American Red Cross declares national blood crisis as type O supply drops to dangerous levels

The American Red Cross has declared a "blood crisis" across the nation.

The organization released a warning about the second-ever blood supply crisis this week after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.

This decline worsens an emergency shortage that "threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country," the organization wrote in a press release.

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The Red Cross is now limiting distributions of type O blood to hospitals, as the nation’s largest single provider of blood products now has less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood.

Type O blood accounts for about 60% of Red Cross blood distributions and is essential for both everyday patient care and medical emergencies.

Type O positive is the most commonly transfused blood type, according to the Red Cross, and can be safely given to about 80% of patients. 

Type O negative remains the universal blood type "relied upon when every second counts."

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While thousands of Americans show up to donate blood, these donations are reportedly not keeping up with hospital demand during summer trauma season.

This summer’s conditions, amid extreme heat, poor air quality and foodborne illnesses, have contributed to lower donor turnout, the Red Cross reported. Other blood collectors have also reported critical shortages this summer.

The Red Cross advised that just three more donors at each blood drive can end the crisis and stabilize the blood supply.

It encourages Americans to book an appointment by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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Chris Hrouda, president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, shared information about the developing emergency in a statement.

"The Red Cross takes its responsibility as the nation’s largest single provider of blood products incredibly seriously and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the blood supply for our hospital partners," he said.

Following the organization’s first national blood crisis in January 2022, Hrouda said the Red Cross has put "additional safeguards" in place to help "prevent a crisis like that from happening again."

"But this summer, blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and inventories — especially type O blood — remain under significant strain," he said.

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"Every donation has the potential to help save lives, and we urgently need everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible."

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Shark Week warnings as experts reveal 6 ways to reduce your risk of a shark bite

Shark sightings are common each summer from coast to coast — and though attacks are rare, they do happen.

In August, shark activity begins to ramp up as they migrate and feed along the way, often bringing different species close to shore, according to experts.

Dr. Chris Lowe, professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), confirmed there has been an increase in white shark activity so far this year.

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"We expect by August, September or October to see even more sharks off the Southern California coast," he told Fox News Digital.

Wyatt Wernath, national spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association and a retired ocean rescue chief based in Cocoa Beach, Florida, said they've seen typical numbers for this time of year, although there have been "a couple little nibbles" where people were "bit on the heels or the toes."

For those swimming or surfing in the ocean, the experts shared the following six tips to avoid a dangerous shark encounter.

Before visiting a new beach, experts advise locating lifeguards and checking for shark sightings, rip currents, jellyfish and other hazards.

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It's important to recognize and understand the flag systems on the beach that can signal certain conditions, Wernath noted. Red flags typically indicate high hazard, yellow flags mean heed caution and green flags mean low hazard.

A purple or blue flag indicates the presence of marine life. Combination red and blue flags signal hazardous marine life, such as a shark or dangerous jellyfish.

"If you can prepare yourself by knowing before you go, you’re going to have a much safer and enjoyable vacation or trip to the open water where the sharks live," Wernath said.

Other suspicious animal activity in the water — such as fish, birds and even seals — could mean a shark is nearby.

"If you see the water percolating on the top, that's the fish running from the predators," Wernath said. "Don't go in the water, get out of the water."

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"If you see birds diving into the water and they're feeding kind of erratically, don't go into the water."

Lowe, who runs the California Shark Beach Safety Program, also recommends avoiding dead marine life that could attract sharks.

"If you're out on your surfboard and a seal climbs on your board, that seal isn't trying to bond with you. It's probably trying to get out of the water because it knows there's a big shark around," he said.

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Avoid bait balls, which are dense schools of fish targeted by predators, Lowe advised. If one forms beneath your surfboard, move away to avoid an approaching shark.

While some "toe nibblers" in Florida have been known to attack in the shoreline, deep-water predators pose a risk as well, the experts warned.

California has about three shark bites per year and a fatality about every third year, according to Lowe — but numbers change as the population increases and more people seek out offshore recreation.

