Heavy snow is recipe for serious heart attack risk, experts say: What to know

In addition to travel and logistical challenges, heavy snowfall  can be detrimental to people's health.

As the northeast faces historic snow accumulation this week, experts are warning of the physical risks of shoveling heavy snow, particularly for those who do not exercise regularly or have pre-existing health conditions.

"The combination of the wet, heavy snow and the heavy winds make it more of a health risk because it’s much harder to get around," Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital.

SHOVELING SNOW COULD POSE DANGEROUS HEALTH RISK FOR ONE GROUP

"In the aftermath of the storm, as the temperatures drop, the heavy, wet snow forms ice, which makes walking and driving treacherous."

Heavy, wet snow can get inside clothes and cause "more of a chill," potentially leading to hypothermia in severe cases, according to Siegel.

In a Monday appearance on "Fox & Friends," the doctor stressed the importance of being properly dressed in these conditions.

"I saw this morning people who weren't covered properly … weren't wearing gloves, didn't have the full hat, or the kind of overcoat they needed," he said.

"They also weren't looking out for each other. You need to look out for each other. With this kind of wind, you get really easily discombobulated."

Siegel urged people to stay indoors unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave their home.

"Watch out if you are outside for brief periods — for fallen power lines or for trees that are down. That's very, very dangerous as well," he cautioned. "That's where a lot of the injuries come from."

There’s also an increased risk of falling, as well as electrocution from power lines being weighed down by heavy snow. Going without power poses its own health risks, Siegel mentioned.

Dr. Joshua Latzman, cardiologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in White Plains, New York, shared with the American Heart Association (AMA) that research has shown heavy snow shoveling can put "significant stress on the heart."

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"In frigid temperatures, that added strain can increase the risk of a heart-related event," he said. "This can be especially dangerous for people who are out of shape or not used to strenuous activity."

Shoveling in the wind can also increase the risk of a health event, since exposure to colder air can raise blood pressure and constrict the coronary arteries, according to the AMA.

"Many heart-related events occur in people who are usually inactive," Latzman went on. "When someone who is sedentary suddenly takes on heavy shoveling after a storm, that unexpected strain can unfortunately lead to a serious emergency."

Straining to lift something heavy can have the same effect if normal breathing is impacted.

Other at-risk groups include people who are obese, those who smoke or have smoked in the past, people with diabetes, and those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Anyone who has previously had a heart attack or stroke is also at greater risk, the AMA reported.

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"Anyone with these characteristics, including people who have undergone bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty, should not be shoveling snow," Latzman concluded.

Siegel urged those who may be at risk to avoid going out with their shovels and "being a hero."

"It's about the most cardiac expenditure of energy that you can have," he said. "So if you've been sedentary, don't go and shovel. Get a younger person or somebody who's in much better shape to do it."

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If shoveling is unavoidable, experts advise doing it gradually and at a comfortable pace. The AMA also suggests covering your mouth and nose and dressing in layers, including a hat and gloves.

Pushing or sweeping the snow is safer than lifting and throwing, as it requires less energy.

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Scientists discover 5,000-year-old bacterium resistant to modern antibiotics

Scientists have discovered that a bacterium trapped in an ice cave for 5,000 years is resistant to several modern antibiotics.

The bacterium was found in Scarisoara Ice Cave in Romania, where researchers drilled a 25-meter ice core representing about 13,000 years of frozen history.

The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.

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To prevent contamination, the ice samples were carefully stored and transported to the lab while still frozen. From the ice, scientists isolated a strain of bacteria called Psychrobacter SC65A.3. 

Although it is thousands of years old, the strain was found to resist 10 antibiotics that are commonly used today to treat serious infections.

These include medications such as rifampicin, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin, the study found.

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"The 10 antibiotics we found resistance to are widely used in oral and injectable therapies used to treat a range of serious bacterial infections in clinical practice," said Cristina Purcarea, senior scientist at the Institute of Biology Bucharest of the Romanian Academy, in a press release.

Researchers tested the ancient strain against 28 antibiotics from 10 drug classes and identified more than 100 genes linked to antibiotic resistance.

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"Studying microbes such as Psychrobacter SC65A.3 retrieved from millennia-old ice cave deposits reveals how antibiotic resistance evolved naturally in the environment, long before modern antibiotics were ever used," Purcarea said.

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The findings suggest that antibiotic resistance existed in nature long before the development of modern medicines, according to the researchers.

The strain also showed resistance to medications including trimethoprim, clindamycin and metronidazole, which are used to treat infections of the lungs, urinary tract, skin and reproductive system.

