Alzheimer’s caregiver handbook: Here are expert tips and techniques for those who tend to dementia patients

Alzheimer’s disease puts a significant burden on not only the nearly seven million people who have been diagnosed with it, but also the caregivers supporting them.

More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias, according to data from the Alzheimer’s Association. And 70% of them say that caregiving is stressful.

Dr. Heather Sandison, a renowned expert in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia care, said it’s critical for caregivers to protect their own mental and physical health.

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In her new book "Reversing Alzheimer’s: The New Tool Kit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health," published by HarperCollins on June 11, Sandison — who is based in California — outlines the specific risks that caregivers face.

In the excerpt that follows, Sandison offers some tips and techniques for how caregivers can release expectations and practice self-compassion.

Dr. Heather Sandison: When I meet with a new dementia patient, I know that I am treating their caregiver in addition to treating them. 

Of course, not every caregiver is on board with the idea of prioritizing their own health at that moment — mostly, they want to do everything they can to help their loved one get better.

But dementia is almost like a virus. It doesn’t affect just one person. It can reach out and impair the cognitive health of the people who care for the patient, too. 

To be blunt, if you are not caring for yourself, you are not going to be a good caregiver.

Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s is such a big and important job that it’s easy to lose yourself to it … If you don’t also care for yourself, your effectiveness and your health will suffer, which will only make things worse for the person you’re caring for.

I’m guessing you already know that caring for someone with dementia is taxing. You may not realize just how detrimental to your own health it can be. I’m sharing this list so that you can see the potential costs of not tending to your own well-being during this time.

Whether you’re living with your care partner and providing day-to-day care, or living at a distance and providing mostly financial and/or logistical support, having someone in your life who has dementia is often hard in multiple ways — emotionally, physically and financially. 

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Many people find that their sleep, diet, physical exercise and fun suffer. It’s a burden that works in two directions: It’s common to give up the things that help you stay healthy, and to feel a big weight of responsibility, frustration and guilt. 

With Alzheimer’s, patients lose their independence, and there are no benchmarks that align with a predictable timeline. That unpredictability can make the experience stressful and uniquely challenging.

Research has found that dementia caregivers have significantly lower scores on tests of cognitive function. 

This may be linked to the fact that many caregivers report poor sleep, which can impair your ability to process and respond to information, and thus can influence how safely you are able to perform complex caregiving tasks.

Depression and dementia are closely linked — having depression can increase your risk of dementia, and having dementia can increase your risk of depression. 

On top of that, caregivers of people with dementia experience depression more frequently than the general population, and depression in a caregiver can in turn affect the status and prognosis of the dementia patient.

A common feeling among dementia caregivers is that people who aren’t also caring for someone with dementia can’t understand what it’s like, which understandably can lead to feeling isolated from others. 

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Also, your devotion to your loved one can make it hard to ask for help. On top of that, your caregiving duties may be preventing you from getting together with friends or doing things that get you in the company of others, such as working out at the gym, attending church or participating in some other social activity.

Devastatingly, all these negative effects combine to create an increased risk of developing dementia yourself — up to a sixfold increase compared to non-caregivers. Which is not to say that caring for someone with dementia definitely means you are getting dementia, too. 

It’s really when the sense of caregiving burden is high — and you don’t exercise as much, sleep as well or make healthy food choices — that this risk is at its highest.           

If there’s one thing I know for absolute certain about Alzheimer’s, it’s this: Taking care of someone with dementia is not a one-person job. 

Trying to do it all yourself without ever taking a break is impossible. It will only increase your caregiver burden and put you on the path to burnout, which can then take a toll on your own risk of developing dementia and render you less able to care for your loved one.

It’s for this reason that I tell every caregiver I encounter that there is only one nonnegotiable piece of any caregiving plan, and that is that you take at least one full day a week off from caregiving.

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Why? In addition to staving off your own burnout as well as giving you some time to care for yourself, putting in place a "my day Friday" (or any other day[s] of the week) will force you to line up some help. 