"When people start going out into the open ocean ... they may be encountering shark species that haven't been around people before," he said. "And therefore, you're a novelty."

Ocean spear fishing and kayak fishing are examples of "risky" excursions that have gained popularity in the last few decades, Lowe noted.

"Not only do you have a bloody fish on the end of your spear, but you're out around sharks that might not have been around people before," he said. "So, we just don't know how those sharks will react."

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"If you're kayak fishing and you've got your legs in the water and you’ve got a bloody fish, your leg could get mistaken by an excited shark trying to steal your fish."

When diving or snorkeling, it’s important not to present yourself "as prey," Wernath warned.

Dawn and dusk are peak feeding times for many sharks, increasing the risk of encounters.

Because sharks can mistake people for prey, Lowe recommends avoiding murky water and shiny jewelry that can mimic fish scales.

The chances of being bitten are statistically lower when swimming in a group than alone, Lowe said — and if trouble arises, others are there to help.

During a close encounter, it's important to confirm that the animal is actually a shark, as dolphin and stingray fins can look similar in the water.

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Unlike dolphins and stingrays, which typically show a single fin before disappearing underwater, sharks often reveal both their dorsal and tail fins.

"Tail fins will be moving more in a sweeping motion," Wernath said. "It won't go under gradually like a submarine. It won't arc like a dolphin in a rolling fashion."

If a shark is identified, give it space and calmly exit the water.

"Don't splash, don't cause a commotion, which will attract the shark, but just get out," Lowe said. "If you're on a surfboard or a boogie board, try to pull yourself up onto it, and just don't present yourself as prey."

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"If you see the shark, always keep your eyes on it," he advised. "Follow it, track it, let the shark know you see it, turn your body toward it."

"If the shark comes closer, you can just slowly back up and keep watching it. If you lose track of it, the first place you should always look is behind you."

A shark approaching from behind is usually trying to investigate without being noticed. Once it realizes it has been spotted, however, "most of the time, the gig is up," Lowe said.

If it continues to approach, he recommends giving it "a good bop in the nose" to discourage it from coming closer.

"If the shark gets really close, I'm always an advocate of striking out at them. I think humans need to let sharks know that they're not supposed to get close to us," he added.

Experts say the key to safely coexisting with sharks is respecting their habitat and behavior while avoiding actions that could make people appear to be prey.

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"They're much more intelligent than we give them credit for," Wernath said, noting that they carefully assess potential prey before attacking. "They’re hunters. They're going to look around and make sure they can get to a prey without getting hurt."

The biggest misconception about sharks is that if they’re nearby, they’re going to bite you, Lowe said, adding that research proves this "simply isn't true."

Although human and shark populations have grown thanks to conservation efforts, shark bites haven't increased as expected.

"They might occasionally bite a person, but we don't really know why," Lowe went on. "We don't know if they're biting because they mistake us as food ... [or] because they feel we're a threat."

"Based on our last six years of data using drones, we see white sharks around people pretty much every day, and they seem to largely ignore people," he added. "What that clearly tells me is that humans are not on any shark's menu."

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Hiker's unexplained death exposes deadly alcohol withdrawal risk many don't recognize

When hiker Joanna Ruth Shields, 37, was found dead near Sykes Hot Springs in California’s Ventana Wilderness, initial speculation pointed to foul play, according to a press release from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

However, official coroner's reports revealed her cause of death to be probable alcohol withdrawal seizures brought on by chronic alcohol use disorder.

Friends who were hiking with Shields said she had gone to the river that morning. A short time later, one of them found her unresponsive in the water, according to reports.

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"This is a probable seizure that occurred as a result of chronic alcohol use disorder, but there was nothing that stood out that indicated any type of criminal activity," Andres Rosas, commander and the primary public information officer for the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, told KSBW 8.

Given the results of the investigation and forensic examination, no further investigation is taking place.

The incident highlights a little-known danger of severe alcohol dependence, as suddenly stopping alcohol can trigger life-threatening neurological events.

Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. When someone drinks heavily over a prolonged period, the brain adapts by ramping up chemical signals to keep bodily systems functioning, according to experts.

