Common viruses linked to ‘dramatic’ spike in heart attack and stroke risk

Certain viruses could make people more susceptible to heart disease, new research suggests.

An independent study showed that people who contracted COVID or influenza faced a "dramatically" greater risk of heart attack or stroke — up to three or five times higher — in the weeks following the infection.

The researchers reviewed 155 scientific studies to arrive at these findings, which were published this week in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

HIDDEN CAUSES OF HEART ATTACKS OFTEN OVERLOOKED OR MISDIAGNOSED, STUDY FINDS

"It is well-recognized that human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus and other viruses can cause cancer; however, the link between viral infections and other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, is less well understood," said Kosuke Kawai, lead author of the study and adjunct associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"Our study found acute and chronic viral infections are linked to both short- and long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, including strokes and heart attacks."

The researchers found that people are four times as likely to have a heart attack and five times more likely to have a stroke in the month after a positive flu test, according to an AHA press release.

'HARMLESS' VIRUS FOUND LURKING IN PARKINSON'S PATIENTS' BRAINS, NEW STUDY SHOWS

In the 14 weeks after contracting COVID, people were three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, and had an elevated risk for up to a year.

When the body fights off a virus, the immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammation and make the blood more likely to clot, the release noted.

These effects can sometimes linger even after the person has recovered from the infection. Ongoing inflammation and clotting can put extra strain on the heart and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, which may help explain why some people face a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes in the following weeks.

CANCER SURVIVAL APPEARS TO DOUBLE WITH COMMON VACCINE, RESEARCHERS SAY

"The findings suggest that low-grade inflammation plays a role by increasing the activation of blood clotting and damaging the inner lining of arteries, which supply blood to our bodies," noted Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide.

"While we have known about a link between inflammation and cardiovascular events, this study showed that many common viruses have more of an impact than we once believed," added Maryland-based Serwer, who was not involved in the study.

Markers of inflammation called C-reactive protein (CRP) are known to be associated with increased risk of cardiac events, the expert said.

Inflammation can damage the arteries in several different ways, including causing microscopic tears that allow "bad cholesterol" (LDL) to invade and form plaque.

SHINGLES VACCINE CONNECTED TO ‘EXCITING’ HEALTH BENEFITS IN LARGE STUDY

"Further inflammation can destabilize these plaques, causing them to rupture, thus causing a heart attack or stroke," Serwer said. "Inflammation also triggers the clotting process by activating platelets."

Some chronic viruses, like HIV, hepatitis C and varicella zoster virus (the virus that causes shingles) were linked to long-term cardiovascular risk, the study found.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Those who had HIV were found to have a 60% higher risk of heart attack and a 45% higher risk of stroke. Among those with hepatitis C, there was a 27% higher risk of heart attack and a 23% higher risk of stroke. Shingles increased heart attack risk by 12% and stroke risk by 18%, the study found.

"The elevated risks for cardiovascular disease risks are lower for HIV, hepatitis C and herpes zoster than the heightened short-term risk following influenza and COVID — however, the risks associated with those three viruses are still clinically relevant, especially because they persist for a long period of time," Kawai said in the release.

"Moreover, shingles affects about one in three people in their lifetime. Therefore, the elevated risk associated with that virus translates into a large number of excess cases of cardiovascular disease at the population level."

The researchers recommended vaccination for influenza, COVID and shingles, citing studies linking a lower risk among those who received the flu shot.

"Preventive measures against viral infections, including vaccination, may play an important role in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Prevention is especially important for adults who already have cardiovascular disease or … risk factors," Kawai said.

Serwer agrees that vaccination against many of these common viruses is a "key preventive strategy."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The researchers acknowledged some limitations of the study, including that it was based on observational studies and not randomized controlled trials.

"Because most studies examined infection with a single virus, it is unclear how infection with multiple viruses or bacteria may have affected the results," the release stated.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"The analysis focused on viral infections that impact the general public and did not identify high-risk groups (such as transplant recipients) that may be disproportionately affected."

For people with cardiovascular disease, the researchers advised seeing a doctor to discuss vaccine recommendations.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/vcAQ9ZB

Read More

Happiness expert shares 6-step morning routine, plus the downside of 'sleep divorce'

BRAIN BOOST – Alzheimer’s pill could reduce brain decline in some high-risk patients, trial suggests. Continue reading…

SEASONAL GLOW-UP - Save on sought-after skincare, makeup and fragrance gifts during Amazon's Holiday Beauty Event. Continue reading…

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

Fox News First

Fox News Opinion

Fox News Lifestyle

Fox News Health

Fox News Autos

Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)

Fox Business

Fox Weather

Fox Sports

Tubi

Fox News Go

Fox Nation

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/EebK4Xt

Read More

Happiness expert shares 6-step morning routine that boosts mood and productivity

Starting the morning on the right foot can pave the way for a successful day.

A new wellness trend focuses on the "5 to 9 before your 9 to 5," which entails a healthy regimen between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. before heading to work.

Behavioral scientist and happiness expert Arthur Brooks, professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School in Boston, has proven these benefits through his six-step morning protocol to live more positively.

THAT MORNING CUP OF COFFEE COULD BE THE KEY TO A HAPPIER DAY, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

In an in-person interview with Fox News Digital, Brooks broke down each of the six steps that set him up for a productive day, which he says have "dramatically improved" his life.

"You need to be disciplined, and you need to structure your day, and it turns out that what you do first thing in the morning really matters a lot," he said. "I follow [this] almost every day."

Brooks said he was not a morning person for years, as he was a musician in his 20s who never woke up before sunrise and thought of himself as a "night owl."

COFFEE CRAZE HITS HOME AS MORE AMERICANS EMBRACE IN-HOUSE CAFÉ CULTURE

"The truth of the matter is, you can change your chronotype," he said. "You can be more of a morning lark. It's actually not that genetic, and it's a really worthwhile endeavor to try to change that."

"If you get up before dawn, you've kind of won the day, but not just morally — you've won neuro-scientifically."

According to the "Office Hours" podcast host, research suggests that waking up before dawn promotes better focus, creativity and mood. This is rooted in an "ancient idea of Indian wisdom" called Brahma Muhurta, which means "creator’s time" in Sanskrit.

"But it's not just religion. It really does have a lot of science behind it," Brooks said. "I get up at 4:30 a.m. — it works for me; it works with my schedule. You’ve got to figure out what yours is. But if you're getting up when the sun is already warm, you're already kind of behind the eight-ball."

VIRAL MORNING WELLNESS ROUTINE PROMISES MORE ENERGY AND FOCUS BY NOON

Brooks noted that he uses a real alarm clock to wake up, as he keeps his phone out of the bedroom at night to avoid overexposure.

Brooks begins his day with a workout in his home gym, noting the importance of getting "real exercise" first thing in the morning.

Armed with an electrolyte drink, he typically does 75% resistance training and 15% Zone 2 cardio —  steady-state aerobic exercise that feels easy to moderate — for an hour.