Even if you think you don’t need any assistance now, it is only a matter of time until that changes.

Whether you realize it or not, you already have ways of coping with the stress that caregiving can give rise to — it’s just that they are likely not that helpful in the long run. That may be skipping out on sleep, drinking alcohol, blaming others, blaming yourself or deciding that you just need to try harder. 

All these can ultimately only add to your caregiver burden, not lessen it.

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Here, I’m providing a laundry list of tools and techniques that can help make a positive difference in both your day-to-day reality and your long-term health.

This is a shift in your thinking that helps you deal with the unexpected with more equanimity — such as when your loved one is not listening to you. It’s very easy to be judgmental in these moments, and to feel victimized, as in "Why are they making my life harder?" Especially when you’re caring for a family member, with whom you have a long history. 

Ultimately, making it about you and judging the other person leads to more disconnection, which can breed upset and an escalation of the challenge.

Whenever you’re in that place of judgment, there is an invitation in that moment to notice that you’ve gotten upset, and then reframe your loved one’s behavior as the communication of an unmet need.

Determining an unmet need requires some curiosity and some detective work. In any situation, take a step back and objectively ask, "What’s going on here?" 

For example, if your care partner isn’t listening to you, instead of concluding that they are choosing not to hear you, stay open enough to investigate if their hearing aid is turned up, or needs a new battery, or if there’s too much background noise.

This is probably one of the hardest things about loving and caring for someone with dementia — little by little, they lose the ability to do things they once could, whether that’s log into an online account, manage finances, remember your name or brush their teeth. 

As painful as these losses can be to witness, what makes them more upsetting is when you expect your loved one always to be able to do what they once could. 

That’s why, even though you hold out hope that they will be able to do some of these things again, it’s helpful to everyone — especially you — if you can let go of the expectation that they continue to be the person they were. By releasing the expectation, you can relieve yourself of at least a bit of the disappointment that comes from being let down when your expectation isn’t met. 

Maintaining a spirit of curiosity can help. 

Saying things to yourself such as, "I wonder how this will go," can help you meet your care partner where they are that day. Don’t forget to enjoy and celebrate when your loved one does regain capacity.                                       

Self-compassion has also been shown to reduce the perception of caregiver burden. An important way you can implement self-compassion is to continually remind yourself that you’re doing your best. 

That may not mean you’re doing a perfect job, or even a great job — some days, you may need to phone it in because you didn’t sleep well the night before, or you’re not feeling well, or you have to focus on work that day, and that’s OK. 

But it does mean that you are doing the best you can in that moment. 

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The fact that you are willing to be a pioneer and learn about the things that can prevent or reverse the downward slide of dementia and put in the work to help your loved one get better suggests to me that not only are you doing your best, you’re doing a phenomenal job. It’s not easy to be at the forefront of a movement.        

Another important tool is to become aware of how you talk to yourself. We all have moments when we get frustrated, say the wrong thing or do something we later wish we could take back. I think we can agree that no one is perfect. 

So when things do go wrong, begin to notice what you say to yourself about it. It helps you become an observer of your own thoughts, which then creates a window of opportunity to be more intentional about what you tell yourself. 

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In these moments, try talking to yourself the same way you would talk to a friend — someone you care for, and whom you’re trying to encourage. 

If they made a mistake, I’m guessing you wouldn’t criticize them. 

You would just remind them that they’re doing their best. Resist the urge to say harsh, judgmental or downright mean things to yourself.

Excerpted with permission from the new book, "Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Tool Kit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health" (HarperCollins) by Dr. Heather Sandison, copyright © 2024 by Dr. Heather Sandison. All rights reserved. 

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Alabama woman bitten by rabid fox while unloading groceries from car: 'Public health threat'

An Alabama woman was bitten by a rabid fox recently as she unloaded groceries from her car, according to local reports.

