Burnt out and getting out: American hospitals struggle with increasing shortage of nurses

America's nurses are stressed out to the point where they are leaving the industry. By 2027, nearly a fifth of registered nurses will hang up their scrubs for good, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Tracey Moffatt, the Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, said the nursing shortage has been a problem for years and the pandemic only made it worse.

For the ones that are working, Moffatt said some are now looking for nursing jobs outside a hospital setting.

"There are tons of opportunities now for nurses to work away from the bedside," she said. "There are a lot of virtual nursing positions emerging, a lot of remote case management positions emerging, insurance companies are hiring more nurses than ever."

NATIONAL NURSING SHORTAGE HITTING RURAL AMERICA HARDEST

Jaime Taylor, supervisor at Ochsner Baptist ICU, is not one of the nurses looking for work out of a hospital as she believes she can make the biggest difference at the bedside.

"The ICU is an extremely rewarding place because these are the sickest of the sick, and you get to be an angel to them," Taylor said.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL DICTATE STAFFING LEVELS AT NURSING HOMES FOR FIRST TIME EVER, ACCORDING TO BIDEN ADMIN

The National League for Nursing said nurses are trained to care on average for three patients at a time, but some may have to handle up to nine patients at a time.

"We are at a crisis proportion of a shortage," said Dr. Beverly Malone, president and CEO of National League for Nursing. "The nurses we lost due to COVID, due to being burned out, being not enough nurses to care for and the large volume of patients."

Data from Nursing Solutions, Inc. shows the Registered Nurse Vacancy Rate nearly doubled over the past four years – it was at 8% in 2019 and now sits at 15.7% in 2023.

The National League for Nursing advocates with nursing programs, schools and policymakers to provide higher funding and compensation for nurse educators.

The organization also provides research grants to future and current nurse educators.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/IxvNf07

Read More

These 10 nutrition mistakes could be taking years off your life: Here's what to do instead

If food is medicine, many Americans are in dire need of a new prescription, according to experts.

Adults who stick to a healthy diet are much less likely to experience obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even some types of cancer, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — yet most Americans aren’t getting the nutrition they need. 

Worse still, they’re eating excessive amounts of the wrong things.

"Nutrition is thought to dictate about 80% of one’s health, and obesity irrefutably shaves nearly 10 years off a person’s life," said Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

5 HEALTHY HABITS MAY BE THE SECRET TO LIVING LONGER, FLORIDA NEUROSURGEON REVEALS

"You can extend your ‘health span’ — or the time that you remain fully functional and free of disease — by simply following some basic nutritional principles," he said.

Osborn, who is also the founder of a preventative health care and anti-aging facility, Senolytix, shared with Fox News Digital the 10 most critical nutrition mistakes people are making — and what they should be doing instead.

Osborn described excess sugar consumption as "the root of all evil."

"Sugar, by definition, is a high glycemic index carbohydrate, meaning that once it enters the gut, it immediately crosses the bowel lining and enters the bloodstream, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar," he said. 

AI TECH AIMS TO HELP PATIENTS CATCH DISEASE EARLY, EVEN ‘REVERSE THEIR BIOLOGICAL AGE’

"In response, the pancreas secretes insulin, and the sugar (i.e., glucose) is shuttled into the cells for use as energy."

But there’s a problem, Osborn said: The sugar molecules are released into the bloodstream so quickly that they damage the arterial walls — which causes inflammation.

"The next thing you know, there is a large plaque within a major artery of the heart, and you’re one step closer to your first heart attack," he warned.

"To add insult to injury, eating simple carbohydrates shuts off fat burning by spiking insulin levels, and at the same time turns on fat production," he said.

Osborn recommended limiting simple carbs like bread, pasta, rice, candy or other things that taste sweet. 

"They train your body to burn sugar, and all excess is stored as fat," he said. "This further stokes inflammation and places you on the accelerated train of aging."

The experts at Osborn’s Florida clinic recommend consuming only carbohydrates with a glycemic index of 40 or less.

