Rare tick-borne virus causing neurological symptoms diagnosed in Northeastern state

As tick season continues to pick up steam across the U.S., a Maine resident has been diagnosed with a potentially serious tick-borne illness.

The adult, who lives in Hancock County, was hospitalized with Powassan virus after developing "neurological symptoms," according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC).

Powassan virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected woodchuck tick or an infected deer.

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Dr. Jorge P. Parada, M.D., medical advisor at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in Chicago, noted that the Powassan virus is rare compared to diseases like Lyme disease, but that "it’s still a serious concern."

"One of the most dangerous aspects of it is its rapid transmission," Parada told Fox News Digital. 

"Powassan can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the infected tick bites, while Lyme disease usually requires a 36- to 48-hour attachment time for transmission."

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, confirmed that this virus is transmitted much more quickly than Lyme disease, with an incubation period of one to four weeks.

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While cases are rare, with just seven to eight diagnoses each year in the U.S., they have been on the uptick in recent years — primarily in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As with other tick-borne illnesses, the virus is most prevalent from late spring through mid-fall.

Initial symptoms of Powassan virus include fever, headache, vomiting and weakness, per the CDC, although some infected people may not get sick.

In some cases, the virus can lead to severe illness, leading to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In these rare cases, those infected may experience difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of coordination and seizures, the health agency warned.

While anyone can develop severe disease, those at highest risk include older adults, children and people who are immunocomprised.

There are no vaccines available for Powassan virus.

"Unlike most tick-borne illnesses, 10% to 15% of severe cases are fatal, and half of the survivors experience permanent neurological damage," Parada said. 

Many who experience severe disease suffer from long-term symptoms, including headaches, memory problems and a decline in muscle strength.

There is not a specific medication for Powassan virus, with treatment focused on managing symptoms and complications, according to Maine CDC.

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"Since there isn’t a treatment or vaccine for the Powassan virus, prevention is critical," Parada said. 

The same tick prevention strategies for Lyme disease also apply to this virus, he said.

Those include using EPA-registered insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET, wearing light-colored clothes with long sleeves and pants tucked into socks in areas with ticks, and performing a thorough tick check on yourself, your family and pets after being outdoors, according to Parada.

"We also recommend making your yard less attractive to ticks by keeping grass short, and using gravel or wood chips to create a ‘tick moat’ between the edge of your property to discourage migration," he advised. 

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The doctor added, "The combination of Powassan’s rapid transmission, severe health consequences and lack of treatment options makes this an emerging public health concern that requires immediate attention to prevention efforts."

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Your daily sandwich could be making you sad and anxious, health experts warn

When it comes to declining mental health, the focus is usually on therapy, medication or lifestyle changes like exercise and mindfulness – but could the culprit be on your plate?

Experts spoke to Fox News Digital to shed light on the surprising connection between gluten, gut health and how we feel.

"Nutrition is one of the most under-appreciated factors in mental health," said Dr. Pete Sulack, a health practitioner based in Tennessee and founder of the Be Resilient Program.

EXPERTS REVEAL 5-STEP APPROACH TO A HEALTHIER GUT AND STRONGER IMMUNITY

The food we eat directly influences the production of feel-good chemicals and inflammation levels in our body, he noted, factors that are instrumental in shaping mood, focus and emotional resilience.

Kim Kulp, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of the Gut Health Connection in the San Francisco Bay Area, agreed, noting that a lack of nutrients in the diet means the brain isn’t getting what it needs to function at its best.

The "gut-brain axis" (the communication line between the digestive system and brain) is where gut microbes respond to the foods people eat, influencing mood for better or worse, according to Kulp.

Among many culprits in the modern diet, gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, ingredients commonly used to make pasta and bread — has gotten a lot of attention.

EATING THESE COMMON FOODS COULD REDUCE ALZHEIMER'S RISK, EXPERTS SAY

While celiac disease is a well-known autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, Sulack pointed out that even people without celiac can suffer from what’s known as "non-celiac gluten sensitivity." 

Gluten has been shown to increase intestinal permeability (commonly called "leaky gut"). This can lead to body and brain inflammation, which causes symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, mood swings and brain fog, according to experts.

This inflammation interferes with neurotransmitter balance and can worsen conditions like depression, anxiety and ADHD.

This means that your daily toast or sandwich could be contributing to emotional turbulence without you even realizing it.

This could particularly affect those who are already suffering from mental health symptoms, have a sensitivity to gluten or eat heavily processed varieties of bread, experts agree.

BEST AND WORST BREADS FOR YOUR HEALTH, ACCORDING TO NUTRITION EXPERTS

In his clinical practice, Sulack said he’s seen dramatic improvements in mood and focus when patients remove gluten along with other inflammatory foods.

Kulp offered a slightly different take, however.

"If you don’t have celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten has not been shown to be detrimental to mental health," she told Fox News Digital.

Diets like the Mediterranean diet, which include whole grains that contain gluten, have been shown to support cognitive function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression — which suggests that bread may not always be the enemy.

Both experts agreed that the type and quality of bread makes all the difference. 

Sulack cautioned against modern, ultraprocessed breads packed with additives and refined flours, which are most likely to trigger inflammation and mental health symptoms. 

He extended this warning to ultraprocessed foods in general, many of which contain gluten along with sugar, seed oils and chemical additives. 

These foods are often devoid of nutritional value and, according to experts, actively fuel inflammation in the body and the brain. 

With the importance of whole foods in mind, Kulp emphasized that bread can be a valuable part of a mentally supportive diet. 

"Too many people are focused on what to avoid in their diets, and not what to include," she said. "Often, healthy foods are being cut out because of misinformation from social media and the internet."

Whole-wheat bread is a great source of whole grains, Kulp noted. 

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Even for those with sensitivities, gluten-free breads made from quinoa, millet or sourdough options can be good alternatives, she said, adding, "There’s a bread for almost everyone."

As Sulack put it: "We cannot medicate our way out of what many are eating their way into."

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The experts highlighted some key nutrients that are essential for mental health, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate), vitamin D, magnesium and amino acids like tryptophan. 

These nutrients support mood regulation and are often deficient in people struggling with anxiety or depression, they noted.

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Your heart may be older than you think — and the number could predict disease risk

Your heart may be older than you are, according to new research.

A study from Northwestern Medicine found that most American adults have a "heart age" that is several years older than their chronological age.

The gap is wider among men than women, the researchers found, as well as in Black and Hispanic people and those with lower education and income, according to a university press release.

FORGET 10,000 STEPS — RESEARCH REVEALS THE REAL NUMBER YOU NEED FOR BETTER HEALTH

To help people assess their own cardiac age, the researchers developed a free online tool that makes the calculation.