The Atmore woman, whose name was not disclosed, was reportedly holding a loaf of bread when "seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox," according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

The woman, described as "older," received post-exposure treatment to help prevent rabies infection.

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The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories, where it was tested and confirmed positive for rabies. 

Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if not treated before emergence of symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is typically spread to people or pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

"Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat," said Dr. Dee W. Jones, Alabama’s public health veterinarian, in the release.  

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"Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets."

Owners of dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older are legally required to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccination in the state of Alabama.

"Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers," the release stated.

The health department also urged people to not allow pets to run loose, properly dispose of any food scraps, refrain from feeding or keeping wildlife as pets, avoid animals that are behaving strangely, and keep children away from stray or wild animals.

Anyone who has been bitten by an animal or otherwise exposed to rabies should contact a doctor and the health department.

Approximately 60,000 Americans receive medical care following a potential rabies exposure each year, per the CDC.

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Dr. Marc Siegel, a physician, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News medical contributor, spoke with Fox News Digital about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

"Rabies treatments are reliably found in emergency rooms, as there isn’t enough demand to keep the shots in every doctor’s office or urgent care clinic," he said.

"Treatment involves a vaccine series and rabies immunoglobulin (a medication made up of antibodies against the rabies virus)."

Effective preventive treatment is close to 100% successful if administered properly, Siegel said.

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"Conversely, if rabies infection takes hold, it is close to 100% fatal," he warned.

Rabies prevention treatments can be expensive, however, Siegel noted — in Washington, D.C., the first treatment alone has reportedly cost some patients more than $15,000.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Alabama Department of Public Health for comment.

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The 9 most common questions women over 40 ask their doctors, according to a menopause expert

Staying healthy as a woman over age 40 starts with asking the right questions, doctors say.

Females in this age group face new health challenges and can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of the traditional health care system, according to Dr. Alexa Fiffick, a family medicine physician and menopause practitioner at Concierge Medicine of Westlake in Cleveland, Ohio.

As menopause is often viewed as a "taboo topic," Fiffick — also a clinical fellow at Cleveland Clinic — is working to empower this group of women to take control of their health proactively. 

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"To do that, they need to ask their doctors the right potentially life-saving questions," she said.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Fiffick shared the top 9 questions women should be asking — along with her answers.

Women have a 50% greater chance of having a misdiagnosed heart attack than men, data shows. 

It wasn’t until 2020 that the American Heart Association identified menopause as an individual risk factor for heart disease.

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"This giant, stressful health event wasn’t taken seriously for a long time," Fiffick said. 

"Finally, the science supports that menopause is a risk factor for heart disease. Women absolutely must ask their doctors about their individual risks based on this information, coupled with their medical history."

For adults up to 65 years of age, experts recommend getting 150 minutes per week of exercise, combining moderate-to-vigorous aerobic workouts and strength training sessions.

For women in their 40s, lifting weights becomes particularly important, according to Fiffick.

"There is a lot of emerging evidence of the benefits of weightlifting — especially lifting weights that are considered heavy," she said.

"It’s been difficult for this age group in the past to lift heavier, because we were all raised to think that weightlifting builds a more masculine structure," she said.

"But it's really important for bone health and to prevent falls — and it also helps the brain stay cognizant of changes, which can be really helpful to stave off dementia."

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When choosing a weight, it should be heavy enough that it can’t be lifted repetitively with ease.

"It should be a challenge to do the motions with the weight, so you can continue to keep challenging yourself," Fiffick said.

"That sort of heavy weightlifting is associated with maintaining bone density."

Cardiovascular exercise is also important for keeping the heart healthy, Fiffick said.

"People tend to think of cardio for weight loss because that's what we used to teach in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s — but realistically, weight loss is more about your food consumption and less about cardiovascular exercise," she said. 

"So it's really pertinent to staying fit and keeping your cardiovascular system nice and strong."

By the time women enter their 40s, most have already reached their peak bone density, as it begins to decrease in the years surrounding menopause, according to experts.

