Bird flu uptick in US has CDC on alert for pandemic 'red flags': report

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are keeping a close eye on "red flags" relating to the bird flu and whether the illness might develop into a pandemic, according to a report. 

The latest numbers show 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S. The CDC is taking a holiday break and will resume updates on human cases on Jan. 3.

"Identifying epidemiologically linked clusters of influenza A(H5N1) human cases might indicate the virus is better able to spread between humans," a CDC spokesperson told Newsweek. "CDC is searching for genetic changes in circulating viruses that suggest it could better transmit between humans."

The red flags the CDC is monitoring are outbreaks that are spread from person-to-person and evidence that the virus has mutated, Newsweek reports.

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Last week, the CDC announced that a patient in Louisiana who was hospitalized with severe bird flu illness was found to have a mutated version of the virus. That case fell into the red flag category, the CDC spokesperson told Newsweek.

"The analysis identified low frequency mutations in the hemagglutinin gene of a sample sequenced from the patient, which were not found in virus sequences from poultry samples collected on the patient’s property, suggesting the changes emerged in the patient after infection," the CDC said in an announcement on its website.

BIRD FLU PATIENT HAD VIRUS MUTATIONS, SPARKING CONCERN ABOUT HUMAN SPREAD

"While these low frequency changes are rare in humans, they have been reported in previous cases of A(H5N1) in other countries and most often during severe disease," the agency added.

The CDC did not immediately get back to a Fox News Digital inquiry, but previously stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else.

Avian influenza, also known as HPAI, is a highly contagious virus that can be spread in various ways from flock to flock  through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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State officials confirmed infected flocks in two additional Michigan counties on Monday. 

According to the CDC, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low. No birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. 

Fox News' Alexandra Koch, Melissa Rudy and the Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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22 health care predictions for 2025 from medical researchers

2024 was packed with health care innovations, from a new blood test detecting Alzheimer’s disease to deep brain stimulation reversing paralysis.

Heading into the New Year, medical experts are predicting even more medical advances for 2025.

Researchers from Mass General Brigham, a health care system in Boston, Massachusetts, shared with Fox News Digital some of the scientific developments and breakthroughs they expect to see, which are also published on the hospital’s website.

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1. "I anticipate we are going to see continued breakthroughs and growth in immunotherapy for cancer, particularly with FDA approvals and commercialization of cell therapies for solid tumors. The field is also poised to make great strides in using these technologies for other conditions, like autoimmune diseases."

Bryan Choi, MD, PhD
Investigator, Department of Neurosurgery
Massachusetts General Hospital

2. "I predict novel discoveries and innovative strategies for early cancer detection and prevention will dramatically impact patient care in the coming year. With the proven success of immunotherapy for cancer treatment, there is an emerging interest in utilizing the patient’s own immune system for cancer prevention, especially in high-risk populations. This area of research is expanding rapidly and will likely generate actionable targets for investigations in patients."

Shawn Demehri, MD, PhD
Investigator, Mass General Cancer Center
Massachusetts General Hospital

3. "The current standard for treating patients with clinical stage 2 or 3 triple-negative breast cancer is to administer chemotherapy in addition to immunotherapy prior to surgery. This combination therapy leads to a better response than chemotherapy alone. However, immunotherapy comes with added toxicities that can lead to lifelong complications."

"In 2025, I anticipate significant progress will be made in identifying biomarkers in a patient’s peripheral immune system that will help determine which patients require the addition of immunotherapy and those who will do well with chemotherapy alone. This would be an important step in further personalizing breast cancer care and reducing long-term side effects."

Elizabeth Mittendorf, MD, PhD, MHCM
Investigator, Department of Surgery
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

4. "In basic research, single-cell technologies have been advancing at an accelerated pace. In 2025, I believe we will likely see major breakthroughs in spatial transcriptomics and sub-cellular high-resolution imaging, particularly in the context of embryo development and understanding of cancer progression and resistance."

Raul Mostoslavsky, PhD
Investigator, Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research
Massachusetts General Hospital

5. "I believe we will see a greater focus on the long-term impact of multiple environmental factors on disease states, such as cancer development processes. There is a misconception that many non-hereditary diseases, such as non-hereditary cancer, are the result of short-term risk factor exposure. I think that research in the coming year will shift focus on the long-term impacts of multiple disease-causing factors."

Shuji Ogino, MD, PhD, MS
Chief of Molecular Pathological Epidemiology Program, Department of Pathology
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

1. "I anticipate we’ll see an uptick in usage of artificial intelligence (AI) to support physicians while they care for patients, streamline workflows, and improve diagnostics and treatments in 2025. We’re also likely to see expanded use of robotics and AI in complex surgeries, particularly for brain and spine procedures."

E. Antonio Chiocca, MD, PhD, FAANS
Executive Director, Center for Tumors of the Nervous System
Mass General Brigham

2. "I predict that advances in non-invasive brain stimulation will change how we care for patients with brain disease, including accelerated protocols that improve symptoms in days rather than weeks, personalized protocols that target the most bothersome symptom in each patient, and at-home devices that make brain stimulation accessible to more patients."

Michael Fox, MD, PhD
Director, Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

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3. "Advances in focused ultrasound technology offer the potential for non-invasive, targeted, and temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier. This could allow therapies that were previously ineffective — due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier to reach their target in the central nervous system — to directly target tissues. I think we will see a breakthrough in this area of research in the next year, enabling treatments for a wide range of brain disorders, including neurological, psychiatric and neurosurgical conditions."

Alexandra Golby, MD
Investigator, Neurosciences Center
Brigham and Women’s Hospital  

4. "Starting in 2025, it will become possible to administer transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression over the course of just days instead of weeks, which, aided by pharmacological co-agents, will still lead to a very high remission rate in treatment-resistant patients."

Andreas Horn, MD, PhD
Director, Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

5. "I predict that the prevention of dementia, stroke and depression will become a cornerstone of patient-directed primary care. In 2024, we saw the publication of several high-impact validation studies of the Brain Care Score (BCS), a tool designed to help people everywhere use the most robust science to guide their daily lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of dementia, stroke and depression by up to 50%. In parallel, we have laid the groundwork to empower people everywhere to use the BCS routinely, and to bring it with them to their next primary care visit with a health care provider."

