Doctors say 8 forgotten habits could help fight stress, obesity and chronic disease

Rates of chronic disease, obesity and stress continue to rise across America.

Experts warn that some of the healthiest habits from the nation's earlier centuries may have fallen by the wayside.

From walking as a way of life to eating seasonal foods and spending more time outdoors, they say some of these forgotten routines are worth reviving.

AMERICAN VACCINES THAT TRANSFORMED PUBLIC HEALTH OVER 250 YEARS: 'OUTWEIGHS HARM'

"America needs to get back to its roots healthwise," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

Check out this smart list.

Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, said walking has decreased as people have moved to the suburbs.

"As Americans moved further out of the city center for more space and larger homes, they spent more time sitting in a car rather than walking to work," he told Fox News Digital.

AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS COULD ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE — HERE'S HOW THEY BOOST HEALTH

A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that prolonged commuting times have been directly linked to increases in BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and overall decrease in metabolic health, the doctor noted.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (about 30 minutes a day, five days a week), which would include brisk walking.

Only about one in four U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, per the CDC.

"We are a country of wide open spaces and beautiful vistas – we need to walk more and breathe our fresh air," Siegel added.

Exposure to morning light has been shown to support circadian health and better sleep, and sunlight is the body's primary natural source of vitamin D.

"Some individuals may have severe difficulty with sleep, and therefore are having difficulty regulating their personal day-night cycles," Perry said. 

"It is well-known that early sunlight helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of animals and may be helpful in regulating sleep patterns."

THE '1776 DIET': WHAT AMERICANS REALLY ATE DURING THE NATION'S FOUNDING

Sunlight exposure can also have positive effects on health, the doctor said. "The hormonal balance that is regulated by the circadian rhythm can also lead to better weight management and blood pressure control."

Surveys show that nearly half of U.S. adults spend less than five hours per week in nature – but time outdoors is known to be a natural health-booster.

A landmark study of nearly 20,000 adults found that people who got at least 120 minutes per week in nature were significantly more likely to be in good health than those who spent no time outside.

Another review found that combining exercise with time outdoors was more beneficial than just exercise or nature exposure alone, with improvements seen in mental health and chronic disease risk.

There are some health benefits to turning in earlier, research has shown.

Observational studies have found that people with very late bedtimes often have higher risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders and mortality.

THIS ONE QUESTION MAY REVEAL WHETHER YOUR BODY IS GETTING THE REST IT NEEDS, STUDY FINDS

"As we know that the only steadfast way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit, if an individual is using the late night hours to overindulge, going to bed earlier may help maintain better overall health," Perry added.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults aged 18-64 and seven to eight hours for adults 65 and up.

Americans now get more than half of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods, according to NIH-supported research.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"We know that excess calories, specifically calories from extra sugar in the diet, can lead to diabetes, obesity, hypertension and a multitude of downstream health problems," Perry said. "Local, minimally processed foods are going to be much better for the overall health of society."

Siegel echoed the importance of embracing more whole foods.

"We are a country of farmers – we need to eat our own fresh produce more and not the chemically laced products that can give us cancer and heart disease," he told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"We need to eat more at home, and treasure our great home chefs, who make everything from turkey to apple sauce, to fried chicken, to big healthy salads, to good old apple pie."

Gardening and growing food has also been linked to improved mental well-being, increased physical activity, reduced social isolation and better overall health outcomes.

A study published in BMJ Open found that older adults who performed more light and heavy housework had better physical performance — including faster chair-rise times (a measure of lower-body strength) and improved balance — than those who did less housework.

Encouraging older adults to perform more household activities could help ensure that they meet physical activity recommendations, particularly for those who don’t participate in regular exercise routines, experts say.

"Performing more household tasks can help individuals maintain strength and mobility. This is especially helpful for elderly individuals to maximize their physical strength and decrease the risk of being sedentary," said Perry. 

Records show that communal meals were once a routine part of American life rather than just happening on special occasions.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The health benefits of being social are "innumerable," Perry said.