Many of Fiffick’s patients are surprised to learn that certain over-the-counter medications can contribute to bone loss.

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Those include proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, a type of medication that prevents acid reflux. 

"They can help degrade bone if you're on them for a very long time," Fiffick warned. 

Some studies have suggested that metformin, a medication that is used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, could also impact bone density, according to the doctor.

Other threats to bone health include significant alcohol or tobacco consumption, she said.

"If you’re having more than around one drink every evening, that's probably a bit too much for bone health," she noted.

"As far as tobacco goes, no amount is a good amount. Those sorts of things are actively hurting your bones."

With so many female-focused supplements on the market, it can be tough to determine which are essential and which can be skipped.

"My two go-to supplements are vitamin D and magnesium," Fiffick told Fox News Digital.

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"Getting enough vitamin D is important to help keep our bones healthy, but it can be difficult to get only through food, so most people need to take a supplement."

Magnesium is also important for women in their 40s due to its impact on bone health, heart health, hormonal balance and mood regulation, according to experts.

"Additionally, magnesium is said to help with the constipation that happens in perimenopause and menopause, as well as helping people sleep a little bit better," Fiffick said.

For calcium, the doctor advises women to get it through diet rather than supplements. 

"Most people who eat a more American diet get more than enough calcium through foods," she said.

To help determine whether you need a supplement, Fiffick recommends going to the National Osteoporosis Foundation website, which provides a list of foods containing calcium and vitamin D to help you calculate your own intake.

Fiffick often hears from patients who assume they're too young to transition into this next phase of life.

"‘Normal’ menopause can happen anywhere between ages 45 and 55 — but sometimes it happens" at a younger age, she told Fox News Digital. 

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For women starting the process at between 40 and 45 years old, it’s considered "early menopause," Fiffick said — but it's not treated separately from "normal" menopause.

After 55, it is considered late menopause, she noted.

"The group that we treat really separately are the people who are under 40 when they start menopause — those are the ones we call ‘premature menopause,’" Fiffick said.

Starting menopause before the age of 40 can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, Fiffick warned, which can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

"That happens because as soon as your body stops having estrogen, it stops being able to protect your brain, your bones and your heart," she said.

"So all of the ‘diseases of aging’ — meaning high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis fractures — those all come on much quicker if you are menopausal earlier." 

A younger menopausal patient is treated differently than a menopausal woman in her 50s, Fiffick said.

"For the older patients, we’re mainly trying to make you feel better and maybe do some preventative things," she said.

"For women under 40, we’re trying to get you at least enough estrogen and progesterone so it's as if your ovaries didn't close up shop. So it's a very different approach than for someone who's a little bit older."

Women’s nutritional requirements change as they age, Fiffick said.

A general rule of thumb is for women in their 40s to consume about 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight — and the large majority aren’t hitting that mark, the doctor noted.

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"If a woman comes into my clinic and I have her walk me through an average day of eating, even if she’s a meat eater, she’s likely only getting around 50 grams," Fiffick said. 

"With the average body weight exceeding 130 or 140 pounds, that’s not nearly enough."

Fiffick encourages her patients to start tracking their protein to get a baseline, and then look for ways to augment that.

An easy way to increase protein is to add powder to shakes, which usually have about 30 grams of protein, she advised.

"If you do that in addition to eating chicken, fish, legumes and other sources of protein, you’ll usually be much closer to the goal."

Women in their 40s fall into what Fiffick calls the "sandwich generation," which can make it challenging to get the appropriate amount of sleep.

"Some women have really young kids, others have teens, and some have kids in their 20s," she said.

"Recent research found that these women tend to need upward of eight to 10 hours of sleep," Fiffick noted.

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While the longtime rule of thumb has been that seven hours is sufficient, "that is not necessarily good enough for women," the doctor said. 

Sleep plays an essential role in all aspects of wellness, according to Fiffick — including metabolism, heart health and brain function. 