Jonathan Rosand, MD, MSc
JP Kistler Endowed Chair in Neurology
Co-Founder, McCance Center for Brain Health
Massachusetts General Hospital

6. "I foresee advances on several fronts of dementia care as a major theme for health care in 2025. This includes AI-assisted approaches to improve early diagnosis, novel ways of delivering personalized treatments, and advances in care delivery as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-developed GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model of Care is implemented nationwide. I also predict that caregiving for persons with dementia will gain further recognition as a major element of health care, requiring more resources and attention."

Ipsit V. Vahia, MD
Investigator, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry
McLean Hospital 

1. "I believe in 2025 we can expect to see the completion of the first large outcomes-focused clinical trial from a group of new medications that target lipoprotein(a), a unique type of 'bad cholesterol' that increases a patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Up to this point, the treatment paradigm for patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) has been to aggressively modify other risk factors, but we may soon have more targeted treatment options."

Michael Honigberg, MD, MPP
Investigator, Cardiology Division
Massachusetts General Hospital

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2. "Cardiac critical care has transformed into its own discipline, but remains largely reactive to treating patients as they become sicker. I envision that in 2025, the discovery of molecular biomarkers will shift the care paradigm to a more proactive approach. Molecular biomarkers may help us identify patients most at risk of disease and start interventions earlier, maybe even preventively."

Edy Kim, MD, PhD
Investigator, Pulmonary Division
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

3. "I predict that in 2025, we will see significant advancements in women's health research. In particular, I hope to see major breakthroughs that improve quality of life and cardiovascular health in mid-life/menopausal women, a group that has been historically underappreciated."

Emily S. Lau, MD, MPH
Investigator, Cardiometabolic Health and Hormones Clinic
Massachusetts General Hospital

4. "In 2025, I anticipate we will see the introduction of two intertwined advances. First, the integration of artificial intelligence-facilitated algorithms for the early detection of cardiovascular illness, which will move us closer toward early prevention. We also envision a focus on using genetically informed treatments to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease, valvular heart disease and heart failure. Together, these important advances will usher in an era of personalized health care in cardiovascular disease."

Mandeep R. Mehra, MBBS, MSc
Executive Director, Center for Advanced Heart Disease
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

5. "In the coming year, I anticipate a marked increase in focus on cardio-kidney-metabolic health, necessitating new patient-centered models of interdisciplinary care."

Pradeep Natarajan, MD, MMSc
Director, Preventive Cardiology
Massachusetts General Hospital

1. "In 2025, I believe we will uncover the answers to remaining questions about nutrient metabolism and why a calorie is not a calorie, thereby improving our understanding of why some people gain weight."

Caroline Apovian, MD
Co-Director, Center for Weight Management and Wellness
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

2. "In the coming year, I see artificial intelligence being integrated more into health care as a supplement to physician knowledge and intuition. With the amount of biomedical data we are generating, I predict AI tools will improve our ability to interpret and apply the most salient information to individual patients, resulting in a personalized approach to patient care. I also predict that AI will continue to greatly reduce the administrative burden on providers and enable them to spend more time with their patients."

William Hwang, MD, PhD
Investigator, Center for Systems Biology, Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology
Massachusetts General Hospital

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3. "I think in 2025, we will see the implementation of generative artificial intelligence language models (i.e., chatbots) for some aspects of routine clinical care, such as the preparation of patient communications, generation of preliminary diagnostic test reports, or summarization of patient medical records."

Shaan Khurshid, MD, MPH
Investigator, Telemachus and Irene Demoulas Family Foundation Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias
Massachusetts General Hospital

4. "In 2025, I think we will recognize the power of drones and begin to use them to transform the way we deliver health care by making the home the center of care. Drone-facilitated care will impact primary care, urgent and emergency care, and even enable public health leaps by bringing care directly to patients in ways we never thought possible (or maybe thought were possible only for the Jetsons)."

David Levine, MD, MPH, MA
Clinical Director of Research and Development
Mass General Brigham

5. "Increased access to emerging technologies and personalized data, combined with information specifically tailored for the individual, will drive self-care in health and wellness in more patients, initially in preventative medicine, in the next year. This phenomenon will begin to impact chronic disease management and progressively more complex conditions and will accelerate devolution of care and responsibility for many conditions to the patient — who is often best placed to understand their own health."

Calum A. MacRae, MD, PhD
Vice Chair for Scientific Innovation
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

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6. "Treatments for rare genetic diseases are rapidly being translated to clinics. With close to 40 gene and cell therapies approved and hundreds expected to come down the pipeline, I believe that in 2025, we will see many more patients benefiting from genetic therapies."

Susan A. Slaugenhaupt, PhD
Scientific Director, Mass General Research Institute
Massachusetts General Hospital

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Choking emergency? How to do the Heimlich maneuver — and when to avoid it

A choking emergency can turn really scary, really quickly.

Whether it’s yourself or another person, knowing how to remove the blockage while staying calm can be the difference between life and death.

The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid method recommended by most health organizations, which uses abdominal thrusts to dislodge an obstruction from a person’s windpipe.

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Mass General Brigham, a health care system in Boston, Massachusetts, shared on its website step-by-step guidance on how to effectively perform the Heimlich, provided by emergency medicine doctor Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos, MD.

In any choking emergency, Mass General Brigham suggests first calling 911 to report that someone may need the help of a medical professional.

If there is another person present, one person should call 911 while the other begins doing the Heimlich.

The Heimlich maneuver should not be performed on someone who can still talk, breathe or cough, according to Macias-Konstantopoulos.

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In that case, encourage someone exhibiting these signs to continue coughing to dislodge the object.

If none of these signs are present, or if the person is exhibiting the universal choking sign, start by administering up to five sharp blows to the person’s back with the heel of your hand between their shoulder blades.

If the person is still choking after a few blows to the back, experts recommend starting the Heimlich maneuver.

Macias-Konstantopoulos' guidance is to first stand behind the choking person, or kneel if it’s a child.

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Wrap your arms around their torso from the back. Make a fist with one hand and grab it with the other.

Place your hands in between the person’s belly button and rib cage.

Next, thrust in an inward and upward motion on the diaphragm. This will force air out of the lungs and remove the blockage. Repeat these abdominal thrusts up to five times, the doctor advised.

If the choking continues, go back to the five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts until the airway is cleared or help has arrived.

