Eating oatmeal for two days has unexpected impact on heart health, study suggests

Eating oats for just a short period of time could have a profound impact on cholesterol levels, according to a recent study.

Researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany conducted a trial where adults consumed a calorie-reduced diet of almost exclusively oatmeal for two days.

All participants suffered from a metabolic syndrome associated with a risk of diabetes, including a combination of high body weight, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose or elevated blood lipid levels, per a university press release.

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The 32 participants ate oatmeal, previously boiled in water, three times a day, for a total of 300 grams. They were only permitted to add fruits or vegetables to their meals and consumed around half of their normal caloric intake.

A control group was put on a calorie-reduced diet that did not include oats. Although both groups benefited, the cholesterol levels of those on the oat diet "improved significantly." After six weeks, this effect "remained stable."

Study author Marie-Christine Simon, junior professor at the Institute of Nutritional and Food Science at the University of Bonn, shared in a statement that the level of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol among the oatmeal-eating group was reduced by 10%.

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"That is a substantial reduction, although not entirely comparable to the effect of modern medications," Simon said. "They also lost two kilos in weight on average, and their blood pressure fell slightly."

The authors concluded that the diet influenced microorganisms in the gut, leading to the positive reaction. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Simon concluded that a short-term oat-based diet at regular intervals "could be a well-tolerated way to keep the cholesterol level within the normal range and prevent diabetes."

"As a next step, it can now be clarified whether an intensive oat-based diet repeated every six weeks actually has a permanently preventative effect," she said.

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Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, who was not involved in the study, said the findings "make sense," as oats have been known to potentially lower LDL cholesterol.

Oats contain prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. When those bacteria ferment the fiber, they produce compounds that support digestive health, according to the expert.

"The more beneficial gut bacteria you have in your stomach, in your environment, the more that can reduce or inhibit the production of LDL bad cholesterol," New York-based DeCicco told Fox News Digital.

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Oats are also a whole grain that is naturally low in saturated fat and rich in fiber, and provides a good amount of plant-based protein.

"All those things are good for a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet," DeCicco noted.

DeCicco did warn that those who are diabetic, or pre-diabetic, should "be careful" when eating oats.

"While oats can lower cholesterol, they are an overly high-carbohydrate food," she said. "A recommendation for anyone who's watching their blood sugar, and especially who's diabetic, is to eat foods that are lower in starch and higher in protein and fiber, [and to get] their carbohydrates more from vegetables and nuts."

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Megan Wroe, registered dietitian at the Wellness Center at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Orange County, California, agreed that oat consumption "does seem to lower cholesterol levels for all studied populations, with the greatest impact shown in those with elevated levels."

"There are no significant risks, but some people may experience cramping or indigestion if they have not previously eaten much fiber and suddenly start eating oats every day," Wroe, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Also, those requiring a gluten-free diet will want to ensure that the oats they eat are certified gluten-free."

The nutritionist also shared the concern that oatmeal is commonly made with water or milk and eaten with added sugar and fruit, which makes it a "potentially very high-glycemic meal."

"Knowing this, my recommendation is to eat oats as often as you like, choosing steel-cut or rolled oats, using fruit for sweetness, or a low-glycemic sweetener if needed, such as monk fruit," she advised.

Wroe also suggests finding a way to add protein to balance out the carbohydrates. "This can be done by adding chia or flax seeds to the oats, mixing in protein powder or topping with Greek yogurt to serve," she said.

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Common respiratory bacteria detected in eyes of Alzheimer’s patients

A bacterium prevalent in sinus infections and pneumonia may aggravate Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications. 

The bacterium, Chlamydia pneumoniae, was found in the eyes of deceased patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers from Cedars-Sinai’s Health Sciences University in California.

"The retina is directly connected with the brain. It's a developmental extension of the brain," lead researcher Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, PhD, professor of neurosurgery, neurology and biomedical sciences at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University, told Fox News Digital.

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The study showed that Chlamydia pneumoniae could reach the retinal tissue that lines the back of the eye and linger for several years, creating an inflammatory response potentially linked to the death of nerve cells. This could contribute to cognitive decline and could worsen Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. 

The findings point to potential therapies for Alzheimer’s disease that would target inflammation and provide antibiotic treatment in the early stages of infection, according to Koronyo-Hamaoui.

"One hope of this study is that when people do present with some [symptoms of] pneumonia or atypical pneumonia or some respiratory infection, doctors should consider testing specifically for Chlamydia pneumoniae, and then give them the specific antibiotic," the researcher said.

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The infection can be identified through laboratory testing, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction), blood tests, or cultures that allow live organisms to grow for analysis.