There are a variety of ways to exercise, from endurance to yoga, Brooks noted. "If the first thing you do when you wake up is pick up heavy things and run around, you're going to have a much better day," he added.

TIKTOK’S 50-JUMP RITUAL IS REDEFINING HOW PEOPLE WAKE UP AND WARM UP

For those who are just starting out with a fitness and early wake-up routine, Brooks recommends light exercise, like walking.

After showering, Brooks heads out of the house for a 6:30 a.m. Catholic mass.

While not everyone is Catholic, or even religious, Brooks recommends participating in some type of "transcendent activity" that connects the body and soul.

"You need to do something to not focus on yourself," he said. "Worship is great for that. Meditation is good for that. There are a lot of different ways you can actually undertake this, but the whole point is to zoom out and get little."

‘GREAT LOCK-IN’ BECOMES FALL’S HOTTEST WELLNESS TREND — HERE’S WHAT IT MEANS

"When I am on the road, which is about half the time, I stay in places where there's a morning mass if I can possibly find it, such that I'm focusing on my soul just as much as I focus on my body."

Most people who wake up before 5 a.m. will feel inclined to immediately head for the coffee machine, but Brooks discouraged this impulse to reach for caffeine first thing in the morning.

Caffeine blocks a chemical in the brain called adenosine, which swarms the brain at night and makes you groggy in the morning. As a result, drinking it makes you feel more alert.

But Brooks said this is "not the best use" for coffee, as he instead recommends a morning workout to help clear any remaining adenosine.

By the time coffee is introduced into the system, about an hour or two after waking, the brain is clear of adenosine, and the caffeine can focus on providing the body with energy.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"You're not going to wake up with caffeine, you're going to focus with caffeine," he said. "It's going to vacuum dopamine into your prefrontal cortex, and you'll be more creative, you'll be more stimulated to come up with new ideas, and that means you're setting yourself up for a brilliant workday."

Protein is "critically important" for getting the most return from your morning workout, building strong muscles and shaping a balanced diet, according to Brooks.

For breakfast, he prefers non-fat Greek yogurt, topped with walnuts for micronutrients, mixed berries for antioxidants, whey protein and sometimes stevia for sweetness.

"I get 60 grams of protein with less than 400 calories. And man, I am ready to go," he said. "With that caffeine and that meal, I'm ready to work."

These "clean protein" breakfast options also contain tryptophan, the chemical best known for its presence in turkey that can cause sleepiness. In smaller doses, tryptophan can improve mood and mellow out the nervous system, Brooks noted.

Between 8:00 a.m. and noon, Brooks said he gets four solid hours of productivity and creativity, "with a level of focus I was never able to get earlier in my life before I set up this morning protocol."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

He enters and remains in a "state of flow" during his morning work, uninterrupted by social media or phone notifications.

"I can do more in four hours than I used to be able to do in two days. And I'm happier when I do it," Brooks said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

By the time he eats another high-protein meal for lunch, he has completed his essential tasks and can take on other objectives in the latter part of the day.

"It's really important that you not wreck that period of focus and concentration, spoiling it with your devices," Brooks added. "Stay clean. Stay focused. Stay creative. And stay happy."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/yFs6j4S

Read More

Why cancer is hitting the Midwest harder than anywhere else in America

While the rest of the country’s cancer rates are falling, those in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and Kansas — known as the Corn Belt — are rising at an alarming rate, data shows.

The spike in America’s corn-producing states caught the attention of the University of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, which gathered a panel to investigate the trend. 

One of the experts, Dr. Marian Neuhouser, a professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, served on the panel as an expert in nutrition and obesity.

COLORECTAL CANCER MAY CAUSE THESE 4 HIDDEN WARNING SIGNS, EXPERTS SAY

"The panel came about after they noticed that the trends for cancer incidence were increasing at a faster rate in Iowa than in other states," Neuhouser told Fox News Digital.

A data analysis by The Washington Post based on federal health datasets found that the number of people diagnosed with cancer in the six Corn Belt states has outpaced the national average since the mid-2010s. 

In 1999, cancer rates in the Midwest were on par with the national average. Now, among residents aged 15 to 49, those rates are about 5% higher, a pattern that began diverging in the 2000s and has steadily widened.

The Post based its findings on data from the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which track cancer incidence nationwide.

RISK OF COLON CANCER SLASHED BY EATING SPECIFIC TYPES OF VEGETABLES, STUDY FINDS

The analysis compared rates from 1999 through 2022 using multi-year averages for Iowa and excluding 2020 due to pandemic disruptions.

Neuhouser noted that some of the increases involve cancers that are preventable or detectable through screening.

Researchers are examining both environmental and lifestyle factors that could be driving the increase.

Outdoor UV exposure and high rates of binge drinking could be contributors, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry, part of the National Institutes of Health’s surveillance network.

Iowa’s Environmental Health Sciences Research Center has described the state as a "hot spot for environmental exposures to carcinogenic agents." 

CANCER DEATHS HIT 'ALARMING' SURGE DUE TO COMMON HEALTH CONDITION, EXPERTS SAY

The soil and groundwater in the region reportedly contain some of the nation’s highest levels of natural radon and nitrate, largely because of fertilizer use in farming. Both substances have been linked to high risks of lung and gastrointestinal cancers.

Meanwhile, the widespread application of pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate, continues to generate debate among scientists and regulators.

Dr. Anne McTiernan, professor of epidemiology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, has analyzed decades of research on glyphosate and cancer risk.

"Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide, has been used in the U.S. for decades and is reported to be the most widely used pesticide globally," she told Fox News Digital.

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "a 2A carcinogen ("probably carcinogenic to humans"), which is the second-highest grade of carcinogen, according to McTiernan.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Her review of studies through 2025 found that people with long-term, high exposure to glyphosate, such as those working on farms, had a roughly 40% higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma compared to those who were never exposed.

This level of increased risk, combined with lab evidence that glyphosate can damage DNA and cause cellular stress, is considered strong enough to support a causal link, according to the expert.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Lifestyle factors are also compounding risk. Per CDC data, about 21% of Iowa adults report heavy drinking or binge drinking, compared to roughly 17% nationally.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports that about 35% of adults in the state are classified as obese, placing it among 19 states with obesity prevalence at or above that level. Nationwide, the CDC reports an adult obesity rate of roughly 40%.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Neuhouser noted that 13 separate cancers are linked to obesity. 

"Everyone would like to be able to narrow down cancer risk … to one exposure, but cancer is so complex that it’s usually several factors working together," she said.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/SAgp2Rw

Read More

Alzheimer’s pill could reduce brain decline in some high-risk patients, trial suggests

An experimental pill could slow memory loss and brain shrinkage in some Alzheimer’s patients, new research suggests.