For people who may be pregnant or obese, the Heimlich maneuver can be administered with five chest thrusts to the breastbone, or middle of the chest, instead of the abdomen.

Mass General Brigham warned that the Heimlich maneuver should not be used on infants younger than 12 months.

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Instead, if a baby under a year old is choking, hold them face down along the length of your arm or thigh, keeping their head lower than their bottom.

Sharply hit the baby on their back, firmly but not hard enough to injure them, up to five times, the health care system advised.

Once the blockage is dislodged, check the baby’s mouth and remove any visible objects with a finger.

If the blows to the back don’t work, try performing chest thrusts by holding the baby face up in the same orientation.

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Keep their head lower than their body and support the baby’s neck and head with your hand, according to Macias-Konstantopoulos.

Place two to three fingers on the baby’s breastbone, or in the middle of their chest, and press sharply one inch downward and upward up to five times.

As children in particular run a high risk of choking, the doctor advised parents and guardians to be careful with foods like popcorn, nuts, grapes, hot dogs and hard candy.

"Cut children’s food into small pieces before they eat," she recommended. 

"Keep choking hazards out of children’s reach, keep a close eye on your child while they eat and supervise play time."

If you're choking while alone, the same Heimlich technique can be performed on yourself, according to Mass General Brigham.

Place your fists right above your belly button and pull inward and upward into your diaphragm.

Alternatively, try bending over a hard surface, such as the back of a chair or countertop, and shove yourself into the same area of your abdomen to create a similar force to your lungs.

If you are unable to speak, many states allow texts to be sent to 911, the health care system noted.

"Type the numbers ‘9-1-1’ into the ‘to’ or ‘recipient’ field," Macias-Konstantopoulos instructed. "Text your location and the nature of your emergency right away."

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Bird flu patient had virus mutations, sparking concern about human spread

The patient in Louisiana who was hospitalized with severe bird flu illness was found to have a mutated version of the virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week.

The fact that the virus mutated within the patient suggests that it could potentially spread from human to human.

The CDC analyzed samples of the H5N1 virus that were collected from the patient, comparing its genomic sequences to those of infected dairy cows, wild birds, poultry and other animals, the agency stated.

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"The analysis identified low frequency mutations in the hemagglutinin gene of a sample sequenced from the patient, which were not found in virus sequences from poultry samples collected on the patient’s property, suggesting the changes emerged in the patient after infection," the CDC said.

"While these low frequency changes are rare in humans, they have been reported in previous cases of A(H5N1) in other countries and most often during severe disease."

Based on the discovery of these genetic changes in the virus, health officials recommend performing "ongoing genomic surveillance" in people and animals, taking steps to contain bird flu outbreaks among dairy cattle and poultry, and taking steps to prevent transmission when exposed to infected animals or environments.

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The CDC maintains that the risk to the general public is still low.

"The same mutations were not present in viral genomes sampled from the backyard birds that presumably infected the individual," Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, confirmed to Fox News Digital. 

"Because the mutations were present in the human patient, but not the backyard birds, this suggests that the mutations arose during the course of that individual’s infection."

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital, shared his thoughts on the significance of this finding.

"It is somewhat concerning that the H5N1 bird flu virus found in the Louisiana patient showed a mutation that allowed it to enter the upper airways more easily in this patient, but this mutation has been seen before," he told Fox News Digital.

The good news, the doctor noted, is that there have not been any reports of the Louisiana patient transmitting the virus to other humans.

"We know the mutations to look out for in terms of the potential to spread among humans" based on previous research, Siegel said. 

"It is important that surveillance among domestic poultry and dairy cattle is extensive," he added. 

Scarpino agreed that while the mutations are "concerning," they "likely do not represent an increased risk to the public."

"Similar events — mutations arising during infection that increase risk in humans — occurred with the individual who was infected with H5N1 from wild birds in Canada and have happened a number of times during previous H5N1 outbreaks outside the U.S. and Canada," he told Fox News Digital. 

"To date, it does not appear as though the individual in Louisiana transmitted the infection to other people."

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The doctor cautioned, however, that the more opportunities the virus has to infect people, the more likely similar mutations will occur and spark a "chain of transmission" in humans. 

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"Each human infection represents a spin of the epidemic roulette wheel," Scarpino said. 

"We need to take active steps to eliminate H5N1 infections in agricultural populations and better understand why so many wild birds continue to be infected."

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Service dog helps boy with rare genetic disorder achieve ‘unbelievable’ progress

When a 3-year-old New York boy was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, hope came in an unlikely form — a golden retriever named Yammy.

Susan Bresnahan’s son, Patrick, was born in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she told Fox News Digital.

Bresnahan, who has been a nurse for 20 years, noticed that her son wasn’t hitting any of the normal developmental milestones as he reached toddler age.

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"I knew in my gut that something was wrong," she said during an on-camera interview.

After seeing many specialists and undergoing genetic testing, the family learned that Patrick — just over 2 years old at the time — had a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Timothy syndrome.

"After getting the diagnosis, it was the first good night’s sleep I had in two years, because I was losing my mind knowing there was something really wrong," Bresnahan recalled.

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Timothy syndrome occurs when there is a mutation of the CACNA1C gene, according to Cleveland Clinic. Fewer than 100 people are diagnosed worldwide.

The disorder, which is life-threatening, can affect a child’s heart, cognitive abilities, nervous and immune systems, and physical appearance, the same source stated.

Initial symptoms can include certain physical characteristics, irregular heart function, seizures, trouble communicating, and developmental delays, the last of which Bresnahan first noticed in her son.

In many cases, Breshanan said, the CACNA1C mutation can be mistaken for autism, when the autism is really just a symptom of the genetic disorder.

"In Patrick's case, I feel strongly that if I wasn't a nurse, especially in pediatrics, I would be walking around saying my child has autism, but he doesn't," she noted.

Although there is no cure for the syndrome, certain treatments can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.

Nearly 80% of diagnosed cases lead to fatal heart conditions in early childhood, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Experts recommend early intervention after a diagnosis of Timothy syndrome.

"Besides the occupational therapy and speech therapy, I just felt like I had to do more," Bresnahan told Fox News Digital. 

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"So I asked a neurologist what their thoughts were on a service dog, because Patrick just had no motivation to move."

The family started the process of getting a service dog at ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) in Torrington, Connecticut, which matches up families with dogs suited to their needs.

