'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.

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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."

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"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.

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"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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fourth of July fireworks pose hidden health risk for certain Americans, experts warn

Fireworks have been a quintessential part of Fourth of July celebrations across the nation for generations.

But as Independence Day festivities light up the night sky, the colorful displays can also pose serious health risks — especially to the lungs.

Nearly 300 million pounds of fireworks are released into the atmosphere each year in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association. This creates smoke filled with tiny particles, as well as gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which are "very harmful to our lungs."

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The smoke from fireworks can also release harmful metals, like aluminum, manganese and cadmium, into the air.

Some illegal fireworks may contain lead, which the association describes as "extremely dangerous" due to its potential to cause lasting health damage.

"Inhaling any of these chemicals can irritate the lungs, making it hard to breathe and causing serious health problems, which is why it is important to avoid firework smoke whenever possible," the group said in a public advisory.

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Air pollution levels increase by an average of 42% on the Fourth of July, according to a 2015 study.

Smoke from fireworks can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups in those who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Fine particle pollution has also been linked to more serious health consequences, including heart attacks, stroke, lung cancer and premature death, according to the American Lung Association.

The organization warned that children, older adults and pregnant women, as well as people with lung and heart disease, are especially vulnerable.

Dr. Afif El-Hasan, member of the Lung Association’s board of directors, shared some advice for high-risk fireworks spectators in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Instead of using fireworks at home, El-Hasan recommends watching them from a distance.

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People with asthma who use a rescue inhaler should keep it close at hand in case fireworks trigger wheezing or other symptoms, the expert advised. Wearing a well-fitting N95 mask can also help reduce exposure to fine particles from fireworks smoke and debris.

"If you are familiar with the area and the wind patterns, try to be upwind from the fireworks display and avoid areas where smoke may accumulate," he said.

The expert also recommends attending fireworks events with friends or family, so someone is available to help if a medical emergency arises.

"Make sure you have taken all of your preventative medication before a fireworks show," El-Hasan advised. "If possible, take a car to the fireworks display. Try to park as close as possible to the event in case you have to get to the car quickly."

The expert also recommends drinking water immediately after the show to clear the upper airway. Changing and washing clothes upon returning home can also help to prevent smoke particles from accumulating in the home.

If case of shortness of breath or chest pain, it's important to seek medical care immediately.

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What killed Americans in 1776? The answer is dramatically different from today

The leading causes of death have changed dramatically since America's founding 250 years ago, highlighting how far medicine has come.

Diseases that once devastated communities have largely given way to chronic conditions, data shows, reflecting centuries of breakthroughs in public health, prevention and treatment.

"The amount of changes that have happened over the past 250 years are immeasurable when it comes to life expectancy and disease," Kenneth J. Perry, M.D., an emergency physician in Charleston, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

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"Our life expectancy as a country increased from roughly 30 years at the time of the country’s founding to close to 80 years today."

Although there were no official national mortality records in 1776, historians agree that the following illnesses were responsible for the largest number of deaths.

These conditions had much higher fatality rates in 1776 because Americans had no antibiotics, few vaccines, no understanding of germ theory, no sterile surgical techniques and limited access to hospitals, experts note.

There was also a lack of safe drinking water, modern sewage systems and refrigeration, making it more likely for foodborne and waterborne illnesses to spread.

Patients also did not yet have access to blood transfusions, anesthesia and other lifesaving medical advances, according to the CDC, NLM and NIH.

The first official national mortality statistics were published by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1900.

The data points to the following leading causes of death in the 1900s.

Nearly one-third of all deaths were caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis and diarrheal diseases, and about 30% of all deaths occurred in children younger than age 5, records show.

The introduction of vaccines dramatically reduced certain diseases, including smallpox, polio, diphtheria, measles and whooping cough. In 1980, smallpox became the first human disease ever eradicated worldwide.

Improvements in clean water and sanitation also contributed to greater longevity, as cities built sewage systems, water treatment plants and indoor plumbing, according to the CDC. As a result, deaths from cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever fell dramatically.

Germ theory also emerged in the late 1800s, in which scientists discovered that germs caused disease. This led to vast transformations in surgery, childbirth, handwashing, sterilization and infection control, per NIH and the Science History Institute.

Routine screening has enabled earlier detection of breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, while improvements in surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have helped many patients live longer.

A recent analysis by the National Cancer Institute found that prevention and screening accounted for about 80% of the cancer deaths averted over the past 45 years for five major cancer types.

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In the 1940s, the widespread use of penicillin allowed for the treatment of diseases that were once fatal, including pneumonia, strep infections, wound infections and sepsis.

Advances in childbirth — including prenatal care, Cesarean sections, blood transfusions, antibiotics and neonatal intensive care — also dramatically improved maternal and infant survival compared with colonial America.

The mid-20th century also ushered in improvements in heart disease treatments. The use of CPR, defibrillators, coronary care units, bypass surgery, stents, statins and blood pressure medications helped to reduce cardiovascular deaths, according to the American Heart Association.

In a vast contrast to 1776, chronic diseases now account for most American deaths, because people generally live long enough to develop them.

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Current U.S. health data shows that the following conditions are now the leading causes of death.

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"The transformation of deaths in the last 250 years, largely from infectious diseases to currently chronic debilitating diseases, represents both success and new challenges Americans will have to face," Dr. Omer Awan, a physician and professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

The uptick in chronic diseases is driven not only by an increasingly aging population, but by people’s lifestyle behaviors, according to the doctor.

"The chronic disease epidemic has been fueled by lack of exercise, as well as diets rich in fats, salts and ultraprocessed foods," he told Fox News Digital. "This has also led to the rise of obesity, which contributes to many of the chronic medical conditions that are among the top killers for Americans in the modern era."

Public health advances can change the course of health for millions of Americans, Awan said.

"Just as vaccines and antibiotics prolonged life centuries ago, so can lifestyle changes, exercise and new therapies that target obesity — like GLP-1 drugs and medications that promote better metabolic health."

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Mystery parasite leaves Americans battling ‘explosive diarrhea’ as CDC investigates

Federal health officials are attempting to track down the source of a microscopic parasite that triggers prolonged gastrointestinal illness, as domestic cases begin to climb for the summer season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 145 cases of cyclosporiasis across 17 states as of mid-June 2026, all linked to infections acquired in the U.S.

The culprit is Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite known to cause cyclosporiasis.

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The hallmark symptom of the infection is watery, often "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.

Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.

The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.

Cases have cropped up in states ranging from Texas to Alaska. New York has been hit the hardest so far, reporting between 31 and 80 cases, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each reported between 11 and 30 cases.

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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. Out of the 145 confirmed cases, 20 patients have required hospitalization, per the CDC.

No deaths have yet been reported. Patients range from 5 to 86 years old, though the median age is 42, and women make up 61% of the reported cases, data shows.

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The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multi-state clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.

"There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking all cases," the CDC noted in its surveillance report.

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The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

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