Using guidelines from the American Heart Association, the PREVENT Risk Age Calculator determines a person’s heart disease risk based on several factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, current medications and the presence of diabetes.

The risk level is provided as an age rather than a percentage.

"Heart age, or PREVENT age, may be particularly useful for patients and clinicians and be more effective in preventing heart disease," senior author Dr. Sadiya Khan, the Magerstadt professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who led the development of the PREVENT equations, told Fox News Digital.

"It translates complex information about the risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure over the next 10 years into a number that is easier to understand and compare with one we are all familiar with — your actual age."

The goal is for the tool to help doctors and patients discuss heart disease risk more effectively, helping to ensure the right therapies to prevent heart attacks, stroke or heart failure events, according to Khan.

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The researchers tested the tool on more than 14,100 American adults across the U.S., ranging in age from 30 to 79, who had no history of heart disease.

The adults’ data was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was gathered from 2011 to March 2020.

Women had an average heart age of 55.4, nearly four years higher than their average chronological age of 51.3.

Men had an average heart age of 56.7, seven years higher than their chronological age of 49.7.

More than 22% of women and 33% of men with a high-school education or less had a heart age that exceeded their chronological age by more than 10 years.

The findings were published in JAMA Cardiology on Wednesday.

The hope is that more information about heart health risk could increase preventive care, Khan said, as heart disease has been the country’s leading cause of death for over 100 years.

"Many people who should be on medicine to lower their risk for heart attack, stroke or heart failure are not on these medications," the preventive cardiologist noted. 

"We hope this new heart age calculator will help support discussions about prevention and ultimately improve health for all people."

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This may be even more important in younger people, Khan noted, as they are less likely to be aware of their heart disease risk.

The calculator is not intended to serve as a substitute for in-person assessments by a physician.

One limitation of the study, the researchers noted, is that "the definition of optimal risk may influence the calculation of PREVENT risk age."

"Alternatively, population-based percentiles of risk can provide a complementary approach to communicating risk, but these are influenced by suboptimal population health," they wrote. 

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"This type of tool needs to be tested widely to determine if it is more readily understood," Khan told Fox News Digital.

Future studies are needed to measure the impact of heart age on healthy lifestyle changes, preventive therapies and patient outcomes, the team concluded.

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Ozzy and Hulk's health issues, plus an athlete's cancer diagnosis

BEATING THE ODDS – The world's most premature baby has reached his first birthday. Continue reading…

TIRED TRUTH - A hidden sleep danger could increase the risk of 172 diseases, a major study reveals. Continue reading…

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Hidden sleep danger could increase risk of 172 diseases, major study reveals

Experts agree that seven to nine hours of sleep is ideal for most adults — but when it comes to your health, the total number of hours might not be the most important factor.

In a major new study led by teams from Peking University and Army Medical University, sleep irregularity has been linked to an increased risk of 172 different diseases.

The researchers analyzed nearly seven years of UK Biobank sleep data from 88,461 adults averaging 62 years of age, focusing on multiple traits that included nocturnal sleep duration, sleep onset timing, sleep rhythm and sleep fragmentation, according to a press release.

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They then compared that data to disease outcomes from the National Health Service, the Cancer Registry and the National Death Index. 

They found that for 92 diseases — Parkinson’s disease and acute kidney failure — 20% of the risk was tied to poor sleep behavior.

Forty-two diseases were linked to at least double the risk. Those included age-related frailty, gangrene, and fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Poor sleep traits were linked to 1.5 times the risk of 122 diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory failure, certain bone fractures and urinary incontinence.

ALZHEIMER'S RISK COULD RISE WITH SPECIFIC SLEEP PATTERN, EXPERTS WARN

Inflammatory pathways were identified as one possible link between irregular sleep and disease. 

"Some common diseases showed considerable attributable risk, such as Parkinson's disease, pulmonary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) and urinary incontinence," the researchers wrote.

The results were published in the journal Health Data Science.

"Our findings underscore the overlooked importance of sleep regularity," said Prof. Shengfeng Wang, senior author of the study, in the release. "It’s time we broaden our definition of good sleep beyond just duration."

Ashley Curtis, PhD, assistant professor and director of the Cognition, Aging, Sleep, and Health (CASH) Lab in the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida, was not involved in the research but shared her reaction to the findings. 

"This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting the critical role sleep plays as a key modifiable risk factor across a range of medical disorders, particularly in mid- to late-life," she told Fox News Digital.

"However, this study also emphasizes that how we measure sleep matters in terms of what conclusions we make regarding its impact on health across the lifespan."

Curtis highlighted the difference between self-reported sleep patterns versus objective measurements captured by wearable devices.

"Better understanding these patterns is important, because it can impact recommendations regarding what aspects of sleep we should be monitoring more closely in terms of assessing the risk of future declines in health," she said. 

"Additionally, these findings provide insight into the specific physiological sleep-related mechanisms that may be driving comorbid disease trajectories."

The researchers noted several major limitations in this research.

The most prevalent is that the study is not representative of the nationwide population, as the participants were mainly middle-aged or elderly and therefore more susceptible to certain diseases.

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The sleep data was also captured at only one single point in time.

There is also a chance that external factors or "reverse causation bias" affected the results, they stated.

Curtis echoed these limitations, noting that sleep was only measured across one seven-day time period and did not consider variability in sleep patterns over time.

"Further, there was a lack of consideration of sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea," she told Fox News Digital.

"Given that both of these sleep disorders are highly prevalent in aging populations, there is a need for future studies that include a more comprehensive clinical assessment in order to fully elucidate the link between sleep disorder profiles and the risk of other medical comorbidities."

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The research team plans to conduct future studies to confirm causality and to measure how sleep interventions may impact chronic disease outcomes.

The study was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Municipal Health Development Research Fund.

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Doctor reveals the secret weapon against growing vaccine skepticism worldwide

Although it’s been more than five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting vaccine hesitancy still lingers to this day — something Professor Margie Danchin is committed to helping solve.

A pediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, Danchin is also a vaccine expert at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), also in Melbourne. 

Her biggest focus, she told Fox News Digital, is fighting the erosion of vaccine confidence at a time when technology is advancing — and when the need for these advances to fight emerging (and re-emerging) childhood diseases is growing. 

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One prime example of this technology, according to Danchin, is the new maternal vaccination against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the RSV monoclonal antibody treatment for newborns, called nirsevimab. 

These are new and effective weapons against an illness that is a leading global cause of infant pneumonia and hospitalization of newborns. 

