Pig infected with bird flu for first time in US, health officials confirm

A pig in Oregon has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, according to a Wednesday announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The infected pig was from a backyard farming operation that had a "mix of poultry and livestock," the press release stated.

The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed that this was the "first detection of H5N1 in swine" in the U.S.

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"The livestock and poultry on this farm shared water sources, housing and equipment; in other states, this combination has enabled transmission between species," the release noted.

The infected pig did not display symptoms of illness, but was tested — along with four other swine — out of "an abundance of caution" after other animals on the farm tested positive.

Out of the other five pigs tested, two were negative and two still have pending results.

"This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply," the USDA stated. 

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"There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding."

The farm has been placed under quarantine to prevent further spread of bird flu, and the other animals are being monitored, per the USDA.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News Senior Medical Analyst, noted that cattle are "definitely now a reservoir" for H5N1.

"A solo pig isn't concerning except for two things — how many more have it that we don't know about, and that pigs are a mixing vessel for flu," he told Fox News Digital.

"There can be several different kinds of flu in swine at any given time, and they can exchange genetic material, creating new strains," the doctor cautioned. 

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic, though "mild by pandemic standards," involved a swine flu, Siegel noted.

Added the doctor, "Continued spread in the pig population would concern me."

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Dr. Benjamin Anderson, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida, noted that while this appears to be an isolated event, there is still "some cause for concern."

The doctor echoed Siegel’s concern that swine are a known "mixing vessel" for influenza A viruses, "as they are able to be infected by avian and human influenza virus strains."

"If H5N1, an avian influenza virus, were to regularly transmit among pigs, the greatest concern is that the genetic material from other influenza virus strains circulating in pigs may recombine with it to make a new progeny virus that is more transmissible to humans," Anderson told Fox News Digital.

The fact that all five of the pigs at the farm were not clinically ill is also concerning when it comes to surveillance, according to the doctor.

"Most of our testing for H5N1 in farm settings to date has only occurred due to clinical outbreaks," he said.

"If the virus is causing subclinical (mild illness) or asymptomatic (no illness) infections in other livestock, then we may not catch it without regular ongoing testing."

Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said there are two factors that could potentially mitigate the risk associated with this pig becoming infected with bird flu.

"First, the H5N1 virus that infected the pig in Oregon likely came from an infected bird, as opposed to a spillover from an infected dairy farm," he told Fox News Digital. 

"There are two main lineages of H5N1 currently circulating in the US, one in birds and one in dairy cows. We suspect that the H5N1 lineage circulating in dairy cows may be more infectious in humans than the lineage of H5N1 circulating in birds."

Second, the farm was not large, Scarpino noted, which means there are fewer opportunities for transmission between pigs and for evolution of the virus. 

"In addition, there are fewer humans working on the farm who may have come in contact with infected animals," he added.

Despite these factors, the expert went on, anytime there are pigs infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza, measures should be taken to ensure that farm workers are protected and that they have not transmitted the virus to others. 

"Even though this virus did not originate from an infected dairy farm, it’s abundantly clear we have a serious H5N1 problem in the U.S. that isn’t going away anytime soon," Scarpino cautioned. 

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"We are also entering the normal seasonal flu period, which will make it harder to detect rare H5N1 infections."

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Scarpino calls for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local public health agencies, to increase resources for influenza surveillance to include both clinical and wastewater testing.

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Tuberculosis has overtaken COVID as world's deadliest infectious disease

Tuberculosis (TB) is once again the infectious disease responsible for the most deaths worldwide, according to a Tuesday announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The contagious disease was responsible for 1.25 million global deaths in 2023, WHO reported, including 161,000 people with HIV.

COVID-19 had overtaken TB as the world’s leading infectious killer for the previous three years.

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TB is a preventable and curable disease caused by bacteria that typically impacts the lungs, according to WHO.

It is an airborne contagion that can be spread through coughing, sneezing or saliva.

While around 25% of people have likely been infected with the bacteria, only 5% to 10% will experience symptoms and develop the disease, the same source stated.

Only people with symptoms can spread the disease.

"If you breathe, you can catch TB — so all people are at risk," Masae Kawamura, M.D., a former TB control director in San Francisco and a tuberculosis clinician, told Fox News Digital. 

Kawamura calls TB a "social disease of crowding and mobility." 

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"Since TB is airborne, congregate settings like hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, jails, classrooms and homeless shelters are places TB is more easily spread, especially if multiple risks are involved," she said.

Those at the highest risk of developing TB disease after exposure include people who have diabetes, have weakened immunity, are malnourished, use tobacco and/or drink excess amounts of alcohol.

Babies and children are also at higher risk.

"If a person has latent TB infection, TB disease activation varies from 5% to 15% over a lifetime, but can be higher if a person has multiple risks, such being an elderly person and/or being malnourished, having diabetes and/or having other diseases that weaken the immune system," said Kawamura.

Those who get sick with TB may experience mild symptoms, including coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, weakness, fever and night sweats, according to WHO.

Symptoms will vary depending on which organs are affected. 

In addition to the lungs, the disease can also affect the kidneys, spine, skin and brain.

"TB can affect any organ of the body, but it causes disease in the lung in over 80% of cases," said Kawamura.

"This is dangerous because it causes cough, the mechanism of airborne spread."

In more severe cases, patients may cough up blood, noted Kawamura, who serves on the board of directors of Vital Strategies, a global public health organization. 

"Often there are minimal symptoms for a long time and people mistake their occasional cough with allergies, smoking or a cold they can't shake off," she added.

TB can be identified with rapid diagnostic tests, WHO noted.

The disease is treated with antibiotics that are taken every day for four to six months, the same source stated. Some of the most common include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol.

Failing to take the complete course of medications can cause the bacteria to become drug-resistant.

Cases of drug-resistant TB need to be treated with different medications.

If TB goes untreated, it is fatal in about half of its victims, according to Kawamura. 

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"About 25% recover on their own and another 25% persist as chronic active TB cases," she said.  

 In the U.S., most active TB cases are detected at an earlier stage, the expert noted, but the death rate is still "shockingly high" at 10%, and much higher if the patient is over 65 years old.  

There is a childhood vaccine called BCG (Bacille-Calmette-Guerin) that is given in most of the world to infants, Kawamura noted.