The glycemic index (GI) is a rating system for carbohydrates that indicates how quickly they cause a spike in blood sugar (glucose).

"Low-GI foods will keep you in a fat-burning state indefinitely by maintaining low insulin levels, a barometer of health," Osborn said.

Some high-GI foods include bread, candy and cookies, while low-GI foods include fruits, unrefined grains and non-starchy veggies, according to Verywell Health.

Eating portions that are too large can lead to overeating and daily caloric surplus, according to Osborn.

"Everything in the U.S. is ‘super-sized,’ including foods that are potentially healthy," he said.

The solution here is simple, Osborn said: Be conscientious of your portions. 

"Stop eating early, before you feel full, and chew your food slowly — 20 times before you swallow," he advised.

BE WELL: INCORPORATE THESE 'NUTRIENT-DENSE' SUPERFOODS INTO YOUR DIET

"By slowing down your eating, you brain will have ample time to sense that your stomach is distended and generate a satiety signal," the doctor said. 

"Scarfing your food down will do just the opposite, and you’ll likely overeat."

Many people are guilty of this one, particularly vegans, said Osborn. 

"If you don’t consume enough protein during the day, you will likely shed metabolically precious muscle," he said. 

Muscle is responsible for burning fat. "It is your horsepower," said Osborn.

It also serves as a "protein depot," he said. During times of stress or illness, the body can draw amino acids from muscle, form antibodies and fend off offending pathogens. These amino acids can also be used to repair injured tissues. 

"Those with some physical stock admitted to the ICU in the wake of a head injury have a much higher chance of surviving compared to the patient who is devoid of muscle," noted the neurosurgeon. 

"The stronger do survive longer. This is a fact," he said. 

The doctor recommended eating at least 0.75 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight daily — or 1 gram for those who are doing strength training aggressively. 

"Vegans should attempt to get their protein in any way they can, to avoid becoming the dreaded ‘skinny fat,’ an unhealthy phenotype," he added.

There’s a common misconception that "fat is bad," but Osborn said that’s not true.

AS EATING DISORDERS INCREASE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS, HERE'S HOW PARENTS CAN HELP: ‘EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY’

"Only fat in the presence of high insulin levels (from consumption of simple carbohydrates) is bad for you," he clarified. 

"Eating fat with protein or with low glycemic index carbohydrates keeps insulin levels at bay, and therefore, does not turn off fat burning. In fact, it encourages your body to continue burning fat."

Fat — particularly omega-3 and omega-9 — is also important when it comes to reducing inflammation and combating the free radicals that can damage cell walls and accelerate the aging process, the doctor noted.

Plus, eating fats will induce a satiety signal and reduce the tendency to overeat.

So instead of skipping fat, Osborn said it’s best to pair it with the proper healthy (low-glycemic) foods.

SKIPPING THE SALT CAN REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK BY ALMOST 20%, STUDY FINDS: ‘KNOW WHAT YOU ARE CONSUMING’

"Eat fats liberally, either with protein or with a low glycemic index carbohydrate or both," he said. "In other words, you can have the filet mignon (protein and fat) but skip the mashed potatoes. Choose broccoli (a low-GI carbohydrate) instead."

Ideally, he recommended choosing anti-inflammatory fats such as omega-3 (from cold freshwater fish or algae) or omega-9 (olive oil). 

Most Americans are guilty of omitting vegetables from their diets, Osborn said, but these foods are replete with vitamins and minerals that people need in order for their biochemistry to work optimally.

"In addition, vegetables can be an excellent source of fiber that promotes gastrointestinal health (i.e., regular bowel movements and a healthy gut microbiome, both of which lower bodily inflammation)," the doctor said. 

The fiber also induces a satiety signal that reduces the likelihood of overeating.

Osborn recommended eating five servings of vegetables daily. 

"If this is difficult for you, or if you abhor the taste of vegetables, blend them into a smoothie or drink several bottles of low-sodium V8 juices," he advised. "I also use readily available vegetable (superfood) powders and mix them with water."