In Western Australia and Queensland, Danchin said, nirsevimab has led to an 80% decrease in hospitalizations from RSV.

Fox News Digital spoke to Danchin about this paradox between exciting new tools of prevention and the reluctance to use them. 

In Australia, childhood vaccination rates are falling in many areas, mirroring other regions in the U.S. and around the world. 

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"We have the lowest levels of trust in all vaccines in more than a decade — and in effect, we've had global reductions in vaccine coverage for children in particular," Danchin said. 

She also pointed to the escalation of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as diphtheria, polio, whooping cough and measles.

Professor Danchin’s research focuses on vaccine hesitancy and what to do about it.  

"It needs to be tackled on many levels," she said.

Some of the biggest factors, according to the doctor, are people's worldviews, perceptions and understanding of risk, as well as the cognitive biases they use to interpret that risk.

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"We saw through the COVID rollout, when there were adverse events associated with vaccines, people became incredibly fearful that was going to happen to them — even though the actual risk of that occurring was incredibly low, very rare," Danchin said.

The doctor aims to address patients’ concerns while at the same time building trust.

One strategy is the Vaccine Champions Program, which has been rolled out in Australia as well as five countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We build capacity and train healthcare providers and diverse community leaders — including religious leaders, teachers and sporting stars — on how to communicate about vaccines," Danchin said.

Storytelling narratives can also be an effective way to convey the importance of vaccines, the doctor noted. 

She said she strives to establish herself as "somebody with knowledge and expertise and credibility," while at the same time being respectful and ensuring that parents feel their concerns are heard. 

"I build rapport, and then I spend time actually addressing those concerns and sharing trustworthy information," Danchin said.

DEMENTIA RISK COULD DIP WITH COMMON VACCINE, STUDY SUGGESTS

She also takes the time to discuss the diseases themselves, she said.

"I think we spend too much time focusing on the vaccines, which have become a victim of their own success," Danchin said. "Parents forget why we're vaccinating and what the diseases we're trying to prevent could do to their children."

Above all, Danchin said, it’s important for people to have access to trustworthy sources of information rather than existing in "echo chambers," where they read and share information that may not be accurate or well-sourced.

"We need trusted scientists who can actually communicate," Danchin said.

Danchin emphasized that most people are not unintelligent about this topic — "they're just very confused. They don't know what to believe." 

It’s important to be respectful of others’ views and to "invite open conversation," the doctor said.

"If you censor information, then people become distrusting," she cautioned, noting that conversations must be held "with clarity, without aggression or judgment."

Danchin also said she strives to dispel the lingering concerns among some parents about the possible link between certain vaccines and autism. 

To accomplish that, she listens to parents’ concerns and then "gently shares" the 25 years of research that disprove that association, she said.

"Just because you have a vaccine, and then in the next four to six months, your child's communication skills and behavior changes, doesn't mean that X caused Y," Danchin said. 

"If you have a banana and then you have a reaction, it doesn't mean the reaction is from eating the banana."

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During the pandemic, Danchin noted, there were many instances where people felt that if an elderly person had a COVID vaccine and then died a week later, it was clearly the vaccine that caused the death, even though it could have been due to a stroke or heart attack. 

"So that's what I do with families — I gently explain the research. I show them that there's absolutely no evidence," she said. 

"There have been millions of children who have not received the MMR vaccine and others who have received it, and there's been no difference in the incidence of autism." 

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Danchin aims to approach parents "with clarity, without aggression, without judgment, and by using a ground-up approach." 

At the same time, the doctor said she and her fellow researchers "are constantly monitoring for vaccine side effects (or vaccine safety concerns) in the community."

Visit go.fox/MCRI to donate or to learn more about MCRI’s important research.

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Deadly substance under scrutiny as kratom byproduct shows up in gas stations, smoke shops

U.S. health agencies are targeting a threat to Americans that is readily available nationwide.

7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, is a concentrated form of kratom, a plant-derived substance that has been commonly used for pain relief and as a stimulant.

The concentrated byproduct has been linked to opioid receptors in the body, triggering the potential for abuse and various drug-related symptoms.

HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE AVAILABLE IN STORES ACROSS THE NATION

The substance, which is considered a "synthetic opioid," has been bottled into drinks, powders and tablets that are sold at vape shops, gas stations and other stores across the country.

An uptick in 7-OH-related medical events has led the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on sellers of these products.

In a Tuesday press release, the HHS announced that the FDA is recommending a scheduling action to control these products under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., wrote in a statement that vape stores are "popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH." 

AMID KRATOM OVERDOSE CLAIMS, GROUPS CALL FOR REGULATION, BETTER TESTING OF DRUG

"After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again," he said. "7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic."

There are no FDA-approved 7-OH drugs, according to the health agency. It is not lawful in dietary supplements, nor can it be lawfully added to conventional foods.

Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tree (Mitragyna speciosa) found in regions of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Thailand, according to Lori Karan, M.D., professor of internal and preventive medicine at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, who previously spoke to Fox News Digital.

The leaves of the tree contain more than 40 different active compounds, with the most prevalent being mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciofoline. 

The plant is thought to have dual properties. It produces a stimulant effect at low doses and an opioid-like, analgesic effect when taken in higher amounts, according to Dr. Richard Clark, medical director of the San Diego division of the California Poison Control System.

"It has activity at opioid receptors in the brain, like opioid analgesics, and for that reason has been used as either a substitute for opioid analgesics or a tool to improve symptoms of opioid withdrawal," Clark previously told Fox News Digital.

Americans most commonly use kratom for self-treatment of chronic pain and to help battle opioid withdrawal symptoms, he added.

When isolated in its concentrated state, 7-OH, the active metabolite present in the kratom plant, becomes a highly potent analgesic.

7-OH can be more potent than morphine, leading to the potential for abuse and drug-related symptoms like dependence and withdrawal, according to the HHS.

While vendors may advertise kratom as safe and "all-natural," the composition can vary widely and may not accurately reflect the product labeling, experts caution.

It’s uncommon for kratom to cause major toxic effects, but when people ingest large amounts or combine it with other drugs, they may experience hallucinogenic reactions, convulsions, coma and, in rare cases, death, Clark warned.

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"There is also a potential for individuals to develop dependence and withdrawal with heavy kratom use," he said.

Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, confusion and tremors, according to Karan.

The FDA and HHS announced a call to action against 7-OH products in a press conference on Tuesday, where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described its growing availability and the weight of addiction on the American people.

"They’re putting [vape shops] around schools, they’re putting them in our poorest neighborhoods, and now they’re putting them in every gas station," the HHS secretary said.

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"They’re marketed for children. They’re gummy bears, they’re bright colors, they’re candy-flavored. This is really a sinister, sinister industry."