The study examined just one bacterial strain from one cave sample, and there is no evidence that the ancient microbe is currently infecting people or spreading, the researchers noted.

Experts also pointed out that Psychrobacter is an environmental bacterium that doesn't have clinical antibiotic "breakpoints," which are clear cut-off numbers that tell doctors whether a bacterium is officially "resistant" to an antibiotic.

Because this environmental bacterium doesn’t have established clinical testing standards, its lab-measured resistance can’t be interpreted the same way doctors classify dangerous hospital superbugs.

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Blood test could predict when Alzheimer's symptoms will start years in advance

A simple blood test could predict not only a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but also the year symptoms will begin.

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis set out to determine if levels of a specific protein in the blood could be used as a "biological clock" to predict when signs of the disease will emerge.

The specific protein, known as p-tau217, forms "tangles" in the brain that disrupt communication between nerve cells. In a healthy brain, tau helps to stabilize the structure of nerve cells.

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In some cases, brain scans can be used to detect these tangles when diagnosing Alzheimer’s. Preliminary studies have suggested that the same method could be used to determine a progression timeline.

As these imaging tests are often complex and expensive, the research team wanted to explore whether a blood test could monitor the same proteins and produce similar results.

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed data from more than 600 older adults enrolled in two long-term Alzheimer’s research projects.

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By comparing blood samples with participants’ cognitive performance over several years, the team found that p-tau217 levels rise in a "remarkably consistent" pattern long before memory loss begins, according to a press release.

The team then created a model that uses a patient's age and protein levels to estimate when symptoms will appear, with a margin of error of three to four years.

"We show that a single blood test measuring p-tau217 can provide a rough estimate of when an individual is likely to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease," lead author Kellen K. Petersen, PhD, instructor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis, told Fox News Digital.

The researchers found that older adults developed symptoms much more rapidly after p-tau217 became abnormal, he noted.

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"For example, people who first had abnormal p-tau217 levels around age 60 didn’t develop Alzheimer’s symptoms for about 20 years, whereas those who first had abnormal p-tau217 levels around age 80 developed symptoms after only about 10 years," Petersen said. 

This suggests that age and disease-related changes in the brain can influence how quickly Alzheimer’s symptoms become apparent, the researcher concluded.

"This could transform how researchers design clinical trials and, eventually, how clinicians identify people at highest risk for cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s years before decline begins," Chicago-based Rebecca M. Edelmayer, PhD, vice president of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, told Fox News Digital.

"A blood test is generally much less expensive and easier to administer than a brain scan or spinal‑fluid test. In the future, it could help doctors and researchers identify people who may benefit from early treatments," added Edelmayer, who was not involved in the study.

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The study did have some limitations and caveats.

"We were only able to make predictions for individuals whose p-tau217 levels fell within a certain range, although it was a fairly wide range," Petersen shared. "The models were developed in relatively healthy and well-educated research cohorts that were not diverse, so the results may not apply well to the broader population."

While the researchers referenced in-home blood tests in this study, they cautioned against people seeking out and taking these tests themselves.

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"At this point, we do not recommend that any cognitively unimpaired individuals have any Alzheimer’s disease biomarker test," Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University who was a co-author of the study, said in the press release.

Peterson acknowledged that these results are still experimental and ripe for improvement.

"The current estimate is not yet accurate enough for clinical use or personal medical decision-making, but we expect that it will be possible to create more accurate models," he told Fox News Digital.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to refine the test by researching other Alzheimer’s-linked proteins to narrow the margin of error, Schindler said. More diverse participants are also needed to confirm the results.

Two large clinical trials are now in progress, aiming to determine whether people with high levels of this protein can benefit from treatment with one of two Alzheimer’s drugs before symptoms appear.

Lecanemab and donanemab are the only approved drugs designed to reduce levels of plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers hope that treating people earlier may boost the drugs’ effectiveness.

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"There are many other blood and imaging biomarkers, as well as cognitive tests, that we can combine with plasma p-tau217 to improve the accuracy of predicting symptom onset," Petersen said. "We hope this work will lead to even better models that will be useful to individuals."

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Some supplements may pose risks for people with diabetes, experts say

Some surveys find that about 75% of U.S. adults have used supplements, while federal survey data shows that 58% used one in the past 30 days — but some groups should exercise caution, experts say.

There are many different supplements — including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and probiotics — designed to fill nutrient gaps and support overall wellness. Some target specific functions, such as immune support, muscle recovery and bone health, according to multiple medical sources.