He added, "That said, raw vegetables are always the best option."

Most Americans don’t get enough fiber, said Osborn, which is a "big problem."

"Fiber slows the rate that sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream — so it actually lowers the glycemic index of your food," he said.

'TOP 8' FOOD CHALLENGE: WHAT IT MEANS, PLUS EXPERTS' TIPS FOR NAVIGATING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

Fiber also lowers the risk of bowel cancer, as toxins are shuttled through the GI tract quicker, the doctor explained — "another reason why you must eat your vegetables."

When choosing the day's veggies, Osborn recommended fibrous options like lettuce, broccoli and spinach. 

Another option is to supplement the diet with a powdered fiber source, such as Metamucil. 

While drinking is often a fixture of social activity or relaxation, Osborn warned that alcohol is a source of excess "empty" calories. 

"The alcohol molecule serves no physiologic benefit — it is a toxin that interferes with brain function," he said. "If you’re wanting to shed body fat, drinking will slow your efforts dramatically, as the extra calories will be ‘weighed against’ your daily caloric burn."

Alcohol also interferes with blood sugar regulation via its negative effects on the liver.

"This will predispose you to insulin resistance or prediabetes, and potentially to obesity," Osborn said. 

This mistake also has a very simple solution: "Get rid of it," the doctor said.

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

For habitual drinkers, Osborn recommended reducing drinking by 50% every six months until people are not consuming any alcohol.

"You’ll feel dramatically better, shed the unsightly spare tire and be able to spend your hard-earned dollar on a gym membership," he said.

Adequate water consumption is often overlooked, particularly in older individuals who lose their thirst responses with age, Osborn said. 

"This can be very problematic, because dehydration predisposes one to falls, one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury," he noted.

In his neurosurgery practice, Osborn said he often treats seniors who have sustained falls and bled into their brains, largely due to a combination of dehydration and overmedication leading to low blood pressure and fainting.

To prevent the dangerous effects of dehydration, the doctor advised striving for one gallon of electrolyte-laden water daily. 

"You can use powdered electrolytes and add a packet or two to each gallon," he said. "Avoid purified water, as it tends to leach out of the blood vessels and, therefore, does not support blood pressure."

Too often, Osborn said people eat smaller amounts and fewer calories during the day and then binge-eat at night — as if rewarding themselves for the day’s good behavior. 

When eating large amounts at night, as the metabolic rate is slowing down, Osborn said the inevitable result is weight gain. 

"You cannot eat Twizzlers on the couch at 10 p.m.," he said. "You will shut off fat burning by virtue of the resultant insulin release and store all excess sugar as fat."

"It doesn’t matter how well you ate during the day — your fat-burning processes are shut down for the evening."

A better option is to do the opposite and have a big breakfast in the morning, when the metabolic rate is highest, Osborn said.

"Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper," he recommended. 

"Eat a low-glycemic index, anti-inflammatory diet with moderate protein and high daily fat," he went on. "Consume the majority of your carbohydrates in the morning hours or early afternoon so you can maximize fat burn during the evening hours and while you sleep."

Extreme dieting never works — except in the short period, Osborn said. 

"The weight returns, and with a vengeance."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Extreme diets not only are poor long-term solutions, but they also decimate one’s metabolism due to the severe resultant muscle loss," the doctor said. 

"Fat loss should be slow, and every effort made to preserve precious muscle at all costs."

In Osborn’s opinion, the best solution is not a "blind-faith protocol or diet, but an understanding of what nutritional signals drive fat loss and maintain muscle."