The pill, called ALZ-801 (valiltramiprosate), was shown to be effective in people who have early Alzheimer’s disease and two copies of the APOE4 gene, which increases Alzheimer’s risk by 10 times.

Researchers at Alzheon, Inc., a Massachusetts biotech company, conducted a phase 3 trial that included 325 people with early Alzheimer’s — either mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia — all of whom carried the APOE4 gene, according to a press release.

HE CARRIES THE ALZHEIMER’S GENE BUT NEVER GOT THE DISEASE — SCIENTISTS WANT TO KNOW WHY

The participants, whose ages ranged from 50 to 80, were randomly given either ALZ-801 pills or a  placebo for about 18 months.

In the overall group, ALZ-801 showed some slowing of memory and cognitive decline, but the difference wasn’t statistically significant.

In just people with the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s who had mild cognitive impairment, however, the pill appeared to slow memory decline by 50% and to stop nearly all daily cognitive decline.

"Individuals diagnosed with MCI experience a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, language or visual/spatial perception — however, they maintain the ability to independently perform most activities of daily living," Christopher Weber, Ph.D., senior director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital.

ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCHERS SAY TARGETING BRAIN SUGAR COULD HELP PROTECT AGAINST DEMENTIA

People taking the twice-daily pill also had slower brain shrinkage — particularly in the hippocampus, which controls memory and thinking, the atrophy was about 18% less than those taking the placebo.

The results were published in the medical journal Drugs.

The primary side effects reported included nausea, vomiting and appetite suppression, according to the researchers.

The experimental pill could eventually serve as an at-home alternative to the currently approved Alzheimer’s drugs, lecanemab or donanemab, both of which require IV infusions.

The current drugs, which are monoclonal antibody treatments designed to break down amyloid plaques in the brain, have also been linked to brain swelling and bleeding. That side effect was not seen with ALZ-801, which works by preventing amyloid plaques from forming in the first place.

STUDY REVEALS WHY ‘SUPER AGERS’ MAINTAIN ‘OUTSTANDING MEMORY’ INTO THEIR 80S

"In this trial, the fact that APOE-ε4/ε4 individuals did not show increased brain bleeding or swelling is encouraging, and suggests that this drug may be relatively safe in a population that is otherwise at higher risk of side effects," Weber noted.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, echoed this advantage.

"This drug can be given before the plaques fully form, so that prevention may be a goal," Siegel, who also was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "As a result, we don’t see the brain swelling that is sometimes a side effect of the plaque-dissolving monoclonal antibodies."

The study did have some limitations, the researchers noted — primarily that the strongest results were only seen in the earliest-stage group and not across all participants.

The trial also included only carriers of the APOE4 gene, which comprises about 15% of Alzheimer’s patients.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The study was also relatively short, with longer follow-up trials needed to confirm the results.

Weber reiterated that the primary and secondary outcomes of the trial were negative.

"That said, follow-up analyses with specific subgroups were encouraging, including that the treatment did cause significant slowing of shrinkage in the hippocampus, which is a section of the brain that has a hugely important role in memory," he told Fox News Digital.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

One encouraging aspect of this experimental drug, according to Weber, is its potential to complement other drugs that treat early Alzheimer’s disease.

"This treatment could potentially be used in combination with other anti-amyloid treatments, though more evidence is needed to understand how this drug could be used as a part of a combination therapy," he said.

"Given the relatively small size of this subgroup, it will be important to validate these findings in larger, longer clinical trials."

Siegel agreed that the drug could have potential. "It may well have a future as part of the growing arsenal of anti-Alzheimer’s drugs, which look at several different targets of prevention, including beta amyloid and tau plaques as well as neuro-inflammation," he said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The study was funded by Alzheon, Inc., maker of ALZ-801, and supported by a U.S. National Institute on Aging grant.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/W3KCD91

Read More

Men may need to work twice as hard as women to prevent potentially deadly disease

Men may need to exert double the amount of effort as women to fend off heart disease.

That's according to new research from China that found men need twice as much exercise as women to lower their risk.

The study, published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research, analyzed data from more than 85,000 participants in the U.K. Biobank to pinpoint gender differences regarding physical activity and the incidence of coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease).

YOUR HEART MAY BE OLDER THAN YOU THINK — AND THE NUMBER COULD PREDICT DISEASE RISK

Data was pulled from wearable accelerometers, like smartwatches, for a defined period to measure the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

The participants, who did not have coronary heart disease at the start of the study, were monitored for nearly eight years to determine how many developed heart disease and how many died from it.

The average age for the incidence study was about 61 years and 57.3% were women. The mortality study had an average age of about 66 and 30% were women.

FITNESS EXPERT REVEALS 6 PILLARS OF STRENGTH TRAINING THAT OLDER ADULTS SHOULD MASTER

After adjusting for other heart disease risk factors, like BMI (body mass index) and smoking, the researchers found a "notable" difference between men and women. 

Specifically, they discovered that women experienced lower risk levels with half the minutes of activity as men.

In terms of developing heart disease, an extra 30 minutes of exercise per week was linked to a 2.9% lower risk in females and a 1.9% lower risk in men.

7 COMMON FITNESS MISTAKES OLDER ADULTS MAKE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM FOR BETTER WORKOUTS

Meeting the standard 150 minutes per week of recommended exercise lowered the women's incidence risk by 22%, while men’s risk was lowered by 17%.

A further extended workout regimen of 300 minutes, or five hours, per week reduced the risk by 21% for females and only 11% for men.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

For about a 30% reduction in coronary heart disease incidence risk, women need about 250 minutes of exercise per week, while men need about 530 minutes, according to the researchers.

When it comes to mortality from heart disease, sticking to 150 minutes of exercise per week reduced women’s risk by a whopping 70%, and only lowered men’s risk by 19%.

To reduce coronary heart disease mortality by 30%, women need about 51 minutes of exercise per week and men need about 85 minutes.

The researchers commented in the study that these findings "underscore the value of sex-specific tailored coronary heart disease prevention strategies using wearable devices, which may help bridge the ‘gender gap’ by motivating females to engage in physical activity."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel spoke about the study on "America’s Newsroom" on Tuesday.

"I can tell you, having been married for almost 30 years, that women are better than men. There’s no question about it," he said. "Physiologically, spiritually, women are superior."

Siegel noted that men have higher levels of testosterone, which is "bad for cholesterol," and tend to build up fat "in the wrong places" in the gut, leading to inflammation.

"We smoke more, we drink more, we don’t exercise as much," Siegel said about men in general. "All of that puts us at risk for heart disease."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

According to the doctor, women "start to catch up" with increased risk after menopause, although it "takes a long time."

"With all these risks, [men] need the exercise way more than women do to make up for it," Siegel added.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/zuHI6w1

Read More

Couples choosing separate beds may face unseen challenges, study suggests

Sleeping apart might not be the key to happiness in a relationship.

Recent trends such as "sleep divorce" have highlighted the benefits of sleeping separately from a partner, sometimes even inhabiting different rooms.