During the same press conference, Makary noted that there is no intention for the agencies to deem pure kratom as "safe" for use at this time.

Shiv Sudhakar contributed to this report.

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Doctors share bladder cancer warning signs after Deion Sanders reveals diagnosis and recovery

After Hall of Fame athlete Deion Sanders’ announcement that he battled bladder cancer, doctors are sharing warning signs to monitor.

Sanders, who is currently head football coach at the University of Colorado Boulder, spoke about his medical struggles during a Monday press conference held at Folsom Field in Boulder.

The former NFL and MLB star, 57, appeared alongside his care team and representatives from University of Colorado Health (UC Health) and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz).

MAN'S DEADLY BRAIN CANCER TUMOR DISAPPEARS AFTER EXPERIMENTAL DRUG TRIAL

Sanders was diagnosed with "very high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer," but is now cancer-free, according to a statement from his oncologist.

"We removed the tumor. It was very high-grade and invading through the bladder wall," said Dr. Janet Kukreja, urological oncology director at CU Anshutz. "I am pleased to report that the results from the surgery are that he is cured from the cancer."

The oncologist noted that Sanders’ type of cancer has a very high rate of recurrence and progression.

Treating the disease within the bladder would require a long series of treatments over a three-year period, and there would still be a 50% chance of the cancer coming back.

The cancer could also have spread to the muscle, the doctor said, which happens in about half of cases.

CANCER COULD BE DETECTED THREE YEARS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS WITH EXPERIMENTAL BLOOD TEST

"Only about 10% of people live five years, even with our current medical treatment, if it metastasizes," she said.

Together with his care team, Sanders made the decision to have a bladder removal, in which surgeons performed a "full robot-assisted laparoscopic bladder removal" and created a new bladder.

"It’s a laparoscopic surgery where we attach a robot to the patient, and then we do all the maneuvering of the robot," Kukreja said. "And then once the bladder comes out, we also take some lymph nodes to make sure it hasn't spread, and then we make a new bladder using [the patient’s] own intestines."

"It is a new way of life. And it is a learning curve for sure."

Lauren Askevold, an athletic trainer at the University of Colorado, shared that Sanders’ bladder tumor was discovered inadvertently during a CT scan to monitor his heart health.

Sanders, who lost 25 pounds during the course of his cancer journey, said he is thankful and urged others to be aware of warning signs and to seek medical attention.

RARE CANCER DIAGNOSES SURGE DRAMATICALLY AMONG MILLENNIALS AND GEN X

"It's been a tremendous journey. It has been tough," he said at the press conference. "Everybody get checked out, because if it wasn't for me getting tested for something else, they wouldn't have stumbled upon this."

"And make sure you go to the get the right care. Because without wonderful people like this, I probably wouldn't be sitting here today, because it grew so expeditiously."

Sanders also spoke about his struggles with using a catheter and no longer having control of his bladder, noting that "it’s a whole life change."

"I know a lot of people out there are going through what I'm going through and dealing with what I'm dealing with, and let's stop being ashamed of it — let's deal with it head-on," he said.

Sanders said he is feeling strong and ready to coach again. "It was never in my spirit, in my heart, that God wouldn't allow me to coach again."

Kukreja noted that Sanders’ outlook is "very good."

"We'll just keep him on routine surveillance scans. Other than that, nothing else."

Although Sanders said he had "no signs whatsoever," Kukreja emphasized the importance of people being aware of any red flags for bladder cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in men.

"The early signs are usually blood in the urine," she said during the press conference. "Blood in the urine in the absence of infection is never normal and should always get checked out."

Even in the absence of symptoms, Kukreja recommends regularly seeing a primary care doctor, eating well and abstaining from smoking. 

"Coach was never a smoker, and one of the people that just unfortunately got bladder cancer," she said. "But that's also something that's very heavily associated with bladder cancer."

Dr. Chad Ryan Ritch, M.D., a urologic oncologist at the University of Miami Health System, did not treat Sanders but shared input on bladder cancer warning signs.

"The main sign is the presence of visible (or microscopic) blood in the urine, without pain and in the absence of infection or trauma," he told Fox News Digital. 

Less common signs, according to Ritch, include strong urges to urinate and frequent urination with mild discomfort that does not subside with common treatments. 

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"These are known as irritative voiding symptoms," he noted. 

In advanced cases, some patients may experience urinary obstruction with blockage of the ureter, which connects the kidney to the bladder.

"This may present as pain in the flank and should not be ignored, especially if it occurs with blood in the urine and without other identifiable causes, such as infection or trauma," said Ritch. 

The doctor reiterated that the most common cause of urothelial bladder cancer in the U.S. is smoking — "thus, quitting and avoiding tobacco smoking is the best prevention."

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"Chronic urinary tract infections and decades of bladder inflammation from instrumentation such as catheters may also cause squamous cell bladder cancer," Ritch added. 

"The take-home message is that if you have these risk factors and have visible or microscopic blood in the urine, then it is important to see a doctor."

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Health officials warn of dangerous substance available in stores across the nation

Health officials are taking action against a substance that some are calling "gas station heroin." The FDA is recommending that 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) — a byproduct of the plant kratom — be classified as a Schedule I drug.

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary emphasized the importance of getting ahead of yet another wave of addiction before it can sweep across the country. Makary compared the distribution of 7-OH to the early days of opioid prescriptions, before doctors understood the addictive nature of painkillers.

MEDICAL GROUPS URGE KENNEDY, FDA TO REEXAMINE BROAD APPROVAL OF ABORTION DRUGS

"Vape stores are popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH. After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again," Makary said in an FDA statement. "7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic."

During a news conference on Tuesday, Makary suggested that the public health community is often late to act against dangerous substances due to a "disconnect between the ivory towers and the streets." He then pondered aloud if experts had been to vape stores, as it "affects what we see in the operating room."

According to the FDA, 7-OH is beginning to be recognized for its potential to be abused because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors. Additionally, the substance is widely available and may be appealing to children and teens as it is sold in fruit-flavored gummies and even ice cream cones. The FDA is also warning that 7-OH products "may not be clearly or accurately labeled as to their 7-OH content and are sometimes disguised or marketed as kratom."

"I am in favor of this move because of the relationship of the 7-OH to the opioid receptors. This is essentially an opioid. It is semisynthetic and derived from the kratom plant whose leaves make a stimulant. There are no approved 7-OH drugs or diet supplements," FOX News Senior Medical Analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital. "Bravo to the FDA for this move — it should be listed as a controlled substance."