"We know that social connections can minimize depression, reduce the incidence of dementia and actually lead to longer lives," he told Fox News Digital. "Eating a meal with a group of people is a deeply powerful human event that can help improve lives."

Siegel agreed, advocating for going back to "sharing kindness and goodwill with each other at community meals that are non-political."

He added, "We need to take pride in repairing our own houses the way we always have."

Intermittent fasting has been shown to contribute to decreased obesity, better glucose management and overall improved health, Perry confirmed.

"There are some anecdotal reasons for this, given the evolutionary pressures that our species has had to endure," he said.

"We are now in a world where food is plentiful, but for much of our history, we had to search for food, and it was often scarce. This type of eating pattern mimics the pattern of our ancestors, which is directly connected with our innate metabolism."

While not all historical habits were healthier, these evidence-backed practices from earlier generations may still offer lessons for modern Americans, experts agree.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/bGxt5Pa

Read More

Doctors say 8 forgotten habits could help fight stress, obesity and chronic disease

Rates of chronic disease, obesity and stress continue to rise across America.

Experts warn that some of the healthiest habits from the nation's earlier centuries may have fallen by the wayside.

From walking as a way of life to eating seasonal foods and spending more time outdoors, they say some of these forgotten routines are worth reviving.

AMERICAN VACCINES THAT TRANSFORMED PUBLIC HEALTH OVER 250 YEARS: 'OUTWEIGHS HARM'

"America needs to get back to its roots healthwise," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital.

IMAGE

Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, said walking has decreased as people have moved to the suburbs.

"As Americans moved further out of the city center for more space and larger homes, they spent more time sitting in a car rather than walking to work," he told Fox News Digital.

AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS COULD ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE — HERE'S HOW THEY BOOST HEALTH

A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that prolonged commuting times have been directly linked to increases in BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and overall decrease in metabolic health, the doctor noted.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (about 30 minutes a day, five days a week), which would include brisk walking.

IMAGE

Only about one in four U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, per the CDC.

"We are a country of wide open spaces and beautiful vistas – we need to walk more and breathe our fresh air," Siegel added.

Exposure to morning light has been shown to support circadian health and better sleep, and sunlight is the body's primary natural source of vitamin D.

"Some individuals may have severe difficulty with sleep, and therefore are having difficulty regulating their personal day-night cycles," Perry said. "It is well-known that early sunlight helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of animals and may be helpful in regulating sleep patterns."

THE '1776 DIET': WHAT AMERICANS REALLY ATE DURING THE NATION'S FOUNDING

Sunlight exposure can also have positive effects on health, the doctor said. "The hormonal balance that is regulated by the circadian rhythm can also lead to better weight management and blood pressure control."

Surveys show that nearly half of U.S. adults spend less than five hours per week in nature – but time outdoors is known to be a natural health-booster.

A landmark study of nearly 20,000 adults found that people who got at least 120 minutes per week in nature were significantly more likely to be in good health than those who spent no time outside.

Another review found that combining exercise with time outdoors was more beneficial than just exercise or nature exposure alone, with improvements seen in mental health and chronic disease risk.

There are some health benefits to turning in earlier, research has shown.

Observational studies have found that people with very late bedtimes often have higher risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders and mortality.

THIS ONE QUESTION MAY REVEAL WHETHER YOUR BODY IS GETTING THE REST IT NEEDS, STUDY FINDS

"As we know that the only steadfast way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit, if an individual is using the late night hours to overindulge, going to bed earlier may help maintain better overall health," Perry added.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults aged 18-64 and seven to eight hours for adults 65 and up.

Americans now get more than half of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods, according to NIH-supported research.

"We know that excess calories, specifically calories from extra sugar in the diet, can lead to diabetes, obesity, hypertension and a multitude of downstream health problems," Perry said. "Local, minimally processed foods are going to be much better for the overall health of society."

IMAGE

Siegel echoed the importance of embracing more whole foods.