The Scandinavian sleep method, a cultural design to improve sleep quality in Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway, has popularized the concept of using two separate duvets on one bed.

COUPLES WHO CUDDLE BEFORE SLEEP REAP KEY HEALTH BENEFITS, STUDY REVEALS

But a new study by researchers in Taiwan suggests that sleeping apart from your significant other may decrease psychological well-being.

The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, surveyed 860 older adult heterosexual couples in Northern Taiwan to investigate the link between psychological well-being and sleeping arrangements.

The analysis considered both individual and couple characteristics. Psychological well-being was measured by happiness, life satisfaction and fulfillment, while sleep measures were assessed using a detailed statistical method.

The results revealed that older couples who slept in separate rooms had worse psychological well-being compared to the couples who slept together.

'SOCIAL SLEEP APNEA' COULD BE RUINING YOUR WEEKEND REST, STUDY SUGGESTS

For older couples, living arrangements, such as sharing a home, were less predictive of psychological well-being than sharing a sleeping space.

The researchers concluded that sleeping arrangements represent a "significant factor" in a couple's psychological well-being. This underscores the importance of considering sleep "in the context of a couple’s relationship," they noted.

Wendy Troxel, Ph.D., senior scientist at the RAND Corporation and author of "Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep," discussed the findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

The Utah-based sleep expert, who was not involved in the study, noted that sleeping apart could impact personal well-being due to psychological distance or withdrawal from a partner.

HIDDEN SLEEP DANGER COULD INCREASE RISK OF 172 DISEASES, MAJOR STUDY REVEALS

"At first glance, that appears to support the commonly held belief that sleeping separately signals something negative in a relationship," she said.

"What’s unique about this new study is that it suggests the couple’s sleeping arrangement itself may influence well-being, highlighting how intimately sleep and relationships are linked in supporting health across the lifespan," Troxel added.

Troxel noted the study was cross-sectional, meaning it shows a relationship but cannot prove cause and effect.

"It may be that older couples who sleep apart already face health or sleep challenges, such as chronic illness, sleep apnea or insomnia, which affect both their decision to sleep separately and their mental health," Troxel added.

"The study also didn’t explore why or how couples made the decision to sleep apart, which is often the biggest factor in determining how that choice impacts the relationship."

Older adults face "double vulnerability" when it comes to sleep and mental health, Troxel said, as studies show that up to half of adults over 60 report insomnia symptoms or another form of disrupted sleep.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"As we age, sleep tends to be lighter and more fragmented, and we see a shift toward earlier bedtimes and wake times, and reduced slow-wave deep sleep," she said.

Other mental factors such as depression, loneliness and anxiety are also more common with aging, which can further disrupt sleep and create a "feedback loop that undermines mental health," Troxel said. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all model for healthy sleep, according to Troxel. 

"For some, sharing a bed fosters closeness and security," she said. "For others, especially when sleep disorders or incompatible habits are at play, separate bedrooms can be a wise and health-promoting choice, provided that couples arrive at this decision through open and honest communication."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Troxel noted "strong evidence" that supports physical closeness, like cuddling, can benefit mental health.

Sleeping together and cuddling can trigger the release of oxytocin, which is considered the "love" hormone, and can also lower stress hormones and promote feelings of safety, which can help with emotional regulation and sleep quality.

Despite these benefits, partners moving around in bed, snoring and having differing body temperatures can also cause sleep disruption and deprivation, Troxel noted.

"Chronic poor sleep erodes mood, empathy and patience, key ingredients in a healthy relationship," she said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Couples who choose to sleep apart can still nurture connection and intimacy by sharing an evening wind-down routine before heading off to separate sleeping arrangements, Troxel suggested.

"Ultimately, the healthiest sleeping arrangement is the one that supports consistent, quality sleep, emotional connection and long-term well-being."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/Gax4hT7

Read More

'Skinny fat’ warning issued as study finds hidden obesity behind normal BMI

For decades, BMI (body mass index) has been the go-to number doctors use to decide whether someone is underweight, "normal," overweight or obese. 

But new global research suggests it's possible to have a normal BMI, look thin in clothes and still meet the medical definition of obesity.

A large study published in JAMA Network Open based on World Health Organization (WHO) survey data examined health data from more than 471,000 adults across 91 countries. 

RESEARCHERS SAY BEING 'FAT BUT FIT' COULD BE LESS DEADLY THAN BEING UNDERWEIGHT

The researchers looked at people whose BMI fell in the normal range (18.5–24.9) but who carried extra fat around their midsection, measured by waist circumference.

The results showed that roughly 1 in 5 people with a normal BMI had abdominal obesity, a large waistline linked to serious health risks.

These so-called "skinny fat" individuals weren’t necessarily healthy just because the scale said they were. 

Compared to people of normal BMI and smaller waists, those with belly fat had 29% higher odds of high blood pressure and 81% higher odds of diabetes. They were also significantly more likely to have unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

In short, their metabolism looked more like that of people with obesity, even if their weight didn’t.

The findings seem to expose a blind spot in how obesity is measured. BMI only considers weight and height but says nothing about where fat is stored.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Fat that sits deep in the abdomen and surrounds vital organs is particularly dangerous, fueling inflammation, insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems, according to experts. Someone can be "thin outside, fat inside," a concept the researchers call TOFI.

Lifestyle also plays a role, the researchers noted. People with normal BMI who had belly fat were more likely to be inactive, eat fewer fruits and vegetables and have desk jobs or unemployment. 

That combination of little muscle and lack of movement makes it easier to accumulate visceral fat even without gaining much overall weight.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The latest research suggests that waist size may be just as important to track as weight. 

For most adults, a waist above roughly 32 inches for women or 37 inches for men signals excess abdominal fat and higher health risks.

The researchers noted several limitations. Because the study was cross-sectional, it can’t prove cause and effect, only associations. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Data also came from many countries and time periods, and high-income nations were underrepresented, which may affect how widely the results apply. 

The study didn’t include actual body fat scans and instead depended on people’s own reports about their habits, which can make the results less reliable. However, the WHO’s survey methods are generally well-validated.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/7QtzPDB

Read More

Anti-aging supplement could slow disease and keep you younger, with some cautions

A small molecule has been hailed as potentially promoting longevity and combating certain diseases — but experts are also calling for more research.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) — often nicknamed the "fountain of youth" — is a coenzyme that is essential for cellular survival, which naturally declines with age. In recent years, supplements designed to boost NAD+ levels have grown in popularity.

Last month, researchers led by the University of Oslo reviewed preclinical and clinical studies investigating the link between NAD+ and aging.

NEW VITAMIN COMPOUND SHOWS PROMISE FOR REVERSING ALZHEIMER'S DAMAGE TO THE BRAIN

The review, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, concluded that restoring NAD+ levels could help to promote healthy aging and potentially slow or treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Every cell in the body contains NAD+, which plays a "critical role" in body functions that are essential to survival.

