Vibrating weight loss pill could provide alternative to Ozempic and Wegovy, researchers say

A vibrating pill has shown promise in early studies as a possible obesity treatment.

Developed by engineers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the capsule is intended to be swallowed prior to eating in order to "trick" the brain into thinking the body is full — thereby reducing the amount of calories consumed.

The vibrations activate the "stretch receptors" that detect satiety after eating, sending a signal to the brain that the stomach is full even if it’s not.

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In a study published in the journal Science Advances on Dec. 22, researchers revealed that animals who swallowed the pill 20 minutes before eating consumed 40% less food than those who weren’t given the pill, according to a press release from MIT. 

They also gained weight more slowly.

"For somebody who wants to lose weight or control their appetite, it could be taken before each meal," said lead author Shriya Srinivasan, PhD, a former MIT graduate student who is now an assistant professor of bioengineering at Harvard University, in the press release. 

"This could be really interesting in that it would provide an option that could minimize the side effects that we see with the other pharmacological treatments out there," she also said.

The capsule, which is about the size of a multivitamin, includes a small oxide battery. 

EXPERIMENTAL WEIGHT LOSS DRUG COULD HELP TREAT FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PEOPLE WITH OBESITY, STUDY FINDS

After it’s swallowed, stomach acids dissolve the casing of the pill and the vibrating motor is activated.

The vibrations then activate the receptors that stimulate the vagus nerve, which sends a signal of fullness to the brain. 

In the animal study, this triggered the production of insulin as well as the same hormones that are created after eating to a state of fullness. It also reduced levels of ghrelin, the hormone that creates feelings of hunger.

"We have the potential to overcome some of the challenges and costs associated with delivery of biologic drugs by modulating the enteric nervous system," said senior author Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in the release.

The hope is that the vibrating pill could one day serve as an alternative to other approaches — including invasive surgeries and expensive injectable medications — for people who don’t have success in controlling obesity through diet and exercise, doctors say.

"For a lot of populations, some of the more effective therapies for obesity are very costly. At scale, our device could be manufactured at a pretty cost-effective price point," said Srinivasan. 

"I’d love to see how this would transform care and therapy for people in global health settings who may not have access to some of the more sophisticated or expensive options that are available today."

The researchers aim to test the capsules in human clinical trials in 2024.

Fox News Digital reached out to the MIT researchers for additional comment.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, joined "America’s Newsroom" on Dec. 29 to share his thoughts about the capsule, which he called "fascinating."

"The key is that it's going to be a smart pill that AI can regulate and can send signals back to a computer that are then analyzed, to try to figure out how much to make it vibrate," Siegel said on the Fox News program.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? 

"It stays in your stomach for four to five days and then it passes and you could replace it with another one."

Siegel compared the pill to injectable semaglutides such as Wegovy and Ozempic.

"Those medications also slow emptying of the stomach and actually have the same effect, but they also improve insulin and glucose management and they stop your brain from wanting to eat," he said. 

Given those extra benefits, Siegel said that Ozempic and Wegovy have a "metabolic advantage" over the vibrating pill, but noted that not everyone can tolerate those medications due to side effects. 

"This could very well be an alternative," he said. "I think it’s exciting and I think it’s on the road to smart pill technology for 2024."

In the U.S., approximately 30.7% of U.S. adults are overweight, 42.4% are obese and 9.2% have severe obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health.

"If you gain weight, [it] increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer," Siegel told Fox News. 

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"Those are huge reasons to get people exercising, eating right and getting the weight off."

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Burn treatment made from pineapples reduces need for skin grafting surgery: 'New avenue of wound care'

A newly approved medicinal cream made from pineapples could be a "game-changer" for burn patients, doctors say.

At Stony Brook Medicine’s burn center in New York, doctors recently started using NexoBrid, which became commercially available on Sept. 20, to treat deep burns.

This is a departure from surgical skin grafting, which has been the go-to treatment for the past few decades, according to Dr. Adam Singer, an emergency medicine physician at Stony Brook.

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"Since 1970, the standard of care for deep burns has required an operating room and a surgeon to cut it out," he told Fox News Digital.

Singer compared the surgical treatment to slicing cheese — "where you cut sequential slices of the burn tissue until you get down to normal, healthy tissue where it bleeds, and then you put a skin graft on it."

With MediWound’s new topical medication — which contains an enzyme called bromelain that’s derived from the stems of pineapples — patients are far less likely to need a surgical procedure, the doctor noted.

"You apply it to the burn, and within four hours, it dissolves the burn tissue," Singer said.

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"It's very selective — so the minute it hits normal tissue that is not burned, it stops dissolving."

With grafting, healthy tissue is often inadvertently removed along with the burn tissue, Singer pointed out.

"That tells us that we’re not very good at distinguishing between third-degree and second-degree burns," he said. 

NexoBrid removes all of the burn tissue within four hours — allowing doctors to see how deep the burn is and whether the patient will require a skin graft.

"In many cases during trials, once we applied the cream, we found that the burn wasn't that deep, which then enabled the patient to heal spontaneously without the need for a skin donor site," said Singer.

The cream also allows doctors to diagnose the depth of burns much faster. 

Traditionally, they had to wait up to a week to make that determination, which increased the risk of infection.

"If we apply the burn cream right after the injury, we immediately know how deep it is," said Singer. 

In clinical trials, researchers found that use of the cream reduced surgery occurrence from 72% of patients to just 4%.

"It’s basically turning a surgical disease into more of a medical disease that’s treated at the bedside instead of in the operating room," Singer noted.

The amount of bleeding is also much less than when a knife is used to remove the tissue, as it’s a minimally invasive treatment.

At Stony Brook, doctors have treated many patients with NexoBrid during clinical trials, but this month marked the first time they used the medication on "regular" patients, now that it’s commercially available.

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The first patient, a 53-year-old New York man, was involved in an accident with his firepit that caused second-degree and third-degree burns to his legs.

"Normally it would have taken us several days to see what would stay healthy and what would convert to a deeper burn," Dr. Steven Sandoval, a burn surgeon at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

But in this case, the doctors applied the newly available medication.

Four hours after applying NexoBrid, the doctors were able to see exactly how deep the wounds were.

"The pineapple gel ate away at any non-living tissue," Sandoval said. "We were able to shave off days of hospitalization."

Within just two weeks, the patient was healing well enough to be discharged.

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The second patient who received NexoBrid was involved in an electrical-based fire, which typically creates even more severe burns than flame-based injuries.

"Again, within four hours, it removed the dead tissue and allowed the healthy tissue to progress," said Sandoval.

Both patients were able to avoid surgery.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, noted that "enzymatic debridement" creams aren’t new.

"They have been around since at least 2008 and have been used extensively, including by Israeli [doctors], who have extensive experience treating burns from combat victims," he told Fox News Digital. 

"This particular cream may be more effective than previous versions," Siegel added, referencing NexoBrid.

