Boy, 6, suffers life-threatening stroke that causes paralysis: 'Rare complication'

Christmas Eve is usually an evening of fun and festivity — but for one Illinois family in 2023, it came with a life-threatening medical emergency.

After enjoying a few holiday traditions, the Patton family had just sat down at the dinner table when Preston Patton, who was 6 years old at the time, suddenly slid onto the floor.

"He just fell off the chair and was limp," recalled Shawn Patton, Preston’s father, according to a press release from OSF HealthCare. "I didn’t think it was a stroke, but I just knew something was wrong."

MINI-STROKES MAY CAUSE SURPRISING LONG-TERM HEALTH ISSUE, EXPERTS WARN

Patton immediately called 911 and first responders rushed his son to OSF HealthCare.

At the hospital, a team of emergency and pediatric doctors assessed the situation. A brain scan revealed that Preston had a blood clot in his brain, and his heart function had dropped to just 10%.

Also known as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), this condition is rare in children, generally affecting only around one or two in every 100,000 kids and teens, statistics show.

"He had complete paralysis on the left side of his body," said Sourabh Lahoti, M.D., a vascular and interventional neurologist with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, in the release.

STROKE, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION SHARE THESE 17 PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS

"No movement was possible, and the vision in his left visual field was lost. He could not move his eyes to the left, either," added Lahoti, who led Preston’s care. 

"He had the telltale signs of a stroke affecting the right side of his brain."

The scan showed that the clot was blocking blood flow to the right side of Preston’s brain.

"We had to take that clot out. If we hadn’t, chances are he would have gone on to develop a very big stroke," Lahoti said. 

"This would have not only left him paralyzed potentially for the rest of his life, but it could have been life-threatening."

Doctors performed a procedure called a thrombectomy, in which a small, thin catheter is inserted into a blood vessel to remove the clot from the blocked artery.

Preston is one of the few children in the world to undergo this life-saving intervention, according to the press release.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND: DOG ALERTS NEIGHBOR WHEN OWNER HAS STROKE

By the time the doctors began the procedure, the clot had traveled to a smaller blood vessel, which made it more difficult to remove.

"The further out the clot is, the higher the risk it is to get it out, because we're getting into very tiny blood vessels in the brain," noted Lahoti. "We decided to take that risk and prevent a lifelong disability."

Soon after the clot was removed, the doctors saw a "complete reversal" of Patton’s symptoms. 

It was "truly magical," Dr. Lahoti recalled in the release, particularly after he had arrived at the hospital in a state of complete paralysis.

"After the anesthesia was taken off, he woke up and was able to move his left arm and leg again."

FRIENDS, FAMILY MAY PROTECT AGAINST HEART ATTACK, STROKE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES, STUDY SUGGESTS

Before thrombectomy therapy became available, patients didn’t have other options, the doctor noted. 

"The usual course was they were left with paralysis for life, and they were never able to live normally again," said Lahoti.

Doctors now believe that Preston’s stroke was caused by a "rare complication" from a recent flu infection.

"Because of the flu, there was a cross-reaction of the immunity his body built up," Lahoti said. "His immune system attacked the flu virus, but also his kidneys and heart."

"Because of that, his heart pumping got really weak, and we think that led to the formation of a clot in his heart. The clot then traveled from the heart to his brain."

Preston’s father noted that his late wife (mother to Preston and his sister, Carter), had died of a pulmonary embolism, which made the young boy’s medical emergency even more "emotionally challenging."

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After a couple of weeks in the hospital, Preston is now doing well and is enjoying his favorite activities again.

"He goes to OT (occupational therapy) once a week, PT (physical therapy) once a month now," Shawn Patton said in an interview with OSF HealthCare. "He’s getting along pretty good."

"My leg is better," Preston added.

"Yes, your leg is getting better. Your hand is going to get better, too," his father reassured him.

Preston has not yet been able to return to playing baseball, but he has started riding his bike again.

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"It’s hard to hold onto the handlebars and stuff like that. We just got to keep working hard," Shawn Patton noted.

Inspired by his challenge and recovery, Preston has now said he wants to become a nurse, according to the hospital — "because the nurses cared for him so well."

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Daily coffee drinking linked to major health benefit in women as they age, study finds

A popular morning beverage could do more than provide a perk — it could also help women stay healthy as they age.