"We are a country of farmers – we need to eat our own fresh produce more and not the chemically laced products that can give us cancer and heart disease," he told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"We need to eat more at home, and treasure our great home chefs, who make everything from turkey to apple sauce, to fried chicken, to big healthy salads, to good old apple pie."

Gardening and growing food has also been linked to improved mental well-being, increased physical activity, reduced social isolation and better overall health outcomes.

A study published in BMJ Open found that older adults who performed more light and heavy housework had better physical performance — including faster chair-rise times (a measure of lower-body strength) and improved balance — than those who did less housework.

IMAGE

Encouraging older adults to perform more household activities could help ensure that they meet physical activity recommendations, particularly for those who don’t participate in regular exercise routines, experts say.

"Performing more household tasks can help individuals maintain strength and mobility," Perry said. "This is especially helpful for elderly individuals to maximize their physical strength and decrease the risk of being sedentary."

Records show that communal meals were once a routine part of American life rather than just happening on special occasions.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The health benefits of being social are "innumerable," Perry said.

"We know that social connections can minimize depression, reduce the incidence of dementia and actually lead to longer lives," he told Fox News Digital. "Eating a meal with a group of people is a deeply powerful human event that can help improve lives."

IMAGE

Siegel agreed, advocating for going back to "sharing kindness and goodwill with each other at community meals that are non-political."

"We need to take pride in repairing our own houses the way we always have."

Intermittent fasting has been shown to contribute to decreased obesity, better glucose management and overall improved health, Perry confirmed.

"There are some anecdotal reasons for this, given the evolutionary pressures that our species has had to endure," he said.

"We are now in a world where food is plentiful, but for much of our history, we had to search for food, and it was often scarce. This type of eating pattern mimics the pattern of our ancestors, which is directly connected with our innate metabolism."

While not all historical habits were healthier, these evidence-backed practices from earlier generations may still offer lessons for modern Americans, experts agree.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/WuHAw5O

Read More

How a 93-year-old soccer referee credits wartime rations and discipline for his longevity

At 93, sprightly referee Frank Foster is still brandishing red and yellow cards and running the field three times a week for his local soccer association.

Having taken charge of around 5,500 matches over a 46-year officiating career, the great-grandfather credits his longevity and match-day stamina to a lifetime of healthy habits and a foundational diet, news agency SWNS reported.

Foster puts his remarkable fitness down to the strict wartime rations he was fed as a teenager, noting that it ensured he grew up eating "healthy food" rather than "sweets and cakes."

FITNESS EXPERT REVEALS 6 PILLARS OF STRENGTH TRAINING THAT OLDER ADULTS SHOULD MASTER

Decades later, his game-day preparation is still fueled by wholesome nutrition, always starting with a morning bowl of oatmeal, cereal or marmalade on toast to give him the energy to last the full 90 minutes.

The meal keeps him active enough to referee men's, women's and children's games, a hobby he jokes he will never blow the final whistle on.

His sharp mind and authoritative presence on the field are just as strong as his physical endurance.

A military veteran who aced his referee exam in 1980 with a 98% score, Foster relies on old-school discipline to keep matches under control, SWNS reported.

7 COMMON FITNESS MISTAKES OLDER ADULTS MAKE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM FOR BETTER WORKOUTS

He believes modern elite officials are too "soft" and allow player antics to ruin the sport. To maintain order and keep players from acting out, he lays down strict ground rules before kickoff. He has no patience for intimidation or theatrical diving. "Those who go down like they have been shot, well, I would just book them," he said. 

He is equally uncompromising when squads try to crowd him on the field.

"I wouldn't let them surround me at all," Foster told SWNS.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"I would say to the players, 'Stay where you are,' and 'If you move one more inch, I will give you a yellow card.' You need to stamp your authority and let them know who is in control."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

He also avoids the modern stress of video-reviewing plays, which he believes creates unnecessary "aggression and disappointment" over microscopic offside calls, adding, "I think it spoils the game."