The researchers examined retinal tissue samples from over 100 deceased individuals who fell into three groups: those who had Alzheimer’s disease, those who had some cognitive deficit or those who did not have the disease. 

They analyzed proteins, conducted genetic testing and used advanced imaging techniques on the samples. Those with Alzheimer’s disease had higher levels of the bacterium in their brains and retinal tissue compared to those who had normal cognition, the release stated.

Higher levels of chlamydia pneumonia were found in those who carried the gene variant APOE4, which is an associated risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, Koronyo-Hamaoui added. The bacterium was also associated with more severe cognition decline.  

The Cedars-Sinai team also looked at human neurons and lab mice with Alzheimer’s disease, finding that Chlamydia pneumoniae was linked to increased inflammation, nerve cell death and cognitive decline, further suggesting that it may play a role in accelerating the disease. 

The infection also prompted production of amyloid-beta, which is a protein known to accumulate in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, Koronyo-Hamaoui said.

While the study points toward using the retina as a way to diagnose and monitor the disease, the researcher acknowledged that more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau on Long Island, New York, was not involved with the study but called the findings "interesting." 

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Glatt, who is also a spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, emphasized that the findings only show an association and not causation, and that much more clinical research is needed.

"Chlamydia pneumoniae is a very common respiratory pathogen that many people are exposed to throughout their lives," he told Fox News Digital. "While the study identifies a link between this bacterium and neurodegeneration, a standard sinus infection does not mean a patient will develop Alzheimer’s."

The key takeaway, according to Glatt, is that the study opens new doors for potential diagnostics and treatments, but is "not a reason for immediate alarm regarding common infections."

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Dr. Sharon Fekrat, MD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a retina specialist at the Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina, agreed that the findings could help researchers better understand how inflammation may drive disease progression and "could lead to new ways to detect or treat Alzheimer’s in the future."

"This is early research suggesting that infection-related inflammation may worsen Alzheimer’s disease in people who are already vulnerable," Fekrat, who also did not work on the study, told Fox News Digital. "It does not mean infections cause Alzheimer’s or that people should worry about past respiratory illnesses."

While some teams are developing and testing retinal imaging tools in living patients, those methods are not yet part of routine clinical screenings or diagnosis, Fekrat noted.

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For now, the best proven steps include following brain-healthy habits, such as managing cardiovascular risk factors, staying mentally and socially engaged, and seeking medical care for any cognitive symptoms, the expert added.

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Your bedroom temperature could be putting your heart in serious danger, study warns

The temperature of the bedroom at night could affect heart health — particularly in older adults.

Heat places extra demands on the cardiovascular system, according to lead study author Dr. Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia.

When the human body is exposed to heat, its reaction is to work harder to try and circulate blood to the skin surface for cooling, he noted.

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"However, when the heart works harder and for longer, it creates stress and limits our capacity to recover from the previous day's heat exposure," O'Connor stated in a press release.

Researchers aimed to understand how real-world bedroom temperatures affected older adults.

The team followed 47 adults living in southeast Queensland averaging 72 years of age.

While many sleep observations are conducted in special clinics, this was a "free-living" study, meaning the participants carried on with their normal activities and sleep schedules.

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Scientists monitored the participants throughout an entire Australian summer, from December to March. Each person wore a high-tech fitness tracker to monitor their heart rate from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to the release.

Sensors were then placed directly in participants’ bedrooms to record the temperatures, monitoring over 14,000 nighttime hours of sleep in total.

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The temperature at which the heart began to show signs of disruption was a little more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, the odds of a "clinically relevant" drop in heart recovery rose by 40%, the researchers found.

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Between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, the odds doubled. Above 82, the risk was nearly triple compared to cooler rooms.

"For individuals aged 65 years and over, maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at 24 C (75.2 F) reduced the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress responses during sleep," O'Connor said.

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While the study shows a strong link between heat and heart stress, its observational design means that it doesn't definitively prove heat is the only cause, the researchers acknowledged. 

As the study only focused on older adults in Australia, it may not apply to other populations.

Also, while the wearable devices are advanced, they are not as precise as the medical-grade ECGs used in clinical settings.

O’Connor emphasized a gap in temperature guidance — while there are guidelines for maximum daytime indoor temperature, there are no equivalent recommendations for nighttime conditions.

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The study was published in the journal BMC Medicine.

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State confirms outbreak of sexually transmitted fungal infection, experts urge caution

Minnesota health officials are warning of an outbreak of a contagious fungal skin infection.

The condition is triggered by Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), the same fungal species that causes ringworm.

The primary symptom is round, red, irritated rashes that spread across the body, which can be itchy and painful, according to the state’s health alert.

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"TMVII is a specific type of fungus that is part of a larger family that causes the usually benign but irksome conditions such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot," Dr. Hayden Andrews, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, told Fox News Digital.