"We see a lot of people complain about ‘brain fog’ in perimenopause and menopause," she said. 

"And one of the biggest reasons for that is the fact that they're not sleeping." 

Fiffick encourages her patients to advocate for themselves and ask their doctors for help with sleep optimization, "because it's literally vital."

As women progress into their 40s, hormonal and metabolic changes can lead to weight gain.

Some women come into Fiffick’s office and say, "I don’t want to cheat by using weight-loss medication," she said.

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"But it's not cheating," the doctor said. "For some people, it's the right fit and can help them see significant improvement."

As every patient’s needs and goals are different, Fiffick said it’s essential for each woman to talk to her doctor and weigh the risks and benefits of medicinal or surgical options.

Some of the most important weight-loss strategies include getting enough protein and drinking enough water, according to the expert.

"By ‘front-loading’ your day with protein, you’ll stay full for longer, as it’s a slow-burning energy," Fiffick said.

With carb-heavy breakfasts, she warned, you’re destined for a 10 a.m. slump.

When it comes to hydration, 3 liters of water daily is associated with weight loss or weight maintenance during perimenopause and menopause, Fiffick said.

"So if it's not the right time to talk about meds with a certain patient, I automatically go back to protein and water," she said. "In 99% of cases, one of those could be better."

Some of the most common cancer types affecting women include breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, endometrial, ovarian and skin — and the risk increases with age.

To help gauge your risk, Fiffick emphasized the importance of knowing your family history.

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"This is critical in order for a doctor to be able to do a good risk assessment for hereditary cancers," she said.

A surprising share of women don’t have this information, in the doctor’s experience.

"The longer I've been a physician, I’ve realized that we don't know what our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and cousins have going on with their health," Fiffick said. 

"Learning those things so that you can really understand your risk is critical — it may genuinely save your or your child's life."

One of the most effective ways to reduce cancer risk is to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption, according to Fiffick.

"Drinking more than one glass of wine or one cocktail at night is associated with a significantly increased risk of seven or eight different types of cancers," she noted.

Obesity is another major risk factor for cancers, the doctor said.

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"I heard a recent citation that up to 30% of all new breast cancers each year are associated with nothing other than obesity as the risk factor," Fiffick said.

"So the two things that are really within your control are weight and alcohol consumption — and if you're a tobacco smoker, please stop. It's terrible."

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Mail-order ketamine injections can be ‘extremely dangerous,’ warns Dr. Marc Siegel

Ketamine has become increasingly popular for treating mental health disorders.

But some doctors and clinics have taken it to the next level by delivering the injectable doses to patients — who can then administer the drug unsupervised.

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, who is also a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, spoke on "Fox & Friends" on Monday about the dangers of handing out ketamine.

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Ketamine was initially approved for use as an anesthetic in the U.S. in the 1970s, Siegel said.

It was only indicated for treating depression within the last decade.

"It works for really severe depression by altering brain chemicals, but under the observation of a highly trained psychiatrist or anesthesiologist," he said.

"The idea that it is now available with a little tele-visit, and then they mail it to you with a self-monitoring blood pressure kit, is extremely dangerous." 

The physician warned that ketamine can "knock you out, give you hallucinations, raise your blood pressure [or] lower your blood pressure."

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"[It can] make you really, really sick — and without observation, you could end up in the hospital," he said.

In terms of "breaking a cycle of severe depression," Siegel confirmed that ketamine is effective, "but not this way."

Earlier this year, the University of Michigan released a study on the effects of ketamine in cases of severe or treatment-resistant depression among veterans.

Nearly half of all patients saw a "meaningful drop" in depression scores after six weeks of infusions, according to the analysis by the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS).

About 25% of those in the study saw their depression score drop by half within six weeks of treatment, while 15% went into full remission.

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In response to the study, Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, told Fox News Digital that ketamine therapy has been "quite transformative for a lot of our clients."