It may not prevent the need for surgery in all cases, however.

ASK A DOC: ‘WHAT SHOULD I DO, OR NOT DO, PRIOR TO SURGERY?’

"When there is too much dead tissue in important areas, skin grafts become necessary," Siegel noted. "This cream does not rebuild new tissue and does not prevent the need for skin grafting in the most severely burned patients."

Singer and Sandoval acknowledged that other enzymatic agents have been available, but said they work much slower than the new medicine.

"There is no other current gel on the market that's as quick as this," Sandoval told Fox News Digital. "There's one other gel on the market that softens up the non-viable burn tissue, but it takes several weeks to work."

NexoBrid has been approved in Europe since 2014 but wasn’t approved in the U.S. until just before the start of 2023.

The medication is currently approved for adults with a certain depth of burns. 

It can be applied to any part of the body except the face and genitalia.

The only noted side effect of the medication is some degree of pain.

"Everybody is different in how they respond to the sensation of the cream itself," Sandoval told Fox News Digital. "Some patients require more pain medication than others."

Looking ahead, the doctors hope that NexoBrid will be cleared for use with children and for other wounds that have dead tissue, such as advanced bed sores.

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Sandoval added, "It really opens up a whole new avenue of wound care beyond just burns."

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Google reveals the top 10 health searches of 2023 — and experts answer them

Some 35% of U.S. adults have gone online in an attempt to diagnose their health symptoms — and now Google is revealing which conditions they were most curious about this year.

The search engine giant has released its annual "Year in Search," which breaks down the top queries for everything from news and entertainment to health and medical maladies.

Here are the top 10 health-related questions of 2023 — along with experts’ responses to each.

Cases of strep throat, an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by the bacteria group A Streptococcus, spiked in 2023.

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In February of this year, the number of cases was 30% higher than the same time in 2017, according to CDC data.

The length of time that strep is contagious depends on whether the person is taking antibiotics, noted Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor.

"If you are taking them, you will likely no longer be contagious in one to two days," he told Fox News Digital. 

"If you are not taking antibiotics (or if the diagnosis is missed), then you can be contagious for weeks," he said.

Strep throat is "very contagious," Siegel noted — especially at the beginning of the infection.

"It is spread easily by secretions and droplets," he said. "It can also spread through the air with sneezing or coughing."

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The bacteria can be spread via respiratory droplets while talking, coughing or sneezing, according to the CDC website.

People can also contract the bacteria by sharing drinking glasses or food with an infected person.

Infected sores on the skin are another potential source of spread, per the CDC.

Nearly two out of every five adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol, which is 200 md/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or greater.

When cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries, the risk of heart disease and stroke is elevated.

While genetics has some impact on cholesterol levels, poor dietary choices coupled with a sedentary lifestyle can cause a spike, warned Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurologist and longevity expert.

To reduce cholesterol, he suggested eating a low glycemic index, anti-inflammatory diet, plus exercising four to five times per week.

ASK A DOC: 'HOW CAN I PREVENT HIGH CHOLESTEROL?'

"I recommend a regimen consisting of anti-inflammatory fats such as olive oil, flax seed oil, avocado and nuts, leafy vegetables and beans, and protein from chicken, turkey, fish and eggs (limit of four whole eggs daily)," Osborn told Fox News Digital.

For exercise, he said he recommends strength training three days per week. At least two days a week, he recommends doing cardio at 70% of your calculated maximum heart rate (estimated as 220 – age). 

"The upshot? A leaner, more muscular body with lower cholesterol and an overall better bloodwork," Osborn said. 

"That’s where health lies — in your biochemistry."

Bloating is commonly viewed as a "minor and tolerable gastrointestinal issue," noted Melanie Avalon, an Atlanta-based health influencer, entrepreneur and host of The Intermittent Fasting Podcast and The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast.

In some cases, however, addressing the source of the bloating can also enhance overall health.

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"Foods rich in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) can be hard to digest for some, and adopting a low FODMAP diet often helps alleviate bloating," Avalon told Fox News Digital.

Examples of high FODMAP foods are beans, lentils, wheat, and various fruits and vegetables. 

Supplementing with digestive enzymes, such as betaine HCl, can also help reduce bloating, according to Avalon.

An imbalance in gut bacteria can also lead to bloating, as the microbiome produces gaseous byproducts like hydrogen and methane, she said. 

In addition to what people eat, the way they eat can also contribute to bloating, she noted.

"Eating too fast, not chewing thoroughly, having large meals and drinking carbonated drinks can result in swallowing excess air, leading to bloating," Avalon said. 

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Instead, she said that "taking the time to enjoy meals, avoiding multitasking and starting with a moment of prayer or gratitude can help set a peaceful tone, aiding digestion."

Bloating might also indicate food intolerances or allergies, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, as well as stress or hormonal fluctuations, she indicated. 

"Tackling bloating usually requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing dietary adjustments, potential probiotic supplementation, stress management and medical treatment for underlying conditions if needed," said Avalon.

"By actively addressing what may seem like a minor issue of bloating, many individuals can significantly improve their overall health."

Someone with low blood pressure has a reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic), according to Mayo Clinic.

Low blood pressure can cause dizziness and increase the risk of falls, Osborn warned.

"Outside of a primary cardiac issue, the most common reasons for low blood pressure are dehydration coupled with overmedication," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

NEW BLOOD PRESSURE PROCEDURE IS ‘GAME-CHANGING’ FOR PEOPLE WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION, SAY DOCTORS

To prevent this, he said it’s essential to stay well-hydrated with electrolyte-laden beverages. 

For those who are on medication to control hypertension, Osborn recommended checking blood pressure several times during the week to ensure that the levels aren’t too low.

"If your blood pressure is <110/70, please discuss this with your doctor, as you are potentially at a high fall risk," he said.

Endurance athletes or lifelong trainees may normally have low blood pressure, Osborn added.

"If you are not dizzy, lightheaded, diaphoretic (sweaty) or tachycardic (pulse > 100), it is likely that your system has long accommodated to the lower pressures, and there is no cause for concern," he said.

"Acute changes in blood pressure — with the above symptoms — are potentially problematic and should be discussed with your physician," he also said.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which leads to an overgrowth of keratin in the skin's top layer, Avalon said.

"This results in various types of warts, including common warts on the hands and fingers, plantar warts on the feet, flat warts on the arms or face, and genital warts," she told Fox News Digital.

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Warts are transmitted through contact, especially on broken or damaged skin.

It can take weeks or months for the warts to appear after initial exposure. 

"Although most warts are harmless, an individual's immune system can influence their severity," said Avalon. 

Treatments for warts range from topical salicylic acid and cryotherapy to laser treatment and immune system support, among other methods.

Nausea is the result of interactions among the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear, according to Avalon.

"Disturbances in any of these systems can result in nausea, underscoring its importance as a marker of bodily imbalances or disorders," she told Fox News Digital.