Previous research has shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit "notably low levels" of NAD+, the researchers noted — which aligns with the fact that NAD+ declines with age.

"NAD+ may hold the key to healthier aging and could protect us against diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease," said Evandro Fei Fang-Stavem, an associate professor at the University of Oslo, in a press release. "However, we need further research on how to effectively utilize NAD+ in patient treatment."

Research has shown that boosting NAD+ can improve mitochondrial and stem cell function, improve energy metabolism, enhance focus and mood, and support tissue repair, according to Dr. Amanda Kahn, a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York City.

"From a longevity standpoint, NAD+ is one of the most central molecules in maintaining youthful cellular function," she told Fox News Digital. "It activates … longevity pathways that protect against DNA damage and inflammation."

ONE OVERLOOKED DAILY HABIT COULD SLOW THE AGING PROCESS, RESEARCHERS SAY

Boosting NAD+ also supports neuroprotection from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, repairs skin, boosts immune defense and improves symptoms in long COVID patients, Kahn added.

Dr. Halland Chen, a double board-certified physician in New York who specializes in longevity, reiterated that studies in both animals and early human models show that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels can improve energy metabolism, cognitive function and overall vitality.

"Restoring NAD+ is ultimately about cellular repair and mitochondrial optimization, not just an energy boost," he told Fox News Digital. "Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy enhances energy, focus and endurance, while supporting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress from daily life, travel or poor sleep."

COMMON DAILY VITAMIN SHOWN TO SLOW AGING PROCESS OVER FOUR-YEAR PERIOD

NAD+ also activates sirtuins, a group of longevity-related proteins that regulate DNA repair, cellular stress responses and gene expression, Chen said, although he noted that larger human studies are still needed.

In clinical studies, patients with age-related diseases have taken compounds designed to boost NAD+.

While NAD+ itself is a large molecule that can’t cross into cells, NAD+ "precursors" can enter cells and then work to create NAD+, experts confirm.

These precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Most people take these NAD+ precursors in the form of pills, capsules or powders.

"Oral NAD precursors can modestly raise NAD+ levels and are convenient for daily maintenance," Khan said. "In contrast, injections or IV infusions bypass the gut and deliver NAD+ directly into circulation, leading to more rapid and noticeable effects on energy, focus and recovery."

Khan also prescribes a weaker NAD+ nasal spray for patients who can’t tolerate needles, though she said the benefits are typically less pronounced.

COMMON VITAMIN SHOWN TO SLASH SKIN CANCER RISK IN SOME GROUPS, STUDY SUGGESTS

"In general, I find that combining daily oral precursors with weekly NAD+ injections offers the most comprehensive support for both intracellular and extracellular NAD stores," she advised.

Chen noted that oral supplements are best for maintenance, while IV therapy is often chosen for a "rapid cellular reboot, post-travel recovery or enhanced performance."

"Sessions typically last two to four hours and are administered as a series of three infusions within seven to 10 days, followed by monthly maintenance."

NAD+ therapy tends to have the most benefit for those managing fatigue, metabolic dysfunction or neurological decline, as well as anyone seeking to enhance energy, focus and recovery, Chen said.

"In healthy adults, benefits are typically modest, but can be amplified when combined with optimized nutrition, exercise and sleep," he added.

While NAD+ therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some mild side effects, according to Chen.

"Headache, nausea or chest tightness can occur, especially during faster IV infusions, and typically resolve when the rate is slowed," Chen, who is also chief medical innovation officer at the digital wellness platform Eden, told Fox News Digital.

"Most reactions are transient and self-limited, and therapy is considered safe under medical supervision," the doctor added.

He advises caution for people with active liver or kidney disease, those with a personal or family history of cancer, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Kahn noted that common side effects include mild redness, itching or tenderness at the injection site, "which is harmless and dissipates quickly."

"Some patients notice a transient rush, lasting no more than 10 minutes, after taking an NAD+ injection due to a brief release of adrenaline and mitochondrial ATP," she went on. "While not dangerous, it can feel uncomfortable if not anticipated."

When choosing a NAD+ product, quality matters more than quantity, according to multiple experts.

"Patients should look for clinically validated, third-party-tested formulations and start with lower doses to gauge tolerance," Chen said.

NAD+ therapy isn’t a shortcut to health and longevity in and of itself, but one layer of a much larger foundation, according to the expert.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"If the core pillars — sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic balance and stress regulation — are not in place, NAD+ therapy won’t deliver its full potential," he said. "It’s like pouring premium fuel into an engine that hasn’t been maintained — the energy source is there, but the system isn’t optimized to use it."

It’s important to speak with a doctor before starting a NAD+ regimen, experts agree.

"Your doctor needs to know about all supplements you plan to take, including NAD+, because it has strong biological effects," Chen said. "Your doctor will evaluate your personal health risks and check your medications for potential interactions with NAD+ supplements."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Khan noted that because NAD+ interacts with metabolic and cellular pathways, dosing and timing should be individualized — "especially for those with cancer history, metabolic conditions or multiple medications."

"A physician should help determine the appropriate delivery method, duration and monitor for response and tolerance," she said.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/O9hGi2C

Read More

'Fountain of youth' molecule could promote healthy aging and slow diseases

A small molecule has been hailed as potentially promoting longevity and combating certain diseases — but experts are also calling for more research.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) — often nicknamed the "fountain of youth" — is a coenzyme that is essential for cellular survival, which naturally declines with age. In recent years, supplements designed to boost NAD+ levels have grown in popularity.

Last month, researchers led by the University of Oslo reviewed preclinical and clinical studies investigating the link between NAD+ and aging.

NEW VITAMIN COMPOUND SHOWS PROMISE FOR REVERSING ALZHEIMER'S DAMAGE TO THE BRAIN

The review, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, concluded that restoring NAD+ levels could help to promote healthy aging and potentially slow or treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Every cell in the body contains NAD+, which plays a "critical role" in body functions that are essential to survival.

Previous research has shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit "notably low levels" of NAD+, the researchers noted — which aligns with the fact that NAD+ declines with age.

"NAD+ may hold the key to healthier aging and could protect us against diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease," said Evandro Fei Fang-Stavem, an associate professor at the University of Oslo, in a press release. "However, we need further research on how to effectively utilize NAD+ in patient treatment."

Research has shown that boosting NAD+ can improve mitochondrial and stem cell function, improve energy metabolism, enhance focus and mood, and support tissue repair, according to Dr. Amanda Kahn, a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York City.

"From a longevity standpoint, NAD+ is one of the most central molecules in maintaining youthful cellular function," she told Fox News Digital. "It activates … longevity pathways that protect against DNA damage and inflammation."

ONE OVERLOOKED DAILY HABIT COULD SLOW THE AGING PROCESS, RESEARCHERS SAY

Boosting NAD+ also supports neuroprotection from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, repairs skin, boosts immune defense and improves symptoms in long COVID patients, Kahn added.

