important, even in that young population — 20s and 30s — to get an immediate full workup,” Bardakcioglu said. Takeaway Former “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek was forced to go public with his colorectal cancer diagnosis in response to a tabloid planning to run the story. Van Der Beek’s diagnosis is part of a growing trend in rising colorectal cancer cases among young people. Since 1995, the number of diagnoses of early-onset colon cancer in people under 55 has doubled. Colorectal cancer affects the cells of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is the second leading cause of all cancer-related deaths. Signs and symptoms of colorectal include rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Krista Figari (pictured) experienced a wake-up stroke at 39. Image Provided by Krista Figari Teacher Krista Figari is opening up about how she experienced a “wake-up” stroke at the age of 39. This includes sharing video clips of the event that were captured as it happened. Figari is sharing her story to help others recognize the symptoms of stroke and raise awareness. Early intervention of stroke can help save lives. Krista Figari went to sleep on April 18, like any other night. However, around 4:45 a.m., her life changed. “I remember waking up and doing my normal routine. I made my bed, and all the sudden, I kind of stumbled over to the left and was on the ground,” she told Healthline. “I couldn’t stand up. I literally couldn’t move, lift, feel my leg, my arm, my hand. That whole left side was just not working.” As Figari tried to understand what was happening, she crawled over to her nightstand and reached for her cell phone with her right hand. She tried calling her cousin, who lives nearby, and the super of her building, but neither answered. Her super called her back and immediately went to her apartment, yet he couldn’t get in through her front door. “That’s when I used Siri to call 911,” said Figari. When the police arrived, they also couldn’t get through her front door, so her super crawled through a window. “Once he came through, he opened the door, and the EMS people came in and brought me to the hospital,” Figari said. When Figari arrived at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, doctors quickly diagnosed her with a stroke. The type of stroke she experienced is called a wake-up stroke. What is a wake-up stroke? A wake-up stroke is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when symptoms are discovered as a person wakes up from sleep. While strokes are unpredictable and can happen at any time, about 20% of strokes are wake-up strokes. How wake-up strokes are diagnosed and treated “If a patient comes in with witnessed stroke onset within 4.5 hours of [having their first symptoms], they can be treated with a clot-busting medication or thrombolysis, TPA or TNK are the medication names,” Nicholas Janocko, MD, a neurologist at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, told Healthline. Janocko, who treated Figari, explained that the 2018 WAKE-UP trial demonstrated that in selected patients who experienced a stroke with unknown onset or a wake-up stroke, a hyperacute MRI can be used to determine if the stroke happened within a few hours, and if so, whether they are eligible for thrombolysis treatment. “Our stroke team was able to obtain an emergent MRI for her…we were able to use the imaging features to support that her stroke was recent in onset, and we were safely able to give her thrombolysis,” said Janocko. After treatment, Figari stayed in the hospital for four days to be monitored. While stroke recovery usually involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, she did not require any of these. “Within three days, most of my movement came back, and the numbness [was gone], and I was basically fully recovered. I didn’t need any rehab,” she said. Congenital conditions can increase stroke risk Doctors determined that her stroke was caused by a large patent foramen ovale (PFO), a hole in the heart between the two atria. “A PFO is a remnant from fetal circulation, which closes in most people after birth. However, it remains open or patent in about 25% of the population,” said Janocko. In most people, PFO doesn’t cause issues, but it is associated with migraine and an increased risk of stroke. A few months after her stroke, at the age of 39, Figari underwent heart surgery to close the hole in her heart. She also had follow-ups with her neurologist and cardiologist. Stroke risk is increasing among younger people While Figari’s stroke was caused by a congenital condition, stroke in people younger than 50 makes up about 10% of all strokes. Janocko said the incidence and prevalence of stroke in young people is increasing over time, mainly due to an increase in vascular risk factors like: Obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Sleep apnea Smoking Substance misuse “There is also increased awareness of stroke and utilization of MRI to confirm the diagnosis in atypical stroke presentations,” he said. Why Figari is sharing video footage of her experiencing stroke symptoms Figari has a nanny cam in her apartment because she likes to