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Some of the most common causes of nausea include alcohol consumption, pregnancy, motion sickness or gastrointestinal distress, but Avalon pointed out that there could be many different underlying triggers.

"Nausea can appear suddenly, triggered by factors such as eating or environmental shifts," she said. "Chronic nausea, on the other hand, may point to deeper health issues, like hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders or ongoing stress."

Nausea can also be caused by neurological issues or emotional distress, the expert added.

"Regardless of the circumstances, nausea indicates that something is amiss in the body, serving as a valuable signal pointing to deeper physical or mental health issues that need addressing for optimal health and well-being," said Avalon.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and elevated protein in urine, which can be a warning sign of kidney damage, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Swelling of the face and hands is another common indicator.

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Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, reduced blood platelets, severe headaches, increased liver enzymes, vision disturbances, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The primary cause of preeclampsia stems from the placenta, Mayo Clinic states.

In a normal, healthy pregnancy, blood vessels are created to provide the nutrients and oxygen the placenta needs.

When those blood vessels don’t develop or function correctly, it can impair the flow of blood to the placenta — which can cause blood pressure to rise.

An estimated 45% of adults snore occasionally, while a quarter of adults do so on a regular basis, according to Johns Hopkins.

ASK A DOC: 'WHEN IS SNORING A SIGN OF A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM?'

At a minimum, snoring can disrupt sleep or annoy partners — but for some people, it can signal a serious health issue.

This common issue can affect sleep quality and lead to frequent sleep disruptions — but in some cases, it can be a sign of a serious health issue.

If snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing, gasping for air or choking sounds, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, warned Dr. Shelby Harris, a New York-based clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis.

"Risks associated with OSA can include an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attack," the doctor told Fox News Digital earlier this year.

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In that case, she recommended seeing a sleep specialist.

For snoring that is not caused by an underlying condition, such actions as sleeping on your side, elevating your head, avoiding alcohol before bed, maintaining a healthy weight and using a humidifier in your bedroom can help reduce snoring, according to Harris.

Food poisoning is a sickness caused by the consumption of certain germs, such as Salmonella or E. coli, according to the CDC.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. The effects can range from mild to serious.

Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, the CDC stated.

People should seek medical attention if any of the symptoms become severe — especially bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than three days, inability to keep fluids down, fever over 102°F and signs of dehydration.

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Jewish students struggling with antisemitism at college now have use of walk-in mental health clinic

Touro University, one of the largest private Jewish universities in the U.S., recently opened a free, walk-in mental health clinic on its Times Square campus in New York City. 

One of the clinic's goals is to assist students who may have anxiety about growing antisemitism in the city, according to the university.

Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, the clinic's head, as well as a current student, told Fox News Digital about the importance of protecting students’ mental health — particularly during times of conflict and persecution.

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With over 20,000 students across many different campuses, Touro has always prioritized mental health services, Lichtman said during a Zoom interview.

"Research has shown that since the pandemic, the levels of reported anxiety and depression have not gone down — they have either remained the same or even increased," said Lichtman, the director of student mental health services at the university.

In many cases, students will seek help for anxiety related to academics, relationships, illness or career uncertainty. Yet in recent months, there have been heightened concerns surrounding the waves of antisemitism that have been reported throughout the city.

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While the university hasn’t experienced blatant acts of antisemitism, Lichtman said there have been "minor, low-level incidents."

"There is lots of anxiety, general feelings of unease and a sort of pervasive sadness," he said.

"You put on the news and there's very little other than who was killed today, or what violence is going on in different parts of the world or in your own city," he went on. 

"But people's individual lives go on, with a kind of heaviness. And so we try to provide some perspective and balance to help them."

The bulk of the university’s mental health service offerings have been individualized counseling, but some students prefer the "relative anonymity" of a group session or may crave the feeling of belonging.

"You know, it's a lonely world out there, in the age of social media," Lichtman pointed out. "You can have 1,000 friends and still have no meaningful friendships or relationships. And so being part of a group can begin to address that in some small way."

The clinic also offers workshops on managing anxiety and practicing mindfulness.

The goal of the new drop-in center is to provide one more option for students who need impromptu support without having to make an appointment.

"Maybe they’re on campus and they had a tough day, and they just want to peek in and see who’s there," said Lichtman. "We’re trying to support students in ways that will speak to them."

For some students, the drop-in center has served as a stepping stone to getting longer-term care.

"It’s a first step — we get them in the door and then many want to continue with individual counseling," said Lichtman. "The primary goal is to get them to engage in a more ongoing and committed sort of way."

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Yakira Colish, a political science honors student at Touro’s Lander College for Women, told Fox News Digital that she appreciates the extra mental health services the university offers — especially in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

"It’s been more difficult in our college, especially the one that I'm in, which is entirely Jewish and orthodox, with really strong ties to Israel," she said.

"We’ve all been following the news, and that has contributed to heightened levels of anxiety, checking in to make sure your relatives are alive, which is a real concern."

She added, "There is a general feeling among a lot of Jewish students — not just in Touro — that America may be just as dangerous as Israel."

The mental health resources are especially vital in New York City, Colish noted, which she described as having "a bit of antisemitic undertones."

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"There have been threats to Jewish schools and synagogues," she said. "And when I walk around my dorm, there are posters of kidnapped children ripped down. I feel like anything can happen at any moment."

While the students at Touro have been relatively "sheltered" from antisemitism, according to Colish, she is concerned about what will happen when they move on to graduate schools or law schools.

"I think a lot of us are keeping up with the news of what's been going on at top universities — and we can't escape the fact that there's antisemitism," she said.

Colish, who is pursuing a career in diplomacy, recently applied to Harvard Divinity for a master’s in theology.

"In my circles, there’s a lot more hesitancy now when people hear I'm going," she said. "There's a real fear for my safety."

On the other hand, Colish said she doesn’t believe avoiding those places is the answer.

"I don't believe the solution is to like vacate spaces of pro-Israel voices," she told Fox News Digital. "I think that could be more dangerous. But I think there's a very weird irony to the world right now."

Some of the students have also experienced feelings of guilt, Lichtman and Colish agreed.

"These are 20-year-olds who are applying to grad school, trying to move on with their lives or just having a good time with their friends, while they have family in Israel," said Lichtman. 

"Some of them have disclosed to us feelings of guilt, saying, ‘How can I hang out with my friends when my cousin or my brother is in the Israeli army?’"

Not all anxiety is necessarily bad, Lichtman pointed out.

"A low amount of anxiety is actually very normal and even healthy — but when it becomes so intense and pervasive that it gets in the way of day-to-day functioning, that’s when it becomes problematic," he said.

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It’s important for students to recognize when they need help, the doctor said.

"We live in a culture of rugged individualism, where the message is that we should be able to handle it ourselves, but that’s not true — everybody needs help," he said.

Talking about the anxiety is a simple yet highly effective strategy, said Lichtman — something he calls "naming the monster."