Unlike prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, supplements usually aren’t FDA-approved before they are marketed, but the FDA does regulate them and can take action against unsafe or misbranded products.

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For people with diabetes, the following supplements could pose serious health risks, as they can affect blood glucose levels or interact with medications, per the National Institutes of Health.

Dawn Menning, a California-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with Nutu, a healthy lifestyle app, says people with diabetes should avoid taking St. John's Wort as a supplement. 

Primarily touted as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression, St. John’s Wort could have additional benefits for anxiety, sleep issues, and menopausal or PMS-related symptoms.

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"This herbal remedy can interfere with many diabetes medications by affecting the way the body breaks them down," Menning told Fox News Digital. "This can make medications less effective and blood sugar management more difficult."

This supplement is often marketed for its ability to improve blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes, Menning noted, but there is limited evidence and the research is "mixed."

"Taking this supplement with insulin or oral diabetes medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia," she cautioned. This condition can increase the risk of dizziness, fatigue and fainting, according to Healthline.

These are often taken to help with reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, Menning noted.

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"It contains compounds such as polypeptide-p, which may act like insulin," she said. "Taking this with diabetes medications could increase the risk of hypoglycemia."

This supplement is sometimes used to help manage cholesterol levels — but in people with diabetes, it may also raise blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

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"I would caution against using high-dose niacin supplements because it can noticeably raise blood sugar levels and make it harder to keep A1c in an optimal range," Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com in New York, told Fox News Digital.

Asian ginseng has been linked to a boost in energy, focus and immune system health. It also contains antioxidants, which can provide cellular protection, according to Cleveland Clinic.

While it has also been linked to improved cardiometabolic factors for those with prediabetes and diabetes, some evidence suggests that ginseng could lower blood sugar levels when combined with diabetes medications.

This supplement is primarily used as an antioxidant and a source of vitamin A to support vision, immune function, and overall eye and skin health.

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"The American Diabetes Association recommends against β-carotene supplementation for people with diabetes because of its association with increased lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality risk," Jordan Hill, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching in Colorado, told Fox News Digital. 

Cinnamon is often promoted as a supplement for diabetes management and weight loss, as some research has shown it can help to reduce blood sugar and lower insulin resistance.

However, consuming large amounts of cinnamon can enhance the effects of diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to fall too low, which can cause hypoglycemia, Healthline warns.

Cinnamon also includes a compound called coumarin, which can cause liver damage if consumed in large amounts.

This supplement can help to promote healthy digestion, skin and nervous system function, according to Mayo Clinic.

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High doses of nicotinic acid (a form of niacin) can raise blood sugar levels and interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes medications, warns the National Institutes of Health.

"These doses can even raise blood sugar levels in people who don’t have diabetes," the NIH states.

Oral aloe vera is often promoted for diabetes, weight loss and inflammatory bowel disease.

However, when paired with diabetes medications, it could cause blood sugar levels to dip and increase the risk of hypoglycemia with medications, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can also cause gastrointestinal side effects.

For most supplements, Menning noted, "there isn't evidence to support a beneficial effect on diabetes or its complications."

The American Diabetes Standards of Care state: "Without underlying deficiency, there are no benefits from herbal or nonherbal (i.e., vitamin or mineral) supplementation for people with diabetes."

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology advises caution with all unregulated nutritional supplements due to "inconsistent composition, quality and potential for harm," Hill said.

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"The primary concern with most supplements is not direct harm, but rather the lack of regulatory oversight," he told Fox News Digital.

Experts recommend speaking with a doctor before starting any supplement to understand how it could affect blood sugar levels, medications or overall diabetes management.

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Hidden virus inside gut bacteria linked to doubled colorectal cancer risk, study finds

A newly discovered virus hiding inside common gut bacteria may be linked to colorectal cancer, according to new research.

Scientists in Denmark found that colorectal cancer patients were about twice as likely to carry a previously unidentified virus within Bacteroides fragilis, a bacterium that normally lives in the human gut, according to the study published in Communications Medicine earlier this month.

Researchers say the discovery could help scientists better understand the role of the gut microbiome in cancer development.

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"These findings highlight the importance of the microorganisms in the gut and their relation to our health," Dr. Flemming Damgaard, PhD, of the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Odense University Hospital and the University of Southern Denmark, told Fox News Digital. "If we want to understand the full picture, we need to look deep into their genetic material."

Doctors have known for years that Bacteroides fragilis shows up more often in people with colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, but since most healthy people also carry the bacteria, it wasn’t clear why it would be harmful in some cases and not others.