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Kennedy spoke about his own battle with heroin addiction. The HHS secretary described his "iron willpower" and how he gave up candy and desserts for years, making him feel as though he could do anything, until he got his hands on heroin.

"I felt that I could do anything with my willpower, but this compulsion was absolutely impervious to my will, and part of the problem was just the availability. It was too easy to get this drug for me," Kennedy said.

He also noted that President Donald Trump’s family has also grappled with addiction. Though the president has been sober his entire life, his brother, Fred Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism for much of his life and died at the age of 43.

"I had a brother, Fred, great guy," Trump said about his brother in 2017. "But he had a problem. He had a problem with alcohol. And he would tell me, ‘Don't drink. Don't drink.’"

Trump said at the time that he listened to his brother because he "respected him," adding that "to this day, I’ve never had a drink."

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who attended the news conference, supported the recommendation based on his family’s experience with addiction, though he did not detail exactly to whom he was referring.

"It’s an addiction that is ruining lives," Mullin said at a Tuesday news conference. He went on to thank Kennedy on behalf of his own family and "every single family that has dealt with this" for acting against the powerful drug.

The CDC reported in May that drug overdose deaths in the country dropped in 2024. The U.S. saw "80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2024 — a decrease of 26.9% from the 110,037 deaths estimated in 2023." Additionally, the CDC found that "overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from an estimated 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024."

Kratom, the plant from which 7-OH is derived, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The FDA notes that kratom is often used to self-treat a variety of conditions, such as pain, anxiety and depression. The agency notes that it has not approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components: mitragynine and 7-OH.

FOX News’ Serafin Gómez contributed to this report.

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Doctors reveal key signs of Lyme disease as tick season intensifies across US

Lyme disease is prevalent this time of year, especially in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and upper-Midwest regions of the U.S. — though there have been reports of cases in expanding areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial infection that causes Lyme disease, is transmitted to humans through the bite of a black-legged (deer) tick, per the above source.

Deer ticks the size of a poppy seed can inject a numbing chemical when they bite, allowing the infection to go undetected until symptoms begin to show weeks later.

TICKS SPREAD TO NEW REGIONS ACROSS AMERICA, BRINGING DANGEROUS DISEASES AND NEED FOR VIGILANCE

The infection can lead to severe muscle and joint pain, Lyme arthritis, cardiac complications and neurological conditions, experts told Fox News Digital.  

A telltale sign of Lyme disease is a red circular bull’s-eye rash or multiple rashes on the skin, especially in tick-endemic regions.

Between 60% and 80% of patients will develop a rash, according to experts.

"We're looking for specific findings, like the classic bull's-eye rash, a swollen joint or a facial droop called Bell's palsy, which can be seen with Lyme disease," Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Stony Brook Children's Hospital on Long Island, New York, said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Symptoms typically emerge two weeks after the bite, becoming more severe if they go untreated. 

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If the infection isn’t treated at the time of the rash, patients will typically seek medical attention for later manifestations of the infection, Handel noted. 

Those can include Bell’s palsy (facial nerve paralysis), Lyme meningitis (often marked by severe headache, neck stiffness and fever) and carditis (inflammation of heart tissues).

One of the earliest signs of Lyme disease is overwhelming fatigue and joint aches, according to Dr. Daniel Cameron, an epidemiologist in Mount Kisco, New York, who specializes in tick-borne illnesses.

Other symptoms may include fever, brain fog, dizziness, palpitations and nerve pain, among others.

A blood test can help diagnose Lyme disease, but timing matters.

"The way we diagnose Lyme disease in the blood is by looking for antibodies, for the immune system's response to the infection, as opposed to other infectious testing, where you find the bacteria itself," Handel told Fox News Digital.

TICK BITES AND LYME DISEASE: WHAT TO DO IF A TICK BITES YOU OR YOUR PET

Testing too early can result in a false negative, as antibody tests often don't turn positive until three or four weeks after the tick bite occurred.

After sustaining a tick bite, experts recommend immediately removing the tick and seeing a healthcare provider. 

Doctors will typically prescribe a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with a 200-milligram dose of the antibiotic doxycycline to be taken within 72 hours of a high-risk tick bite, epidemiologists told Fox News Digital.

Although studies have found this dose to be effective in the majority of cases, some physicians prefer a longer course of treatment for tick bites.

"I'm not a big fan of a single dose of doxycycline [200 mg] for a tick bite, even though it's pretty popular," Cameron told Fox News Digital. "I don’t feel comfortable with a single dose if I really want to avoid Lyme."

Instead, Cameron prefers a four-week course of antibiotics for suspected Lyme disease cases. For patients who don’t want to take antibiotics right away, he said he will "watch and wait" to see if symptoms emerge and then treat accordingly. 

The doctor recommends that patients follow up in a month to be assessed and undergo screenings for other infections if necessary.

In the event that a patient develops Lyme, the disease typically responds well to a course of antibiotics, which may include doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime, according to experts.

Treatment duration can vary from 10 days up to four to six weeks.  

Chronic Lyme disease — also known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) — is a condition that affects a subgroup of patients who were already treated for Lyme disease, but continue to have symptoms.

"The bacteria is dead and gone. It's the immune system’s lingering response to the infection that you had in the past," Handel told Fox News Digital. 

For these cases, doctors typically prescribe symptom-based therapies rather than additional antibiotics.

More research is needed in the field of PTLDS, experts agree.

"It remains an area that requires further understanding and investigation as to how to optimally treat the symptoms that patients have," Dr. Aaron Glatt, a hospital epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau on Long Island, New York, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"However, the current data do not support providing additional antibiotic therapy for this condition."

If someone suspects they have PTLDS, they should discuss with their physician the possibility of other diseases, such as babesiosis, which is widely regarded as the second-most common tick-borne illness in the Northeastern U.S.

While babesiosis is spread by the same tick as Lyme disease, it is caused by a parasite called Babesia microti rather than a bacterium, per the CDC.

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"It’s the same tick, but doxycycline doesn’t do a thing for it, whether you take two pills or the full course," Cameron said. "You’ll never get control of Babesia until you take some anti-parasite medicine."

If someone does not respond to Lyme treatment, Cameron recommends that they get tested for babesiosis and receive antiparasitic medications if necessary.

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites in the first place, experts agree. 

They recommend taking the following preventive measures.

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If you do find a tick on your body, Cameron and Handel suggest following the protocol below.

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Weight-loss patients taking Zepbound forced to switch to Wegovy after drop in coverage

Some patients taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss have been forced to switch to a different medication due to a change in insurance coverage — and they’re not happy about it.

As of July 1, CVS Caremark — one of the biggest pharmacy benefit managers in the U.S. — dropped Zepbound (tirzepatide) from its preferred drug list, replacing it with Wegovy (semaglutide).