"Talking about the source of anxiety literally helps to bring it down," he said. "For one, it might be food, for another it might be religion. Naming the monster helps to tame the monster."

Acknowledging and expressing gratitude is an important tool for combating anxiety, Lichtman said.

"For all the challenges that we may have, we also have blessings," he said. "Sometimes it's family, sometimes it's friends, sometimes other things."

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For many of Touro’s students, they may be the first in their families to go to college, for example, or the first to live in the United States.

"With all of the challenges that may exist in the U.S., it is still an amazing, wonderful country," Lichtman pointed out.

"I think it's important to reflect on those blessings, as they give us perspective and balance that helps us better manage the anxiety."

From a student’s standpoint, Colish recommended that young people keep up with the news, but in moderation. 

In terms of managing anxiety, exercise is one of her most effective tools. 

"Whenever I'm having a lot of big feelings, I like to go on a run or go rock-climbing," she said. "Movement is incredibly helpful."

"I also find it oddly comforting that this is sort of a wave of history that has happened before," Colish added. "Jewish history is like this, with ups and downs."

"As a nation, we've been through it before and we'll go through it again."

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Assisted deaths may soon be a reality for those suffering from mental illness in Canada

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Under a new law that would go into effect in March, patients suffering from mental illness in Canada would be able to have access to an assisted death, according to the New York Times. 

Canada already offers the option to terminally and chronically ill patients.

Bill C-7, which passed in March 2021, acknowledged that "further consultation and deliberation are required to determine whether it is appropriate and, if so, how to provide medical assistance in dying (MAID) to persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness."

On February 2, 2023, the federal government announced plans to delay MAID eligibility for people whose sole medical condition is mental illness until March 17, 2024, according to Dying with Dignity Canada.

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Dying With Dignity Canada is the national human-rights charity that says it is committed to improving the quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights and helping Canadians avoid unwanted suffering. 

If the law passes, it would make Canada one of about half a dozen countries that allow the procedure for that type of illness.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his administration have been criticized for the new policy since it was announced, with some members of the Conservative Party accusing the government of promoting a "culture of death." 

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An Ipsos poll, commissioned by Dying With Dignity Canada in 2023, showed that a strong majority of people in Canada, nearly 80%, support the bill.

Supporters claim denying mentally ill people access to the same humane option to end their suffering amounts to discrimination. 

Parliament has delayed adding mental illness as an option to receive an assisted death for the past three years over concerns about how they can administer it and added that it could get delayed again. Canada’s existing assisted death law only applies to people who are terminally ill or living with physical disabilities or chronic, incurable conditions.

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In 2015, Canada's Supreme Court decriminalized assisted death, claiming that forcing Canadians to live with intolerable suffering violates fundamental rights to liberty and security.

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According to a report by the federal health ministry, over 13,000 Canadians had an assisted death last year, which totaled a 31% increase from the previous year. The report showed that of those numbers, 463 people were not actually terminally ill, but suffered from other medical conditions. 

According to the Times, a person seeking assisted death would have to be evaluated, and their condition determined to be "irremediable."

Fox News Digital reached out to Dying with Dignity Canada for comment on this story, but has back yet heard back.

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Birth of 'miracle twins,' 5 resolutions for wellness, and 9 mental health predictions

CHRISTMAS DELIVERY – An Alabama woman with a double uterus delivered twin babies, one from each womb. Her doctors share the details. Continue reading…

FRECKLE FACTS – Here's what really causes the pigmented spots, according to the experts. Continue reading…

BACK TO BASICS – A longevity expert shares 5 tips for a healthier 2024, with a focus on "tried and true" steps to wellness. Continue reading…

UNDER PRESSURE – A new procedure has been shown to control treatment-resistant hypertension. Here's how it works. Continue reading…

POSITIVE CASE – Colorado's first case of measles in four years was confirmed in Denver. Continue reading…

HEALTHY MINDSET – A psychotherapist shares 9 predictions for mental health trends in 2024. Continue reading…

ANIMAL THERAPY – For adults over 50, pets could be the best medicine for cognitive health, a new study finds. Continue reading…

‘GROUNDBREAKING’ VACCINE – A new Moderna vaccine is personalized to each tumor for improved survival. A doctor shares the details. Continue reading…

SAVING SANTA – Dennis Vaughan, aka Santa Claus, reunited with the medical team who saved his life after a critical cardiac event. Continue reading…

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‘Miracle twins’ are born to Alabama woman with double uterus: ‘True medical surprise’

After making headlines for her "one-in-50-million" pregnancy, Kelsey Hatcher, 32, gave birth to twin daughters just in time to bring them home for Christmas.

The Alabama woman has a rare condition called uterus didelphys, which means she has a double uterus. 

Only about 0.3% of the population has this condition.

In this pregnancy, which was Hatcher’s fourth, her twins were separated — one in each uterus. The odds of any given woman having this type of pregnancy is about one in 50 million, as an OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston told Scientific American.

ALABAMA WOMAN WITH TWO UTERUSES IS PREGNANT WITH TWINS, ONE IN EACH WOMB: ‘1 IN 50 MILLION’ CHANCE

Hatcher arrived at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital on Dec. 19 for a scheduled induction, according to a press release provided to Fox News Digital.

After 20 combined hours of labor, Hatcher gave birth to two girls, who ended up entering the world on different days. 

Roxi was born on Dec. 19.

Rebel was born on Dec. 20.

ALABAMA WOMAN WITH RARE DOUBLE UTERUS PREPARES TO GIVE BIRTH TO HER ‘MIRACLE’ TWINS

"Never in our wildest dreams could we have planned a pregnancy and birth like this, but bringing our two healthy baby girls into this world safely was always the goal, and UAB helped us accomplish that," Hatcher said, according to the press release. 

"It seems appropriate that they had two birthdays, though. They both had their own ‘houses,’ and now both have their own unique birth stories."

Hatcher first found out about her condition when she was 17.

Her first three children — Raelynn (6), River (4) and Rhemy (2) — were the result of "normal" pregnancies.

For Hatcher’s latest pregnancy, it was discovered at her eight-week ultrasound that she was carrying twins in two different uteruses.

"All I could do was laugh," Hatcher told Fox News Digital last month. "I immediately called my husband, Caleb, to tell him, as he was not at the appointment with me. He and I just laughed together."

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Hatcher’s doctors were also in shock, she said — repeating how "rare and special" her case was.

Kelsey’s obstetrician, Shweta Patel, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, cared for Hatcher during her third pregnancy and the most recent "miracle" pregnancy, which Patel referred to as a "true medical surprise."

"I knew I would need additional expertise," the doctor said in the press release. "Luckily, I was able to reach out to my UAB maternal-fetal medicine colleagues who specialize in high-risk obstetrics cases and unique pregnancies."

Other than a few additional appointments, Hatcher’s pregnancy was routine.