"Sometimes it is only the player's toe that is offside — it is ridiculous."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Foster says he "never thought" he’d still be doing this at age 93, but he makes the most of that gift.

He keeps his kit freshly washed, making sure it is "neat and tidy" for when he gets on that field.

Foster, of South Yorkshire, England, also scrubs his black Adidas boots after every game, making sure they are "nice and clean" for his next match.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/1WV639G

Read More

'Tanmaxxing' trend could come at a dangerous cost, skin cancer experts warn

Summer fun in the sun is being taken to a new extreme.

"Tanmaxxing" is a social media trend that involves maximizing sun exposure and tanning the skin more intensely.

Popular among Gen Z, the practice combines time spent in direct sunlight with a variety of tanning products like oils, bronzers and gels.

POPULAR FRUIT MAY HELP PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

Creators on social media are showing off their dramatic tan lines and outdoor set-ups — some even forgoing sun protection or adding tanning bed sessions.

While spending time outdoors can help boost mood, support the body's production of vitamin D and reduce screen time, dermatologists warn that excessive sun exposure — especially as promoted by the tanmaxxing trend — can be dangerous.

New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Tassavor, MD, emphasized that there is "no such thing as a safe, natural tan."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Tanning is damage," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Tanfluencers sell a deep tan as a ‘wellness upgrade,' but a tan isn't a glow-up — it's your skin's visible distress signal that DNA damage has already happened."

"As a skin cancer specialist, I've taken care of thousands of skin cancers on patients who 'tanmaxxed' before it had a name. Most regret it."

The World Health Organization classifies UV radiation and tanning beds as Group 1 carcinogens, which is the same category as tobacco and asbestos.

Using a tanning bed before age 35 can raise melanoma risk by about 75%, Tassavor noted.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"The damage compounds silently and shows up years later, once the easy window to intervene has closed," he said.

According to Tassavor, two common beliefs behind tanmaxxing are false: Skipping sunscreen does not produce a "better" tan, and a base tan does not protect the skin from future sunburns.

Sunlight "isn’t the enemy," the dermatologist noted, but there’s no need to chase it.

"Most of your vitamin D can come from diet and supplements, and your skin is efficient enough to [get] what it needs from ordinary incidental exposure," he said.

"Vitamin D matters for bone density, and sun does give some people a genuine mood lift, but there's no evidence that anyone has to go out of their way to sunbathe for it, and no evidence that diligent sunscreen use harms bone health."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

To safely expose yourself to the sun, Tassavor recommends using SPF 30 sunscreen and reapplying every two hours. Tanning beds should be avoided "entirely," he cautioned, because there is "no safe dose" of UV exposure and using them accelerates skin aging.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/PqrZ7mX

Read More

Why scratching a mosquito bite makes it so much worse, according to science

Scratching a bug bite or rash may seem irresistible, but it’ll only provide temporary relief and likely prolong the itch, researchers found.

Scratching is a natural response to a skin irritant that increases skin inflammation and can make certain diseases, such as eczema, worse. 

But why scratching exacerbates swelling and whether the evolutionary response offers any benefit is something University of Pittsburgh researchers said remained "poorly explored."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

To investigate the relationship between itch, scratching and inflammation, the researchers, led by University of Pittsburgh professor of dermatology and immunology Daniel H. Kaplan, applied an allergen to the ears of mice to trigger allergic-contact dermatitis, an eczema-like inflammatory skin condition.

The mice developed the type of skin reaction people commonly have to poison ivy, certain metals, like nickel, and some skincare ingredients.

One group of mice was designated as "normal," while another group was genetically modified to lack an itch-sensing neuron.

A set of mice was allowed to scratch freely, while another was prevented from scratching with an Elizabethan-style collar, often referred to as the "cone of shame" among pet owners.

The researchers found that scratching activated mast cells, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as part of the body's "alarm system" that "look out for harmful invaders." 

Mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause itchiness.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH NEWS

"Sometimes, they activate when they shouldn’t, causing allergic reactions," Cleveland Clinic noted. 