"It reduces death, meningitis and organ dissemination by 75% in children under 5 — however, it does not prevent TB infection and is ineffective in adults," the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

"Overall, BCG is considered ineffective, hence, TB's title as the greatest infectious disease killer of all time."

BCG was never used in the U.S. because of the country’s lower rates of TB, its ineffectiveness and its interference with TB tests, she added.

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The best means of prevention is testing those at risk and treating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), according to the doctor. 

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Presidential election puts strain on relationships, as one-third limit time with family, friends

The presidential election is already stressful for most Americans – and these stressors can trickle down into relationships.

A new poll from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 77% of Americans believe the future of our nation is a "significant source of stress," along with the economy (73%) and the upcoming election (69%).

The "Stress in America" online survey, which polled 3,000 U.S. adults of different political affiliations in August 2024, analyzed potential fallout from election results, including in our own relationships.

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About one-third (32%) of adults said the political climate has caused a strain between themselves and family members, while 30% have limited their time spent with family members who don’t share the same values.

Half of U.S. adults admitted that tensions around social and political topics make them want to connect less with others, and 28% claimed they have "nothing in common" with people who have different political opinions.

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Another August 2024 survey by LifeStance Health – a mental health care network headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona – found that 44% of Americans have experienced conflicts in their personal lives due to political or election-related discussions.

Almost a quarter of the 1,052 surveyed adults had considered ending a friendship due to opposing political views, and 18% had done so.

Political affiliation can also come into play when it comes to dating.

The APA found that 46% of adults would not date someone with different political opinions, split almost evenly between men and women.

Half of Gen Z respondents in LifeStance’s survey said they consider "political compatibility" to be an important factor in dating, compared to 42% of millennials, 31% of Gen X and 29% of baby boomers.

One-third (33%) of all respondents claimed they would not date someone who disagreed with their political views, while 28% would consider it a "deal-breaker."

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Almost a quarter of Gen Z and millennials have ended a romantic relationship due to at least one political disagreement.

MK Clarkin, a licensed clinical social worker and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health in St. Louis, Missouri, said she finds it "interesting" how younger Americans, like Gen Z, prioritize political like-mindedness in their relationships above other generations.

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"These generations share the highest likelihood of experiencing moderate to significant distress around the election cycle, so it stands to reason that they align their relationships with their values and political views," she told Fox News Digital.

For those who are anxious about engaging in political discussions with friends or family members who have different opinions, Clarkin recommends setting "clear and kind boundaries."

"That could sound like, ‘I am so glad to see you, let’s talk about something else. I want to hear about how your new job is going,’" she suggested as an example. 

"Or, ‘I get the sense you have a lot to say about the election. I’m going to excuse myself from this conversation, but I’d love to connect with you later and catch up about other parts of life.'"

Clarkin also encouraged the use of "I feel" statements to "express your views without escalating tension."

"Regardless of what side of the political aisle someone stands on, election seasons tend to be tough on mental health," she said. 

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"It's hard to find an area of our personal lives not directly impacted by who wins an election — personal finance, access to health care, childcare and education, to name a few."

Americans have faced a "highly charged" political climate, which has led to the "erosion of civil discourse and strained our relationships with our friends and families," APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, noted in a press release.

"But isolating ourselves from our communities is a recipe for adding more stress to our lives," he said. 

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"We must remember that the most extreme voices are often the loudest, and that the majority of adults share similar values and concerns."

Despite these tensions, healthy social connections are "important for managing stress and overall health," Dr. Lynn Bufka, APA’s deputy chief of professional practice and a licensed psychologist in Maryland, told Fox News Digital.

Bufka noted that Americans have more in common than they might think, as 82% of U.S. adults believe it's important to have conversations with people who don't share the same values.

"Try to understand the person you’re speaking with and help them feel safe and understood," she suggested.

"Listen to understand, not to defend your point of view," Bufka went on. "We do not have to agree on everything."

People should look for broader qualities in others beyond politics, such as shared values in areas like kindness, respect and support, she advised.

Added Bufka, "Encouraging open dialogue and empathy, even amid disagreement, can enrich relationships and foster resilience against the stressors that come from political division."

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Presidential election anxiety, plus Elon Musk’s latest health play

- The presidential election is making a majority of Americans anxious, surveys find

- Elon Musk wants people to send their medical scans to his AI chatbot, Grok

- Dr. Nicole Saphier shares four hidden signs of breast cancer to watch out for

‘BLOWN AWAY’ – A Mercedes owner went viral on TikTok for using his vape to test the car's high-tech HEPA filter. Continue reading…

HOLIDAY BEAUTY HAUL - Save big on these 11 grooming and hygiene tools. Continue reading…

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Pregnant Gisele Bündchen faces this big risk of giving birth at home

Gisele Bündchen is expecting a baby with boyfriend Joaquim Valente, a source confirmed to Fox News Digital.

The supermodel, 44, is pregnant for the third time. She already has two kids with her ex-husband, retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady.

Bündchen is reportedly several months along and will not find out the baby’s gender – but she is planning a home birth, a source told People Magazine, as she did with her son.

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Although Bündchen is no stranger to giving birth at home, some experts have called out the risks.

The biggest concern about giving birth at home is what happens if something goes wrong, according to Talitha Phillips, a labor and postpartum doula and CEO of health nonprofit Claris Health. 

"If there is a serious medical complication, sometimes there is less access to necessary medical interventions," the Los Angeles-based expert told Fox News Digital.

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Kristin Revere, an elite certified birth, postpartum and infant care doula and owner of Gold Coast Doulas in Michigan, also warned about medical access, noting that home births are "not covered by general insurance."

"If a transfer needs to happen during labor and the hospital is a distance away, and mother or baby is in distress, they may not be able to get the medical attention they need in time," she told Fox News Digital. 

"If an epidural is desired or needed, the mother will need to transfer to the hospital."

There are some benefits to birthing at home, the experts noted, including the fact that the mother can be in a "very comfortable" and familiar environment that "feels less clinical," according to Phillips.

There are also fewer medical interventions to deal with throughout the process, like IVs, shift changes and the ability to eat and change positions whenever the woman wants, she added.

"You also get to choose the people who you want to be a part of your birth, and you build a relationship with the team that you're welcoming into this special process," Phillips said. 

"If you have other children, they can also be there if you want them to be."

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Revere said her clients appreciate not having to "scramble to get someone to watch their children when they go into labor." 

Home births can also be more affordable than a hospital, even with insurance co-pays, she noted.