"In a typical twin pregnancy, the twins share one womb, which can limit the amount of space each has, making preterm or early birth a high possibility," said Richard O. Davis, M.D., professor in the UAB Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, in the release.

"With Kelsey’s babies, they each had their own womb, sac, placenta and umbilical cord, allowing them extra space to grow and develop," added Davis, who co-managed Hatcher’s pregnancy. 

Although Hatcher had one baby in each uterus, two eggs were released that were fertilized during the same ovulation cycle — which meets the criteria of fraternal twins.

"At the end of the day, it was two babies in one belly at the same time," Davis said in the release. "They just had different apartments."

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The main uncertainty was how the babies would be delivered.

While C-sections may be a "more controlled delivery option" for high-risk cases like Hatcher’s, Patel noted, the doctors wanted to honor Hatcher’s wishes of having the same birth experience as she had with her other children — as long as it was safe.

When Hatcher didn’t go into labor on her own, she was induced at 39 weeks. 

She was assigned two labor and delivery nurses to monitor each uterus and baby.

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"As my contractions began, they were not consistently together but were within a few seconds of each other," Kelsey told UAB. "I felt each side contracting in different areas as well. I felt one consistent with the monitor that started on the left side and moved to the right."

The baby in the right uterus, named Roxi, was delivered vaginally at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 19, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

"There was a cheer from everyone in the room when the first baby was delivered, but there was another baby left," Patel said. 

"Kelsey was essentially laboring in the left uterus while simultaneously undergoing the postpartum process in the right."

"She was having contractions with Baby B while breastfeeding Baby A."

When the induction process moved more slowly than the doctors anticipated, the decision was made to deliver Baby B, named Rebel, via C-section. 

Rebel was born on Dec. 20 at 6:10 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces.

The nursing team arranged for Roxi’s bassinet to be in the operating room when Rebel was born.

"After such a long and crazy journey, it meant the world to see both of my girls together for the first time," Hatcher said.

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New blood pressure procedure is ‘game-changing’ for people with uncontrolled hypertension, say doctors

People with treatment-resistant hypertension could benefit from a new procedure that the FDA recently approved.

The minimally invasive procedure targets nerves near the kidneys to help control high blood pressure when medications fail to do so.

Dr. Samin Sharma, an interventional cardiologist and director of the Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Clinical Institute at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City, performed the new procedure on a patient with uncontrolled hypertension earlier this month.

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"When the device came, we said, ‘We are going to try it on you,’" Sharma told Fox News Digital. 

"He said yes and was very happy."

The treatment uses a device that ablates the overstimulated sympathetic nerves near the kidneys, Sharma said.

It can help control the patient’s blood pressure for at least five years, possibly preventing life-threatening events such as heart attack, stroke, brain bleeds and kidney failure.

Two devices — Medtronic’s Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system and Recor Medical’s Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation system — have received FDA approval for this treatment as of the end of December 2023.

The device is indicated "to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in patients with hypertension in whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure," according to the FDA’s approval statement.

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The procedure is intended for individuals who do not show blockage of the kidney arteries, Sharma noted.

During the one-hour procedure, interventional cardiologists insert a thin tube into the renal artery, which sends sound waves or radiofrequency energy that targets and ablates the overactive sympathetic nerves that are connected to the kidney, Sharma told Fox News Digital.

"You kind of destroy the nerve endings," the doctor said. 

This calms the nerves’ excessive activity — which mitigates blood pressure to the brain. 

Studies have shown that this ablation technique helps to lower systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure readings in individuals for months or even years.

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There is most likely no negative impact on the kidneys, Sharma told Fox News Digital.

As with any procedure, however, there are some risks involved. 

One potential risk is that an artery is damaged during the procedure. 

"Damage can occur in about one in 500 cases," Sharma said. 

"We don’t expect this to happen, but that is a [potential] complication."

On Dec. 4, Sharma and his team of doctors at Mount Sinai performed the procedure on Adit Dhawan, 44.

Dhawan, a married father who lives on Long Island, New York, spoke to Fox News Digital about the experience.

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Ever since he was diagnosed with high blood pressure at age 19, he'd taken several different medications over the decades, none of which helped. 

Dhawan also followed a relatively healthy diet and exercised regularly. 

Despite these efforts, his blood pressure has averaged 150/90-100 mm Hg since he was in his twenties, he told Fox News Digital. 

A normal blood pressure reading is between 110-120/70-80 mm Hg, according to medical experts.

A few months ago, when Dhawan took the measurement at home, the result was even higher than what he typically saw.

"It was super high — 170/100. That’s when I freaked out," he said.

When he sought Sharman’s help, the doctor told Dhawan about the new procedure — and he was eager to give it a try.

A SINGLE ALCOHOLIC DRINK PER DAY COULD RAISE BLOOD PRESSURE, SAYS STUDY

After the procedure, which Dhawan described as "not bad," he took Tylenol for some mild soreness that lasted for about three days.

Now, just three weeks later, he is already seeing the benefits of the procedure. Dhawan is already taking far fewer blood pressure medications and is back to running and exercising, he told Fox News Digital.

"I’m really glad, because high blood pressure is a silent killer," he said. "I’m very happy. Everything is fine. All my vitals are great."

Dhawan’s blood pressure is now averaging 135/85 — the lowest it has been in many years.

Mount Sinai is the only hospital in New York — and one of the few places in the country — to perform this "game-changing" procedure, according to a press release.

Several physicians not involved with Dhawan’s case spoke to Fox News Digital about the new treatment for uncontrolled hypertension.

"In high-quality randomized studies, the renal denervation procedure has been shown to improve blood pressure control … in patients with difficult-to-control blood pressure and those with high blood pressure who are on one or two medications," said Dr. Manesh R. Patel, M.D., chief of cardiology and co-director of the Duke Heart Center at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

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As Patel told Fox News Digital, he is excited that there's now another therapy available for patients with high blood pressure. 

"Hypertension is the most frequent modifiable risk factor for heart disease, and blood pressure control in our country is not where it needs to be," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

"Therefore, having a procedure to support control, on top of medications, is an important step forward."

When asked about concerns regarding the procedure’s potential effect on the kidneys, Patel said, "The studies done to date have shown the renal denervation procedure has been well-tolerated and there has been a low risk of causing any damage."

Dr. Steven Potter, M.D., an experienced kidney and pancreas transplant surgeon at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute in Washington, D.C., also commented on the newly approved procedure.

"The global costs of hypertension are enormous, and innovative treatment options could prove to hold great value," Potter told Fox News Digital.

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"At this point, renal denervation continues to be an experimental therapy that has shown some promise as a proof of concept."

Based on trials and short-term follow-up, Potter noted that the procedure seems to provide modest benefit in lowering blood pressure, although "the results of studies have been conflicting, with some showing significant benefit and others failing to do so."