That’s according to new research from Harvard University, which followed a group of nearly 50,000 women from the Nurses' Health Study for a 30-year period.

The researchers found that drinking coffee every morning could help women stay mentally sharp and physically strong later in life, according to a press release from the American Society of Nutrition.

THE OPTIMAL TIME TO DRINK COFFEE ISN'T WHEN YOU NORMALLY HAVE IT

The benefits were seen in middle-aged women who drank caffeinated coffee. Decaf coffee and tea did not have the same effect.

"'Healthy aging’ here meant surviving to older age without major chronic diseases and with good physical, mental and cognitive function," Dr. Sara Mahdavi, Ph.D., a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, told Fox News Digital. 

"Importantly, this relationship persisted even after accounting for key lifestyle factors like diet quality, physical activity and smoking — each of which are also strongly associated with healthy aging in their own right."

The women who qualified as "healthy agers" were found to consume an average of 315 mg of caffeine daily, primarily via coffee-drinking.

WHAT IS MUSHROOM COFFEE? CAFFEINE ALTERNATIVE OFFERS SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS

Each additional cup of coffee was linked to a 2% to 5% greater chance of healthier aging, the study found.

Although soda also contains caffeine, people who drank it every day were shown to have a 20% to 26% reduced chance of healthy aging.

"The health benefits appeared specific to coffee, rather than caffeine more broadly," Mahdavi noted. "We didn’t see the same associations with decaf coffee, tea or caffeinated soda — suggesting that coffee’s unique combination of bioactive compounds may play a key role."

The findings were set to be presented on Monday at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held in Orlando.

WOMEN MAY HEAR BETTER THAN MEN, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

"While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades," said Mahdavi.

"The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee … may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function."

The researcher acknowledged that the study has some limitations.

"As with all observational studies, we cannot establish causality," she told Fox News Digital. "While we adjusted for many factors, unmeasured confounding is always possible."

Mahdavi also pointed out that the study group mostly included white, educated female health professionals.

"Further work is needed to confirm generalizability to broader populations."

Coffee’s benefits are "relatively modest" compared to the benefits of overall healthy lifestyle habits, according to the researcher. 

"These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long‑term health," said Mahdavi. "Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding smoking."

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"We don’t recommend starting coffee if you don’t already drink it or if you’re sensitive to caffeine," she went on. "But for people who already consume moderate amounts — typically two to four cups per day — this study adds to the evidence that coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle."

Mahdavi emphasized, however, that nutrition, regular exercise and not smoking are the "most powerful and proven contributors" to healthy aging.

The team is now planning to explore how coffee’s bioactive compounds — particularly polyphenols and antioxidants — might influence molecular aging pathways, including inflammation, metabolism and vascular health, Mahdavi said.

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"Genetic and hormonal differences may also shape how individuals respond, which could pave the way for more personalized guidance in the future."

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Second lady's 2025 summer reading challenge targets declining literacy scores among students

America's second lady Usha Vance has announced the "Summer Reading Challenge," encouraging children across the country to open up a book this summer.

"Adventure, imagination, and discovery await – right between the pages of a book," writes the second lady in a letter.

"We are excited to invite all children (K-8) to participate in the Second Lady's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge," the letter continues.

SECOND LADY USHA VANCE ON MOTHER'S DAY AND WHAT SHE STRIVES FOR AS A MOM

Children are encouraged to read 12 books of their choice between June 1 and Sept. 5 — and track their progress through a reading log issued by the White House.

Nicole Reeves, communications director for the second lady, told Fox News Digital that Ms. Vance is very excited to announce this project in the hope of engaging young readers throughout the summer. 

"It is essential that we encourage our youth to continue learning outside of the classroom, and this challenge provides an excellent opportunity to do so," Reeves added.

In the log of their progress, students must list the book titles and author, the date they finished reading the books, and a brief reflection about the favorite book they read. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle 

The National Center for Education Statistics found in a 2022 report that the average reading scores among 9-year-old students declined five points compared to 2020, marking the largest average score decline in reading since 1990.

Approximately 40% of U.S. students cannot read at a basic level, according to the National Literacy Institute. 

It was also found that almost 70% of low-income fourth grade students cannot read at a basic level.

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The institute also found that "struggling readers" suffer both socially and emotionally. 