While patients get the benefit of not having to take medication every day, Gerstner noted that there isn’t much regulation surrounding how ketamine treatments are administered.

"The field is wide open, and it's a little bit like the Wild West," he said. 

"This is a really powerful medication, and the way it's used can vary quite drastically."

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) describes ketamine as a "dissociative drug," which means it causes people to feel "separated or detached" from their bodies or physical surroundings.

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While it is also used illegally as a recreational drug, experts say ketamine is generally not dangerous when used as prescribed.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

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Ask a doctor: ‘What should I do about foot blisters?’

Got blisters? Here are answers.

Painful foot blisters can put a damper very quickly on vacation plans, exercise or even daily errands — but there are steps you can take to help them heal as quickly as possible. 

Fox News Digital reached out to two podiatrists for their professional advice, including treatment of existing blisters and prevention of future sores.

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In most cases, blisters develop on the feet due to ill-fitting shoes — but they can also stem from medical conditions.

Excessive friction is the most common cause, according to Dr. Alex Kor, a podiatrist with Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana. 

This can come from increased activity in a short period of time, often from wearing new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet, the doctor told Fox News Digital.

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Blisters can also occur when a bony pressure point, such as a bunion, gets too much friction from a new shoe or excessive activity in a short period of time.

Other potential causes include going without socks, wearing worn-out socks or choosing improper shoes that do not offload a source of pressure, Kor warned.

Some medical issues may also cause blisters. 

"Depending on the patient's medical status, conditions like diabetes and neuropathy can be the cause," Kor told Fox News Digital. 

"Regardless of the reason for the blister, patients who have poor blood flow to the feet, diabetes or neuropathy should likely consider seeing a podiatrist."

If you do develop a foot blister, keeping it clean will speed up the healing process, experts say. 

"It is highly suggested to cleanse the blister with soapy water, dry the area and cover it with a dressing on a daily basis," said Kor. 

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It’s not a good idea to skip the dressing and allow the site to "get air," the doctor said.

If your foot blister was due to friction, Kor recommended avoiding the shoes or activity that caused the problem.  

If a blister is accompanied by itching, there is the strong possibility that fungus could be the culprit, according to Kor. 

"A topical over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment is suggested if the fungus is on the top, bottom or side of foot, and an antifungal powder is suggested if the blister is between the toes," he advised.

Patients should see a doctor if they have poor blood flow to the feet, diabetes, neuropathy or a history of previous amputations, according to Kor.

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A doctor should also be involved if the blisters are accompanied by chills, fever, night sweats and/or red streaks coming from the area, which can be signs of infection. 

You should also call a doctor if the blister has pus or yellow drainage; if the surrounding skin is red, hot and swollen; or if the blister is caused by a sunburn or frostbite, according to Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist with Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

If your summer travel plans involve going to theme parks, hiking or lots of walking, proper foot care is essential to prevent blisters, experts agree. 

"To prevent blisters during summer travel, it is important to wear properly fitted shoes or sandals," Tulpule told Fox News Digital. 

"I always tell my patients to visit a shoe store or running store and find the right length and width — and always break in new shoes for three to four weeks prior to traveling." 

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To further protect feet, Tulpule recommended adding moleskin padding to shoes or taping it to the skin to prevent rubbing. 

"It is also important to carry a first-aid kit during travel to manage any bleeding or pain, including topical antibiotics, gauze, tape and bandages," she added.

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Potassium chloride medications recalled due to failure that could cause heart attacks: FDA

Two brands of potassium chloride capsules are being recalled because they may not dissolve as they should, which could cause a person to have a heart attack, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a press release published on June 25, the FDA explained that Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. is recalling 114 batches of a product called Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Capsules, USP (750 mg) 10 mEq K. The reason is because of "failed dissolution" in the pills.

The product is intended for patients who suffer from low potassium levels, or hypokalemia. 

According to the FDA, the failed dissolution could elevate consumers' potassium to the point where a heart attack is possible.