"Some of my clients fear hospitals and prefer to deliver in their environment, while others prefer the longer prenatal visits that many home birth midwives provide," she said. 

"Some mothers have a history of quick labors and feel more comfortable delivering at home."

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Pregnancy tends to be higher-risk for people older than 35, according to Mayo Clinic and other sources.

As Bündchen is 44, Phillips mentioned that age should be discussed with the home birth professional when making the decision, as it may be considered as part of the medical intake and pregnancy history.

But Revere added that age is not as much of a factor in home births as it is in overall health.

"Home births are for low-risk clients," she said. "There may be restrictions on delivery dates based on the age of the mother and state laws regarding home births."

For women considering a home birth, Phillips encouraged considering a provider's qualifications, education, history and past patient reviews before making a decision.

"You want to make sure to hire someone you feel comfortable with, who adds peace and knowledge to the experience and is a good fit for you," she told Fox News Digital.

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"Make sure the medical provider is backed up by a provider with hospital privileges should you need a hospital transfer," Phillips added. "That allows for open communication between the teams and a smooth transfer in cases where one occurs."

Revere also suggests that any home birthers take a comprehensive childbirth class that covers breathing and pain relief techniques for an un-medicated birth.

Some of her favorite childbirth classes include HypnoBirthing, The Bradley Method, Lamaze and Gentle Birth.

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There are different laws regarding home births depending on the state where the mother lives, according to Revere, so there could be varying restrictions on things like vaginal birth after cesarean and twin births.

Fox News Digital reached out to Bündchen's rep for comment.

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report.

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Mercedes owner goes viral using vape to test vehicle's high-tech air filter

It’s known that vaping can negatively impact one's health, but a viral moment shows just how bad it can be.

Sheldon Shuffield of Fort Worth, Texas, posted a video to his TikTok account (@thisdadtiktoks) in August for his more than 600,000 followers, which now has more than two million likes and 22 million views.

"Oh my God, I just got a new fancy-schmancy Mercedes," he began. "Do you want proof that vaping is bad for you?"

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Shuffield, who once worked in health care, explained that his Mercedes came with a HEPA filter that is "similar to what’s in the operating room," he said in the video.

The filter is meant to purify the air that enters the car to create a healthier environment.

Shuffield’s husband took a puff of his vape and blew it down onto the floorboards.

As he puffed out the light plume of smoke, the filter’s interior numbers shot through the roof, quickly changing from a "Good" 1 PM2.5 (particulate matter) rating, to an "Unhealthy" rating of 63, to a peak "Very Unhealthy" rating of 200, before the car began filtering out the poor air.

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"Y’all!" Shuffield yelled in reaction. "You’re blowing that around with your kids in the car!"

"I’m so thankful that my car [has] that feature, because it just opened my eyes … that was just a little bit of vape smoke in my car."

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Shuffield claimed that fumes from vehicles on the road register lower harm ratings than vape smoke.

"I'm shocked that so many people willy-nilly inhale this all day long," he said. "It just blows my mind."

In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a Mercedes spokesperson said the company offers the optional HEPA filter as part of its "Energizing Air Control Plus" feature in the Mercedes EQS and EQE Sedan and SUV models.

"This advanced filtration system significantly improves air quality by capturing fine dust, micro-particles and pollen, and reducing harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides," the spokesperson noted.

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"With a filtration efficiency exceeding 99.65% for particles as small as PM 0.3, it ensures a clean and safe environment inside the vehicle, comparable to clean rooms and operating theaters."

Theodore Wagener, PhD, director of the Center for Tobacco Research and co-leader of the Cancer Control Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, told Fox News Digital that this video is "not at all surprising."

"The car is measuring PM2.5 (aka particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less), which is small enough to travel deep into the lungs," the expert said.

"While traditional cigarettes produce … a greater amount of harmful chemicals than e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes … should not be considered safe, but instead considered less harmful than cigarettes." 

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The benefit of having a HEPA filter in a vehicle, Wagener said, is that it provides "real-time feedback of the impact of your behaviors."

"This type of information can increase motivation to stop vaping and smoking to improve overall health," he added.

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Shuffield's video proves that "vaping is not benign," Wagener said.

"It should only be used as a method of harm reduction for cigarette smokers who have been unable to quit smoking using FDA-approved products like nicotine lozenges and patches," he said. 

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"For smokers, switching completely to vaping nicotine will likely produce a health benefit, but the ultimate goal should be to completely stop use of all nicotine."

Shuffield and his husband have "scaled back" on their vaping habits, he said, as they intend to be good role models for their kids – a son, 7, and a daughter, 14.

For people who are addicted to vaping, Shuffield's advice is to "put it down and step away from it as much as you can."

"Don’t let it be glued to your hand like a cellphone."

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Lassa fever death reported in midwestern state, contact tracing begins

A middle-aged Iowa resident has died from Lassa fever, according to an alert from the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

The person, whose name and age were not shared, had recently returned to the state after traveling to West Africa, the release stated.

The initial testing of the patient was performed on Monday at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory on Monday, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is "working to confirm the diagnosis," per Iowa HHS.

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"This is a difficult time for the family of this individual and I want to express our deepest condolences," said Dr. Robert Kruse, state medical director of IOWA HHS, in the release. 

"I want to assure Iowans that the risk of transmission is incredibly low in our state. We continue to investigate and monitor this situation and are implementing the necessary public health protocols."

The patient received care at the University of Iowa Health Care, which is working closely with Iowa HHS, the CDC and other local public health partners to assist with contact tracing and monitoring, per the release.

Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic viral infection spread by rats in West Africa, according to Edward Liu, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The viral illness is transmitted by a certain type of rat called the "multimammate rat" or Mastomys natalensis (Mastomys), per the CDC.

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"This is a very rare disease," Liu told Fox News Digital.  

"Public health will have to follow close contacts of the patient to make sure there are no subsequent cases of Lassa fever."

People can catch the fever through contact with infected rats or their saliva, urine or droppings, the same source stated. 

"Lassa fever can also spread between people by close contact with bodily fluids," Lui told Fox News Digital. 

"Casual contact is not sufficient to transmit Lassa fever."

The CDC confirmed that Lassa fever is not spread through hugging, shaking hands or sitting near someone.

"People with Lassa fever are not contagious until after their symptoms begin," the agency stated.

Below are some of the ways in which the virus can spread, as listed on the CDC’s website.