More experience with, and research into, the procedure are needed "before its appropriate role in clinical practice is determined," he added.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Only about one out of four patients with hypertension are able to control it.

Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg.

In 2021, hypertension was a primary or contributing cause of 691,095 deaths in the U.S.

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New Year’s resolution guide: 5 steps to a healthier 2024 from a longevity expert

Heading into 2024, about a third of people will make New Year’s resolutions — many of which will be tied to leading longer, healthier lives.

"Life expectancy is at its lowest in decades despite our wealth of scientific knowledge," Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, told Fox News Digital. 

"But it doesn’t have to be this way — you have a choice to be healthy in 2024 and onward."

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Rather than getting distracted by the latest wellness trends, Osborn recommends sticking to five tried-and-true basics for better health.

Ahead of the New Year of 2024, here they are. 

Each food is assigned a score from 0 to 100 based on how it affects blood sugar (glucose) levels, according to the glycemic index.

Foods low on the scale have a minimal impact, while higher scores indicate a larger spike.

"Sticking to a low-glycemic index (low-GI) diet will lower insulin levels and drive fat loss while maintaining muscle, as long as daily caloric intake is adequate," said Osborn.

People should get the bulk of their carbohydrates from vegetables and greens, he advised, while steering clear of simple carbohydrates — including sugar, bread, pasta and rice — with glycemic indexes greater than 40. 

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"Eat liberal amounts of fat — olive oil, avocados, nuts and butter — to train your body to burn fat instead of sugar and moderate protein (from lean meat and fish) to support your muscle mass," Osborn recommended.

"Remember, the key to fat burning is amassing or maintaining muscle," he added. "It is your horsepower."

Age-driven muscle loss is not only associated with frailty, but also cognitive decline, said Osborn — which is why it’s important to protect muscle through strength training.

"It is a fact that your ability to stave off age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer resides in your muscle mass," he told Fox News Digital.

Adding muscle is also the fastest way to melt fat off your waistline, Osborn added.

He recommends sticking to basic, compound movements and progressively "overloading" the muscle to evoke an anabolic (muscle-building) response. 

"This means writing your exercises, sets and reps in a training log and striving to better your past performance every session," Osborn said. "You will improve slowly as the body adapts to the imposed demands."

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The brain also benefits from strength training, he noted, as the practice releases chemicals that protect cognitive function and assist in learning and memory formation.

Osborn identified these five "basic yet effective" exercises as the pillars of any strength-training program:

"They stress the maximal amount of muscle in the minimum time," he said. "They require no fancy machinery and are non-gender specific."

For those just starting out, the doctor recommends seeking an experienced trainer to teach the correct form and prescribe a custom-tailored program.

"Remember, an injury could set you back months or longer," Osborn warned. "Staying injury-free is critical to lifelong health."

"There is no easier way to lower your risk for age-related disease than by monitoring your blood pressure," Osborn told Fox News Digital. 

He recommends purchasing an automated blood pressure cuff and logging your daily readings.

"Aim for normal pressures, per the American Heart Association guidelines, and consult with your physician if your blood pressure is consistently elevated," he advised.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure elevates the risk of developing plaque in your coronary or carotid arteries, which can lead to heart failure or stroke, Osborn warned.

REDUCING SALT INTAKE BY JUST 1 TEASPOON A DAY HAS SAME EFFECT AS BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS, STUDY FINDS

The best way to maintain healthy blood pressure is through clean eating, daily exercise and stress mitigation efforts, according to the doctor.

"Supplements such as magnesium, beetroot extract and omega-3 fatty acids may also help lower your blood pressure," he added.

As people age, inflammation rises, hormone levels falter — and it becomes tougher to regulate blood sugar levels, Osborn warned.

"The combination of these three, among many other factors, accelerates the aging process," he said.

Osborn compared it to "rusting" from the inside out, similar to a car.

"But if you could get an instantaneous snapshot of your body’s inner workings, you could potentially intervene and optimize your biochemistry, and thereby slow the oxidation process," he said.

The best way to do this is by getting routine bloodwork at your primary physician’s office or a third-party laboratory service, Osborn advised. 

ALZHEIMER’S BLOOD TEST COULD HIT THE MARKET IN EARLY 2024, RESEARCHERS SAY

Here are the markers that have the biggest impact on your overall health, according to the doctor.

HbA1c: This is a long-term measure of blood glucose control. Osborn recommends shooting for levels of less than 5.

Insulin level: In conjunction with low HbA1c, an insulin level below 5 is associated with a fat-burning state.

Lipid profile: This is a measure of your "blood fats" that contribute to plaque formation. The target level for LDL ("bad" cholesterol) is less than 100. The target for HDL ("good" cholesterol") is above 60. Triglycerides (lipid fats, the most common type) should be less than 100.

Apolipoprotein B: High values are bad for this vascular disease risk factor, Osborn said. Shoot for a level of less than 90.

CRP: This is a marker of bodily inflammation. "A high number is bad," the doctor said. "You want this to be as low as possible (less than 0.5), as inflammation is the underpinning of nearly all age-related diseases."

Hormone levels: There are hundreds of hormones in the body. Vitamin D3 is a hormone, which means its level should be checked. 

"Optimal levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and thyroid are critical to our well-being and are easily tested," said Osborn.

"Your biochemistry can be easily optimized through clean eating, exercise and, if necessary, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)," the doctor said.

When managed by a board-certified physician, Osborn maintains that hormone replacement can be safe and effective.

Optimal stress management is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors of overall health, Osborn noted.

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The key is managing the stress hormone cortisol. 

"Chronically elevated levels are associated with hypertension, insulin resistance or prediabetes, and low testosterone levels, the last of which impacts energy levels, libido and body composition," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

The first step is to be aware of stress levels throughout the day. Osborn, for example, wears a vibrating wristband that reminds him to take several deep breaths on the hour.

To help reduce stress levels, he recommends seeking out relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, spending time on the beach or having sessions in a red-light sauna.

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It’s also important to make it a point to schedule vacation time, Osborn said — "preferably off the grid, away from technology, and make it non-negotiable."

Optimal sleep is also a critical tool in the battle against stress, the doctor noted, as is scheduling social interaction with family members and friends. 

"'Blue zone' regions – or places with a disproportionately high number of centenarians – have interwoven socialization into their cultures," he said.

"Why? Because it makes us feel good and lowers stress."

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New Year and better mental health: Here are 9 predictions from an Ohio therapist

With an eye toward starting off 2024 with the healthiest possible mindset, a psychotherapist is sharing the mental health trends that she expects will be prevalent in the New Year.

Nicholette Leanza, a psychotherapist at LifeStance Health in Ohio, has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings. 

She also hosts the "Convos from the Couch" podcast, in which she speaks with industry thought leaders.

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Based on her treatment experience and expert conversations, below are the nine trends that Leanza envisions for 2024 — and ways that all can achieve better mental health in the year ahead

As the number of non-licensed "mental health coaches" continues to grow, Leanza stressed the need for people to seek out credentialed therapists. 