Zepbound — along with its counterpart diabetes medication, Mounjaro — is made by Eli Lilly, while Wegovy is produced by Novo Nordisk, which also makes Ozempic.

CVS CAREMARK DROPS COVERAGE OF POPULAR WEIGHT LOSS DRUG

CVS Caremark blamed rising costs for the change. In a June 27 statement on its website, the company noted that "drug manufacturers are solely responsible for setting the price of drugs and have priced these medications at a high cost, making it difficult for many people to access them."

In an effort to "lower out-of-pocket drug prices," CVS Caremark said it partnered with Novo Nordisk to "significantly increase access to Wegovy for our members at a more affordable price."

"On July 1, 2025, we will take a formulary action to prefer Wegovy and remove Zepbound," the statement continued. "We’re confident our decision to prefer Wegovy on our commercial template formularies will enable wider, more affordable coverage for weight management drugs, while preserving clinical integrity."

Dr. Tro Kalayjian, a board-certified physician practicing internal and obesity medicine based in New York, noted that lack of patient choice always negatively affects patients.

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"Some people do not tolerate certain medications, and being forced to change to a new drug presents a clear avenue to stall progress," he told Fox News Digital. "Forced switching disrupts continuity of care."

"Switching drugs is not always seamless; dosing must often be re-titrated, and side effects can re-emerge."

Many patients who received letters from Caremark about the switch have taken to social media to express their concerns.

"I was just approved for Zepbound two months ago … I’ve only been on it for two months and I’m already down 25.8 lbs," one user wrote on Reddit. "I’ve increased my dose twice since I’m now in month three, and I’ve had little to no side effects. It’s been working so well for me, I’m really nervous about having to switch medications."

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Another user wrote, "CVS just sent a letter stating it was no longer covered and I could transition to Wegovy. However, I did try Wegovy prior to Zepbound and it made me profusely ill. There should be exceptions to this rule. Since I’m only using the shot every other week, maybe I will pay for it through their website. It works for me and I don’t want to take the chance of gaining the weight back."

CVS Caremark stated in its announcement that patients who previously tried Wegovy and 
experienced "severe or intolerable side effects" or "did not achieve sufficient weight loss" can request a "formulary exception" to be covered for a different weight loss drug.

"You or your provider may initiate an exception request, which allows for a case-by-case medical necessity review to determine whether coverage for an alternative therapy is appropriate based on your clinical circumstances," the company stated.  

Patients can opt to purchase Zepbound directly from Eli Lilly, Kalayjian noted, but the medication is expensive, costing roughly $300-$500 per month. 

"Unfortunately, people are so desperate they are buying research-grade versions of the medications from TikTok and social media," he warned.

Kalayjian noted that Zepbound is "slightly more effective" than Wegovy, as it has an additional mechanism, but both drugs are "very similar" in their weight loss results.

"There is slightly less nausea and vomiting with Zepbound," he added.

In a recent 72-week clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers compared the safety and efficacy of tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy).

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The study found that tirzepatide achieved greater weight loss, with participants shedding about 50 pounds (20.2% of their body weight).

The group taking semaglutide lost an average of 33 pounds or 13.7% of their baseline weight, according to a press release summarizing the study outcome.

Overall, 32% of the people taking tirzepatide lost at least 25% of their body weight; semaglutide users lost around 16%.

Tirzepatide users also reported a "greater reduction in waist circumference" than those on semaglutide.

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The reported side effects were very similar for the two drugs, with 44% of people experiencing nausea and 25% having abdominal pain.

Fox News Digital reached out to Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk for comment.

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World's most premature baby defies all medical odds to reach 1st birthday

An Iowa family recently celebrated a major milestone for a very special baby.

Mollie and Randall Keen welcomed their son, Nash Keen, on July 5, 2024. He was born 133 days early, at just 21 weeks gestation.

Guinness World Records has officially recognized Nash as the world’s most premature baby to survive.

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Earlier this month, Nash — affectionately nicknamed "Nash Potato" — turned 1 year old, defying all odds. 

When he was born at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Nash weighed just 285 grams (10 ounces) at birth — less than a grapefruit — and measured 24 centimeters long, according to a press release from the hospital.

Two years before Nash’s premature birth, the Keens lost a baby girl, McKinley, at 18 weeks gestation.

At that time, Mollie Keen was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, which is when the lower part of the cervix begins to open (dilate) too early, typically in the second trimester, the release shared.

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She also suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can cause fertility difficulties.

Six months after their loss, the Keens found out another baby was on the way.

"When we went to our local doctor’s office for the 20-week scan for Nash, I just had some concerns about how I was feeling, so I asked them to look at me closer — which they normally don’t do at that appointment — and they found I was already 2 centimeters dilated," Mollie Keen said.

A few days later, she began having contractions and was placed on bed rest.

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"We were devastated," she said. "We thought we were going through the exact same thing — we thought we were going to lose this baby."

The medical team at Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides life-saving care for babies born at 21 weeks gestation and later.

Fortunately, Mollie’s care team was able to delay labor until just 10 hours after Nash surpassed the 21-week mark.

"We want what is best for patients, so we really try to convey that we do not know what the outcomes will be for these extremely premature births," said Malinda Schaefer, M.D., Ph.D., the high-risk obstetrician who delivered Nash.

"It is important for parents to understand most survival rates are low, and if babies do survive, they have a very high risk of long-term complications, even at 22 weeks."

The team quickly provided medicine to Nash to support his organ development and to reduce the risk of complications, according to the release.

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"Sometimes babies born at 21 weeks are just too small for even our tiniest breathing tubes and intravenous lines," said neonatologist Amy Stanford, who treated Nash. "Our NICU team assessed Nash, and I was able to place a breathing tube. Once we had the breathing tube in, his heart rate stabilized and his oxygen levels were good."

Even so, Nash’s chances were slim, as no baby that young had ever survived.

Before Nash's birth, the most premature baby to survive was Curtis Zy-Keith Means, born to Michelle Butler on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, according to Guinness World Records. He was born at a gestational age of 21 weeks and 1 day, which was 132 days premature.

"We never want the parents to lose hope, but many of them are in an unreal situation, so we have to be very honest with them," said​ Patrick McNamara, M.D., division director of neonatology at Stead Family Children’s Hospital. 

"I would have told his parents, ‘The chance is zero, but I hope I'm wrong, and we will do everything we can to help him.’"

Around the one-month mark, Stanford said, the team began to "breathe a little easier."

"While we knew Nash still had a long journey ahead, that was the point when we started to feel more confident that he had a real chance of going home."