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When alcohol is abruptly stopped, that blocker on the central nervous system is removed. The brain then enters a state of dangerous overexcitation, leading to severe hyperarousal.

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours after the last drink, with the risk of seizures peaking between 24 and 48 hours.

In wilderness settings or isolated locations, a sudden seizure can result in immediate loss of consciousness, trauma, respiratory arrest or an inability to seek emergency care, experts note.

Clinical guidelines from the National Institutes of Health categorize alcohol withdrawal by the following key progression stages.

This may include minor withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, tremors, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, headache, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), heart palpitations, anorexia, nausea, tachycardia (abnormally fast resting heart rate) and hypertension.

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This stage is marked by visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations.

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People in this stage may experience sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by severe muscle contractions (seizures). Another potential symptom is delirium tremens, a medical emergency involving extreme agitation, fever, racing heart, hyperthermia and cardiac instability.

Health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, strongly advise that individuals with a history of heavy drinking or prior withdrawal episodes never attempt to detox alone or in remote settings.

Medical detox programs use tailored medication protocols to safely taper brain activity and prevent seizures.

Help is available for people struggling with alcohol use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline provides free, confidential treatment referrals 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357.

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Older adults taking 5 or more prescription drugs face higher risk of death, study finds

Older adults who take five or more prescription medications face a significantly higher risk of death compared to those taking fewer drugs, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The research highlights the growing concern over polypharmacy, the medical term for taking five or more daily prescriptions, and its long-term effects on aging populations.

Led by Dr. Alexander Chaitoff of the University of Michigan School of Medicine, researchers analyzed national survey data collected from 7,828 adults aged 65 and older between 1999 and 2016.

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Trained staff directly inspected participants' pill bottles to verify medication use over the previous 30 days, then followed them for an average of 8.5 years, according to a press release.

More than half of participants (54.3%) fell into at least one high-risk medication category. The largest group consisted of older adults taking five or more prescription drugs (polypharmacy).

Another group, 37.6% of those studied, used medications deemed risky for older individuals, such as drugs that can increase the risk of confusion or falls, the study revealed.

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Additionally, 11.4% took combinations of medications that are known to cause major drug-to-drug interactions.

After accounting for overall health and underlying conditions, taking five or more prescriptions was associated with a 38% increase in overall mortality risk. Each additional prescription medication added to a patient’s routine was linked to a 7% increase in death risk.

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Taking multiple medications has been shown to increase the likelihood of side effects, adverse drug reactions and accidental overdose, particularly as the liver and kidneys age and process drugs less efficiently, according to medical experts at Cleveland Clinic.

The total number of medications participants took was the strongest independent predictor of mortality, even after accounting for drug-to-drug interactions and potentially inappropriate prescriptions.

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These findings could help doctors determine which patients are the best candidates for "deprescribing," or carefully reducing or stopping unnecessary medications, the researchers stated.

The authors noted several limitations, including that the study focused strictly on community-dwelling older adults, excluding those living in nursing homes or assisted care facilities.

Additionally, medication use was documented during a single 30-day snapshot at the start of the study, meaning researchers could not track subsequent changes in prescriptions or evolving health conditions over time.

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Experts emphasized that observational studies show association rather than direct causation. Older adults taking higher numbers of prescriptions often suffer from multiple severe or complex health conditions, which independently carry a higher mortality risk.

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Daily eating habit linked to better brain health in older adults, new research suggests

Eating within a shorter daily window could help support brain health as people age, according to new research.

Preliminary findings presented at NUTRITION 2026 — the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting in Maryland — suggests that older women who ate within eight to nine hours per day saw slight cognitive improvement compared to those who spread their meals over about 12 hours each day.

The small six-month trial included 47 postmenopausal obese or overweight women aged 50 to 79. They were each advised to reduce their daily food intake by about 500 calories.

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The participants were divided into two groups. One ate in a time-restricted window within an average of 8.2 hours, usually from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The other group ate across a 12.3-hour window, according to a news release.