While the non-licensed coaches can help provide coping skills and mindfulness tools, she warned that they should not be seen as a replacement for clinicians with training and licensure. 

"There is a difference between therapy and skill-building — so people will need to have a clear understanding of the appropriate role that both types of professionals play when it comes to mental health support and guidance," she told Fox News Digital.

"As people navigate an increasingly disconnected world and start to be more open about mental health struggles, we’ll see an increasing number of community and condition-specific groups come together — both over social media and in the workplace," Leanza predicted.

"Whether this involves finding solidarity and comfort in similar conditions from depression to OCD to ADHD, or struggles faced by specific cultural identities, people will be naturally drawn together to build ecosystems and resources for specialized advice and guidance," she said.

The year 2023 marked one of the strongest years for fans’ loyalty to specific artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Harry Styles, Leanza pointed out.

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"Traditionally, soothing and ambient noise has been used as a go-to source for relaxation, but as artist obsessions deepen, we’re seeing people leveraging their favorite musicians as a way to relieve anxiety," she said.

In the New Year, the therapist expects people to continue turning to music as a form of therapy to lift them up and down through different emotions, moods and life cycles.

As weight-loss medications continue to become more popular and accessible, Leanza expects that people will start coming to terms with the emotional impact of significant weight loss. 

"We’re going to see a ‘catching up’ of sorts, between the physical and psychological aspects of weight loss, and a shifting of mindset that will focus on how you feel on the inside, despite how you look on the outside," she told Fox News Digital. 

"People are going to need to reflect within and focus on building strong body perception now more than ever."

Instead of the annual trend of "Dry January," Leanza expects to see a shift away from an "all or nothing" mindset when it comes to alcohol. 

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"Rather than going cold turkey for one month a year, I expect to see more people focus on being ‘sober-curious’ year round, and being increasingly mindful about their alcohol intake as they work to build a more sustainable healthy lifestyle," she told Fox News Digital. 

Leanza foresees a growing trend of people prioritizing their mental health over work — something largely led by Gen Z.

This might include using sick days to deal with bouts of anxiety, taking time off between jobs to focus on mental health or taking a leave for intensive outpatient programs, she said. 

"This is shifting the way we think about work-life balance and communication in the workplace," said Leanza.

"I see young people being significantly more open and transparent about discussing mental health at work, particularly as hybrid and virtual office settings have blurred the lines between work and life, with Zoom meetings sometimes even shifting into personal venting sessions to replace water cooler talk," she said. 

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In 2024, the therapist also expects more companies to start offering mental health support and resources to their employees.

In 2023, there was an "explosion" of TikTok self-diagnoses around mental health issues — and the therapist sounded a warning on this. 

"It's gone beyond mainstream and almost became a point of pride, especially for Gen Z," she told Fox News Digital. 

In 2024, Leanza anticipates that people will take a more "discerning eye" toward the mental health content they consume on social media.

"I think they will hold it to a higher standard, relying on licensed mental health professionals to diagnose and counsel them rather than looking to influencers," she predicted.

"Gen Z is coming of age at a time when mental health awareness is at an all-time high," Leanza told Fox News Digital.

Although that age group has grown up in a digital world, she said they also crave face-to-face interaction, especially when it comes to their mental health. 

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"While it depends on patients and their specific diagnosis, for many younger clients, it’s their first time seeing a therapist," she said.

"Having sessions in-person can help them build a relationship with their therapist and create a more comfortable environment for them to open up."

While physical movement has benefits for overall health, Leanza said it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for therapy. 

"Going for a run can help release endorphins and alleviate anxiety in the moment, but it’s still critical to properly address deeper issues and trauma with a licensed professional rather than relying on exercise as a band-aid," she told Fox News Digital.

"As we look toward the New Year and setting resolutions, I anticipate seeing an increase in people committing to therapy — rather than just the gym — as they deepen their understanding of this and recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health."

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Dog that served our nation is reunited with its former Air Force handler: 'It's been a blessing'

An Air Force staff sergeant has been reunited with his best friend for the holidays — and they'll now be together forever.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Mike Alcala and his former military working dog, John, had been separated for over two years. As the 10-year-old German shepherd prepares for retirement, American Humane surprised the dog and his handler with a pre-holiday reunion in San Antonio, Texas.

During the three years that Alcala was John’s handler, the two formed a strong bond. They were separated in September 2021 when Alcala was reassigned to another base. 

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"We worked together every day for the three years I was there, give or take a few days," Alcala told Fox News Digital. 

"The bond started strong and ended stronger."

When Alcala heard that John was retiring, he reached out to the nonprofit organization American Humane for help in transporting his best friend home for adoption.

When a military dog is retired from service, it can be difficult for the military to track down the animal's most recent handler for adoption and navigate the complex logistics of transporting the animal home.

American Humane, based in Washington, D.C., handles the process of international and national transport — including the paperwork, red tape and associated costs — to enable retired K-9 veterans to be adopted by their former handlers.

"When I found out John was up for retirement, of course, I wanted him so bad," said Alcala in an interview with American Humane. "I heard about American Humane through a buddy of mine, so I thought I would reach out and see what they could do for me and John."

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"They were gracious to help go pick him up in Hawaii and transport him back to me, without me having to pay anything. It’s been a blessing for us."

John served as an explosive-detection dog at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for eight years, according to American Humane.

During his distinguished military career, John protected civilians, his fellow service members and high-profile VIPs, including American presidents, first ladies and foreign dignitaries.

Last week, John was honored in a special retirement ceremony in Hawaii to celebrate his years of dedicated service. 

"We owe a debt of gratitude to all American veterans, including the retired military working dogs who serve our country," Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, told Fox News Digital.

"Bringing John home for the holidays was the best gift we could give to these two military heroes."

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In addition to transporting John from Hawaii to San Antonio, American Humane is also covering all of the dog’s veterinary care for the rest of his life.

Like humans, K-9 veterans often retire with health complications that require expensive medical care that isn’t covered by the government, according to American Humane. 

During the emotional reunion on Dec. 20, Alcala and his wife, Brittany Alcala, introduced their 10-month-old daughter to John, the newest member of the family.

"Avery, my daughter, was super excited to meet him," Alcala told Fox News Digital. "She was waving her arms around and everything."

"It’s exciting to be able to watch her grow up with him in the house and see how the relationship blooms."

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Alcala added, "I’m just so happy that John is doing well and that he now gets to live out his life relaxing in retirement."

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Vaccine for deadly skin cancer shows ‘groundbreaking’ results in clinical trial

New hope may be on the horizon for melanoma patients in the form of a novel skin cancer vaccine.

This week, Moderna announced that its new vaccine has shown promising results in clinical trials.

Among 157 patients with advanced melanoma, the vaccine led to "statistically significant improvement in survival before the cancer returned," according to a statement from Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center in New Jersey, which has been participating in the clinical trials.