"It was a subtle but powerful shift – from day-to-day survival to long-term hope."

Nash received ongoing care during his 198 days in the hospital, as the team monitored his heart function and brain health.

In addition to receiving many medications, he also underwent surgery for a perforated bowel, which has up to a 40% mortality rate.

"They were on top of it every step of the way. They really gave him a fighting chance," said Randall Keen. "They were really honest with us during the whole journey about what his chances looked like. They made sure we were well-informed and kept us involved in all the decision-making."

After more than six months in the hospital, Nash was finally able to go home in January 2025.

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He will continue to be monitored for ongoing health issues, including a minor heart defect, and is currently being weaned from oxygen. Nash is still on a feeding tube and wears hearing aids.

Although he has had some developmental delays, Nash is getting stronger and more interactive with the help of ongoing therapy sessions, according to his mother.

Stanford shared her ultimate goal for Nash — "that by the time he's 5 years old when he goes to kindergarten, no one will know that he was born so early."

"Nash’s remarkable outcome reflects the progress we've made by building on the experiences of those patients who came before him," she added.

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Mollie Keen shared that she wants Nash to know how loved he is — and "how many people have cheered him on from the very beginning."

"I want him to grow up and be healthy, happy and confident in who he is. I want him to see his story as a source of strength."

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Forget 10,000 steps — research reveals the real number you need for better health

You may not need as many steps as you thought.

Ten thousand steps per day has been widely recommended as the standard benchmark for physical activity — but a new study suggests that just 7,000 could be enough to boost essential health markers.

Researchers from the University of Sydney conducted a review of 57 studies spanning more than 10 countries, which tracked participants’ steps and health outcomes. 

​​SIMPLE JAPANESE FITNESS TREND COULD ADD 7 YEARS TO LIFE EXPECTANCY, EXPERTS SAY

Led by Professor Melody Ding from the School of Public Health, the team looked at how different daily step counts impacted the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer, as well as the risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia and depression, according to a university press release. 

They found that walking at least 7,000 steps a day was linked to improvement in eight major health outcomes, including heart disease, dementia and depressive symptoms.

"Any increase in daily steps, even modest ones like 4,000 steps, delivers health benefits compared to very low activity levels," Ding told Fox News Digital.

"When possible, targeting around 7,000 steps per day can substantially reduce risks for many chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes."

Higher step counts beyond 7,000 may add extra benefits, but the improvement rate slows, she noted.

The results were published in The Lancet Public Health journal.

In particular, the researchers found that walking 7,000 steps a day reduced the risk of death by 47%, almost exactly the same as 10,000 steps.

That same step benchmark was also linked to a 38% reduced risk of dementia and a 22% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, both only slightly lower than the benefit of 10,000 steps, the release stated.

​​WALKING CERTAIN NUMBER OF STEPS DAILY REDUCES CANCER RISK, OXFORD STUDY FINDS

"Significant health improvements" were reported when people increased from 2,000 steps per day to anywhere between 5,000 and 7,000.

"Aiming for 7,000 steps is a realistic goal based on our findings, which assessed health outcomes in a range of areas that hadn’t been looked at before," said Professor Ding in the release. 

"However, for those who cannot yet achieve 7,000 steps a day, even small increases in step counts, such as increasing from 2,000 to 4,000 steps a day, are associated with significant health gain."

For those who are already very active and consistently hitting 10,000+ steps, Ding said, "keep it up — there’s no need to cut back."

The researchers also noted that stepping doesn’t need to happen all at once or require intentional exercise. 

"Everyday movements count — like getting off the bus a stop earlier or choosing stairs over elevators," Ding advised. 

"Small, incidental bouts throughout the day add up and contribute to health. Embrace opportunities to move more in practical, enjoyable ways."

There were some limitations in the study, the researchers noted.

"For some outcomes, we have a small number of studies," Ding told Fox News Digital.

There are also some study-level biases, she said.

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"For example, people who are already unwell will take fewer steps because of their health conditions," Ding said. "And while there is an indication that the dose-response may be different for older adults, we didn’t have enough data for all outcomes to explore it."

It’s also important to note that while walking offers great health benefits, it is not a complete "package" in itself, she noted. 

"Try to also incorporate strength training and mobility exercise into a weekly routine for more complete health benefits."

In next steps, the researchers plan to use these findings to shape future physical activity guidelines.

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Experts recommend that future studies of step count impacts should focus on variations for age, health status and region, the release stated.

"Our research helps to shift the focus from perfection to progress," Ding said. "Even small increases in daily movement can lead to meaningful health improvements."

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Simple Japanese fitness trend could add 7 years to life expectancy, experts say

Recent fitness trends, like "Zone 2" training and hitting 10,000 steps a day, are driving the conversation around the "best" method of exercise, and what it means to stay fit without intense workouts.

Japanese walking is one of the latest of these trends, although this form of exercise is not exactly new.

Decades ago, researchers from Japan compared the benefits of interval walking (switching between fast and slow paces) to keeping the same speed the entire time.

SIMPLE DAILY ACTIVITY COULD REDUCE RISK OF LOWER BACK PAIN, STUDY FINDS

Their findings indicated that moderate-intensity interval walking could protect against certain "age-associated" effects, including increases in blood pressure, weakening of thigh muscles and a reduced ability to exercise in the first place.

"You may be familiar with HIIT (high-intensity interval training) as a means to get an intense workout in a shorter period of time," Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, a primary care physician based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

"For some, HIIT is too intense; it can be hard on the joints, make people feel hungry and even trigger a physiologic stress response," she cautioned. "It can be completely unfeasible for people with low endurance or mobility issues."

Japanese walking alternates between three minutes of fast walking and three minutes of a slower "recovery" walk over the course of 30 minutes.

ZONE 2 TRAINING: THE TRENDING WORKOUT THAT BURNS FAT WITHOUT INTENSE EXERCISE

Jillian Michaels, a Miami-based fitness expert, previously told Fox News Digital that 150 minutes of walking a week has been shown to extend lifespan by up to seven years.

"Something simple like that goes such a long way," she said.

In theory, performing Japanese walking for 30 minutes, five days a week, would meet the 150-minute goal.

This approach is similar to Zone 2 training, which involves working at about 60% to 70% of someone’s maximum heart rate, Carmine Ciliento, a fitness manager at Crunch Fitness in New York, previously told Fox News Digital about the method.

Zone-based training measures how hard the body is working and how it's using energy — much like Japanese walking. 

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Japanese walking is also sometimes called interval walking training (IWT). 

A 2024 review published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism found that IWT has benefits for middle- and older-aged healthy adults, including those with metabolic diseases.