Each ECAD dog receives more than 1,500 hours of training, according to Bresnahan. The person seeking a dog must also complete a two-week course at the ECAD facility before they are matched with the animal that best suits their specific needs. 

The service dogs can be trained to open and close doors, turn on lights, retrieve items and steady people while walking or going upstairs.  

The Bresnahan family had to raise $25,000 for their portion of the cost to receive a service dog.

Within three weeks, they had received the full amount through donations from friends, family and community members.

"It was unbelievable," Bresnahan recalled. "I just cried for three weeks straight — it was amazing how people came forward to support us."

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A couple of years after starting the process, Patrick received his dog, Yammy. 

"Within two weeks, he was doing like 12 new things he had never done," she said. "I really couldn't believe my eyes."

Where Patrick used to walk slowly and move "clumsily," he suddenly began walking, running and moving much more easily and smoothly with Yammy.

He even started climbing steps, something he had never attempted before.

"It was a sense of security, having the dog next to him," Bresnahan said. Yammy has also increased Patrick’s social ability and self-confidence, she added.

While many people think of service dogs as a solution for the vision-impaired, Bresnahan said they are ideal for a developmentally delayed child.

"It’s just a huge physical therapy session all day long, along with the love and security."

Yammy comes along to all of Patrick’s doctor’s appointments, providing unspoken support and comfort.

"It’s a distraction, it's a friend," Bresnahan said. "When he pets him, I feel like his anxiety goes down. It's just been a beautiful thing — it’s like a new family member."

"As Patrick’s mother, I can say that Yammy and Patrick are a match made in heaven," she went on. 

"Receiving a service dog allows Patrick to thrive and push himself to continue reaching new goals."

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Today, at 4 years old, Patrick is doing well, although he is at risk of cardiac problems and seizures. He receives EKGs each year to monitor his heart’s electrical activity.

"He's the only one in the whole world with this exact mutation, so there's really no one to compare it to," Bresnahan said. "So we just have to keep monitoring and hoping."

While Patrick’s progress is still "very delayed," she said, it’s "going in the right direction."

"And he's the happiest kid alive."

Bresnahan, who stays in touch with scientists who are researching the disorder, is hopeful for new treatments or therapies in the future.

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For other parents whose children aren’t hitting the expected developmental milestones, she recommends seeking out genetic testing.

"It's just a mouth swab — and the amount of information you can get from that swab can change your life."

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Jimmy Carter spent nearly 2 years in hospice care before his death at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States who died at the age of 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, had been living in hospice care at his home since Feb. 2023.

Back in May, Carter's son, Jason Carter, said in a speech at the Carter Center in Georgia that his grandfather was "doing OK."

Jason Carter also praised the "outpouring of love" the Carter family received since the passing of the former first lady Rosalynn Carter in Nov. 2023.

JIMMY CARTER, 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DEAD AT 100

"He has been in hospice … for almost a year and a half now, and he really is, I think, coming to the end," Jason Carter said at the time.

"I’ve said before, there’s a part of this faith journey that is so important to him, and there’s a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end, and I think he has been there in that space," the grandson also said.

Carter had experienced multiple health issues in recent years.

Following liver surgery to remove a mass in 2015, the former president was diagnosed with melanoma, which had spread to multiple areas of his brain, according to reports.

After surgery and several months of treatment with radiation and immunotherapy, Carter’s cancer cleared.

Carter had since experienced a bout of dehydration and several falls that led to a broken hip, pelvic fracture and other injuries, per reports.

Carter’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, also entered hospice in Nov. 2023 alongside her husband. She died just a few days later at the age of 96.

Some experts have praised the Carter family for sharing the details of the couple’s journey through aging, hospice care and death.

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"It’s been massive to have the Carters be so public," said Angela Novas, chief medical officer for the Hospice Foundation of America in Washington, D.C., according to an Associated Press report. 

"It has shed hospice in a new light, and it’s raised questions" for people to learn more, she added.

"Hospice is health care for people who are dying," Dr. Harold Braswell, associate professor of Health Care Ethics at St. Louis University and author of several books related to end-of-life issues, told Fox News Digital in November.

This type of medical care is "interdisciplinary," the doctor noted, including a mix of medical, psychosocial and spiritual support. 

It also includes assistance with day-to-day activities.

Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and making patients as comfortable as possible rather than administering treatment for a disease or ailment.

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A person becomes eligible for hospice after receiving a medical diagnosis with six months or less to live, according to Braswell.

"Hospice is not curative care," said Braswell. "It is not oriented toward curing a patient's medical condition — and qualifying for hospice generally requires that a patient abandon curative interventions such as chemotherapy."

Hospice is also not seen as a replacement for nursing home care or other residential care, and is not intended to "hasten death," according to the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)’s website.

It also does not encompass 24/7 care, the HFA noted. Instead, hospice team members generally visit the patient and family caregivers as needed.

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Most U.S. hospice patients receive care in an outpatient setting, such as their private home, a nursing home or a long-term care facility, Braswell told Fox News Digital. 

"Some hospices — a relatively small number — offer inpatient care, though this is only for a very short amount of time, generally for people who are actively dying," Braswell said.

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‘Alcohol gene’ could predict how cocktails may affect you — and there’s a test for it

Feel like you "can’t handle your alcohol" — or do you experience nausea, facial flushing or a racing heart after enjoying even small amounts of your favorite cocktail?

These could be signs that you have an inherited intolerance to alcohol — and a mutated gene could be the culprit, according to Cleveland Clinic.

This gene mutation hampers the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its byproducts from the body, health experts said.

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An at-home DNA test could detect whether you have the mutation causing this alcohol adversity.

The test looks for mutations in the ADH and ALDH genes, which affect metabolism, according to several laboratory company websites that produce the testing kits.

The testing kit, which costs approximately $150, involves swabbing the cheek and mailing the sample back to a laboratory company to see if the gene mutations are present.

Results typically come in less than two weeks, according to several of the testing companies’ websites.

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"A simple mouth swab is all we need to find out whether you have inherited DNA changes that affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and may increase your risk of serious health complications," Genex Diagnostics, a Seattle-based company that specializes in DNA testing, stated on its website.

Dr. Frances Lee — a hepatologist (liver doctor) who specializes in alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City — is not affiliated with any of the lab companies, but commented to Fox News Digital about these testing kits.