monitor her dog while she is at her teaching job. When she got home from the hospital, she discovered that the camera caught footage of her stroke. “I was glad I had it because I was able to see it and know that what I thought happened actually did. Since I was alone, it validated my story for me and anyone I shared it with,” said Figari. She is sharing her story because she wants others to know that a stroke can happen to anyone and that it might affect them differently. “Even if you feel one little thing…if you feel something’s wrong, get help,” she said. “I think we often think we’re invincible and that just because we’re not a certain age, that something can’t happen to us. But you never know what’s going to happen.” Footage of Figari experiencing wake-up stroke symptoms can be viewed in the following two video clips. Common stroke symptoms To remember the symptoms of stroke, he said to keep in mind the mnemonic BE-FAST: Balance loss Eye-sight changes Facial droop Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time (time to call 911) The Spanish version is RAPIDO. “Stroke treatment is a team effort. It starts with community recognition of the signs and symptoms of stroke,” said Janocko. Ways to reduce your risk of stroke Hera Kamdar, MBBS, a neurologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said practicing the following can help reduce your risk of stroke. Improve your blood pressure Normalize your cholesterol levels Eat healthy foods and follow a Mediterranean diet which is rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and olive oil Exercise regularly  Maintain a healthy weight  Ensure quality sleep and treat sleep apnea if you have it  Manage diabetes  Drink in moderation Avoid smoking In addition to the above, Kamdar said the American Heart Association is focused on new recommendations for women, including screening for conditions that can increase their risk of stroke, such as the use of oral contraceptives, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and early onset menopause. “There is also more focus put on a person’s social determinants of health and how that may impact their ability to receive optimal screening and care to prevent stroke,” Kamdar told Healthline.

From frozen waffles and quarter pounders to Costco salmon and freeze-dried meat, there have been a number of food recalls in recent weeks due to contamination concerns. d3sign/Getty Images Recalls of multiple food products in recent weeks have alarmed consumers and health officials. This is due to the risk of food-borne bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella in the broader U.S. food supply chain. Deli meat, frozen waffles, McDonald’s hamburgers, and ready-to-eat poultry meals sold at stores have all been recalled after routine testing showed traces of bacteria. Experts say the global food chain makes a number of products more vulnerable to such contamination, but the fact that we know about all the recent recalls means the safety protocols in place are working. Recalls of multiple food products in recent weeks have alarmed consumers and health officials, as the risk of food-borne bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella in the broader U.S. food supply chain has increased. Deli meat, frozen waffles, McDonald’s hamburgers, and ready-to-eat poultry meals sold at stores like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Costco have all been recalled after routine testing showed traces of bacteria. The popular Boar’s Head company had to pull 7.1 million pounds of deli meat after E. coli was detected at a facility in Virginia responsible for producing ready-to-eat liverwurst; 59 infections were reported in 19 states and at least 10 people died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 75 people in 10 states were sickened by E. coli that has been linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The company’s subsequent testing of the beef involved showed no E. coli, but federal investigators suspect that the bacteria was present in the raw slivered onions that were on the burgers. Frozen waffles and pancake products sold at stores like Target, Dollar General, and Publix were recalled by the company that produces them after listeria was found through routine testing at a manufacturing factory in Canada. No infections were reported. Green onions, eggs, and ready-to-eat poultry meals have all been recalled this fall due to concerns about potential salmonella outbreaks. Why food recalls are increasing, and how they’re identified With so many highly processed foods in the supply chain, there are more chances for contamination and infection and, in the case of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, sometimes poor oversight at the source of production. However, there are also more backstops in place than there used to be and coordination between federal, state, and local public health officials. Richard Martinello, MD, Yale Medicine infectious diseases doctor and professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, told Healthline that the CDC’s ability to identify and coordinate has made it possible for us to know about multistate outbreaks