Dr. Halland Chen, a double board-certified physician in New York who specializes in longevity, reiterated that studies in both animals and early human models show that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels can improve energy metabolism, cognitive function and overall vitality.

"Restoring NAD+ is ultimately about cellular repair and mitochondrial optimization, not just an energy boost," he told Fox News Digital. "Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy enhances energy, focus and endurance, while supporting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress from daily life, travel or poor sleep."

COMMON DAILY VITAMIN SHOWN TO SLOW AGING PROCESS OVER FOUR-YEAR PERIOD

NAD+ also activates sirtuins, a group of longevity-related proteins that regulate DNA repair, cellular stress responses and gene expression, Chen said, although he noted that larger human studies are still needed.

In clinical studies, patients with age-related diseases have taken compounds designed to boost NAD+.

While NAD+ itself is a large molecule that can’t cross into cells, NAD+ "precursors" can enter cells and then work to create NAD+, experts confirm.

These precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Most people take these NAD+ precursors in the form of pills, capsules or powders.

"Oral NAD precursors can modestly raise NAD+ levels and are convenient for daily maintenance," Khan said. "In contrast, injections or IV infusions bypass the gut and deliver NAD+ directly into circulation, leading to more rapid and noticeable effects on energy, focus and recovery."

Khan also prescribes a weaker NAD+ nasal spray for patients who can’t tolerate needles, though she said the benefits are typically less pronounced.

COMMON VITAMIN SHOWN TO SLASH SKIN CANCER RISK IN SOME GROUPS, STUDY SUGGESTS

"In general, I find that combining daily oral precursors with weekly NAD+ injections offers the most comprehensive support for both intracellular and extracellular NAD stores," she advised.

Chen noted that oral supplements are best for maintenance, while IV therapy is often chosen for a "rapid cellular reboot, post-travel recovery or enhanced performance."

"Sessions typically last two to four hours and are administered as a series of three infusions within seven to 10 days, followed by monthly maintenance."

NAD+ therapy tends to have the most benefit for those managing fatigue, metabolic dysfunction or neurological decline, as well as anyone seeking to enhance energy, focus and recovery, Chen said.

"In healthy adults, benefits are typically modest, but can be amplified when combined with optimized nutrition, exercise and sleep," he added.

While NAD+ therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some mild side effects, according to Chen.

"Headache, nausea or chest tightness can occur, especially during faster IV infusions, and typically resolve when the rate is slowed," Chen, who is also chief medical innovation officer at the digital wellness platform Eden, told Fox News Digital.

"Most reactions are transient and self-limited, and therapy is considered safe under medical supervision," the doctor added.

He advises caution for people with active liver or kidney disease, those with a personal or family history of cancer, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Kahn noted that common side effects include mild redness, itching or tenderness at the injection site, "which is harmless and dissipates quickly."

"Some patients notice a transient rush, lasting no more than 10 minutes, after taking an NAD+ injection due to a brief release of adrenaline and mitochondrial ATP," she went on. "While not dangerous, it can feel uncomfortable if not anticipated."

When choosing a NAD+ product, quality matters more than quantity, according to multiple experts.

"Patients should look for clinically validated, third-party-tested formulations and start with lower doses to gauge tolerance," Chen said.

NAD+ therapy isn’t a shortcut to health and longevity in and of itself, but one layer of a much larger foundation, according to the expert.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"If the core pillars — sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic balance and stress regulation — are not in place, NAD+ therapy won’t deliver its full potential," he said. "It’s like pouring premium fuel into an engine that hasn’t been maintained — the energy source is there, but the system isn’t optimized to use it."

It’s important to speak with a doctor before starting a NAD+ regimen, experts agree.

"Your doctor needs to know about all supplements you plan to take, including NAD+, because it has strong biological effects," Chen said. "Your doctor will evaluate your personal health risks and check your medications for potential interactions with NAD+ supplements."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Khan noted that because NAD+ interacts with metabolic and cellular pathways, dosing and timing should be individualized — "especially for those with cancer history, metabolic conditions or multiple medications."

"A physician should help determine the appropriate delivery method, duration and monitor for response and tolerance," she said.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/s1OZr6U

Read More

Cancer cures could be in reach with cutting-edge medical tech, doctor predicts

Artificial intelligence is stepping into the fight against cancer — and, according to Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, it could be a game-changer. 

On the Monday episode of "Fox & Friends," Siegel said AI is already transforming the way doctors detect and treat cancer, and could lead to real cures within the next decade.

"I think in five to 10 years, we're going to start seeing a lot of cures," Siegel said, calling this moment in medical science "great news."

AI TOOLS COULD WEAKEN DOCTORS' SKILLS IN DETECTING COLON CANCER, STUDY SUGGESTS

"Artificial intelligence works two ways on cancer," Siegel said. "First, it helps you diagnose it before it even becomes cancer."

He pointed to an AI program out of Harvard called Sybil, which analyzes lung scans to identify areas that could later develop into cancer well before a radiologist could see them.

"If AI finds the parts of the lungs that are troublesome, then radiologists can follow up and see this trouble spot is becoming worse," the doctor said.

STEALTH BREAST CANCER THAT HIDES FROM SCANS TARGETED IN BREAKTHROUGH TECH

The technology doesn’t stop there. Siegel also described how AI is also helping scientists tailor treatments to the individual, identifying "drug targets on the cancer molecule itself, which varies from one cancer patient to the next."

By matching the right drug to the right patient, AI could help deliver personalized therapies that dramatically improve survival rates, he added.

"AI will tell you this drug will work for this person and not for that one," Siegel predicted. "That will give cures to many different kinds of cancers over the next five to 10 years."

Previous research has explored the potential of AI to catch cancers at earlier stages. Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt referenced recent reporting on breast cancer detection, where AI can detect subtle irregularities that doctors might miss.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Siegel agreed, saying, "Using AI together with a great radiologist" can help find cancer "before it ever even becomes cancer."

While much of the conversation centered on science, Siegel also spoke about faith and hope, which are two themes central to his new book, "The Miracles Among Us."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

He told Earhardt that belief itself can be healing.

"If you commune with people around you who have faith, and you understand that God is a stronger force … you can have less depression, less anxiety," he said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Quoting Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Siegel added that medicine and faith can work together.

"Doctors are the hands of God," he said. "They’ll work together with God to perform miracles that are almost impossible."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/9JftcI6

Read More

Shingles vaccine connected to ‘exciting’ health benefits in large study

The shingles vaccine is intended to prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, also known as herpes zoster — but a new study suggests that it could have major secondary benefits.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of developing vascular dementia.

The vaccine has also been associated with a significant decreased risk of cardiovascular events and death in people 50 and older.

Experts presented the findings last week at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the site of IDWEEK 2025, a joint annual meeting of the leading infectious disease professional societies in the U.S.