"Then, eating becomes thoughtless — and heath becomes a lifestyle."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/ZElxb5P

Read More

Eating disorders at colleges, the great masking debate and exercise during cancer treatment

NUTRITION 101 – As eating disorders increase among college students, parents can help. Continue reading…

AI vs. COVID – The first AI-generated COVID drug has entered clinical trials. Here's what to know. Continue reading…

CANCER CARE – An oncology expert stresses the importance of staying active during treatment. Continue reading…

PASS (ON) THE SALT – Reducing sodium intake could slash heart disease risk, study finds. Continue reading…

HEALTHY, HAPPY MOMS – A physician shares 5 tips for protecting postpartum health. Continue reading…

FOOD AS MEDICINE – These 41 "powerhouse foods" could help prevent disease, the CDC says. Continue reading…

LOSS OF A LEGEND – Jimmy Buffett lost his life to Merkel cell carcinoma. Get all the facts here. Continue reading…

HEART OF THE MATTER – Men and women show different telltale signs of an imminent heart attack. Continue reading…

‘WON’T REDUCE SPREAD' – Four physicians speak out about masks, viruses — and a potential for future mandates. 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/xYl5t3d

Read More

Pharmacists agree supplement Prevagen is their top pick for memory support*

Maintaining a sharp mind is a top priority for John, a pharmacist in Ohio. 

But at age 54, John knows his faculties aren’t a lifelong guarantee. Research shows that subtle but steady declines in cognition can begin any time after age 30, due in part to changes in brain structure. 

"As a part of the normal aging process, you hear that your memory can sometimes start to slip a little bit, and we wanted to try to fend that off the best way that we could," John says. 

So, in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise including walks with his chihuahua-dachshund mix and pickleball games, John started taking Prevagen, a memory-support supplement, about two years ago after noticing it on a commercial and looking into the research himself. He’s glad he did.

"I feel that the Prevagen is helping me with overall clarity," says John, whose wife, Sherry, takes it too. "Prevagen has definitely helped us in our normal, everyday activities." 

The power of a protein found in jellyfish 

Prevagen is an over-the-counter memory-support supplement intended for adults with mild memory loss associated with aging. Users take just one daily pill, which are sold in both regular and extra strength. A chewable is available, too. 

Prevagen’s trademark ingredient, apoaequorin, is a protein originally found in a species of jellyfish that’s been shown to support the brain. The supplement also contains vitamin D, which supports brain function.

In one clinical trial, researchers gave adults with some concern about their memories either 10 milligrams of apoaequorin or an identical-looking capsule filled with rice flour. Neither the study participants nor the facilitators knew who was on the supplement versus the placebo. 

The participants took a battery of tests that evaluated various aspects of cognition related to memory. When researchers compared their initial results with those after three months on the pills, they found that subgroups including around 100 people with normal cognitive aging or very mild cognitive impairment improved significantly more on apoaequorin than on a placebo. (As a dietary supplement, Prevagen is not suitable or intended for treatment of any disease including dementia or Alzheimer’s.) 

"I read the clinical study myself, and decided that I was going to try Prevagen," John says. 

A go-to among pharmacists nationwide 

John is not the only pharmacist to take note of Prevagen. For the fifth year in a row, thousands of pharmacists surveyed by the Pharmacy Times named it the top-recommended supplement for memory support in 2023. Specifically, 48% of the providers said they recommended Prevagen most often; the second-most recommended memory supplement received only 15% of their votes.

"The interest in self-care continues to be strong and OTC products play a key role in people’s focus on managing their own well-being," Pharmacy Times Vice President Gil Hernandez said. "The OTC Guide gives consumers a trustworthy resource to support their self-care, as pharmacists themselves are among our most relied upon healthcare professionals."

Like all supplements, Prevagen is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Third parties including NSF, a highly-respected independent certification organization, have confirmed Prevagen is manufactured rigorously, contains what it says it does, and contains safe ingredients in normal amounts. 

That’s good enough for John – and his customers. "If you’re concerned about memory support, I recommend Prevagen," he says. "It’s safe, doesn’t require a prescription, and it works for me." 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Testimonialists are compensated for their time. 

*Based on Pharmacy Times Survey 2023-2024

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/oB2mGU5

Read More

Be well: Incorporate these 'nutrient-dense' superfoods into your diet

For those who are looking to improve their health through nutrition, some experts believe superfoods could come to the rescue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a list of "powerhouse foods and vegetables" (PFV), which it defines as the "foods most strongly associated with reduced chronic disease risk."