"The genes in question are ADH1B, ADH1C and ALDH2," Lee told Fox News Digital.

The ADH1B and ADH1C genes help break down ethanol (alcohol) into the chemical acetaldehyde, he said. The ALDH2 gene then helps to oxidize acetaldehyde into acetic acid.

"This is an important step in the metabolism of ethanol, because acetaldehyde is toxic and inflammatory to cells," Lee said. 

"Variations in the ALDH2 gene can cause acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to work at a slower rate, leading to a buildup of acetaldehyde levels in the body."

Acetaldehyde is also linked to some of the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol intoxication, such as headaches, flushing, hives and nausea, according to Lee.

This type of genetic test may provide an individual with at least a partial explanation for their alcohol intolerance, Lee told Fox News Digital. 

All genetic tests should be approached with caution, as they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, according to Lee.

Other health experts told Fox News Digital that there are pros and cons to this type of genetic testing.

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"I can envision a case where this test may encourage one to drink less if a previously unknown heterozygosity in ALDH2 is revealed," Lee of Mount Sinai told Fox News Digital. "If that occurs, I would consider this test to have a beneficial outcome." 

There is the possibility, however, that the test may not reveal any genetic variation, which could be interpreted as a license to drink even more. 

"This would be an example of a harmful outcome," Lee said.

While the DNA test can confirm that someone has the defective gene that makes them more susceptible to the effects of alcohol at lower doses, "it should not be used to encourage others that they can drink more [alcohol] without repercussions," Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

For those who want to enjoy an occasional cocktail, Makenzi Mollitor, a registered dietitian and sports dietitian at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, has some advice. 

"If you’re someone who feels like their body is screaming at them even after one drink, then abstaining from alcohol may be best for you," she said to Fox News Digital. "However, alcohol-DNA mutation or not, I urge anyone wanting to consume alcohol to consider both the quality and quantity of their drinks."

Mollitor recommends choosing a quality alcohol, such as orange wine or other naturally fermented, low-sugar wines high in beneficial polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties.

Spirits that have a higher alcohol concentration, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, could exacerbate symptoms, the dietitian cautioned.

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"No matter what it is you choose to consume, try capping your alcohol intake to the recommended one drink a day for women and two drinks per day for men," Mollitor advised.

Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States, Lee told Fox News Digital. 

Efforts to reduce risk and prevent alcohol-related morbidity and mortality are "tantamount to improving population and individual health," according to the liver transplant specialist.

"For people who are concerned about developing liver disease as a consequence of drinking alcohol, talking to a liver specialist should be the first step," Lee advised. 

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Fox News Digital reached out to several laboratory companies that sell the DNA test kits for further comment but has not heard back.

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Depression could be prevented with specific daily step count, study finds

Getting a certain number of daily steps has long been known to boost overall health — and now a new study has pinpointed how many you need to keep depression at bay.

A research team led by Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni, PhD, from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, analyzed 33 studies involving 96,173 adults.

In comparing the adults’ daily step counts and rates of depression, they found that people with higher daily step counts tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, according to the study findings, which were published in JAMA Network Open last week.

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Getting 5,000 or more steps was linked to reduced depressive symptoms, while a step count of 7,000 or higher was associated with a lower risk of depression, the researchers found.

"Our results showed significant associations between higher numbers of daily steps and fewer depressive symptoms, as well as lower prevalence and risk of depression in the general adult population," the authors wrote in the findings.

"The objective measurement of daily steps may represent an inclusive and comprehensive approach to public health that has the potential to prevent depression."

More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with those between 12 and 25 years old most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but commented on the review.

"This is an extensive analysis of over 30 observational studies, so it needs to be followed up with prospective randomized studies," he told Fox News Digital. 

"There is already a vast body of evidence, including this study, that exercise is associated with mood improvement, a natural antidepressant."  

The reason that a higher step count reduces depression isn't only psychological, the doctor said — it's also physical. 

"Exercise increases the release of the ‘happy hormones’ — dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin," Siegel added.

Previous studies have found that walking has effects on brain networks that are essential in improving mood, depression and anxiety, according to Dr. Richard A. Bermudes, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer of BrainsWay in Nevada.

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"The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we get," Bermudes, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. 

"We also know that there is an incremental benefit to walking — every increase of 1,000 steps per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of depression."

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Genetics, psychological factors and social stressors also play a role in depression, he noted.

"However, we know that natural light exposure, general movement and walking in natural settings or nature have positive mood effects." 

Bermudes encourages those struggling with depression to "take it one step at a time."

"For those with severe depression, try incrementally day after day, increasing by 100 steps each day," he suggested. 

"If you work and are stuck at a desk most days, schedule 15-minute breaks to exercise the brain by taking a walk."

Walking outside is more beneficial, Bermudes added, as it provides natural light exposure.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

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New Year life lessons from country star: 'Never forget where you came from'

Country music star T. Graham Brown, based in Nashville, is sharing his top 15 lessons for a healthy life with Fox News Digital ahead of the New Year.

Brown, 70, recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his deeply personal song, "Wine into Water," which has impacted many people who have faced struggles in life.

His newest album is "From Memphis to Muscle Shoals." He will perform at the Carolina Opry with Lorrie Morgan in January, with a host of other performance dates on his schedule.

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The recently inducted member of the Grand Ole Opry has a strong faith in God, an unwavering belief in the USA and an abounding love for his wife and partner, Sheila Brown, whom he credits with helping him beat drug and alcohol addiction issues years ago, as he shared during an interview with Fox News Digital.

1. Never forget where you came from if you want to get where you want to go in life. 

This is a lesson that Elvis pulled me aside at Graceland one night and shared with me. After hearing it, I applied it to my career. Learn to be humble.

2. There’s no room for ego in this business. 

The fans of what you do give everything to you — and if you don’t stay accessible, down to earth, true to your music and true to your beliefs, they have the right to take it away from you.

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3. Never say "no" to a fan who comes up to compliment you and asks for an autograph. 

Always consider it an honor when someone takes the time to acknowledge you. 

It’s the ultimate compliment.

4. Take the time to stop and smell the roses on your journey toward success. 

After all, success is not a place. It’s the incredible trip you take that’s the most important. 

So be careful not to overlook your journey by taking time to reflect along the way.

5. Money should not be your barometer for success in your career. 

The best barometer will be the friends that you make. 