The study authors examined health records from 174,000 adults in the U.S. They followed participants who received the vaccination over a span of three months up to seven years.

DEMENTIA RISK NEARLY DOUBLES AMONG THOSE WITH COMMON SLEEP DISORDER, STUDY FINDS

Participants who received the shingles vaccine had about half the risk of developing vascular dementia.

They also had a 25% lower risk of heart attack or stroke, a 27% lower risk of blood clots and a 21% lower risk of death, according to a news release from the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

"Our study findings show that the shingles vaccine may help lower those risks, especially in people already at higher risk for heart attack or stroke," presenting author Ali Dehghani, a doctor of internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, said in the IDSA report.

STUDY REVEALS WHY ‘SUPER AGERS’ MAINTAIN ‘OUTSTANDING MEMORY’ INTO THEIR 80S

Shingles is a red, blistery, painful rash caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chicken pox. The latent varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the body after a person has chicken pox. It can become activated in later years, causing shingles, health experts told Fox News Digital.

The condition can lead to cardiovascular and neurologic complications, previous studies have shown.

Shingles affects one out of three Americans, and more than 99% of those born before 1980 have had chicken pox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Shingles is more than just a rash — it can raise the risk of serious problems for the heart and brain," Dehghani said in the news release.

These latest findings build on past studies that indicate the vaccine may help protect individuals against shingles and related complications, according to infectious disease experts.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"This very interesting study … supported prior evidence that the shingles vaccine may offer several benefits for general health, including against the development of dementia, in addition to preventing the very painful and common illness know as shingles," Dr. Aaron Glatt, a spokesperson for the ISDA and a board-certified infectious disease physician at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York, told Fox News Digital.

Although these findings are "very exciting and potentially clinically important," Glatt — who was not involved in the study — noted that it’s not yet proven that these benefits are due to the shingles vaccine.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

There are a number of possible mechanisms that could contribute to this association, including decreased inflammation, the doctor pointed out.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

While more studies are needed, Glatt said, "It is very comforting to know that the shingles vaccine is certainly associated with overall significant health benefits beyond its intended purpose."

The CDC recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults aged 50 years and older, as well as for adults aged 19 and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/tLrop6B

Read More

Walking style could be key to longevity and injury comebacks, according to experts

Walking backward could have meaningful benefits for joint health, chronic pain and even brain health, and there's scientific evidence to back it up.

Multiple studies show that simply changing direction can engage the body in ways traditional exercise can’t. What seems like a novelty might actually be one of the simplest, most accessible ways to move better and hurt less.

TIKTOK'S VIRAL '6-6-6' WALKING ROUTINE BURNS FAT WITHOUT GRUELING WORKOUTS

In a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, researchers focused on people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis — a condition marked by joint pain, stiffness and limited mobility.

Participants who added backward walking to their routines several times a week for six weeks reported significant improvements in knee function and pain reduction compared to those who stuck with standard forward walking.

Researchers found that walking backward changes how muscles around the knee work. Because the stride is shorter and the landing is softer, it reduces compressive forces on the joints, meaning less wear and tear over time. 

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

Another recent study, published in PLOS One, examined how backward walking affects people with chronic lower back pain. After several weeks of incorporating the exercise, participants showed both lower pain levels and better control of their lumbopelvic movement, which is the coordination between the lower back and pelvis that helps stabilize the spine.

The findings suggest that backward walking uses a wider range of stabilizing muscles than forward walking does. It forces the body to maintain balance and alignment in a different way, waking up muscles that can go underused in our day-to-day routines.

For people struggling with lower back pain, one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, it could be a simple intervention that retrains movement patterns and reduces strain on the spine.

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

These results are especially striking because the motion itself is low impact. Instead of jumping, twisting or heavy lifting, it’s just retraining the body to move efficiently in reverse.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that backward walking isn’t only good for the joints, but also a workout for the mind. Moving in reverse challenges spatial awareness, coordination and concentration. That extra mental effort strengthens the connection between your brain and muscles, helping improve balance and reaction time.

It’s also more physically demanding than it looks. Walking backward burns more calories per minute than walking forward at the same pace, thanks to the increased muscular engagement, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The movement naturally encourages better posture, too, because you have to stay upright and alert to maintain control.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Even small doses can make a difference. Five minutes of backward walking added to a daily routine can provide measurable benefits to strength and balance, particularly in older adults or those recovering from injury.

Experts recommend starting slowly. Choose a flat, open space like a track, gym floor, or quiet hallway and take short, deliberate steps. Keep your core tight, your shoulders back, and your gaze forward as much as possible. If you’re trying it on a treadmill, begin at a very slow pace and use the rails until you find your footing.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

As your comfort grows, you can alternate short intervals of forward and backward walking. Even a few minutes a day can help your body adapt to the new movement pattern and unlock its benefits.

It helps protect the knees, strengthen the spine and challenge the brain, all through a motion we’ve spent most of our lives avoiding.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Sometimes, progress really is about learning to move in reverse.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/AQUWr9k

Read More

Popular weight-loss drugs could take the edge off your alcohol buzz, study finds

Popular drugs credited with shrinking waistlines and controlling blood sugar may also take the edge off alcohol’s buzz, according to a new study.

Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute analyzed how 20 adults with obesity — half of whom had been taking GLP-1 receptor agonists for at least four weeks — reacted to alcoholic drinks compared to participants not on the drugs.

Previous studies have demonstrated that GLP-1 drugs are linked to reduced consumption in people with alcohol use disorder.

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS NOW LINKED TO CANCER PROTECTION IN WOMEN, MAJOR NEW STUDY REVEALS

GLP-1 medications — such as Ozempic and Wegovy, both semaglutide drugs, and Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide — mimic the natural hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite. The study included participants taking semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide.

"We have evidence that these drugs do reduce drinking outside the lab," study co-author Alex DiFeliceantonio, assistant professor and interim co-director of the institute’s Center for Health Behaviors Research, told Fox News Digital. "What we wanted to understand in this study was how."

Both groups fasted overnight, ate an identical snack and then consumed measured alcoholic drinks designed to reach about 0.08 on a breathalyzer. 

Researchers tracked the participants' breath alcohol levels, cravings, appetite, nausea and blood sugar, and also asked, "How drunk do you feel?" on a scale of 0–10 over the course of four hours.

WHY MICRODOSING OZEMPIC COULD BECOME AS COMMON AS TAKING A MULTIVITAMIN

Those taking GLP-1s showed a slower rise in breath alcohol during the first 10 to 20 minutes and lower overall levels throughout. They also reported feeling less intoxicated early on.

The findings, which were published in the journal Scientific Reports on Oct. 15., align with how GLP-1 drugs are believed to work in the gut. 

WHY OZEMPIC USERS 'CAN BARELY FINISH A THIRD' OF THEIR RESTAURANT ORDERS

The medications are known to delay gastric emptying, slowing down how quickly alcohol gets absorbed. 