These foods have been generally described as "green leafy, yellow/orange, citrus and cruciferous items."

AS EATING DISORDERS INCREASE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS, HERE'S HOW PARENTS CAN HELP: ‘EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY’

To qualify for the list, foods had to provide an average of 10% or more daily value per 100 kilocalories (100,000 calories) of 17 key nutrients — potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K.

After calculating the nutrient density score for a total of 47 foods, the researchers came up with the following list of 41 foods that qualify as PFVs, in order from highest to lowest nutrient density score:

There were some limitations associated with this study. 

Some nutrient-dense items may have been overlooked, according to the CDC’s discussion of the findings.

SKIPPING THE SALT CAN REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK BY ALMOST 20%, STUDY FINDS: ‘KNOW WHAT YOU ARE CONSUMING’

It was also not possible to include phytochemical data — which are chemical compounds produced by plants that can increase nutritional value — when calculating the nutrient density score for each food.

Future research is needed to identify specific nutritious diets and to confirm the health outcomes of eating a diet rich in PFVs, the study authors noted.

Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, who practices as The Lupus Dietitian, said she supports the CDC’s list of recommended superfoods.

"It's great that we are being specific about ‘powerhouse’ foods to raise awareness of the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables," she told Fox News Digital.

"All vegetables and fruits contain nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants," she added. "It's important to eat a variety of them if you can."

There are some very healthy foods, however, that didn't make the list, Frierich noted.

"These foods did not meet the criteria in the study, but they should still be a part of your diet if you enjoy eating them and can access them," she said. 

"Garlic and onion, in particular, are part of the allium family and provide a host of other benefits that you would not find in one of the fruits or vegetables on the list."

One food on the list, grapefruit, could interfere with many commonly prescribed medications, Frierich also pointed out. 

"While the list is helpful in some ways, it is not the only thing to consider in making choices for a healthy diet," she said. 

"Every individual person needs a slightly different dietary approach."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

For people who like the foods on the CDC’s list, can find them in the grocery store and are able to fit them into the food budget — they can and should eat them, Frierich said.

"If not, prioritize eating a variety of fresh and frozen produce as part of your overall diet," she said. "Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables when possible."

For those who face financial difficulties and/or can’t fit the foods on the list into their budget, Frierich said that frozen or fresh produce can be part of a healthy diet.

​​To read more pieces in Fox News Digital's "Be Well" series, click here.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/gStNz02

Read More

As eating disorders increase among college students, here's how parents can help: ‘Early intervention is key’

While most of us have heard about the "Freshman 15" — the stereotypical first-year weight gain among college students — a growing share of young adults are experiencing quite the opposite.

Some 10% to 20% of females and 4% to 10% of males in college suffer from an eating disorder, according to estimates from the National Eating Disorder Association.

JD Ouellette, a California-based eating disorder expert at Equip, a virtual counseling service, agreed that the rates of disordered eating have been increasing for some time among this age group, a trend the pandemic accelerated. 

‘GIRL DINNERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA TREND SPARKS CONCERN AMONG EXPERTS: ‘UNHEALTHY OBSESSION’

"A recent study looked at 260,000 students, from a more diverse population than we often see, and saw a 13% increase in eating disorders between 2013 and 2021, with about 3% of that happening after the pandemic began," Ouellette told Fox News Digital.

Certain populations are more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder, she added.

That includes athletes and those who participate in "weight-sensitive" sports such as running, ballet and wrestling.

Fox News Digital talked with Dr. Melissa Spann, chief clinical officer at Monte Nido & Affiliates — an eating disorder clinic in Miami, Florida — about how the social and academic pressures of the back-to-school season can trigger disordered eating habits on college campuses.

"Heading back to school can be stressful even under the best of circumstances," noted Spann, who has a PhD in family therapy and is a certified eating disorder specialist and clinical supervisor.

BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS LIVE LONGER BUT FACE A HIGHER SUICIDE RISK, SAYS STUDY

"Any time you're making major life transitions — middle school, high school, college, especially if you're going away from home for the first time — those are times of stress," she said.

On top of that, college students tend to compare themselves to other people as they try to fit in to look a certain way — "almost a reinvention of self," the doctor said.

"The pressure to perform academically and fit in socially can lead to unhealthy ways of coping, including behaviors indicative of eating disorders."

And as college students leave home and no longer have their old routines, it can be a challenge to find nutritious, filling foods and stick to a healthy meal schedule.

"College is a time when the home structure around eating, sleeping and exercising has disappeared, and for the first time, students must develop their own structure and routines to be sure health needs are met," said Ouellette. "Students may not realize they need to schedule meal breaks when picking their classes."

The dining hall can also be overwhelming in itself, with many choices and large crowds of people, she added.

Social dynamics can create a heightened risk for eating disorders as well, Spann pointed out.

"Within our social environment, individuals tend to receive positive feedback for losing weight," she said. "And that is actually one of the most critical points where an eating disorder can develop, because your body's going to hit a certain threshold where you have to engage in unhealthy behaviors in order to continue to lose weight." 

EXCESSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA USE HAS MANY OF THE SAME EFFECTS AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE, SAYS EXPERT

She added, "That positive reinforcement from the social environment is another trigger."

Social media contributes to the onset and development of eating disorders, Spann also believes. 

"Even with the surgeon general's recent warning, we're just scratching the surface in understanding the impact of social media on mental health," she said. 

"The algorithms that are produced by social media environments can lead kids and adolescents and adults down a really tricky rabbit hole of not just eating disorders, but also depression, anxiety and overall mental health distress."

When it comes to red flags for disordered eating, Spann noted that it's different at different ages. 

"If you're talking about middle school or high school, when you're still living with your child, you should look for more subtle things, because dramatic weight loss occurs over a longer period of time," she said.

"What do mealtimes look like? Is your kid skipping meals or eating large amounts of food?"

Eating disorders aren't just about restricting intake, the doctor noted.

"It could look like engaging in binging and purging, binge-like behaviors, or excessive and compulsive exercise," she said. "So we want to look out for all those things."

Another red flag is if a child has developed certain rituals around food or eating. 

"Some examples might be cutting food into small pieces or starting to cut out major food groups — like suddenly saying, ‘I don't eat any carbs,’" Spann said.

INCREASED USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TAKES MENTAL HEALTH TOLL ON TEENS

If teens begin talking about following strict diets or starting an intense workout regimen that they haven’t done before, that could be another warning sign, she added.

For college-age kids who no longer live at home, Spann recommended regularly Face Timing and scheduling in-person visits for a visual check-in.

"It's important to actually lay eyes on them and dig a little deeper and see how things are going," she said.

The best thing a parent can do to help ensure healthy eating habits is to prepare their child before they head off to college, Spann said.

"If your kid has never cooked a meal for themselves — and if they’ve never navigated how to walk into a food hall and put food on their plate and find someone to sit with — they're going to struggle when they get to school," she said. 

Spann suggested doing some "test runs" before school starts, so the child can get a feel for preparing food and meeting his or her own nutritional needs, whether that's in the dining hall or at a food market.

"I think families should proactively discuss the ‘how,’ ‘what’ and ‘when’ of getting their nutritional needs met," added Ouellette. "Don’t focus on weight control — instead, focus on regular eating habits from an ‘all foods fit’ perspective."

Parents should remind their kids that they're still supposed to gain weight at this time of life, she said.

"Make sure they know food is not simply fuel, but that it also fuels connection, culture, celebration and love."

It’s also important for parents to think about the language they’re using when they speak about their own bodies and eating habits.

"If you notice that your child is struggling with food, weight or body size, the first thing is to make sure you're using body-positive or body-neutral language in your home," Spann said. "And not only about your kid, but about yourself as well."

Parents should avoid talking about their own dieting, weight or clothing size, she said.