So researchers looked at subtle genetic differences within the bacteria and uncovered something unexpected.

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"We were very surprised to find a whole virus inside the bacteria from the colorectal cancer patients," Damgaard said. "That was not something we expected when we started our study."

The virus, known as a bacteriophage, infects bacteria rather than human cells. According to the researchers, the viral type they identified had not previously been documented.

When the team analyzed stool samples from 877 individuals across Europe, the United States and Asia, they found that colorectal cancer patients were approximately twice as likely to carry traces of the virus compared to people without cancer.

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The findings show a strong statistical association, but researchers stress that the study does not prove the virus causes colorectal cancer, and it is too early to draw immediate conclusions.

"The major limitation is that we still don’t know why the virus is linked to colorectal cancer," said co-author Ulrik Stenz Justesen. "But we are already continuing our research."

The team is now conducting laboratory experiments and animal studies to determine whether the virus alters the bacterium’s behavior in a way that could influence cancer development.

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Studies have found that the human body contains roughly as many microbial cells as human cells, underscoring how deeply microbes are intertwined with human health.

"Our understanding of [microbial cells] is still in its infancy," Damgaard said. "There are many health-related discoveries to be made in the human microbiota."

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Several high-profile celebrity deaths, including James Van Der Beek, Catherine O'Hara, Kirstie Alley, Pelé and Chadwick Boseman, have drawn attention to colorectal cancer’s impact across age groups in recent years.

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While much of colorectal cancer risk is tied to diet and lifestyle, researchers think the bacteria in our gut may also play an important role.

Currently, colorectal cancer screening includes stool tests that check for blood that isn’t visible to the naked eye, as well as colonoscopies. Researchers say that in the future, it may be possible to test stool samples for viral markers like those identified in the study.

Researchers pointed to cervical cancer as an example of how identifying a viral cause can help prevention efforts. After HPV was linked to cervical cancer, vaccines helped drive down new cases. 

While it's too early to make that comparison, they said colorectal cancer could one day follow a similar path if a clear viral role is confirmed.

"It is too early to act," Damgaard said. "We have a lot of hope, and that is what we want people to have at this point."

Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

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Simple brushing routine could reduce dementia risk, say dental health experts

Brushing your teeth could do more than brighten your smile — it may also help you live longer.

Growing research suggests that good oral hygiene is linked to a reduced risk of serious conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

At the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference, which took place in Arizona last week, a group of researchers explored this evidence, calling the mouth a "gateway to overall health."

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During the event, titled "The Mouth as a Gateway to Overall Health," panelists from medical schools across the U.S. discussed how the mouth was previously viewed as a separate entity from the rest of the body.

"However, researchers now know that the oral cavity and the body are deeply interconnected," the presentation synopsis states on the AAAS website.

The panelists noted that past research suggests the oral cavity can influence the health of other organs, including the joints, brain and gut, according to Euro News.

Panelist Alpdogan Kantarci, a professor at the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry, reportedly said during the event, "We now think that maintaining your teeth in health may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic conditions."

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"Research is now showing that in people with mild or moderate diseases, those who are brushing and taking care of their teeth or seeing a dentist and having advanced cleanings are showing much better cognitive responses," he added.

The presenters discussed how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.

The condition leads to "ongoing inflammation and progressive damage," triggering immune responses and increasing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and dementia.

Research from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, published in The Lancet, Health Longevity, in 2024, concluded that oral health should be considered an "integral component of the overall healthcare system and an important factor in accessing aging."

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"Oral health conditions could be potential risk factors for physical frailty or functional disability," the authors stated. "The importance of oral health for overall well-being and longevity should be emphasized."

Additional research published in the journal Neurology in 2023 found that people with good dental hygiene had better memory, while gum disease and tooth loss were linked with less gray matter in the brain and reduced decline in mental health.

Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in New York City, confirmed that there are numerous benefits to brushing your teeth more frequently.

"From a preventive health perspective, brushing three times a day helps control the bacterial biofilm that fuels gum disease and chronic inflammation," he told Fox News Digital. "Inflammation in the mouth does not remain isolated — it can influence cardiovascular health, metabolic function and immune balance." 

When plaque is disrupted throughout the day, the body's inflammatory triggers are reduced, Wei said.

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"Over time, lowering that burden may contribute to healthier aging and a reduced risk of systemic disease," he said. "Small, disciplined daily habits often have the greatest long-term impact."

