Early Parkinson’s symptoms misdiagnosed for years, Terry Crews’ wife reveals

Parkinson’s disease most commonly affects older adults, with the average age of onset in the early to mid-60s. However, a smaller subset of patients develop early-onset symptoms before age 50.

Former NFL linebacker Terry Crews' wife, Rebecca King Crews, 60, recently announced that she’s been battling Parkinson's disease for over a decade. She first began noticing symptoms in 2012 and was diagnosed in 2015.

During an appearance on Monday's episode of "Today," King Crews got candid about living with the disease and shared how a newly approved procedure has helped manage her symptoms.

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King Crews detailed how she had "some slight numbness" in her left food at first. Her trainer also noticed a lack of swing in her arm when she walked.

"Then I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking," she recalled. "I said, 'Now that's a tremor,' because my grandmother had tremors. So I went to the doctor, and he told me, 'Oh, you're having anxiety, you'll be fine.'"

King Crews, who is also a breast cancer survivor, said she visited multiple doctors before receiving her Parkinson’s diagnosis.

It is not common to see Parkinson’s disease in people under 50 years old, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, with only 2% of people diagnosed earlier than age 40.

The Parkinson’s Foundation has reported that about 4% of all cases begin before age 50, with the incidence of disease increasing with age.

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An estimated 1.1 million Americans are living with Parkinson's, and that number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.

Symptoms tend to develop slowly over time, usually including tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movement and balance problems, according to Dr. Zachary Jordan, a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Patients with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) are more likely to experience involuntary muscle contractions called dystonia, which occurs in different parts of the body, Jordan told Fox News Digital.

People with YOPD also report more involuntary body movements, but less frequent dementia-related symptoms. These patients tend to experience a slower progression over time, usually staying functional and "cognitively intact" for much longer.

Dr. Joel Salinas, a Harvard-trained behavioral neurologist and chief medical officer at Isaac Health, shared that Parkinson's "often announces itself subtly."

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"Many people don't realize how many non-motor symptoms can appear early, sometimes even before the movement issues: changes in handwriting (getting smaller and more cramped), reduced sense of smell, sleep disturbances, constipation, and a soft or monotone voice," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Since early signs are so varied, Parkinson's is frequently misdiagnosed in its initial stages, Salinas said, just as King Crews' early symptoms were dismissed.

The cause of Parkinson's is unknown, although YOPD cases are "slightly more likely" to be genetic, Johns Hopkins reports.

Growing research has linked early-onset Parkinson's to environmental exposures, such as pesticides and certain chemicals, as well as head trauma, according to Salinas.

Although there is no proven prevention for Parkinson's, Salinas pointed to "strong evidence" that regular exercise may help slow disease progression.

There are some medications and therapies for Parkinson's, including the new FDA-approved treatment King Crews has undergone, called bilateral-focused ultrasound.

The treatment uses a device called Exablate Neuro to "deliver ultrasound waves to targeted areas on both sides of the brain involved in Parkinson's movement symptoms, all guided by MRI," Salinas shared.

The FDA approved the therapy in July 2025 to treat both side of the brain, six months apart. Salinas called it a "meaningful advance for the right patients."

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"It is non-invasive (no incisions, no risk of surgical bleeding), which makes it an appealing option compared to deep brain stimulation for patients who qualify," he said.

While focused ultrasound is not a cure, it represents a "category of intervention," according to Salinas.

The procedure, which is currently indicated for patients with advanced Parkinson’s motor symptoms, is expensive – and is not consistently covered by insurance.

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"I would encourage patients to ask their movement disorder specialist if they are a candidate and to advocate for insurance coverage, because this technology deserves to be broadly available," Salinas advised.

Given the ongoing research into neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's, "there is real reason for optimism," said Salinas.

"Don't suffer in silence – get to a specialist and stay engaged with what's coming, because the landscape is changing fast."

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Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.