"Health benefits in populations with other diseases may also exist, but have been less investigated," noted the study.

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While regular physical activity is one of the most important health habits, Malchuk pointed out that "exercise you enjoy is exercise you’ll continue."

"It doesn’t matter if you prefer HIIT, Japanese walking or something else — choose exercise that is appropriate for your level of fitness, and is comfortable and safe."

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Health officials alarmed by unprecedented July spike in West Nile-infected mosquitoes in 2 major cities

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have reached one of the highest numbers ever recorded in Minnesota during the month of July, and authorities caution citizens to stay inside at dusk and dawn.

The blood-sucking bugs in all seven counties of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area tested positive for the disease, according to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD). 

MMCD ecologists processed nearly 200 mosquito pools and found Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the species most blamed for spreading the West Nile virus, were "active in some of the highest numbers" ever recorded, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.

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Of 133 pools tested, 34 tested positive for the virus, showing a rate of more than 25% positivity, MMCD reported. 

The rate is one of the highest recorded in the month of July, more in line with numbers seen in late August, when mosquito populations wind down.

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Positive West Nile virus samples were also found in mosquitoes in other states, including Georgia, where they were confirmed in three different areas of Atlanta.

Though the city is working on coordinating insect control, officials asked residents near affected areas to protect themselves from bites and eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

TICKS SPREAD TO NEW REGIONS ACROSS AMERICA, BRINGING DANGEROUS DISEASES AND NEED FOR VIGILANCE

The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Originating between mosquitoes and birds in Africa and Europe, the virus spread to the U.S. in 1999 when an outbreak in New York sent nearly 60 people to the hospital over two months.

Most of the patients had clinical signs of brain swelling, and seven patients died, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.

While the disease can be more detrimental to older patients and those with muscle weakness, MDH officials said most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience either mild symptoms or none at all.

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Wearable hydration monitor could help prevent heatstroke, scientists say

A new wearable sensor could help people avoid the dangers of dehydration by alerting them when their bodies need more water.

Developed by researchers at the University of Texas, the non-invasive device continuously measures hydration levels in real time and wirelessly transmits the data to a smartphone, according to an SWNS report.

"Dehydration is a silent threat that affects millions of people every day," said Professor Nanshu Lu of the University of Texas at Austin, who led the study. 

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"Our wearable sensor provides a simple, effective way to monitor hydration levels in real time, empowering individuals to take proactive steps to stay healthy and perform at their best," she added, per SWNS.

The sensor uses a method called bioimpedance, which sends a small, safe electrical current through the body via strategically placed electrodes. 

The current's flow depends on how hydrated the tissues are — hydrated tissue allows the current to pass easily, while dehydrated tissue resists the flow, according to SWNS.

"Arm bioimpedance is not only sensitive to hydration changes, but also aligns closely with whole-body hydration measurements," said study co-author Dr. Matija Jankovic, a post-doctoral researcher in Professor Lu’s lab.

"This means the sensor can be a reliable surrogate for tracking hydration levels, even during everyday activities like walking, working or exercising," Jankovic added.

To validate the device, the research team conducted multiple experiments, including a diuretic-induced dehydration study and a 24-hour real-life trial. 

Participants were given medication to promote fluid loss. Their hydration levels were monitored via the wearable and compared to urine samples. 

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The device showed a strong correlation between changes in arm bioimpedance and total body water loss, SWNS reported. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The new sensor could offer an accessible and wearable alternative to traditional hydration tracking methods, such as urine or blood analysis, which are invasive, time-consuming and impractical, the researchers noted.

Hydration is known to be essential for regulating body temperature, maintaining organ function and supporting many other vital processes.

Even mild dehydration can impair concentration and performance, while severe dehydration may lead to serious health problems like heatstroke, kidney stones and cardiovascular issues, according to experts.

Beyond everyday use, the researchers believe the technology could benefit patients with chronic dehydration, kidney disease or heart conditions. Athletes, too, could use the wearable to stay safe and perform optimally, especially in hot weather.

While the current model tracks relative hydration changes, Professor Lu said the team aims to develop reference data for absolute hydration levels.

They are also exploring more advanced wearable formats, like breathable electronic tattoos or sweat-absorbing patches, to enhance comfort during long-term use.

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"This is just the beginning," Professor Lu said, per the SWNS report. "Our goal is to make simple hydration monitoring accessible to everyone."

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Age no barrier as golf lover sinks 'miracle' hole-in-one for 90th birthday

A 90-year-old amateur golfer is celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime moment as he hit his very first hole-in-one just a day after his milestone birthday. (See the video at the top of this article.) 

John Payne, who said he's been playing golf for three decades, achieved the feat on July 18 at a local golf course in the U.K. 

The longtime player nailed the shot on the sixth hole, a 200-yard par three, despite dealing with deteriorating eyesight.

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"I didn’t realize that it had gone in," Payne told news agency SWNS. 

"It’s 200 yards from the tee to the hole. I never imagined I’d get it in one."

Payne said he hit the ball using his driver, and watched as it struck the downslope of a bunker before rolling straight into the cup. 

"When I was told I’d hit the perfect shot, I felt magic," he said. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime shot."

Payne had been playing that same course for 30 years without ever scoring an ace, SWNS reported.  

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"Some people have never had one in their life and I can see why," he said. 

"I’ve been playing for 30 years and only just got one now. It’s a miracle because it is very difficult."

Given his poor eyesight, Payne didn’t see the ball drop himself. 

"You play with other people and their eyesight is much better than mine," he said. 

"They gave me a running commentary as the ball landed."

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Payne took up golf in his 60s after retiring from a management career. 

He now plays regularly with a close-knit group of fellow golfers, he said. 

"When you’ve come to the end of your working life, you want to keep busy," he said. "You want to be out and not cooped up."

He added, "We play Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. It’s a nice little group of eight of us."

While Payne maintains a club handicap of about 26, he said he doesn’t compete in official tournaments anymore. 

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"I’m getting too long in the tooth for that," he joked.

Beyond golf, Payne keeps active with twice-weekly gym sessions, something he says helps keep his joints mobile and his swing in check. 

"Golf is important, but the gym is important for the movement side of things," he said. 

"As you get older you need mobile joints," he said.

"You need to be able to turn."

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Payne celebrated his remarkable hole-in-one with his family, which includes 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, SWNS said. 

Gurj Bowbanks, operations manager at the golf course, said everyone at the club was thrilled for him. 

"I think we are all in awe of him, and he's put us all to shame," Bowbanks said, according to the same source. 

"We are really over the moon for him."

Payne’s story has reportedly inspired fellow golfers — and reminded many that it’s never too late to achieve something extraordinary. 

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