Long after the smoke clears and the fans stop screaming your name, your relationships will be the most important thing and comfort you more. Be sure to cherish them.

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6. Never get caught up in believing your own press. 

After all, it’s just press.

7. Never stop dreaming. 

No matter how old you get, it’s never too late in life to be who you might have been. 

Dream big, be big. Dream small, be small.

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8. To be successful, surround yourself with people who know more than you do. 

They will help you get where you want to go. A great team can help get you much further than going it alone.

9. Use your money and influence to improve the quality of life of those around you.

That's one of my greatest lessons and joys in life. Paying it forward is an incredible feeling, even if it's to help a total stranger.

10. Never continue to worry about a problem you have no control over. 

Worry about it once, then let it go — because each time you think about the problem, you’re paying for it over and over again. 

Let go and let God.

11. Take time to think through every decision you make in your career, no matter how small.

Remember that small decisions are sometimes just as important as the big ones.

12. Take time to thank and acknowledge the people who helped pave the way to your success. 

A public "thank you" is usually worth more to someone than money.

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13. If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all. 

It’s a small business and everyone in it usually knows or finds out what is said about them.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

14. Never envy someone for the success they receive. 

Be happy for them, as it will help pave the way for your own happiness and success.

15. Don’t forget to be thankful for all that comes your way. 

It will take you higher than you ever imagined.

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What is ‘toasted skin syndrome'? Heating pads and blankets can cause skin damage, experts warn

A heated blanket or heating pad might keep you warm in the cold winter months, but experts are warning of a potential danger.

Too much close exposure to high heat can cause noticeable skin damage, or a condition called toasted skin syndrome.

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Several heated blanket users have shared their own experiences with the syndrome on social media, displaying discolored patterns on their skin.

One TikTok user, Faith Harrell (@faith_harrell), posted a video of toasted skin syndrome discoloration on her stomach from using a heating pad that plugs in.

"Your friendly reminder to not excessively use your heating pad on your stomach at the highest setting," she wrote in the video, which currently has seven million views.

Harrell told Fox News Digital that the burn marks are "not painful" but do get "super itchy."

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Although the mottled skin has not cleared, Harrell said she still sleeps with the heating pad over her clothes against her stomach.

Manhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, M.D., said that toasted skin syndrome, officially known as erythema ab igne (EAI), is a "pattern of discoloration that occurs in areas of skin after prolonged exposure to heat sources."

The main cause is long-term exposure to heat "below the threshold for thermal burn," he told Fox News Digital.

Skin changes can occur after prolonged exposure to any heat source, Camp noted, including laptops, heated car seats, hot water bottles, electric blankets, space heaters and heating pads used to treat lower back pain.

"Toasted skin syndrome is unlikely to occur after a single exposure," he said. "It occurs after repeated exposure to the same heat source."

Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, Ohio, added that the condition is marked by "a mottled, reddish-brown discoloration that can become more prominent and permanent over time."

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"This occurs when the skin is exposed to heat high enough to dilate blood vessels, but not to the point of causing burns," she told Fox News Digital. 

"While it might seem harmless at first, repeated exposure can lead to permanent damage, and in some cases, increase the risk of skin cancer due to the cellular changes caused by the heat."

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Camp agreed that the long-term risk of toasted skin syndrome is the "development of malignancies," like certain cancers, in affected areas due to damaged skin cells.

To prevent toasted skin syndrome, Bowles recommends avoiding direct and prolonged contact with heat sources and using a barrier, like cloth, between skin and heat.

"If you notice any unusual skin discoloration or texture changes, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist," she said. "Catching potential issues early can help prevent long-term skin damage."

Camp also suggests avoiding the condition through "the judicious use of electronics that generate heat, like laptops and heated car seats."

Fox News Digital reached out to several manufacturers for comment.

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7 of Google’s most-searched health questions in 2024, with expert responses

Google has long been a go-to tool for many who have health-related questions – and 2024 was no different. 

Americans across the country turned to the search engine for answers to their medical concerns throughout the year.

Soliant Health, a health care job search site based in Georgia, analyzed 2024 Google search data to identify popular questions from each state, as well as a few of the most generally Googled medical queries.

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Below are seven of the top-searched questions, along with answers from Australia-based registered nurse Karen Stockdale.

Bronchitis is not contagious, but Stockdale revealed to Soliant that the virus that causes it could be.

Illnesses like colds, influenza and RSV can all lead to bronchitis, which can be contagious for a few days to a week, she said.

While there are many types of pneumonia, the most common are either viral or bacterial, according to Stockdale.

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"Bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria that already live in the upper respiratory tract, and it develops after a cold or the flu," she said. "These types of pneumonia can be contagious, but are not as easily spread."

Viral pneumonia can result from other viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other contagious illnesses.

"These respiratory conditions are easily spread to others via respiratory droplets in the air, meaning the underlying viral infections are contagious," the nurse added.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s own immune system to malfunction and attack healthy tissues, according to Stockdale.

"It is a long-term disease that causes inflammation and pain in many parts of the body, such as the skin, joints and internal organs," she said.

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Since lupus can impact different parts of the body, symptoms may vary. The disease is most common in women aged 15 to 44, Stockdale noted.

Americans were curious about how much water they should be drinking.

While hydration is key to good health, the specific amount varies per person depending on gender, weight and other factors, Stockdale said.

"For example, a petite female’s intake requirements would vary considerably from a male bodybuilder's," she said. "The best way to determine your optimum water intake is to [consider] body weight and activity levels." 

Stockdale referenced Penn Medicine’s recommendation of drinking 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, depending on the amount of physical activity.

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"If you are not doing strenuous activity, 0.5 ounces per pound should be sufficient," she said. 

"If you are working outside, playing a sport or are otherwise very active, 1 ounce of water per body weight will be needed to replenish your body."

The group of bacteria that causes strep throat, called group A Streptococcus, is "very contagious," Stockdale cautioned.

These bacteria can spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs, as well as from sharing drinks or food.

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"A person with untreated strep throat can be contagious for up to three weeks, infecting others," the registered nurse warned.

The flu can be extremely uncomfortable, and cases can last longer than expected.

The average influenza case lasts five to seven days, according to Stockdale. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, congestion, diarrhea, coughing and sore throat. 

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"Those with compromised immune systems may experience a longer period of symptoms," the nurse said.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, usually develops "slowly over time," Stockdale stated.