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Americans wait overnight for access to free healthcare as costs soar ‘out of reach’

The Trump administration’s recent pullback on health insurance has left fewer Americans with coverage.

For the uninsured, being treated for certain conditions may be out of the question due to high costs.

This has led some Americans to wait multiple days, some even sleeping overnight in their cars, to seek free free healthcare from volunteer clinics like Remote Area Medical (RAM).

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The Tennessee-based nonprofit organization, founded in 1985, employs volunteer healthcare professionals to treat Americans without insurance at no cost.

In a recent episode of CBS News’ 60 Minutes, host Scott Pelley spoke with people waiting to be brought into the clinic.

In February, Sandra Tallent drove 200 miles from Huntsville, Alabama, to RAM’s pop-up clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, to have her teeth examined.

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She arrived at the clinic site at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and spoke to Pelley from her car at 5 a.m. Friday, after sleeping for two nights in the parking lot.

Pelley asked, "If you didn't have RAM, how would you get your teeth taken care of?" Tallent responded, "I wouldn’t."

Tallent was later seen by a dental expert and had dentures created in RAM’s 3D denture-printing lab.

Connor Gibson, a 22-year-old engineer, uses computer design to get the job done in just about an hour, according to the report. This is a process that can typically take weeks.

"We see grown men cry sitting in the chair," Gibson told 60 Minutes, describing what it’s like for patients to see themselves with a new set of teeth for the first time.

This includes Tallent, who looked in the mirror and smiled with tears in her eyes, expressing her gratitude.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, RAM CEO Chris Hall shared how their clinics pop up and move across the country to expand access for more Americans.

"All of our services are provided free of cost to patients on a first come, first serve basis," he said. "And we do that through our team of dedicated volunteers and professionals that come from all around the county."

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RAM provides cleanings, fillings and extractions, as well as comprehensive eye exams and access to an eyeglass lab that can manufacture eyewear and dentures, according to Hall.

About 60% of patients seek dental care, he said, and about 30% to 35% seek vision care.

RAM has recently expanded its services to include women’s health exams, general wellness check-ups and sports physicals. 

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In 2008, RAM held about 10 to 12 events per year. Today, it has grown to 90 full-scale operations, with events happening nearly every weekend, Hall shared.

Hall said the demand for medical care has been consistent for the last 20 years. Even for some patients who have insurance, the out-of-pocket premiums and deductibles can be "out of reach."

"The communities that we go into, the patients who are coming through our door, these are working-class people," Hall said.

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"Whether we're doing events in rural Appalachia or downtown Los Angeles, the patients who are coming … they're just isolated and do not get the care that they need," he added.

Hall said he's heard "heartbreaking" stories from patients who have put off medical care to keep the lights on in their homes and provide food for their families.

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What is butt microneedling? Behind the 'desperate' procedure Kelly Ripa tried

Talk show host Kelly Ripa recently revealed she receives a niche procedure to enhance the appearance of her behind.

During a recent episode of her podcast, "Let's Talk Off Camera," the 55-year-old opened up about getting microneedling done "on my a-- cheeks," after her guest, actor Lukas Gage, shared that he had also undergone the treatment.

"I’m going to tell you something … just as old as before," she said after Gage asked her if she saw an improvement. "Desperate times call for desperate measures."

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Dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Indiana, described the cosmetic dermatologic procedure during an interview with Fox News Digital.

"Butt microneedling is where a device with very fine, sterile needles is used to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin of the buttocks," she said.

"This process stimulates the body’s natural wound healing response, which boosts collagen and elastin production over time."

Microneedling is often used to improve skin texture concerns like acne scarring, stretch marks or uneven tone, especially in the rear end area, according to Spearman.

The treatment can be performed in an office by a trained professional and is sometimes paired with topical serums to enhance results.

"While the concept may sound trendy, the underlying technology is the same as traditional microneedling used on the face and body," Spearman said.

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Microneedling the buttocks can lead to smoother, firmer and more even-looking skin after a series of treatments.