While about 80% of people experience only mild symptoms, it can be fatal in rare cases.

"Lassa is usually a mild disease, but in severe cases it can cause uncontrolled bleeding and shock," Lui cautioned.

Those with mild illness may have a slight fever, fatigue, weakness and headache, according to the CDC.

In some cases, the fever can cause bleeding, breathing difficulties, vomiting, facial swelling, shock, and pain in the chest, back and abdomen.

Symptoms typically begin within one to three weeks after a person is infected.

Hearing loss is a known effect of Lassa fever, with about 30% of people experiencing some level of deafness, the CDC stated. In some cases, the hearing loss can be permanent.

Pregnant women face a high risk of miscarriage if they are infected.

Anyone who has visited West Africa and is experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

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"Diagnostic testing can be done in a laboratory with a high level of biosafety and enhanced infection prevention and control precautions," the CDC noted.

The antiviral drug Ribavirin has been shown to be effective in treating the infection.

Supportive care — including rest, hydration and treatment of symptoms — is also recommended.

The best way to prevent catching Lassa fever, according to the CDC, is to stay away from rats when visiting West Africa. 

It is also recommended to keep food in rat-proof containers, trap rats in and around homes, and avoid eating rats.

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Health care personnel should wear protective clothing, sterilize equipment and follow other infection control protocols when caring for infected patients, the agency added.

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Elon Musk wants people to submit their medical scans to Grok, his AI chatbot

Elon Musk is urging people to submit their medical scans to Grok for analysis, but doctors advise using caution when relying on artificial intelligence for health care insights.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO posted on X on Tuesday, encouraging his followers to submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs or other medical images to the AI chatbot.

"This is still early stage, but it is already quite accurate and will become extremely good," Musk wrote.

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The X owner also asked people to report back on "where Grok gets it right or needs work."

Musk launched Grok, a product of his company xAI, in 2023. 

The most recent version of the generative AI chatbot is described as a "frontier language model with state-of-the-art reasoning capabilities."

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News' senior medical analyst, responded to the Musk post in an interview with Fox News Digital, calling AI the "future of medicine."

"It will be a big factor in terms of patients who have access to their own data, and it will become a big part of outreach to underserved areas, where well-trained radiologists are not available," Siegel said. 

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Siegel said he believes we are reaching "the point of accuracy" where AI and machine learning can help to guide patient-centric health. 

The doctor urged patients and doctors to embrace AI technology rather than fight it.

"We should work with it," he said. "It is the automatic pilot of medicine."

In terms of Musk's request that people submit their scans, Siegel pointed out that AI needs data to improve.

"People sending in images will help greatly with development as AI perfects its responses based on machine learning," he said.

Dr. Harvey Castro, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and national speaker on artificial intelligence based in Dallas, Texas, referred to Grok’s potential ability to read medical scans as "promising and complex."

"As an ER physician, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial quick, accurate diagnostics are in life-threatening situations," Castro told Fox News Digital. 

"AI can be a powerful tool in augmenting medical expertise, potentially accelerating diagnosis and improving patient outcomes."

While Grok and other AI models show promise in interpreting medical scans, both experts agree that users should proceed with caution.

"Doctors still need to guide the way or be available remotely to oversee guidance," Siegel said. 

"It will not replace doctors entirely, but will be a very useful partner."

Castro emphasized that medical AI must meet the "highest standards of accuracy and reliability, particularly when dealing with sensitive, life-impacting information."

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Patient privacy and data security are also essential, he noted. 

"While Grok’s potential is exciting, any AI used in health care should complement human expertise, not replace it," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Ethical oversight, transparency and validation of established medical standards are non-negotiable as we move into this new frontier," Castro went on. 

"This technology holds transformative potential, but it must prioritize patient safety and trust above all."

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Fox News Digital reached out to Musk requesting comment.

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Poor sleep in middle age could affect the brain in a surprising way, study finds

There are some obvious signs of a poor night’s sleep — fatigue, irritability and trouble focusing, to name a few — but it can also have some hidden effects.

In a new study led by University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), poor sleep was linked to faster brain aging in middle-aged adults.

While previous studies have focused on older adults, the average age of the 589 people in this study was 40 years old, according to a press release.

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The participants completed two sleep questionnaires five years apart. After 15 years, they underwent brain scans.

"We calculated brain age using a machine learning approach, using MRI data to estimate the amount of brain shrinkage corresponding to a specific age," study author Clémence Cavaillès, PhD, a researcher at UCSF, told Fox News Digital.

"We showed that poor sleep that persisted over five years — and specifically when it related to insomnia symptoms — was found to be highly relevant to brain aging."

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When evaluating sleep quality, the researchers looked at six poor sleep characteristics: short sleep duration, bad sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, early morning awakening and daytime sleepiness.

Middle-aged participants with two to three poor sleep characteristics had a brain age that was 1.6 years older than those with no more than one poor sleep characteristic, according to Cavaillès.

Those with more than three poor sleep characteristics exhibited a brain age of 2.6 years older. 

The findings were published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

"These findings are critical because they demonstrate that the link between sleep disturbances and brain health extends beyond older adulthood, suggesting that poor sleep in early midlife may already contribute to accelerated brain aging," he said.

Advanced brain aging is associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease-related patterns, the researcher noted. 

"Therefore, poor sleep may be an important target for early interventions aimed at preventing neurocognitive decline, even before the lesion’s accumulation begins."

'FOR BETTER SLEEP, HOW CAN I REDUCE NIGHTTIME BATHROOM TRIPS?': ASK A DOCTOR

The researchers were surprised to find that there was not an association between sleep duration and accelerated brain aging, Cavaillès noted. 

"Sleep duration in midlife may be influenced by numerous factors, such as work, stress, multitasking or menopause," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Thus, it is also possible that its association with cognition is more complex during this critical period, and potentially more difficult to capture and/or less impactful." 

Overall, the study results suggest that the importance of sleep for brain health in midlife would be more closely tied to quality rather than quantity in midlife, the researcher added.

Dr. Jocelyn Y. Cheng, a New Jersey neurologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, was not involved in the study but weighed in on the findings.

"This study provides further support for the integral relationship between sleep and brain health," she told Fox News Digital.

'HOW MUCH SLEEP IS TOO MUCH?': ASK A DOCTOR

"The findings highlight particular aspects of poor sleep — specifically early morning awakening and persistent difficulty with initiating sleep, which were associated with greater estimated age-related brain atrophy as measured by MRI."