ARE YOU AN INTERMITTENT FASTER? IF SO, BINGE EATING COULD BE IN YOUR FUTURE, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

"The reality is that weight is actually not a measure of health in the way that our standard medical system has taught us for so many years," Spann noted. 

"And so we want to avoid talking about diet, weight and sizes, offering that self-compassion and then practicing what we preach when it comes to eating habits," she went on. 

"Our kids hear how we talk about ourselves."

It’s also wise to cultivate mindful eating habits at home from a young age, she said.

"When kids go off on their own, they're going to mimic the environment they grew up in," Spann said. "Sit down and make dinner time an opportunity where you can connect with your family."

'TOP 8' FOOD CHALLENGE: WHAT IT MEANS, PLUS EXPERTS' TIPS FOR NAVIGATING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

Once students are living on campus, if they express concern that they’re not able to access the foods they want and need, the parent should step in with guidance, she advised.

"No matter what, if you have a kid who's saying, ‘The dining hall is not for me,’ the most important thing is to develop alternatives," Spann said.

If parents notice that their kids are displaying any warning signs for disordered eating, the teen may need to speak with a third-party expert. 

"Even if you have the most open and healthy relationship with your kid, when it comes to something that is bringing any sort of anxiety or shame, they're not going to want to engage openly around that," Spann said. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Most college campuses offer free counseling resources and nutrition services to students, she noted. 

"Often, campuses will list the registered dietitian who helps run the dining hall, and they are often very familiar with college students, disordered eating and eating disorders," added Oullette.

Above all, don’t wait, the experts agreed.

"What we know about eating disorders is that recovery is possible, but early intervention is key," Spann said. "The longer it goes undiagnosed, the harder it is to treat."

"As soon as you're suspecting or feeling or wondering, then it’s time to start asking the hard questions."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/kG8U4uN

Read More

Fauci's masking message amid rising COVID cases has doctors sounding off: 'Will not reduce the spread'

Dr. Anthony Fauci in an interview on Saturday spoke about the potential for a return to mask-wearing in America in light of a seasonal uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations.

Now, doctors reached by Fox News Digital are sharing reaction to the comments by the former White House chief medical adviser. 

"I am concerned that people will not abide by [masking] recommendations," Fauci said in the interview.

FAUCI ‘CONCERNED’ PEOPLE WON’T COMPLY IF MASKING RECOMMENDATIONS RETURN: 'I HOPE' THEY 'ABIDE'

"I would hope that if we get to the point that the volume of cases is such and organizations like the CDC recommends – CDC does not mandate anything – recommends that people wear masks, I would hope that people abide by that recommendation and take into account the risks to themselves and their families," the doctor told CNN.

Fauci fell just short of calling for a return to mandates, however.

"We’re not talking about mandates or forcing anybody, but when you have a situation where the volume of cases in society gets to a reasonably high level, the vulnerable, the elderly, those with underlying conditions, are going to be more susceptible, if they do get infected, of getting severe disease leading to hospitalization," Fauci also said.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida, is also the founder of a preventative health care and anti-aging facility, Senolytix. 

CITING RISING COVID CASES, THESE US HOSPITAL SYSTEMS HAVE NOW REINSTATED MASK MANDATES

In response to Fauci’s comments defending masking, Osborn pointed to "limited efficacy data" for masks — "particularly regarding the large-scale spread of the disease, as was the case during the pandemic," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Let’s face it, regardless of mask usage, the population en masse will be exposed to SARS-COV-2, and its variants, as is the case with influenza," Osborn went on. 

"This is inevitable and independent of quarantines, lockdowns and other measures that only cultivate a sense of false security," he also said.

Osborn noted that masks may offer a "low level of protection" for individuals who consistently wear them, "although this is supported by only two randomized controlled trials to date." 

Said Osborn, "This limited efficacy, in conjunction with the typical antigenic drift of RNA viruses to a less pathogenic strain, does not justify another round of mask mandates, especially since the CDC numbers are in line with increasing hospitalization rates (and their subsequent fall) this past February." 