like the ones recently identified. In this way, the fact that so many have been publicized is a sign of success, he says. “We have an increasingly industrialized food industry producing products at a large scale for lower cost. When potential contamination is not prevented, identified, and controlled, it can lead to large-scale, multistate outbreaks of disease,” Martinello said. He further explained that foodborne diseases such as Listeria and E.coli 0157: H7 are notifiable to public health authorities, and this timely reporting allows a rapid response. “Local and state public health authorities work closely with the CDC to both identify and respond when these events occur. As many foodborne outbreaks involve multiple states, CDC’s efforts are critical to identify and respond to these matters in a timely manner,” Martinello said. He explained that the CDC has a deep bench of experts in a wide array of communicable diseases, allowing it to supplement state and local public health expertise. The CDC is also a lead agency for FoodNet. “This collaborative federal effort helps to ensure timely identification of foodborne illnesses and an effective response. Both the Boar’s Head and McDonald’s issues are great examples of success. The outbreaks and their cause were quickly identified, communicated to the public, and measures taken to prevent further disease,” Martinello said. Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the director of communications for the nutrition company Prolon, told Healthline that the vast network of supply and shipping involved in many products in stores can make them that much more susceptible to such contaminations, but the bad headlines in the news mean that the system’s safeguards are working. “Our food now often has a global journey — from different farms, facilities, and countries — which opens up more chances for contamination. One event, like a salmonella issue in a farm’s onion supply, for instance, can impact salsa across multiple brands. This interconnected supply chain means a problem at any one point can trigger a far-reaching recall,” Richter said. “With advanced DNA testing and data-sharing between agencies, we’re catching contamination faster and more precisely than ever. This technology means recalls happen sooner and are often larger because we’re better at detecting patterns across states and tracing them back to their source. This is definitely a good thing, and also, we hear about these outbreaks more, too,” Richter added. How consumers can protect themselves from food-borne bacteria Many experts have suggested that eating highly processed foods — which includes processed meats, ready-to-eat meals, and deli meat — should be avoided in general. But with the higher costs of groceries across the country, not everyone has the option of avoiding products that could carry these risks. Richter suggested staying informed, reading labels carefully, and thoroughly washing fresh produce or purchasing frozen or canned produce along with shelf-stable proteins like beans, chickpeas, and canned fish. Dry goods, in particular, are also a good meal option, she said. “Foods like rice, pasta, quinoa, and whole grains are processed with minimal handling, making them generally low risk for contamination. They also store well and can form a safe, healthy base for many meals,” Richter said. “Pairing these with canned or frozen veggies, beans, or lentils can help create balanced, filling meals that don’t compromise on safety.” However, it’s important to read food labels as some canned foods can be packed with high amounts of sodium and additives, which can also negatively impact your health. As far as deli meats go, Richter suggested the following three specific ways to consume them safely if you’re concerned about potential contamination: Eat prepackaged over “house-cured” meats “Prepackaged deli meats generally have fewer handling points, so they tend to be a safer bet than those sliced in-store. Standardized processing and controlled packaging help reduce the likelihood of contamination,” Richter said. Keep cold and eat fresh “Listeria thrives even in cool temperatures, so store deli meats in the coldest part of the fridge and try to consume them within a few days of purchase,” Richter said. Choose low sodium and nitrate-free options “While often a healthier choice, these options tend to come from brands with more transparent processing and safety standards, which can add an extra layer of quality control,” Richter said. Takeaway Recalls of multiple food products in recent weeks have alarmed consumers and health officials, as the risk of food-borne bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella in the broader U.S. food supply chain have increased. Deli meat, frozen waffles, McDonald’s hamburgers, and ready-to-eat poultry meals sold at stores like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Costco have all been recalled after routine testing showed traces of bacteria. Experts say the global food chain makes a number of products more vulnerable to such contamination, but the fact that we know about all the recent recalls means the safety protocols in place are working.