Sleep plays a role in clearing out beta-amyloid, the protein that accumulates in the brains of people who develop Alzheimer’s disease, Cheng noted.

When someone gets poor sleep, that clearance ability is reduced.

"Being readily identifiable, the onset of these symptoms may represent a key timepoint during which intervention could mitigate the development of disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease later in life," Cheng added.

The study did have some limitations, including the fact that it relied on people reporting their own sleep habits, which may not always be accurate, according to Cavaillès. 

"Also, because this was an observational study, we can’t say for certain that poor sleep directly causes brain aging — only that there’s a strong connection between the two," he added.

Cheng agreed that causation cannot be determined from the study, and also noted that it did not investigate whether brain atrophy had an impact on cognition.

Despite these limitations, she said, "There are plausible roles that poor sleep may play in brain health."

Based on the findings, people can improve their quality of rest by adopting several good sleep hygiene practices, Cavaillès said. 

"They can start by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day," he said. 

"Creating an ideal sleep environment — keeping the bedroom dark, quiet and at a cool temperature — also helps."

Regular exercise and exposure to natural sunlight can also improve sleep quality. 

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Cavaillès also suggests avoiding screens and blue light, as well as stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. 

"Incorporating relaxation techniques before bed, such as deep breathing or meditation, can also help prepare the body for sleep," the researcher added.

Cheng echoed that healthy sleep is essential for a healthy brain, hence the importance of maintaining good sleep habits.

"If someone is facing persistent problems with sleep quality or insomnia symptoms, they should undergo further evaluation," she said.

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"This may be indicative of an underlying disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and intervention may improve both quality of life and overall health."

The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging.

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4 hidden signs of breast cancer to watch for: ‘You know your body’

With one in every eight women diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, experts agree that early detection and treatment is key.

"One of the biggest goals when it comes to breast cancer detection is to try and discover those cancers before they cause any problems," Dr. Nicole Saphier, Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital during an on-camera conversation. 

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

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"The most common is a palpable mass," Saphier confirmed. 

"People come in with a lump. Sometimes it can be something benign, like a cyst, but it can also be a cancer."

Not all warning signs are obvious, however.

"It's not just about feeling a lump," Saphier said. "There are some other signs that breast cancer can present."

Studies have shown that nipple discharge is a symptom for 3% to 9% of breast cancer patients.

In particular, discharge containing blood can be a warning sign, according to Saphier.

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"Some women … see a little bit of blood in their bra," she said. "This can be a sign of cancer cells in the duct."

Some women experience itching of the skin, Saphier said, whether it's the skin of the breast or just the nipple itself. 

"This could be an indicator of an inflammatory process inside the breast," she warned. 

Another early sign of breast cancer is swelling or lumps in the lymph nodes, the doctor noted.

They may show up in the breast itself, in the armpit or in the axilla, the space under the shoulder joint where the arm connects to the shoulder.

"That can mean not only is there a cancer in the breast, but it has now traveled to the lymph nodes," Saphier said.

This is one of the most common signs of inflammatory breast cancer, which is a "rare and aggressive type of invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin," according to ACS.

"This is a different cancer in the sense that it doesn't present as a mass," Saphier told Fox News Digital.

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People sometimes get treated for weeks or even months for what they think is a skin condition or an allergic reaction when it's actually an infection, the doctor said. 

"Sometimes what's manifesting in the skin is because of something a little bit more nefarious going on underneath," she warned.

Saphier said she often sees patients who have been on steroids or antibiotics, but have never had a biopsy of the skin.

"Until you do that biopsy … you won't necessarily know that it's an inflammatory cancer that's causing these issues," she said. "And unfortunately, this can lead to a later diagnosis."

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The main takeaway, Saphier said, is to pay attention to your body and take action if you notice any changes.

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"You know your body better than anybody else," she said.

"If there's a change, you should always seek medical guidance and insist on imaging to make sure that there's nothing going on inside."

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Halloween candy overload: 5 ways to keep kids from overindulging

Halloween is a fun-filled tradition that’s best known for the deluge of candy.

Between trick-or-treating and Halloween parties, it can be tough to moderate kids' intake of sweets and treats.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Dyan Hes, medical director at Corcorde Pediatrics of Northwell Health in New York City, shared that although she is a "big fan of candy," Halloween is a great example of "everything in moderation."

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Hes, who specializes in pediatric obesity medicine, said families that are overly strict about candy consumption can lead to kids sneaking "forbidden food."

To allow kids to still have fun while keeping Halloween relatively healthy, Hes offered the following tips. 

Parents should make a plan with their kids, Hes said, which could include choosing how many pieces of candy they can have on Halloween night and at parties.

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The American Heart Association recommends that kids don’t consume more than 25 grams of added sugar per day. 

That’s the equivalent of about four to five mini Milky Ways, three fun-size Snickers or three bags of M&Ms, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein.

"Knowing there’s a clear and fair allotment ahead of time will minimize any friction later on," the Los Angeles-based expert told Fox News Digital. 

"It will also encourage them to prioritize their favorite candies, eat them more slowly and savor them more mindfully," she went on.

"It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate moderation and balance."

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Once Halloween is over, Hes suggests storing the remaining candy out of sight and offering one or two pieces as a treat in the coming days.

Before taking kids trick-or-treating, Muhlstein suggests serving nutritious foods like veggies, protein, fiber and healthy fats.

"For breakfast, you might want to forgo the sweeter option like pancakes and syrup [in favor of] a more savory meal like eggs and avocado toast, so that the day’s sugar allotment isn’t exceeded before the kids go trick-or-treating," she said.

For dinner, she recommended a nutritious yet festive meal, such as turkey-stuffed peppers that look like jack-o-lanterns, or chickpea pasta and meat sauce with veggie sticks on the side. 

"This will help the kids feel full, balance their blood sugar levels, improve their energy and reduce the likelihood of overindulging in candy later on," Muhlstein said.

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Instead of putting strict limits on Halloween fun, parents should foster healthier decision-making, experts say.

Muhlstein encouraged parents to broaden the definition of "treats," as the excitement of eating candy is "very short-lived."

Other ways to celebrate Halloween include giving out pretzels, crackers, trinkets, coins, stickers, temporary tattoos or other prizes.