"People who drink know there’s a difference between nursing a glass of wine and downing a shot of whiskey," DiFeliceantonio said in a Virginia Tech news release.

"Faster-acting drugs have a higher abuse potential," she went on. "They have a different impact on the brain. So, if GLP-1s slow alcohol entering the bloodstream, they could reduce the effects of alcohol and help people drink less."

The team also found that overall alcohol cravings were lower in the GLP-1 group. 

Nausea and blood sugar changes were similar between groups, suggesting that the "less buzzed" effect wasn’t due to feeling sick.

More than half of U.S. adults drink alcohol, and about one in 10 have alcohol use disorder, the experts noted. While existing medications to reduce drinking act primarily on the brain, GLP-1s appear to work partly through the gut.

The authors cautioned that the trial was a small pilot study and not randomized, adding that all participants had obesity.

"More studies are needed to help establish how effective these drugs are, what the long-term effects are, if some are better than others, and what dose is most effective for reducing drinking verus controlling blood glucose, for example," DiFeliceantonio said. "These are all open questions."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Akshaya Bhagavathula, Ph.D., an associate professor of epidemiology at North Dakota State University and a fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, said the study is too small to prove causation, and offers an "interesting signal, not a conclusion."

Bhagavathula, who was not involved in the study, cautioned that a weaker early buzz could actually lead some people to drink more. 

"Future research should monitor total alcohol intake and craving patterns over time to understand if this compensation occurs," he told Fox News Digital.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Emerging data suggests that GLP-1 drugs could reshape addiction treatment, Bhagavathula pointed out.

"GLP-1 receptors influence reward signaling and craving, not only for food but for substances like alcohol and nicotine," he said. "If confirmed in larger studies, these medications could represent a new class of metabolic-based addiction treatments — bridging endocrinology and behavioral health."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"It’s time to move beyond viewing them as 'weight-loss mania,'" the expert added. "GLP-1 drugs regulate appetite, reward and metabolism in complex ways that reach beyond weight."

He emphasized that public messaging should highlight the drugs' medical value and the need for clinical oversight.

Fox News Digital reached out to GLP-1 manufacturers requesting comment.

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

Read More

Bird flu cases on the rise, as illness confirmed at Georgia commercial poultry farm

A Georgia chicken producer is working to stop the spread of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu, after becoming the third commercial operation in the state to have tested positive this year.

The Gordon County producer noticed signs of illness on Wednesday and reported it to the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network on Thursday, according to a Georgia Department of Agriculture press release.

The following day, Georgia Department of Agriculture's Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams "deployed to the affected premises to conduct depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection."

The facility housed about 140,000 broiler chickens.

USDA ANNOUNCES $750M STERILE FLY BREEDING PROGRAM TO PROTECT CATTLE FROM MEXICAN FLESH-EATING MAGGOTS

For at least the next two weeks, state officials say, all commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius are under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing.

"This poses a serious threat to Georgia's #1 industry and to the thousands of Georgians whose livelihoods depend on poultry production," Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper said in a statement. "Our team is working around the clock to contain the spread and protect our flocks."

CDC DECLARES BIRD FLU EMERGENCY OVER AS EXPERTS WARN OF POSSIBLE FALL RESURGENCE

Last week, the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy Research and Innovation Office (CIDRAP) reported a commercial turkey farm in Swift County "that houses 34,000 birds is the site of the latest outbreak to hit the top turkey-producing state in the nation."

A commercial egg-layer farm in Indiana with nearly 20,000 birds also recently reported a bird flu outbreak, CIDRAP reported.

HPAI was first confirmed in a commercial flock in the U.S. on Feb. 8, 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS).

Data from the agency says over the last 30 days, 64 flocks have been confirmed infected, impacting nearly 3.5 million birds.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/Hyl32MN

Read More

Kim Kardashian’s brain aneurysm scare: Doctors reveal warning signs to never ignore

Kim Kardashian is opening up about being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.

The Skims founder, 45, announced in a preview clip of Season 7 of Hulu’s "The Kardashians" that her doctors discovered the condition during an MRI scan, telling her family, "There was a little aneurysm."

The cause has not been identified, but Kardashian’s doctors considered that it might be from stress.

MEN'S BRAINS SHRINK FASTER THAN WOMEN'S; RESEARCHERS EXPLORE ALZHEIMER'S CONNECTION

A brain aneurysm is the ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, leading to bleeding, according to Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Adam Arthur, chairman of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee, described an aneurysm as a weakness on the wall of an artery, like a little water balloon that forms off a hose.

This is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which can be life-altering and even fatal. Most aneurysms are small and not serious if they don’t rupture.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Arthur — who is also chief medical officer of Medtronic Neurovascular, a California company that produces medical devices that help treat aneurysms — noted that brain aneurysms are much more common in women.

KIM KARDASHIAN DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN ANEURYSM THAT DOCTORS ATTRIBUTE TO STRESS FOLLOWING KANYE WEST DIVORCE

This most likely has to do with genetics, although "there's so much about the brain and about genetics that we don't understand," Arthur said.

Aneurysms are present in up to one in every 50 people, according to the expert, and many don’t require treatment or cause a problem.

When they do become problematic, aneurysms can cause a sudden stroke, where a patient may experience the "worst headache of their life." Arthur described this as a "very abnormal headache, often behind the eye."

"That's a very, very dangerous situation," he said. "I believe that with Ms. Kardashian, it may be that they found it before it caused a stroke, and obviously that's a blessing."

While aneurysms form on the weak spots of arteries that are knit together before birth, some factors can make the event more common.

This includes alcohol binge-drinking, nicotine exposure, certain genetic conditions, and the use of drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines.

Drugs and nicotine are known to be "very bad" for aneurysm growth and rupture, since they tamper with blood vessel health, Arthur detailed.

The expert added that chronic stress has also been linked to brain aneurysms, noting that an overall focus on sleep, diet and exercise can help reduce the risk.

Knowing the family history for aneurysms is important, Arthur added, as it’s recommended to get a screening exam, or MRI, if two close relatives have had them.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Although some aneurysms can be suddenly fatal when they lead to a stroke, people experiencing symptoms — typically an intense headache — should see a doctor for treatment options, according to Arthur.

If an aneurysm is found before it bleeds, minimally invasive surgery could be performed to avoid stroke. Open surgery may also be an option, where a surgeon can pinch the aneurysm shut through an incision along the hairline.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Smaller aneurysms in older patients can typically be monitored by a physician to ensure that they’re not growing or causing a larger issue, the doctor said.

"We do have ways of fixing aneurysms now that are pretty remarkable," Arthur told Fox News Digital. "What we can do is put a metal mesh over the opening of the aneurysm or fill the aneurysm with a device and then let nature take its course — and so that blood then forms a clot and scars."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., adding that it "disables way more people than it outright kills," according to Arthur.

Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report. Fox News Digital reached out to Kardashian for comment.

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

Read More