Marvel and “2 Broke Girls” star Kat Dennings is sharing her journey managing migraine headaches and why she’s begun raising her voice for treatment reform. Pfizer Actor Kat Dennings is opening up about her journey living with migraine headaches. She is speaking out to spread awareness and advocate for treatment reform. Dennings hopes others living with migraine attacks will join her in advocating for change. Since she was 12 years old, Marvel and “2 Broke Girls” actor Kat Dennings has lived with migraine headaches. Sometimes the pain she experienced was so intense and frightening that she slept near her mom. “She actually had a cot in her closet that she would pull out when I had an attack,” Dennings told Healthline. “When she first took me to the doctor, we were told I would grow out of it, but news flash — I didn’t.” In her 20s, Dennings finally connected with a doctor who officially diagnosed her with migraine. She is one of over 40 million Americans (85% of who are female) who live with chronic migraine headaches. To raise awareness about the seriousness of migraine headaches, Dennings is participating in the Migraine Blackout campaign by going dark for several days on social media. In October, Dennings archived all posts on her Instagram account and has refrained from posting on any other forms of social media for five consecutive days as a symbolic stance to raise awareness of the toll migraine attacks can have on a person living with the condition. She also hopes to rally the migraine community to push for care reform. Pfizer and advocacy organizations, including the American Headache Society, National Headache Foundation, Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum, are leading the campaign. “The program is focused on some of the systematic issues that those with migraine face when trying to access treatment,” said Dennings. “We’re providing resources to help people navigate challenges when working with their insurance companies or in getting the treatments that they are prescribed while also advocating for step therapy reform.” Step therapy requires people with migraine and other chronic diseases to try and fail insurer-preferred treatments before advancing to another therapy. Patient advocacy groups, including the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy and the Headache and Migraine Policy Reform, support step therapy reform. This aims to eliminate step therapy and help alleviate treatment delays so people can access treatments sooner. “This push for federal change…is one of the most powerful ways we can spark change for people with migraine,” Dennings said. To join in on her efforts, you can electronically sign an open letter that will be sent to your congressional representation asking them to support step therapy reform and emphasizing the urgency of improved patient access to migraine care. “I’m an example of how long it can take to find the right doctor and treatment, so I know a lot of people may be frustrated that they can’t find help,” said Dennings. “I hope to help rally people to advocate for better access to care. I think we can help bring real change and increase access to medications for many people impacted by migraine.” Below, Dennings shared more with Healthline about living with migraine headaches and speaking out for all those with the condition. How debilitating are migraine headaches? Dennings: I cancel personal plans all the time due to my migraine attacks, and that’s the worst because I feel like the ultimate flake. But the truth is, when I have a migraine, I struggle to do anything. That is why I blacked out my social content as part of the Migraine Blackout campaign. I’ve pushed through my pain for years, but this is my way of saying, “I’m done.” By going dark on social media, I’m showing that, really, people with migraine should check out and take care of themselves but also get the care that works for them. Has a migraine attack ever interfered with your work? I have never and would never cancel work because of my migraine attacks. I’ve always pushed through the pain because I don’t want to let people down and wasn’t sure if people would understand if I took time off because of it. But that says something, doesn’t it? There was a part of me that felt like having a migraine attack wasn’t a legitimate reason to rest up. How have you learned to manage migraine headaches over the years? When things are bad, my go-to solution is lying in a dark room with ice on my neck. Sometimes I’ll use this migraine helmet that helps apply pressure to my head, or I drink a cold slushy. It doesn’t get rid of the pain, but it helps. But the thing with migraine is that it affects everyone differently, so what works for me might not be right for someone else. If you’re experiencing migraine you should talk to your doctor to see what treatment approach is right for you.  Have you had to go through any obstacles to get treatment? Unfortunately, there were many times where I sought medical help and was met with a sort of  “well, being a woman is tough.” And as a woman, you feel like you are being a nuisance and that your experience is not legitimate, or someone thinks you are exaggerating. My current doctor is great, but it was hard to find him. It’s a lot of trial and error and asking friends and family who they go to. I’m glad I was able to find someone I like, but it’s a tedious journey. How have you advocated for yourself when it comes to living with migraine headaches? It’s sometimes hard to advocate for yourself, and I have to remind myself to speak up and be honest about what I’m feeling and what treatments are or aren’t working. Raising awareness about the real burden of migraine and helping improve access to care is why I wanted to join Migraine Blackout. Many people don’t know about step therapy, it is a requirement by some states where people with migraine have to try three medicines without sufficient relief before getting to a newer one, even if your doctor prescribes the newer option. I am advocating for step therapy reform, and believe it is one of the most powerful ways we can spark change for people with migraine—and people can do that by signing the open letter at migraineblackout.com. What do you think people misunderstand most about living with migraine headaches? Everyone’s migraine pain is different. I have a friend whose migraines are so bad she has to go to the ER. But just because I don’t experience that doesn’t mean mine aren’t valid and painful. Having a migraine isn’t just an excuse to bail on plans—it’s a legitimate disease and should be taken seriously. It’s hard enough to navigate the world when you’re living with migraine, and the stigma just adds onto that.