Although maintaining proper oral health is not a "guaranteed safeguard" against dementia, Wei considers it "one meaningful way to reduce modifiable risk factors." 

Consistently brushing, flossing, getting routine dental cleanings and addressing issues like grinding or jaw tension "all contribute to lowering inflammation and preventing long-term damage," he added.

Brushing too much or too aggressively can lead to different complications, experts caution.

"Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can lead to enamel wear, gum recession and tooth sensitivity," Wei warned. "The balance comes down to frequency paired with proper technique, using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, and gentle, controlled movements." 

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Dr. Richard Lipari, a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, agreed that brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure is sufficient for proper hygiene and oral health. 

"Brushing a third time per day is fine as long as it’s done gently and correctly," he told Fox News Digital. "Think of it as massaging the teeth and gums, not scrubbing them."

Dr. Luis R. Dominicis Jr., DDS, AVP of dental services at AltaMed Health Services in California, recommends scheduling a routine dental checkup and asking about the proper way to brush and floss.

"Ask which toothbrush and toothpaste are best for you and whether there are signs of gum recession or enamel wear," he advised in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Following your recommended treatment plan can help you maintain a healthy mouth and support your overall well-being."

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Actor Eric Dane's death from ALS sparks urgent focus on rapid decline

Eric Dane’s death has sparked conversations about the speed and severity of ALS.

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the progressive illness — officially called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — is debilitating and fatal. 

While only about 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year, the average life expectancy is just two to five years, according to the ALS Association.

Dane, who most famously starred as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on ABC's "Grey’s Anatomy," announced his diagnosis in April 2025, telling "Good Morning America" in June that his first symptoms began as "some weakness" in his right hand.

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"I didn't really think anything of it," the actor said. "At the time, I thought maybe I'd been texting too much, or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later, I noticed that it got a little worse."

"I'm fighting as much as I can," Dane added. "There's so much about it that's out of my control."

ALS is a progressive disease where the brain loses connection with the muscles, according to the ALS Association. This slowly strips a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, dress, write, speak, swallow and, eventually, breathe.

Early signs include muscle weakness, stiffness and cramping. Symptom progression and severity are different for each case, as the association notes there is "no single timeline for ALS."

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The disease only impacts motor neurons controlling voluntary movement, so the five senses — sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell — are not affected, nor are the eye muscles or bladder control.

Many ALS patients remain "mentally alert and aware" throughout the disease, the ALS Association reported.

Diagnosis typically occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 70. About 20% of patients live five years or longer. Only about 5% live longer than 20 years.

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ALS is typically diagnosed by a neurologist with an electromyography test (EMG), but can also be detected by blood and urine tests, spinal taps, MRIs and other imaging scans, muscle and nerve biopsies, or neurological exams.

There is currently no cure or treatment to stop disease progression, although there are treatments to slow and ease symptoms, per the ALS Association.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joined "Fox & Friends" on Friday to discuss the prevalence of ALS, suggesting that cases have increased due to "something in the environment that we don’t know yet."

While ALS is 10% genetic, according to Siegel, 90% of cases do not have a genetic link, pointing toward other risk factors like environmental toxins.

"It's a muscle weakness disease — affecting nerves that innervate muscles — and usually it starts on one side," the doctor shared. "Then you develop fatigue ... You could see a quivering tongue or your arm is quivering, usually one side and then the other side."

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As the weakness progresses, it impacts speech and ultimately attacks the diaphragm, making it difficult to fully inflate the lungs.

"That’s what happened to [Dane], most likely," Siegel said. "So, it progresses from your arms, your legs, your speech, your swallowing ability and then your breathing."

ALS progresses "pretty rapidly in most cases," Siegel said. While scientist Stephen Hawking lived 55 years with the disease, Dane "probably lived about two years with it," the doctor surmised.

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"I want to point out how courageous [Dane] is — he actually was involved with Target ALS, where he was fighting for new research," Siegel pointed out. "We're learning to personalize the approach to this disease, and that's the future — and he fought for that."

"We need a lot of money for research for this — [Dane] was asking for a billion dollars from the government."

Various research groups and hospital systems are actively working on new ALS therapies that take a personalized approach, Siegel shared.

The estimated cost to develop a drug that would slow or stop disease progression is $2 billion, the ALS Association has reported. The annual estimated out-of-picket cost for care is $250,000.

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Funding for ALS research and awareness has been on the rise for years, with the viral social media ALS Ice Bucket Challenge making a splash in 2014. 

The challenge, supported by the ALS Association, was intended to boost awareness. It ultimately raised $115 million toward ALS research and patient care.

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