"The symptoms are similar to that of the usual cases of ringworm or jock itch and depend on the part of the body that became infected," he went on. "These usually manifest as round, itchy spots that may have a rough appearance and could be mistaken as eczema."

The first case of TMVII in Minnesota was confirmed in July 2025, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Since then, an additional 13 cases have been confirmed and another 27 are suspected in the area.

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The first U.S. case was identified in New York in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed cases in multiple U.S. cities.

"In response to several individuals seeking care and providing information on other individuals that may also have been infected, MDH established an enhanced surveillance system to identify cases in Minnesota," MDH said in a statement. 

TMVII spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with the fungus, including sexual activity, according to the alert.

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Fungal spores can also spread via contaminated objects and surfaces, such as sharing towels at the gym or walking around barefoot in communal bathing facilities.

Todd Wills, MD, professor of internal medicine at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, noted that TMVII is the only identified fungal sexually transmitted disease. 

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"The populations currently at greatest risk are men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers; however, the infection can be spread from any infected individual," he told Fox News Digital.

Those with a history of sexually transmitted infections are also at higher risk.

"Diagnosis is often made based on the appearance of the rash and its lack of responsiveness to typical over-the-counter antifungal medications," Wills said. "A confirmed diagnosis may require a sample of the rash via skin scraping, although treatment is often initiated before results of these tests are available."

The Minnesota outbreak is unique not in the type of infection, but in the way it is spread, according to Andrews.

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"The cases in Minnesota, and previously in New York in 2024, were spread by sexual contact and genetically found to be TMVII. This suggests it is spreading in networks and thus can cause outbreaks," he said. 

The lesions can be more widespread and serious in people who are immunocompromised, Andrews noted. If left treated, some rashes may lead to scarring or worsening infections.

"While routine cases of ringworm or athlete's foot typically resolve with antifungal creams in a few days, we are finding that TMVII often requires antifungal pills, sometimes for several weeks for complete resolution," the doctor said. "Fortunately, our current antifungal medications appear to work against TMVII."

To help decrease the spread, the doctors agreed that people with symptoms should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact and refrain from sharing personal items, like towels and linens.

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"Similarly, all linens and towels in the household should be thoroughly washed on high heat and bathing areas sanitized," Andrews added.

Anyone with symptoms should seek immediate medical care, health officials advised. Minnesota healthcare providers are urged to report any suspected cases for lab testing.

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Family pleads for kidney donor as teen’s health declines: 'We need help'

A New Jersey family is desperately seeking a living donor to save Thaddeus Giansanti, an eighth-grader who was born with kidney disease. 

Thaddeus has had multiple surgeries throughout his 13 years, including one to remove his kidney as a baby.

Despite his struggles, he has remained positive and optimistic, his parents shared with Fox News Digital.

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"His remaining kidney is now failing," said his father, Carlo Giansanti. "We are not a match, so now we’re asking for help from the community."

The family first found out about Thaddeus’ kidney disease before he was born, when an ultrasound detected a potential issue.

"It was nothing alarming at that point — it looked like he had extra fluid when he was born," Thaddeus' mother, Christa DeMark, shared with Fox News Digital. "Everything seemed normal, but right before we were leaving, they noticed an elevated creatinine number (a measure of kidney function in blood tests) that led to us being in touch with nephrology."

"There was something wrong with the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and the formation of the kidneys."

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Thaddeus spent an extended period of time in the NICU, where he had multiple procedures. Before he was even 5 months old, he underwent a left nephrectomy to remove his left kidney. 

His remaining kidney was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, which has required lifelong medications.

"He's been with nephrology and nephrologists his entire life, and up until last year, everything's been stable, but that’s been slowly changing," DeMark said. "He’s getting bigger and it's been putting more stress on his remaining kidney."

Doctors informed the family that their best course of action would be to find a living donor.

"Everything's been sped up based on his bloodwork lately," DeMark said. "So it's looking like we need something quicker than we thought, which is why we’re looking for living donors."

If Thaddeus does not receive a kidney transplant within a couple of weeks, he will need to be put on dialysis, according to his doctors.

"It’s obviously been challenging for him," DeMark said. "He's dealing with it very well, but these are difficult situations we're navigating."

His parents describe Thaddeus as a smart, outgoing boy — a straight-A student who was recently awarded multiple scholarships for next year, when he will become a high-school freshman.

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Thaddeus is very athletic and enjoys playing soccer, golfing and fencing. He also plays piano and often volunteers in his community, including being an altar server and working with the local food pantry.

"He loves his family, and loves doing things with his family," DeMark said. "He's just a great kid."

Thaddeus' parents said they have not shared much about their son's medical condition until now. "We wanted Thad to just be the bright, happy person that he is, so we've minimized it for years," DeMark said. 