Both groups lost about 15 pounds over six months, but those in the shorter eating-window group performed better on cognitive tests measuring spatial planning and problem-solving.

The shorter-window group also showed fewer errors on memory and learning tests, but no meaningful differences in reaction time or multi-tasking ability.

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"These outcomes suggest a better ability to remember information during everyday tasks and reduce mistakes related to memory, attention and problem-solving," lead researcher Sue Shapses, Ph.D., a professor at Rutgers University and Rutgers-RWJ Medical Center, said in a press release. "Reductions in the eating window predicted greater improvements."

Although the pilot study included only a small number of participants, the researchers believe that time-restricted eating may support brain health by regulating circadian rhythm, reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health.

Losing weight alone can help "ward off some of the aging-related cognitive decline," according to Shapses.

"And these data suggest there may be additional benefits if you stop eating four hours prior to going to sleep and reduce food intake to eight to nine hours per day, compared to the usual eating window of 12 hours per day."

Women, as well as adults who are overweight or obese, tend to face a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as they age, according to the researchers.

Lauri Wright, Ph.D., director of nutrition programs and associate professor at the USF College of Public Health, who was not involved in this research, reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

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"This is an interesting study because it suggests that when we eat may matter in addition to what and how much we eat," she said. "That suggests meal timing itself may have played a role, not just weight loss."

"The results are promising, but we need larger, longer studies before recommending time-restricted eating specifically to improve brain health."

Experts are still learning about how intermittent fasting affects the brain, although "several biological mechanisms are being considered," Wright noted.

"Giving the body a longer overnight break from eating may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce chronic inflammation, support healthy circadian rhythms and allow cells more time for repair and maintenance," she said. "Those processes are all linked to healthy brain aging."

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From a practical standpoint, eating within a shorter daily window often leads people to consume fewer calories, which can promote weight loss, according to New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco.

"We know that maintaining a healthy weight helps with virtually everything," she told Fox News Digital. "Eating within a restricted window helps people cut calories."

"When you fast or... have periods of time where you're not just eating throughout the whole day, it does help to lower markers of inflammation and certain sources of oxidative stress."

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Many people have reported "feeling better" when fasting, DeCicco noted — especially those who have inflammatory conditions, which can include neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

"When you're fasting, you're giving your organs a chance to rest, you're giving the digestive system a chance to ‘rest and digest,’" she added.

Intermittent fasting isn’t the only way to support cognitive health, Wright countered.

"Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, avoiding smoking, maintaining social connections and following an overall healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, have much stronger evidence for protecting cognitive function over time," she said. "Think of meal timing as one potential piece of the puzzle rather than a magic bullet."

Intermittent fasting "isn’t appropriate for everyone," Wright warned, adding that she would advise against it for children and teens, pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone with a history of an eating disorder, and people with diabetes who are taking insulin.

DeCicco agreed that fasting should be recommended and monitored by a medical professional, especially for those who take certain medications or have certain conditions.

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Weight-loss joke turns serious as 'cyclospora skinny' trend fuels health warnings

A social media trend dubbed "cyclospora skinny" is prompting warnings from medical professionals as Arizona health officials investigate 36 locally acquired cases of the intestinal illness.

Videos and jokes referencing the outbreak have spread across social platforms, with some users suggesting the parasite could be used as a rapid weight-loss method.

Medical experts emphasize that infection from Cyclospora cayetanensis, a foodborne intestinal parasite, is a painful illness.

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"Getting any kind of illness to purposely cause something like that is just a bad idea," Dr. Andrew Carroll, president of IntraCare and a physician in Chandler, Arizona, told Fox 10. "Plus, cyclosporiasis can be deadly. There are folks ending up in the hospital for long periods of time."

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic foodborne parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis, according to Mayo Clinic.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with fecal matter, often linked to fresh produce such as berries, basil, cilantro and bagged salad mixes.

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The parasite infects the small intestine, causing prolonged, watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramping and severe fatigue.

Infectious disease specialists emphasize that while weight loss can occur with cyclosporiasis, it results from fluid loss, muscle wasting and nutrient malabsorption — not healthy fat reduction.