"This intermittent fluctuation is the new norm, so expect it — as COVID-19 is here to stay," he added.

For those who have a fever or symptoms of COVID and have not yet been screened, Osborn said they may consider wearing a mask to protect any at-risk people from infection. 

"I would make a case for simply avoiding contact and washing your hands, though," he said. 

"These are time-tested measures that actually work to reduce the spread of other flu-like illnesses."

In response to Fauci’s commentary, Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona, expressed concern about the potential for a return to in-school masking.

"Masking mandates disproportionately affect and disrupt the education of children, especially those with autism," Johnson told Fox News Digital. 

CITING RISING COVID CASES, THESE US HOSPITAL SYSTEMS HAVE NOW REINSTATED MASK MANDATES

"In my experience, schools have had a very ‘black and white’ policy when under mask mandates," she said.

"I observed disciplining and shaming of neurodivergent as well as typically developing children in elementary and middle schools when they have difficulty wearing a mask."

Not all children on the autism spectrum can tolerate masks due to sensory sensitivities, Johnson also noted. 

"If they are disciplined, forced to wear a mask or sent home from school due to poorly tolerating a mask, it is systematically discriminating against them due to their disability," she said.

Although mask-wearing may slow the spread of COVID-19, Johnson said, "given the mild nature of COVID-related illness in most children, the heavy enforcement of masks on school children is not reasonable."

Dr. Laura Purdy, a board-certified family medicine physician in Brentwood, Tennessee, pointed out that COVID is now a fixture of the cold and flu season.

"We’re going to see COVID cases because this is the time of year when people catch and transmit viruses more easily," she told Fox News Digital. "I think that people will do exactly what they did during the original pandemic."

SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICER 'SEPARATED' FOR REFUSING COVID VACCINE CHAMPIONS FREE CHOICE: 'I KNOW WHO I AM'

The doctor said she doesn’t believe there is "much of a point" of the government deciding to mandate masks again, "but, of course, they may recommend it."

Purdy added, "If people feel like they want or need to wear a mask, then they will do it — and if they don’t, then they won’t."

Dr. John W. Ayers, PhD, vice chief of innovation in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego, noted that pre-pandemic, masking was discouraged by experts because the evidence then was negative about the protective effects for the wearer. 

"For instance, a randomized study of health care providers who wore cloth masks for four weeks in 14 hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam, during 2011 found they experienced higher rates of respiratory illness, laboratory-confirmed viral infection and influenza-like illness than controls — who followed usual practice while working," he told Fox News Digital.

"Guidance by the World Health Organization in January 2020 stated that ‘cloth (e.g. cotton or gauze) masks are not recommended under any circumstance.’"

That changed early in the pandemic, he said, when there was an "abundance of uncertainty."

"Community masking using cloth or reusable surgical masks was encouraged in the hope that despite the lack of supporting real-world evidence, there may be a community benefit if we all mask," Ayers went on.

"It's important to note that this is contrary to what Fauci is arguing," the doctor said. "He now says you mask to protect yourself, which the evidence never supported — and says the benefits of community masking on the population is null."

Said Ayers, "Fauci's claims about masking policies, which includes reusable cloth masks and surgical masks, will not reduce the spread of COVID-19."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

While some observational studies have supported the idea that community masking would reduce the spread, Ayers pointed out that those types of studies are "biased" and that randomized trials are the "gold standard."

"The NIAID and Fauci did not fund any trials on community masking in the USA despite a substantial budget," he said. 

"It really doesn't make sense that we did no trials. When it came to masking, we refused to gather robust evidence to support or discourage their use."

"As stated, Fauci's claims about masking policies, which include reusable cloth masks and surgical masks, will not reduce the spread of COVID-19," Ayers said.

"However, the collateral harm from future mask mandates will certainly eclipse their fictitious benefit," the doctor also said. 

"For instance, a child sent home from school for not wearing a mask is harmed more by the policy than 1,000 years of masking."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/Z6ab2kh

Read More