"It’s a great way to help your kids foster a healthy relationship with the holidays, so they see that there are more ways to treat yourself and celebrate, beyond food," Muhlstein said.

Muhlstein suggested activities that involve movement instead of eating candy, like a themed freeze dance party, scavenger hunt or DIY art project.

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"You can print out Halloween coloring sheets or set up a fashion show for everyone to act out their Halloween costume," she said. 

"This creates a lifelong appreciation for Halloween that becomes less about the sweets and more about the costumes, decorating and time spent with family and friends."

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Alternative celebrations like these also help prevent the risks of overindulging in sweets, including upset stomachs, hyperactivity and cavities, she added.

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Consistently eating unhealthy foods can also lead to long-term health effects, like pediatric obesity, which is a "huge crisis" in America, according to Hes.

"It leads to diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and worsening asthma," she warned, along with depression and anxiety.

For some families who have trouble controlling the amount of candy consumption, Hes’ solution is simple.

"If you can’t control it and your children are not going to respect the rules … then you'll have to get rid of the candy," she advised.

Muhlstein proposed the "Switch Witch" tradition, where kids can trade their excess candy for a toy, book, cash or another non-food reward, like a trip to the movies.

Instead of tossing candy in the trash, Hes suggested bringing it to work or donating it.

"You can send your candy to the troops serving abroad, or some dentists collect the candy [and] you get a reward … for returning it," she said.

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Presidential election is making most Americans anxious, surveys say: Here are 6 tips to calm down

The imminent presidential election is having an impact on Americans' mental health.

A recent national survey by AMFM, a residential mental health treatment system based in California, analyzed the anxiety levels of 2,000 Americans during an election year.

Nearly 22% of the respondents reported that election coverage was having a negative effect on their mental health.

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Navigating misinformation (57%) and "doom and gloom" messaging (56%) were identified as key stressors, as well as concern about the election's aftermath (54%) and worry that their candidate of choice would not win (42%).

Overall, 30% of respondents reported increased anxiety related to the election, 22% said they felt overwhelmed and 18% experienced anger.

Almost 53% said they avoid election-related conversations to prevent anxiety.

More than 73% of respondents have not sought support for election-related anxiety – and don’t plan to, they said.

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AMFM concluded that it is crucial for individuals to "seek balance, limit their exposure to anxiety-inducing content, and consider seeking support when needed."

Another survey by LifeStance Health – a mental health care network headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona – found that the presidential election is a "significant source of stress and anxiety" for Americans.

The survey, which polled over 1,000 Americans online in August 2024, found that 79% of people experience election anxiety.

Younger Americans are more likely to be affected, the results showed, including 64% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials.

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More than half (57%) of respondents said they think about the election daily, while 31% said they think about it multiple times a day.

Meanwhile, 44% of Gen Zers have postponed major milestones in their lives such as moving, going to college, getting married or having kids because of anxiety about the political climate.

This anxiety is also driven by friends and family, as 44% of respondents said political or election-related discussions have led to conflicts.

More than two-thirds (72%) of respondents said social media and other news coverage contribute to their election anxiety, while 34% admitted to unfollowing or blocking a friend or family member on social media due to their political views.

Some mental health experts refer to political-related anxiety as "election stress disorder," according to MK Clarkin, a licensed clinical social worker and executive clinical director at LifeStance Health in St. Louis, Missouri.

"People often report increased anxiety, depression, trouble focusing and more," she told Fox News Digital. "Feeling a deep sense of losing control over personal lives understandably creates a sense of distress for many people." 

Experts shared a few coping methods to help keep your mental health in check through the election.

Christina Kayanan, a licensed therapist in California and executive director of AMFM, suggested practicing grounding techniques, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method, to help bring your focus away from worrying about the future and back to the present.

"In this exercise, you acknowledge five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste," she shared with Fox News Digital. "Grounding can disrupt anxious thought patterns and restore a sense of control."

Building a self-care routine, including mindfulness, meditation, exercise and deep breathing, can help calm the nervous system, according to Kayanan.

"A routine helps structure your day, giving you something predictable to rely on," she said. "Even small, consistent habits, like journaling or taking short walks, can make a significant difference in managing anxiety."

Unhelpful thoughts can include "all-or-nothing" thinking and catastrophizing a situation, which Kayanan noted can intensify anxiety.

People should edentify these thought patterns and challenge them with "evidence-based thinking," the expert suggested.

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"Ask yourself, ‘What evidence do I have for this thought? Is there another way to look at this situation?’" she advised. 

"By reframing anxious thoughts, you can reduce their emotional impact and regain a sense of balance."

Both substances can make anxiety symptoms worse by overstimulating the nervous system and impairing our "natural ability" to manage stress, according to Kayanan.

Reducing these substances could help decrease physical anxiety symptoms and help maintain a "more balanced emotional state," the expert said.

Kayanan promoted setting clear boundaries in relationships, work or social settings to reduce anxiety.

This might include saying no in certain situations, delegating tasks and setting limits on social media to prevent overstimulation and burnout.

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These boundaries can also apply to election-related content, which Clarkin advised people to "be selective" about.

"Don’t be afraid to set boundaries around your digital consumption — set a ‘screen time’ limit, mute or unfollow accounts that share harmful content, and fact-check sources," she advised.

Clarkin also discouraged engaging in political discussions on social media.

"Most people do not post political content with the intention of having their minds changed via dialogue," she said. 

"So your energy is better spent on something else."

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a method that involves tensing and slowly relaxing different muscle groups "from your toes to your head," Kayanan said.

The technique can help relieve physical tensions associated with anxiety, while increasing awareness of where you might be holding stress in your body.

"Practicing PMR can lead to greater relaxation and reduce overall anxiety levels by promoting a connection between body and mind," she said.

Those who experience worsening anxiety or ongoing anxiety should reach out to a medical professional for help.

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‘Should I go to the ER or urgent care?’: Ask a doctor

When you’re feeling unwell and symptoms are quickly getting worse, you know you need medical attention — but it’s not always possible to get a same-day appointment with your primary care physician.

When sudden and severe sickness requires immediate care, the two most common options are to visit an urgent care or to head to a hospital emergency room — but how do you know which is best?

Fox News Digital spoke with multiple doctors to determine when an urgent care center will suffice and when a trip to the ER is warranted.

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Urgent care centers provide immediate health care services for walk-in patients, typically offering extended hours and same-day availability.  