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In the study, the vaccine was used in combination with Merck’s immunotherapy drug, Keytruda.

"Keytruda is a checkpoint inhibitor, meaning it blocks an enzyme that the cancer cell uses to become invisible to the immune system," said Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the vaccine trials.

"Keytruda works well in certain kinds of highly mutagenic cancers, including melanoma, and there is often a very effective response," Siegel told Fox News Digital.

"But the cancer can then mutate away from the impact of the drug and once again become resistant to an immune response."

The patients who took the experimental mRNA vaccine along with Keytruda — all of whom previously had surgery to remove their cancer — saw a 44% reduction in the risk of death or recurring disease compared to those who did not take the vaccine, the companies said.

"This is truly game-changing, groundbreaking stuff," said Dr. Andrew Pecora, an oncologist and researcher at the Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center, who has been involved in the clinical trials since they began.

Immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in about half of cancer patients, Pecora noted — but for the other half, the proteins of the tumor are not properly presented to the immune system to be recognized and killed.

"In those cases, the melanoma is kind of hiding out or it doesn't express proteins that well, so the immune system doesn't recognize the proteins as foreign," Pecora told Fox News Digital in a phone interview.

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The Moderna vaccine is "revolutionizing" the immune system’s ability to recognize and kill the melanoma, he said.

The vaccine, which Pecora described as "miraculous," is personalized to each patient’s specific tumor.

"You and I may have melanoma, but my melanoma may be very different than yours even though it looks exactly the same under the microscope, because the DNA changes that occurred in mine are different than yours," he told Fox News Digital.

That means a generic cancer vaccine wouldn’t work for everyone, Pecora said.

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With the new vaccine, the scientist takes a piece of the person's tumor and precisely determines what parts of the DNA of the tumor are mutated or changed, and then creates a personalized mRNA vaccine that targets those changed pieces of DNA, the doctor said.

"We can literally vaccinate the person against their tumor-specific proteins, overcoming one of the limitations of current immunotherapy," he said.

"The simultaneous use of an mRNA vaccine seems to show improved regression and remission of metastatic melanoma," Siegel said.

"I think this shows real promise for combined therapies."

The vaccine is now entering Phase 3 trials, as the researchers work to determine how and when it will receive FDA approval.

The trial participants have not reported any side effects other than what they experienced with immunotherapy, Pecora said.

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"It could be approved as soon as the next year or two," he predicted.

The hope is that this breakthrough will also be applied to other forms of cancer beyond melanoma.

The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma is fast-growing and can spread to any organ. 

In 2023, nearly 187,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with melanoma, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation. 

More than 97,600 of those will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma, and 7,990 Americans are expected to die from the disease in 2023.

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Santa Claus reunites with the medical team who saved his life after a critical cardiac event

For a Texas cardiologist who recently saved Santa Claus’ life, Christmas came early when Kris Kringle stopped by the hospital to express his gratitude.

Dennis Vaughan, 74 — along with his wife ("Mrs. Claus") and their children and grandchildren — visited the helipad of Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston for a reunion with Dr. Anthony Estrera and the Life Flight crew who saved Vaughn’s life in September.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, Vaughan and his wife were all suited up for Christmas.

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Fox News Digital spoke with Vaughan, his wife and Dr. Estrera about the near-death experience, the life-saving measures taken by his care team — and the joyful reunion.

Vaughan, a retired welder, has been filling the role of Santa for the past several years.

He and his wife make regular visits to Christmas parties, churches, day cares and schools during the holidays.

"It really brings joy to the kids — to see their faces light up when Santa walks in," Vaughan told Fox News Digital. "It’s been really fun."

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Just before the start of the 2023 holiday season, Vaughan was about to head to a doctor’s appointment. But before they left the house, his wife found him seated with his head slumped over — he had passed out.

She called 911, and Vaughan was rushed to a local hospital, where it was determined that he’d had an aortic dissection, or a tear in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. 

The tear caused internal bleeding around Vaughan’s heart, putting him at risk of death.

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"They thought he had died because he was so pale and he was losing blood," Vaughan’s wife told Fox News Digital.

Doctors told her that Vaughan would have died within 30 minutes without immediate medical attention.

Recalling the incident through tears, Vaughan said, "If it had been my time to go, I had made my peace with God."

After the diagnosis, Vaughan was transported to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center by LifeFlight. 

Estrera, professor and chair at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular, performed emergency surgery and replaced the torn aorta with a graft — a procedure that he compared to a plumber replacing a broken section of pipe.

"It was an absolute team effort — everything had to work perfectly," Estrera told Fox News Digital.

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"He was hypertensive and in shock and every minute mattered," the doctor said. "We went straight from the helicopter pad to the operating room."

The dissection had caused bleeding into and around Vaughan’s heart, which is why he passed out.

"He had no blood flow going anywhere — so we had to operate as soon as possible to release the blood so that we could get some heart function back and then rebuild his aorta, which is the main pipe of the body."

Estrera was able to rebuild the portion of the aorta that had been dissected.

"If there had been even a moment’s delay, he wouldn't be with us," the doctor said. "Mr. Vaughan had a lot of angels looking after him that day."

Gazing ahead, Vaughan will need to manage his blood pressure, Estrera noted, as high pressure can affect the stress forces on the aortic wall. 

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Adhering to a healthy diet and avoiding smoking will also help prevent future heart events, the doctor said.

"He has no big restrictions — although he probably shouldn't be lifting 100-pound bags or anything like that," Estrera joked. "All in all, he can live a normal life."

Two months after Vaughan’s near-death experience, he and his wife had an emotional reunion with the medical team at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston on Wednesday.

Dressed in his Santa uniform, Vaughan hugged Estrera and the LifeFlight crew as he broke into tears. Mrs. Claus handed out homemade Christmas cookies to everyone.

Vaughan told Fox News Digital that he felt compelled to share his gratitude with the people who saved him.

"It was important for me to give thanks to them," he said.

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Vaughan and his wife are looking forward to a relaxing holiday with their two children and six grandchildren. 

They plan to return to the Santa circuit next year, after he’s had some time to rest and recover.

While aortic dissections are not as common as heart attacks, Estrera emphasized that they do happen. 

Although Vaughan’s initial doctors identified the diagnosis when he was brought in, the condition is often overlooked.

"The problem is people don't recognize it when folks are presenting with chest pain," Estrera said. 

"That's why it's so important to increase awareness of this situation. When someone's having chest pain, it's more often a heart attack, but you can't forget about the other diagnoses because the treatments are completely different."

The main risk factors for aortic dissection are high blood pressure, smoking and family history. 

"This runs in families 20% of the time," said Estrera. "That's why it's important to be aware of folks who may have a family history or have had a sudden death."

The doctor added, "If Mr. Vaughan [had] died and never gotten an autopsy, people would have just assumed it was a heart attack or stroke."

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