But in the last couple of weeks, as their son’s condition has become more dire, they have started to speak out about their situation.

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"We never expected to have such an outpouring of people who cared or people trying to help — it’s been incredibly humbling," DeMark said.

"It has pushed us to rely on faith in a way that's very palpable — we are just coming together as a family and taking each day as it comes," she went on. "We are remaining hopeful because we know there's a solution to this problem. We just need help."

To be considered for the donation program, kidney donors must be 45 or younger, have a BMI under 30 and match Thaddeus’ O blood type.

For those who are considering becoming donors, DeMark emphasized that it entails a laparoscopic procedure with a "fairly quick" healing process that is covered by their insurance, not the donor’s.

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"The miracle Thad needs right now is people who have the ability to step up," she added. "He is a great kid, a kind kid."

Those interested in being considered as a donor can complete this Kidney Transplant Living Donor Questionnaire.

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Jessie James Decker reveals one wellness habit she never skips to look and feel her best

Country music star Jessie James Decker is getting real about her health and fitness this year, alongside her family.

In a viral moment posted to Instagram, Decker, who is married to former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, shared a video of her squatting with a barbell at the gym. The caption reads: "2026 energy! LFG💪"

The video, which has more than 111,000 likes, promotes a focus on "marriage body," rather than "revenge body."

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"Forget revenge body. How about marriage body," the text on the video reads. "How about we get hotter & hotter for the person who chose us forever"

The post received praise from other celebrities and influencers.

"Biggest fan of this belief," actress and wellness influencer Daniella Monet commented.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Decker revealed some of her top wellness habits that help her uphold these standards, while feeling her best mentally and physically.

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The mother of four responded that her No. 1 wellness tip is drinking lots of water.

"Water, water, water," she said. "I drink water all day. I even have it next to my bed, drinking it all night."

"My mom swears by it. My mom walks miles and miles every day, drinks tons of water, and she literally looks like she's aging backwards," the singer added. "We're like Benjamin Button. We're about to meet in the middle and look the same age here soon. She looks incredible."

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In addition to focusing on hydration, Decker continues to follow many of her mother's practices, including eating "really healthy."

"We cook everything at home. I mean, I barely go out," she said. "Everything I make is from scratch from home."I really think when you know what you're putting in your body, that's the best bet always."

She summarized, "Water, cook at home and just stay active — it's really that simple."

Decker also instills this mentality into her children — Vivianne, Eric Jr., Forrest and Denver — as sports, outdoor play and pickleball are daily rituals in their household.

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"You know, Vivi’s a gymnast — she’s in the gym five days a week ... And little Eric is constantly doing sports," she told Fox News Digital.

"They’re active … they are busy, busy, busy. They don’t sit around on iPads. They’re out there in the wildlife, barefoot and being free."

Staying active is something the entire family embraces together, especially when they’re traveling.

"We’ve done family workouts together, [and] we stay active together," the singer said. "Maybe when we’re on vacation, we’re doing bike rides together, or whether it’s a football game outside or throwing the ball on the beach."

One sport in particular has become a family favorite.

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"We love pickleball. That’s probably the thing we all do every day," Decker said. "We have a pickleball court in the backyard, and if we go on vacation, my husband’s like, ‘Is there a pickleball court at this place?’"

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Largest measles outbreak in recent history reported on southwestern college campus

More than 40 measles cases have been reported at Ave Maria University in southwest Florida, marking the largest outbreak on an American college campus in recent history. 

The situation at the private Catholic college comes amid a broader national increase in measles cases, with 2,280 confirmed infections nationwide in 2025 and more than 900 cases reported so far in 2026.

"Since the start of the semester, 48 nurse-assessed students have progressed beyond the contagious period and now have natural immunity," Ave Maria University posted in an online update on Feb. 10.

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Several universities have reported measles activity this year. Clemson University and Anderson University in South Carolina each reported single cases that led to the quarantine of a larger group of students. 

The University of Florida also reported exposure in two specific classes at its Gainesville campus.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recently updated its data to show 46 confirmed measles cases across Collier County from Jan. 1 through Feb. 7, with the university serving as the primary site of the cluster.

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The contagious period for measles includes the four days before and after a rash appears, according to the DOH.

"All nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period following the onset of a rash are in quarantine," the university stated in the latest update.

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Ave Maria University requires proof of vaccination but, in accordance with Florida law, allows students to opt out by signing a waiver for religious or personal reasons.

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The "vast majority" of the campus community is vaccinated, according to university health updates. The school remains open for normal operations, including in-person classes and Mass.

People with a history of infection or who have received the full series of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and are unlikely to contract measles, according to the DOH.

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