They can be considered a "middle ground" between a primary care doctor and the ER, according to Mayo Clinic.

There are 10,728 active urgent care clinics in the U.S. as of earlier this year, according to Definitive Healthcare in Massachusetts.  

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Urgent care centers typically treat a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries, and may have a treatment or procedure room for performing minor medical procedures such as stitches, casts and low-risk surgery under local anesthetic only, according to the same source.

Other services may include basic laboratory and imaging tests, as well as referrals for additional treatment. 

These centers can be staffed by doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and other medical professionals.

"If it is after hours or on the weekend, some conditions can accelerate pretty quickly and cannot wait until the next business day," Mishi Jackson, M.D., lead clinician at Novant Health Union Cross Family Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital. 

"For example, a simple bladder infection can spread to the kidney and bloodstream and cause bad outcomes." 

Jackson noted that not all urgent care centers offer the same services. She encourages patients to check in advance to make sure the center they are visiting can help with their needs.

"With minor injuries or illnesses, an urgent care facility may be appropriate," Matthew Shannon, M.D., director of community emergency medicine at University of Florida Health in Gainesville, Florida, told Fox News Digital. 

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"Most patients are pretty good at determining what constitutes something minor versus something major."

Below are some of the conditions that can typically be treated at an urgent care, per Mayo Clinic’s website.

The ER is open 24/7 and is equipped to treat "life- or limb-threatening health conditions," Mayo Clinic noted, such as seizure, stroke, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, heart attack or other escalated medical crises.

The emergency room is equipped with critical care services and personnel that an urgent care clinic doesn’t have, including specialists in cardiology, neurology and orthopedics, according to the same source.

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The ER will also have access to imaging and laboratory equipment that may not be available at an urgent care.

Below are some of the types of conditions that warrant a trip to the ER, as listed on Mayo Clinic’s website.

Other emergency conditions include high fever, fainting or sudden onset of symptoms like speech difficulties, confusion or impaired movement on one side of the body, according to Shannon.

A patient who has been involved in a significant motor vehicle crash should also visit the ER.  

Patients may encounter wait times at emergency departments, Shannon noted. 

"All patients who present to emergency departments around the country are triaged according to a system of seriousness of complaints, their medical history and vital signs," he told Fox News Digital.

"Patients who are identified as ill are brought back quickly, so the medical team can begin their assessment," he went on. "Trained emergency nursing staff and other providers are assessing you as a patient and administering first-line care."

"Your care really begins right when you walk in the door and talk to a nurse."

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If your condition is fairly mild, Shannon recommends trying to see your primary doctor, even if you have to wait a day. 

"If you believe you can wait, it’s certainly reasonable to try to get your primary care to see you," he said.

"Unfortunately, we don’t seem to have enough primary care providers, and the demand for primary care continues to outstrip supply." 

If any of the following apply, you should call 911 immediately, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

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Mayo Clinic advises calling 911 "if you are having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, a life or limb injury, or signs of stroke or heart attack."

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Dementia risk could be higher for older adults who experience this type of injury, study finds

Getting injured after a fall may be an early warning sign of dementia in older adults.

That’s according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open last month.

"This study quantifies a diagnostic pattern that geriatricians and primary care providers have recognized for quite some time – falls often precede a dementia diagnosis and older adults who experience a fall should undergo cognitive screening," co-author Molly P. Jarman, PhD., deputy director of the Center for Surgery and Public Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, told Fox News Digital.

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The Boston researchers analyzed U.S. Medicare claims data for more than two million adults age 66 and older who were diagnosed with a traumatic injury that resulted in an emergency department visit or hospital admission from 2014 to 2015. 

Half of the injuries were the result of falls.

The researchers also reviewed follow-up data for at least one year after the injury, tracking how often the participants were diagnosed with dementia.

Among the patients who experienced a fall, 10.6% were diagnosed with some type of dementia within a year.

The study also analyzed data from older adults who experienced an injury from an event other than falling, such as a motor vehicle collision.

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"Among the older adults with other types of injury, only 6.1% were subsequently diagnosed with dementia," Jarman noted. 

After accounting for variables that could potentially influence the results — such as demographics, the severity of injury and underlying medical issues — the patients with fall-related injuries were 20% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared to those with other types of injury.

Approximately one in 10 U.S. adults over the age of 65 has dementia, past research shows.

One of the main limitations of the research is that it only looked at records back in time – so it’s unclear whether falls are causing dementia or if older adults who are at risk for dementia are more likely to experience a fall, according to the researchers.

"We believe the latter is most likely – older adults with mild cognitive impairment or undiagnosed dementia may be more likely to experience a fall due to changes in their gait and balance," Jarman told Fox News Digital.

"The fall then leads them to have more interaction with the health care system, which results in their dementia diagnosis." 

Michael S. Okun, M.D., medical advisor to the Parkinson’s Foundation and director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health, confirmed that when older adults start falling, this could be a potential warning symptom. 

He was not part of the study.

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"When, for example, we hear chest pain, we think heart attack — and similarly, when we hear falling, we should be thinking about dementia risk," Okun told Fox News Digital.

"A good rule of thumb would be to initiate an examination of thinking ability as soon as possible for new onset falling."

It is not routine practice to perform cognitive screening for older adults who experience a fall, according to Jarman.

"We hope that the results of our study will encourage clinicians to monitor the cognitive health of older adults who fall," she said.

Clinicians could start screening during the initial hospitalization after a fall, Jarman suggested, and the patient’s primary care physician or a geriatrician could then perform a follow-up screening.

"The notion that an elderly person needs only physical therapy after a fall is wrong," Okun added. 

"We should be teaching folks the value of examining brain function in fallers."

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

An older adult falls about every second of every day, with one in four reporting falling each year, the same source states. 

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"Falls can lead to serious, even life-threatening, injuries in older adults," Jarman cautioned. 

"Patients who fall are at a high risk of losing independence."

Most falls occur because of a combination of risk factors — and the more risk factors someone has, the greater the likelihood of a fall, the CDC warns.

The agency recommends four practices to prevent falls.

First, have an honest discussion with your health care provider about your personal risk of falls, the CDC recommends.

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That also includes reviewing all medications if there is any chance they could make you feel sleepy or dizzy.

Regular exercise, such as Tai Chi, helps to improve balance and make your legs stronger to reduce your chances of falling. 

Experts recommend asking your doctor which regimen is best for you.