The researchers found the mice that scratched freely released more substance P, a signaling molecule that activated more mast cells, causing increased inflammation and a prolonged itch-scratch cycle.

The mice that were prevented from scratching and those lacking the itch-sensing neuron experienced less inflammation.

Scratching is satisfying, however — and as Science reported, "The capacity to both sense itch and behaviorally respond by scratching evolved hundreds of millions of years ago."

Because mast cells are "also important for protecting against bacteria and other pathogens," the researchers performed another experiment to determine "if scratching-induced activation of mast cells could affect the skin microbiome," the University of Pittsburgh reported in a news release.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The scientists found that scratching reduced levels of Staphylococcus aureus, one of the bacteria most associated with skin infections.

"The damage that scratching does to the skin probably outweighs this benefit when itching is chronic," Kaplan cautioned.

"At first, these findings seemed to introduce a paradox: if scratching an itch is bad for us, why does it feel so good?" he said. "Scratching is often pleasurable, which suggests that, in order to have evolved, this behavior must provide some kind of benefit. Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections."

The American Academy of Dermatology says that cold compresses and 1% hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Science last year.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/BniwkPC

Read More

The '1776 Diet': What Americans really ate during the nation's founding

Many of the American colonists’ eating habits have made a comeback in recent years. They ate minimally processed, locally sourced whole foods and regularly incorporated organ meats into their meals.

Livestock and many Old World crops had already been introduced to North America by European explorers and settlers during the centuries before the nation's founding.

Early settlers adapted European cooking traditions using ingredients available in North America, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) reported.

Indigenous peoples introduced corn to the colonists, and it became a core ingredient in many of their recipes. Beans, squash, and potatoes were among the other crops that became incorporated into colonial cooking, according to the CSPC.

"Cornmeal appeared in dishes such as hasty pudding — a thick porridge similar to polenta — and johnnycakes, simple griddle cakes that were popular from New England to the South," reported History Facts.

Cornmeal Johnnycakes, roast pork and cream cheese are distinctly early-American foods the CSPC has recipes for on its website.

Regional customs and crops greatly influenced what the colonists ate. Rice and okra grew well and was plentiful in the South, where French and African influences also shaped eating habits. Dutch, English and German immigrants largely settled the north and established the region’s culinary traditions.

Seafood such as rockfish and crab dominated the diets of early Maryland settlers, NPR reported.

Meat was a status symbol, local food historian Joyce White told the publication. Beef was prized, and chicken was often saved for egg production.

"If it's your pig or cow coming from your plantation, you don't want to waste it," White said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Thomas Jefferson was known for his decadent tastes and a fondness for French wine and macaroni and cheese, reported NPR. Records show that black-eyed peas, turnip greens and ham were also part of the Founding Father's diet.

Salted and preserved fish and meats, including bacon, sausage, liver pudding and offal, were staples of working-class people's diets, while the upper classes indulged in such luxuries as white flour and sugar.

Interest in these traditional foods has resurfaced in recent years as some Americans seek diets centered on whole, minimally processed ingredients.

Advocates of the Make America Healthy Again movement, for instance, have promoted organ meats, or offal, as some of the cheapest and most nutrient-dense foods people can eat.

Stews that evolved as ingredients became available were also common an America's early days.

The amount of alcohol the colonists consumed was "staggering," Adrian Miller, author of "The President's Kitchen Cabinet," told NPR.

"They were very open about how much they were drinking," he said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

George Washington wrote a recipe for "small beer" in a journal he kept as a young colonel in charge of the Virginia militia during the Seven Years’ War, Fox News Digital previously reported. The New York Public Library houses the journal.

"Small beer," according to the library, derives its name from the small amount of alcohol it contains. It was quick to make, safer to drink because the brewing process helped eliminate bacteria in the water — and it was an "everyday, mainstay beverage," the library reported.

"While the 1776 Diet has some positives — such as emphasizing whole foods, home cooking and fewer ultra-processed foods — it’s not one I’d recommend following too literally," registered dietician Lisa R. Young, adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University, told Fox News Digital.