An increase in collagen production over time can "subtly improve skin laxity," Spearman said, with results building gradually over multiple sessions.

"Consistency and realistic expectations are key," the dermatologist said.

As with any procedure that disrupts the skin barrier, there are potential risks, according to Spearman, especially if it’s performed improperly or in a non-sterile environment.

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These potential side effects include irritation, infection and prolonged redness. In some cases, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur in patients with deeper skin tones.

"There is also a risk of worsening acne or folliculitis if the area is not properly assessed beforehand," Spearman said. "Overly aggressive treatments can lead to scarring rather than improvement, which is why technique and needle depth matter significantly."

"It’s important that patients seek care from a qualified medical professional to minimize these risks."

Although this treatment is gaining viral popularity on social media, it should still be regarded as a medical procedure requiring proper training and safety standards, Spearman emphasized.

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"It is not a quick fix, and multiple sessions are typically needed to achieve meaningful results," the dermatologist told Fox News Digital. "Patients should also be cautious about at-home devices for this area, as improper use can increase the risk of infection or skin damage."

"A thorough consultation is essential to determine whether someone is a good candidate, especially if they have active skin conditions or a history of keloid (raised) scarring."

Fox News Digital's Lori A. Bashian contributed to this report.

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Marriage status has surprising link to cancer risk, study suggests: 'Clear signal'

Adults who never married are significantly more likely to develop cancer, according to new research from the University of Miami.

A large study of more than 4 million Americans across 12 states found that this increased risk spans nearly every major cancer type. It is especially true for preventable cancers, such as types caused by smoking and infection.

Men who never married were found to have a 70% higher likelihood of cancer than their married counterparts. For women, that gap was even wider, with never-married individuals facing an 85% higher risk.

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Previous research has linked marriage to better survival rates after a diagnosis, but this is one of the first studies to show that marital status could be a major indicator of whether a person will develop cancer in the first place.

"These findings suggest that social factors such as marital status may serve as important markers of cancer risk at the population level," study co-author Paulo Pinheiro, a research professor of epidemiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said in a press release.

Between 2015 and 2022, the team examined cancer cases diagnosed at age 30 or older and compared the rates of various cancers to the marital status of participants. They then broke down the data by sex and race and adjusted for age.

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Adult men who were never married had approximately five times the rate of anal cancer compared to married men, the study found.

Adult women who were never married had nearly three times the rate of cervical cancer compared to women who were or had been married.

"It’s a clear and powerful signal that some individuals are at a greater risk," Frank Penedo, director of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute at the University of Miami, said in the release.

For women, being married (and often, by extension, having children) was associated with lower risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers, likely due to hormonal and biological factors associated with pregnancy, according to the researchers.

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Experts stressed that these findings do not mean marriage alone can protect against cancer.

"It means that if you’re not married, you should be paying extra attention to cancer risk factors, getting any screenings you may need, and staying up to date on healthcare," Penedo said.

The researchers also hypothesized that people who smoke less, drink less and take better care of themselves may be more likely to get married, meaning other factors could influence the findings.

More research is needed to confirm the outcome, they noted.

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The study was published in the journal Cancer Research Communications.

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Divorce boom may follow use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, experts warn

The exploding popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy is often hailed as a public health triumph, but one potential side effect may be flying under the radar.

The risk of divorce increases as weight drops, according to historical data from bariatric surgery patients.

Some experts believe that the same pattern could occur as more people "take the jab" and decide to call it quits on their marriages.

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Per-Arne Svensson, a professor at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences in Sweden, studies the link between weight loss and relationship status. While these drugs have many metabolic benefits, he warns that the social fallout is very real.

"The effect likely unfolds in several stages," Svensson told Fox News Digital. "First, a substantial amount of weight must be lost, which typically occurs within the first year. Subsequently, changes in relationship dynamics may begin to emerge, followed by the legal processes associated with divorce."