Intentionally exposing yourself to Cyclospora — or ignoring symptoms of infection — can carry serious health risks, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Left untreated, a Cyclospora infection can persist for weeks or even months, cycling through periods of apparent improvement followed by relapses.

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Cyclospora cannot be detected through standard bacterial stool cultures and requires a specific laboratory test ordered by a physician.

Unlike many common stomach bugs that resolve on their own, severe or persistent Cyclospora infections typically require a prescription antibiotic, most often trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, to fully eliminate the parasite.

Severe diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and complications that are especially dangerous for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, experts warn.

"With diarrhea, if you’re not able to control that part of it, you’re going to lose a lot of electrolytes, so you’re going to have problems with muscle cramps and headaches and all those sorts of things," Carroll said.

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"We’re really aware of dehydration in this state; you don’t want to get to the state where your heart just can’t pump enough blood because there is no water in there."

Medical professionals urge the public not to view parasitic infections as a weight-loss shortcut. Instead, experts from Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic recommend practicing safe food handling and seeking medical attention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.

"People who are influencers on social media, a lot of people listen to them," Carroll said. "There’s millions of followers for these people and even the most off-colored comment, or meant to be funny, could be considered something serious."

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"Especially to someone who might be dealing and struggling with their weight; they might think, ‘Hey, it might be a good idea,’ and it’s never a good idea."

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Shark Week puts shark bite survival in focus with ER doc's expert tips

While shark encounters are exceedingly rare, an unexpected bite can pose an immediate, life-threatening emergency.

In the critical first five minutes following an attack, swift action is the single biggest factor in survival.

Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, an emergency medicine physician based in South Carolina, broke down the vital steps bystanders and victims should take to manage the situation before professional medical care arrives.

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The first step is to get the victim onto land or a boat to prevent further bites and avoid drowning. Once out of the water, the focus can shift to bleeding control.

"Shark bites vary in intensity and severity, but the main issue that all of them share is the need to stop the bleeding," Perry told Fox News Digital.

Because shark teeth can easily tear through major arteries, veins and tendons, uncontrolled blood loss is the biggest immediate threat.

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For severe limb injuries, it's essential to apply a tourniquet, but many people fail to apply sufficient pressure. The tourniquet must be placed above the wound and tightened to the point where a pulse can no longer be felt, according to Perry.

For example, if a victim is bitten near the elbow, the tourniquet must be placed around the upper bicep and tightened until the pulse at the wrist disappears completely.

"It may be painful, but it is necessary," Perry noted.

This aligns with national trauma protocols from the American College of Surgeons' Stop the Bleed initiative, which emphasizes that effective tourniquet placement requires firm, tight compression to fully stop arterial blood flow.

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Tourniquets are temporary tools and should be used for as short a duration as possible, Perry cautioned. There is a maximum window of about two hours before tissue damage occurs from lack of oxygenated blood flow.

If someone is stranded in a remote area and immediate emergency transport is unavailable, Perry recommends using a pressure dressing.

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This involves folding gauze multiple times, placing it directly over the specific point of bleeding, and wrapping it tightly. While a pressure dressing does not eliminate blood loss as completely as a tourniquet, it carries a much lower risk of tissue necrosis (death) during prolonged waits.

Bystanders play a crucial role beyond physical first aid by helping the victim stay motionless and quiet. Panic increases heart rate and blood pressure, which accelerates blood loss, the doctor noted.

Loss of consciousness after a shark attack can have more than one cause, Perry said.

A sudden drop in blood pressure and the body's stress response may trigger fainting. If the victim was deep underwater and surfaced too quickly during the attack, unconsciousness could signal a pressure-related diving injury, such as arterial gas embolism or barotrauma, which requires emergency treatment.

While controlling blood loss is crucial in the first five minutes, long-term recovery involves fighting off severe marine bacteria.

Aquatic bites are notorious sources of aggressive skin and soft-tissue infections like cellulitis, Perry warned.

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Once a patient is resuscitated with fluids and blood products at a medical facility, aggressive antibiotic treatment usually follows.

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