The CDC recommends getting your eyes and feet checked every year and talking to your health provider about proper footwear. 

Some people may have undiagnosed vision problems, like glaucoma or cataracts, which can increase the risk of falling, the same source noted.

Lastly, the agency recommends completing an inspection to make sure your home is safe. 

This includes removing clutter, using double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping, placing items in cabinets that can be easily reached without a step stool, installing grab bars next to and inside tubs, and placing non-slip mats on shower floors. 

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People should also consider using nightlights to help guide them to the bathroom and ensuring that the entire home has adequate lighting, the CDC advised.

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After a breast cancer diagnosis, here are 10 important things you should do, experts say

One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, statistics show.

The diagnosis can be shocking, scary and overwhelming, leaving the patient with a long list of questions — perhaps the first of which is, "What should I do next?"

"Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ is life-changing and brings with it many emotions," Tingting Tan, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope Newport Beach in California, told Fox News Digital. 

"Know that your feelings are perfectly normal and give yourself some time."

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Fox News Digital spoke with breast cancer experts who have helped other women navigate this tough journey, gathering their guidance about what to do in the days and weeks after the diagnosis.

Experts agree that it’s important to give yourself time to process the news.

"It’s natural to want to rush into action, but taking some time and letting the news sink in is important," Dr. Alyssa Middleton, a psychosocial oncologist in Louisville, Kentucky, and founder of MyCancerResources.com, told Fox News Digital.

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"Allow yourself to feel the range of emotions that come with this life-altering news."

In most cases, Middleton said, oncologists will wait several weeks to begin treatment to allow time for further testing — "so there’s no need to feel panicked about making decisions today."

Once you’ve allowed yourself some time to process the diagnosis, it’s time to learn as much as you can from reliable sources.

"Read the information the doctor provided about the type of breast cancer you have and the stage — a number from 0-4 that describes how big the tumor is, where it is located, and how far it may have spread from the breast," Middleton advised.

Next, it’s important to understand the typical treatments for your type and stage, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and/or hormone therapy.

Write down all of your questions and bring them to every doctor’s appointment, Tan advised.

"Those first appointments can be extremely emotional, and there may still be shock or disbelief," she told Fox News Digital. "Writing your questions down will ensure you don’t forget them."

"You aren’t obligated to inform the whole world about your diagnosis," Middleton said. "Share the news with those who you feel need to know and who will be most supportive."

You can share as much or as little information as you like, she added. "This is your health, and you control what and how much information is shared."

Once you’ve notified your loved ones, it can be helpful to bring a friend or family member to your appointments, Tan said. 

"This time can be overwhelming, and you want to be sure you understand everything your doctor is explaining," she said. 

"Having your support system with you for an extra set of ears can be helpful if you don’t understand something or miss something."

In your day-to-day life, it’s OK to ask for help, Tan emphasized.

"Loved ones are often ready and happy to help with preparing meals, taking kids to school, or anything and everything in between," she said.

Studies have shown that getting a second opinion after a breast cancer diagnosis can be beneficial for the patient.

"Second opinions can save lives," Tan said.

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"Cancer is unique, and if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you want to see an expert who specializes in your exact type. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a second opinion."

Even if you don’t switch oncologists, seeking a second opinion can provide reassurance that you have chosen the right care team and treatment plan, Tan noted. 

"It is essential to do this before starting treatment, as there may be additional options that you should consider," she said.

Another breast oncologist may have different recommendations on how to treat your breast cancer, Middleton agreed. 

"If the treatment recommendation is the same, you can decide which oncologist you feel most comfortable with and move forward with them," she said. 

"If the treatment recommendation differs, you can decide which approach you prefer."

When it comes to seeking care, it’s vital to seek experts who specialize in breast cancer, Tan said.

She recommends choosing an oncologist who practices at a cancer center that’s designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

"Getting on the right treatment plan at the beginning of your journey is very important," she said. "Physicians at academic medical centers are the most up to date on the latest treatment breakthroughs and options in the field."

Dr. Anjeanette Brown, MD, a board-certified breast surgeon at the Premier Surgical Network in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of choosing a health care professional with the proper credentials.

"This person should be your ‘quarterback,’ directing the essential steps that need to be taken for proper evaluation and imaging prior to going into surgery," she told Fox News Digital.

It’s essential that the patient feels comfortable with her provider, Brown noted. 

"This will be a long, intense relationship, dealing with emotions and physical changes that are about to happen, secondary to surgical intervention, as well as possible medical management," she added.

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Dr. Lauren Ramsey, a breast cancer surgeon in Ft. Worth, Texas, specifically recommends seeing a breast surgeon (surgical oncologist) in a timely fashion — ideally a provider who has completed a specialized fellowship in breast surgical oncology. 

"Other doctors, such as medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, may end up playing a role — however, the breast surgeon will be able to make those referrals for you," she said.

Many women find invaluable support from other breast cancer patients and survivors. 

"Online groups can be a great source of support, with others who are further along in treatment sharing their experiences and supporting you in your journey," said Middleton.

"If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the information that’s been thrown at you, you may want to wait a little while to do this," she added.

For patients who want to have children in the future, it’s important to consider this before beginning treatment, according to Middleton. 

"You’ll want to meet with a fertility specialist to learn about your options and make arrangements for any procedures to be done before any breast cancer treatment starts," she advised.

While a breast cancer diagnosis can seem ominous, experts agree that prognoses have improved over the decades. 

"Breast cancer mortality rates have dropped by 44% since 1989, thanks to early detection and treatment," Tan said.

"When breast cancer is localized – meaning it hasn’t spread outside the breast – the five-year survival rate is 99%, based on NCI data of women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2013 and 2019."

There are also more than four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., Tan added. 

Exercise is recommended even with a breast cancer diagnosis, Ramsey said. 

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"We recommend any form of physical activity, whether it’s light walking or a more structured exercise," she advised. "Continue performing your usual daily activities."

Adopting a balanced and nutrient-dense diet can also help support the body during treatment and recovery, Ramsey added. 

"Focus on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats," she said. "Avoid sugary and highly processed foods."

It’s important to pay attention to your emotional, psychological and spiritual needs throughout a breast cancer journey, Tan advised.

Brown echoed the importance of self-care.

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"This could include a discussion with a nutritionist, giving yourself the space to accept and adjust to the diagnosis, and finding a support group or therapist," she said. 

"It’s a lot, so there is no shame in reaching out to others."

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

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