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American Health Packaging issued a similar recall of 21 batches of the same capsules. The capsules were also made by Glenmark but distributed by BluePoint Laboratories.

"The failed dissolution of potassium chloride extended release capsules may cause high potassium levels, also known as hyperkalemia, which can result in irregular heart beat that can lead to cardiac arrest," the FDA's statement read. 

"For patients who require chronic use of potassium chloride extended-release oral capsules… there is a reasonable probability of developing hyperkalemia that may lead to a range of severity of adverse events from being asymptomatic to more severe potential life-threatening adverse events of hyperkalemia such as cardiac arrythmias, severe muscle weakness, and death," the agency added.

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The FDA also noted that there have not been any hyperkalemia cases or "serious adverse events" reported related to the product yet. The statement noted that the capsules are sold in bottles of 100-count and 500-count.

"Glenmark is notifying its wholesale and distributor customers by written letters and is arranging for return of all recalled batches," the FDA said. "Wholesalers, distributors, and retailers that have the recalled products should discontinue distribution of the recalled product lots immediately and follow the instructions provided in the written recall letter."

"Wholesalers and distributors should conduct a sub-recall to retail or pharmacy customers."

Fox News Digital reached out to Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. for comment, but did not hear back.

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Fourth of July fireworks: 4 tips to help veterans and other PTSD sufferers enjoy the holiday

The Fourth of July should be a day for all Americans to celebrate our nation's birthday. 

But for some, especially America’s heroes, celebratory traditions like setting off fireworks can be mentally and emotionally grueling.

Research has shown that fireworks can trigger PTSD symptoms, as detailed in a 2020 blog post published by Penn Medicine News.

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As the explosives are usually set off at night, with bright flashes and loud bangs that come at inconsistent intervals, veterans may struggle with these celebrations.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Florida family physician and former Navy Officer Dr. Christopher Scuderi offered tips for people with PTSD to prepare for the sudden, loud noises of the Fourth of July holiday.

Here are four. 

PTSD sufferers should ask their neighbors if they plan to set off fireworks so they aren't caught off guard if it does happen, Scuderi said.

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Tony Brooks, a combat veteran based in Everett, Washington, also recommended having this "simple human-to-human conversation."

He recommended that anyone planning to set off fireworks brings up the topic casually in conversation. 

This step offers an opportunity for others to voice their concerns without forcing them to admit something they may wish to keep private.

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Veterans who have issues with fireworks will most likely speak up if they're mentioned, according to Brooks — even if the response is as simple as, "I’m not a fan of them."

For veterans who will be indoors, Scuderi recommended darkening the room, as well as using ear protection, such as foam earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, while fireworks are going off.

"Have some items around the house that can help with self-care before the holiday that will center you if you are exposed to loud noises," he advised.

For those planning on being out in the evening, Scuderi suggested having a designated driver in case triggers occur.

Having self-soothing methods on deck during stressful times can be helpful, according to Scuderi.

This might include deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system or other mindfulness techniques, like mindful eating using "all of your senses (how does the food look, smell, feel)," Scuderi said.

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"Sometimes the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise can help with recentering," the physician said. 

"What are five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell, and one good or grateful thing you can say about yourself?"

Scuderi also recommended practicing positive self-talk.

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"Just reminding yourself that you are in a safe zone can help," he said. 

"Accept your emotions and remind yourself that [fireworks] are startling for anyone, and that you are safe."

Especially during the hot summer months, Scuderi suggested cooling the body temperature by taking a cold shower or using an ice cube or bag of frozen vegetables on the skin.

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"[This] can help with PTSD triggers," he said.

Not every PTSD sufferer is the same, Brooks mentioned, as many veterans enjoy Fourth of July fireworks.

For veterans who are struggling with their symptoms, Scuderi suggested reaching out to VA resources like the PTSD Coach mobile app of VA crisis line 1-800-273-8255.

"Or talk to your family physician about options for treatment," he added.

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