This observation aligns with previous studies that found patients who underwent bariatric surgery were twice as likely to get a divorce compared to the general population.

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In addition to helping with diabetes control and weight management, GLP-1s have also been found to help break unhealthy, reward-seeking habits like drinking and smoking.

However, Svensson said the cause of these splits isn't necessarily a change in a patient’s temperament or brain chemistry. Instead, he points to the psychological and social shifts that accompany a new physique.

"Weight loss itself may increase a sense of autonomy or confidence, potentially empowering individuals to leave unhealthy relationships," he told Fox News Digital.

Many patients report that their lifestyles change substantially after weight loss, "often involving greater social engagement and increased attention from others," the doctor added.

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If a partner is unable to adapt to this more outgoing version of their spouse, the friction can cause rifts.

A 2013 study supports this "relationship tension" theory, finding that when one partner loses significant weight while the other remains the same, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and criticism from the partner who didn't change.

"Currently, surgery leads to greater average weight loss, and its impact on relationships is therefore likely to be more pronounced," Svensson said.

"However, as newer, more effective medications are developed, we may soon see comparable levels of weight loss to those achieved with surgery."

Svensson noted that weight loss doesn't have to mean "date loss."

"Among individuals who are single, the likelihood of forming a new relationship also increases substantially after weight loss," he said.

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"While it may be somewhat discouraging to acknowledge the role of appearance in partner selection, finding a new romantic partner is nevertheless one of the most significant events in a person’s life."

To mitigate the risk of a split, Svensson suggests that couples take a collaborative approach to health.

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If one partner is pursuing wellness goals, involving the spouse in healthy lifestyle changes — such as diet and exercise — can create a shared journey rather than one that pulls the couple apart, according to the expert.

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"There may be clear advantages to partners undertaking weight-loss treatment together," provided that both have a clinical need, Svensson added.

Fox News Digital reached out to GLP-1 manufacturers requesting comment.

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Woman discovers missing nose ring traveled to her lungs, causing month-long cough

A TikToker in Mexico thought her cough that wouldn’t go away was just a reaction to the changing weather. Instead, it was her own nose ring, lodged deep within her lungs.

The 26-year-old, Monica Deyanira Cabrera Barajas, recently went viral on TikTok, amassing 4.7 million views after revealing the freak medical accident.

In videos, she shared that the stray accessory sat a mere 0.5 millimeters from her aorta, Jam Press reported.

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Deyanira, who has a large number of piercings, didn't initially notice the jewelry was missing. It wasn't until she developed a "chronic cough" lasting over a month that she went to see a doctor.

"The only theory I have, which I told the pulmonologist, is that I fell asleep, the little ball fell out, and that was it," Deyanira told creatorzine.com.

"I was lying on my back, I didn't realize, and that's how I messed up."

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What was supposed to be a routine 20-minute extraction turned into a high-stakes medical procedure. During the initial attempt, surgeons were unable to budge the object because it had already begun attaching to her internal tissue.

"It ended up taking an hour and 20 minutes, and they still couldn’t remove it because it was attached to my body," she said, according to the Jam Press report.

Facing a second, more invasive surgery and the risk of a fatal hemorrhage, Deyanira prepared for the worst. The night before the surgery, she wrote a farewell letter to her loved ones.

"I was honestly thinking, ‘I'm going to die,'" she said. "It's a horror I wouldn't wish on anyone."

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The woman's surgeon was equally stunned by how close the metal was to her heart. According to Deyanira, the doctor told her, "It seems God takes care of his creatures."

If the metal had punctured her lung or heart before doctors discovered it, Deyanira said she likely would have died from a lung collapse or perforated aorta.

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Now, the TikToker says her days of septum rings are over.

"I love piercings, and I really liked my septum piercing, but in my case, I wouldn't get it again because of the terror I experienced," she said.

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Followers commented that the ordeal "unlocked a fear I didn't know I had."

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