The condition can be caused by various medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetics.

"People with obesity, diabetes and low levels of physical activity are more likely to develop high blood pressure," Stockdale said. 

"Some women can also experience high blood pressure during pregnancy." 

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Holiday sleep trouble? 5 secrets of a better snooze

Getting a good night's sleep can be a little more challenging amid the hype of the holidays.

With changes in routine, diet and potentially time zones, quality sleep could be difficult to come by.

Around 42% of U.S. adults struggle with sleep issues during the holiday season, according to a CNET survey.

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More than half of millennials and Gen Zers said their sleep quality was impacted significantly over the holidays, the survey found.

Dr. Brian Licuanan, a board-certified clinical psychologist in California, told Fox News Digital that there are a variety of reasons sleep can be disrupted, including medical and mental health conditions, diet, alcohol intake and other lifestyle behaviors, like screen exposure.

Spending the holidays in someone else’s home or experiencing a change in a normal wake/sleep routine can also impact sleep quality, he said.

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Licuanan, author of "How to Get Your Resisting Loved One Into Treatment," offered the following five tips on how to improve sleep during the holiday season.

Especially for those who are traveling across time zones, sleep schedules will most likely take a hit.

"Try to adjust accordingly," the expert suggested. "If you’re in a time zone ahead of your usual one, consider going to bed earlier, since you may feel sleepy sooner." 

"If you’re in a time zone behind your usual one, try delaying your bedtime to allow your body to build up enough sleepiness."

If you’re staying as a guest in someone’s home or at a hotel, it might be helpful to bring some tools to help ensure a good night’s sleep.

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This could include earplugs or eye masks, Licuanan said, which are "good ways to replicate the quiet and darkness that you may have in your home."

As many people may eat and drink more than usual during the holidays, Licuanan advised being mindful of the amount of consumption.

Exercise routines are likely to shift during this time as well.

"[Alcohol] could impair certain stages of sleep, causing you to feel groggy and tired the following day," he said.

"Carve out time for exercise and healthy eating habits, as that will help you relax and promote better sleep."

Keeping organized during the busy holiday season can help prevent the mind from racing before bed, according to Licuanan.

He recommended making a list of items or tasks that need to be done the next day to organize your thoughts.

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"Writing things down can help you feel more relaxed and take out the extra and unnecessary thoughts that can disrupt your sleep," Licuanan said.

Balancing relationships over the holidays can also cause unwanted stress and sleep disruption.

To prevent unnecessary hiccups, Licuanan encouraged having an open dialogue with your partner about holiday expectations.

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"Divvy up responsibilities, so one person is not overwhelmed with things to do," he advised.

"Such activities can include buying groceries, wrapping gifts, picking up family members at the airport or providing entertainment for guests."

While the holidays can be filled with potential stressors, Licuanan suggested practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to fuel good sleep later.

"Continual social gatherings, travel and spontaneous activities can all heighten stress levels," he said. 

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"Managing the levels of stress with mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help ensure that you are relaxed physically and mentally in order to better accomplish good, relaxed sleep."

Licuanan encouraged all holiday celebrants to stay positive, have fun and try to enjoy the season.

"Though the holidays may present a level of stress, it's important to remember things such as gratitude and the positive things in life, as a positive mindset can lower stress, which will likely improve sleep quality," he added.

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5 major Alzheimer’s discoveries scientists made in 2024

With an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer's disease, the road to a cure seems long and uncertain.

But as the year comes to a close, experts are reflecting on some of the hopeful advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management that have been made in 2024.

The Alzheimer’s Association — a Chicago-based nonprofit committed to Alzheimer’s research, care and support — shared its top five significant discoveries from the year.

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2024 saw a new drug enter the dementia landscape, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla (donanemab) in July.

This was the third new approval since 2021.

Kisunla, which is made by Eli Lilly, is designed to "slow progression and change the underlying course of the disease," according to the Association’s press release.

The once-monthly injection is intended for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.

This is the first medication to target amyloid plaques — the proteins that build up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, often impairing memory and cognitive function — with evidence to support stopping therapy when amyloid plaques are removed, a company release stated.

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"This is real progress," said Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Dr. Joanne Pike in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time. 

"[This FDA] approval allows people more options and greater opportunity to have more time. Having multiple treatment options is the kind of advancement we’ve all been waiting for." 

Research this year has helped move Alzheimer’s blood tests closer to being used in physicians' offices.

Studies have shown that blood tests can achieve a higher accuracy of diagnosis, which could help fast-track patients’ access to clinical trials and treatments, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

"Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are demonstrating in research that they could significantly improve a clinician’s accuracy and confidence, provide greater accessibility and a reason for more communication," the same source stated.

In one study reported this year, a specific blood test was around 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s in patients with cognitive symptoms seen in primary care and at specialized memory care clinics, per the Association.

People who are newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers need more support in navigating the health care system.

That’s according to a 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey, which found that 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for those support systems. 

A majority of dementia caregivers (70%) also noted that "coordination of care is stressful."

To help address this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in July 2024 launched an eight-year pilot program in dementia care management, called the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model.

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The program aims to work with health care systems to provide supportive services to people living with dementia and their caregivers, with a focus on helping patients remain in their homes and communities, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to 2024 research. 

The 10-year study, which was presented during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia in July, found that wildfire smoke can be "particularly hazardous" for brain health.

The research included more than 1.2 million people in southern California, an area that experiences frequent wildfire activity.

Air pollution produced by wildfires could be more hazardous to health because it is produced at higher temperatures, contains a greater concentration of toxic chemicals, and is smaller in diameter than other sources, the Alzheimer’s Association stated. 

In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research that showed physical changes that happen in the brain due to Alzheimer’s disease.

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"Defining diseases by the biology has long been standard in many areas of medicine — including cancer, heart disease and diabetes," the Alzheimer’s Association wrote. 

"The new publication defines Alzheimer’s as a biological process that begins with brain changes before people exhibit memory and thinking problems."

These brain changes were found to come ahead of the typical outward symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation and trouble with planning or organizing.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer’s Association can be found at www.alz.org.

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‘I have a blood test coming up — how should I prepare?’: Ask a doctor

It’s common for doctors to recommend getting bloodwork following a medical appointment or routine check-up.