"Colonial Americans often ate foods like salted ham, organ meats and other preserved meats out of necessity," she said. "Today, we know it’s best to limit processed and cured meats because they’re high in sodium and saturated fat, and organ meats, while nutrient-dense, are best eaten in moderation due to their high cholesterol content."

Focus on the healthiest aspects of the 1776 diet, Young recommended. That includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and lean proteins.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"Of course, you can emulate the Founding Fathers’ diet for the week of the 250th anniversary," she said. "What you eat for a day or a week won’t matter much in the scheme of things."

Some of the Founding Fathers drank a lot of ale, often in the morning, Young noted.

"We shouldn’t emulate that," she said.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/EiHvdPn

Read More

July 4 heat delays America 250 celebration as State Fair guests share love of USA

The Great American State Fair was postponed Saturday after multiple people reportedly fainted onsite the day before, forcing thousands of visitors to pivot during celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.

Friday's medical emergencies required onsite attention as crowds flocked to the nation’s capital for Independence Day.

The fair reopened later on Friday evening, but was postponed again on Saturday.

HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES RISING WITH EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

Fox News Digital asked attendees what it took to get to the capital, and what they made of the closure.

"We are so blessed to live in the best country in the world," Whitney Thomas, a mother from North Carolina who traveled with her family for the Great American State Fair, told Fox News Digital on Friday.

Despite the weather closure, she said her family was able to enjoy the State Fair Thursday evening and planned to wait out the heat in nearby museums until the fair reopened.

"I wanted my kids, who are 9 and 10, to be able to experience this with us," she said.

Brad Shultis, a retired Marine who traveled from Stafford, Virginia, expressed frustration over the decision to halt festivities.

"You cannot tell me that America was won by shutting things down when it gets hot," he told Fox News Digital.

FAMOUS LANDMARKS SLASH VISITING HOURS AS DEADLY HEAT WAVE THREATENS TOURISTS

"It gets hot and we shut it down because it's hot? Who cares? If it's too hot, stay home."

Shultis noted that he drove to Springfield and took the Metro just to be turned away right after buying lunch. He questioned the decision to shut down the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, arguing that if people find the weather too hot, they should simply stay home or seek medical help rather than forcing a mass evacuation for those who spent time and money to get there.

Wendy Lamb, who traveled eight hours from Connecticut with her family to support the state’s booth, noted that organizers were likely worried about the intense conditions and simply did not want visitors to suffer.

WHAT KILLED AMERICANS IN 1776? THE ANSWER IS DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT FROM TODAY

While disappointed that her home state did not send official representation due to budget issues, Lamb and her fellow travelers refused to let the heat ruin their first trip to Washington, D.C.

"We’ve had a really, really fun time so far," added John, another member of the group.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

He said they plan to navigate the heat by moving from museum to museum and using the Metro system to stay cool until the gates reopen.

For these visitors, the setback was minor compared to the emotional weight of seeing the U.S. Capitol and the Rotunda.

"I mean we are so fortunate we are free, and yet we have people out there that hate our country ... it's very emotional," said Pat Lamb, who fanned her face to stop tears welling in her eyes as she described the pride she felt for the nation.

The decision to close the fairgrounds aligns with severe weather protocols designed to prevent mass casualty medical events.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat can quickly impair the body’s ability to cool itself, causing internal temperatures to rise faster than they can dissipate.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

When exposure to extreme conditions triggers a heat-related illness, symptoms can escalate rapidly from heat exhaustion — marked by heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and fainting — to a life-threatening medical emergency, per the CDC.

The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103°F or higher within minutes.

To prevent severe complications like permanent organ damage or death, the CDC advises that anyone exhibiting warning signs such as confusion, slurred speech or a loss of consciousness should receive immediate medical treatment.

Public health officials urge individuals in high-heat environments to seek shade, stay heavily hydrated, and identify air-conditioned cooling centers.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/tcxW5Yj

Read More