Blood tests can identify deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, immune system problems, or signs of infection, as well as whether organs like the liver, heart or kidneys are functioning correctly, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Fox News Digital spoke with a doctor about how to be prepared for your next blood test.

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Doctors may order blood tests for three main reasons: screening, diagnostics or monitoring. 

Screenings are unrelated to symptoms and are based on age, risk factors or the last time you were checked, according to Brintha Vasagar, MD, a family physician with Bayhealth Family Medicine in Dover, Delaware. 

These tests can screen for things like cholesterol, glucose, HIV or hepatitis C. 

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Tests for diagnosis are based on the symptoms you have communicated to your physician, said Vasagar. 

"We carefully choose bloodwork to help rule in or rule out diseases that might be causing those symptoms," she told Fox News Digital.

Blood tests for monitoring could be performed if you already have a diagnosis and your physician wants to make sure the treatments are working and to check for any negative side effects, Vasagar said. 

These tests will help your physician make recommendations for changing medicines or lifestyle habits.

A technician will take you to a private area and confirm your name and date of birth, Vasagar shared. 

After seating you in a chair, the technician will place a tight band around your upper arm to help your veins become more accessible. 

Next, the technician will clean the area and insert a small needle to collect vials of blood, the doctor said. 

"Some blood tests require different types of testing, which is why we sometimes need several vials of blood," she said. 

"When they have what they need, they will remove the needle and hold pressure to help your blood clot."

The technician will label each vial of blood with your identifying information and ask you to verify that it is correct, Vasagar added.

If you have any fear or anxiety about getting blood work, experts recommend discussing your concerns with your health care provider ahead of time. 

"They see many people who are anxious about needles and blood, and they can help you calm down," noted the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 

"I usually prepare patients with what we expect the results to be, and when they can expect to meet with me again or receive a call to discuss results," said Vasagar. 

"I also tell patients that they will always receive communication about those results, even if they are normal, so if they have not heard anything, they should call."

You can carry on with your normal routine the day before a blood test. However, if your doctor has asked you to fast, you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than plain water for eight to 12 hours before your blood test, said Vasagar. 

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"Some people like to schedule for first thing in the morning so that their fasting time takes place overnight and is less impactful to their daily routine," she said. 

Fasting is only required for specific blood tests, so it’s important to check with your doctor.

If fasting isn’t required, it’s a good idea to eat and drink before getting your blood drawn to prevent lightheadedness, according to Vasagar. 

"If you start feeling dizzy, tell your technician so they can help you lie down and get you a snack and water," the doctor said.

Drinking plenty of water before your appointment will help prepare your veins so that your technician can draw blood more easily, she added.

Blood will be drawn from your arm, so dress in a way that allows the technician to access your arm. 

"Layering is a great way to stay warm while allowing for easy bloodwork," Vasagar suggested.

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Feeling prepared can be a good way to combat anxiety. Make a plan to get to your appointment on time and bring your photo ID and insurance card. 

If you are fasting, you can bring snacks, water or coffee to have as soon as you are finished, the doctor advised.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, bring a relative or friend along, or listen to music with headphones to distract you from the needle, the same source suggested.

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Remember that having a blood test takes just a few minutes and generally isn’t painful, experts agree.

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Dance eases depression symptoms in Parkinson's patients, new study suggests

Putting a swing in their step could be just the thing to help ease the symptoms of depression in some Parkinson's patients, a new study suggests.

Patients who took months of dance classes found their depression eased, a small study published recently in the Journal of Medical Internet Research says.

Not only did depression symptoms ease for the Parkinson's patients, their brain scans displayed changes in their brain areas related to mood, researchers said.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE RISK IS LINKED TO GUT HEALTH, RESEARCHERS SAY

"It was very cool to see that dance had a positive effect on the mood circuits in the brain, which we could see in the imaging," senior researcher Joseph DeSouza, an associate professor of neuroscience at York University in Toronto, Canada, said in a university news release.

"These improvements that we could see on MRI brain scans were also reported by the participants via survey," DeSouza said. 

"Our study is the first to demonstrate these benefits across these two detection methods," he also said, as news agency SWNS reported.

The study followed 23 participants in the Sharing Dance Parkinson’s program at Canada’s National Ballet School who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease — as well as 11 healthy people, some of whom were relatives of the patients.

Participants took weekly dance classes for eight months, which progressed from simple leg and foot work and pliés to interpretive movements, waltzes and more complicated, choreographed dances, the outlet reported.

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Researchers honed in on a node in the brain, the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), that has been shown in previous research to be implicated in depression.

The team measured mood and depression scores in all participants using a recognized scale before and after every class, plus they conducted regular MRI scans at York.

After each dance class, they found that reported depression rates dropped — and the effect was cumulative from class to class, with "significant" improvements seen after eight months.

The team also found that the MRI scans showed reduced signals in a frontal-cortex brain region associated with emotional regulation and that in a smaller subset of the participants, a significant decrease in depression scores correlated with changes in the SCG node.

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Co-author Dr. Karolina Bearss, a professor at Algoma University, Canada, said, "We essentially showed that [the] SCG blood oxygen level–dependent signal decreases while dancing over time."

Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the team noted. 

Before diagnosis, there is a "prodromal" phase that can last for two to 10 years. It's characterized by low mood, even before other symptoms appear, such as tremors.

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"People with Parkinson's disease tend to have multiple symptoms that are not just motor-related," said Bearss. "There are a lot of symptoms that include mental and social well-being impairments — one of those being depression."

The new research builds on the team's previous three-year study that found that dance training helps Parkinson's patients with motor control, mood and other functions of daily living.

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Dance is thought to have a double benefit, as music activates the brain’s reward centers and the movement acts on sensory and motor circuits.

Professor DeSouza, who has been dancing with participants in the program for 14 years, said that while dancing is not a treatment for Parkinson's per se, the benefits are clear, according to the report.

He added, "We're not trying to cure Parkinson's with dance. What we're trying to do is to have people live a better quality of life. This goes for both those with the disease, and their families that take care of them - they also get benefits of feeling better."

Up to half of all Parkinson’s patients suffer from depression or anxiety at some point, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research notes.

A previous study done at Sydney University found that structured dance (of any genre) is generally as effective as — or even more effective than — other types of physical activity for improving psychological and cognitive outcomes among people with chronic illness as well as healthy people.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/08OERgV

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