Reading promotes positive mental health outcomes, helping reduce stress and anxiety, according to the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).

Children who complete the Second Lady's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge will receive a personalized certificate and a small prize.

They will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to visit Washington, D.C., together with a chaperone. 

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Common supplements and medications could cause liver damage, studies show

As cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are on the rise, experts are warning of the hidden dangers associated with some common medications and supplements.

Statistics show that DILI, also known as toxic hepatitis or hepatotoxicity — which is known to be a significant cause of acute liver failure — has been growing in Western countries since the 1960s.

Around one-fifth of the total population who are prescribed medications will experience DILI, according to recent research published in the journal Toxicology Reports.

COMMON DAILY VITAMIN COULD SLOW BIOLOGICAL AGING, MAJOR STUDY SUGGESTS

Potential triggers of liver injury include herbal products, dietary supplements and medications, the study found.

Those with pre-existing liver conditions and nutritional deficiencies are at a higher risk, as are pregnant women.

One of the liver’s main functions is to break down substances taken orally, including supplements and medications, according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).

For some people, the process of metabolizing these substances can be slower, increasing the risk of liver damage.

COLORECTAL CANCER RISK REDUCED BY THIS COMMON VITAMIN, STUDY SUGGESTS

Even medications that have been tested for safety and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can potentially cause liver injury in rare cases, stated the ACG.

Common symptoms of liver disease include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, generalized itching, dark urine and jaundice, although some people may notice no signs, per the above source.

ALCOHOL DRIVES UP LIVER TRANSPLANT DEMAND IN YOUNG PEOPLE

The recent study in Toxicology Reports identified several drugs that are most likely to cause liver injury.

Medications aren’t the only agents that can cause drug-induced liver injuries.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, spoke with Fox News Digital about the risks of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) affecting the liver.

"The biggest problem with herbal supplements is that the amount you are taking of active chemicals isn’t strictly regulated, so you don’t know exactly what you are getting," he said. 

"And since several of the supplements are metabolized through the liver, there is now an increasing incidence of liver toxicity in users."

Cases of DILI linked to herbal or dietary supplements have nearly tripled between 2004 and 2014, according to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open.

The researchers identified the following most commonly used botanical products known for potential liver toxicity.

It is estimated that at least 15.6 million U.S. adults have used at least one of these six botanical products within the past 30 days.

COMMON SUPPLEMENT COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, RESEARCH SUGGESTS

"The most commonly implicated botanical products in the DILIN (Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) include turmeric, kratom, green tea extract and Garcinia cambogia, with potentially severe and even fatal liver injury," the study stated.

Drug-induced liver injury caused by HDS can be severe or even fatal, leading to death or liver transplantation, the researchers noted.

Fox News’ Siegel also warned against the potential liver-related risks of some of these named supplements.

"Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and may be useful in small doses, but can be toxic in large doses," he cautioned.

"Garcinia cambogia is very popular, especially as a weight-loss agent, but there is no real evidence that it actually works, and there is no reason to take it, especially with the new GLP-1 drugs."

While red yeast rice has cholesterol-lowering statin-type properties, Siegel cautioned that the amount of active chemicals isn’t as strictly regulated as approved medications.

"I find it useful in some patients who are reluctant to start statins and are looking for a more natural alternative, but I must strictly monitor the amount taken and the effect on the liver," he said.

Regarding green tea, Siegel noted that it does have antioxidant properties and can be useful to consume as a beverage (though it has a lot of caffeine) — "but there is no reason whatsoever to take more of it in an extract, where it can be toxic."

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The FDA states on its website that it does regulate dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients, but under "a different set of regulations than those covering ‘conventional’ foods and drug products."

"Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded," the agency says. "That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended by DSHEA and FDA regulations."

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Fox News Digital reached out to several researchers and the FDA regarding the rise in drug- and HSD-related liver injury.

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Second lady's 2025 reading challenge targets declining reading scores among students

America's second lady Usha Vance has announced the "Summer Reading Challenge," encouraging children across the country to open up a book this summer.

"Adventure, imagination, and discovery await – right between the pages of a book," writes the second lady in a letter.

"We are excited to invite all children (K-8) to participate in the Second Lady's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge," the letter continues.

SECOND LADY USHA VANCE ON MOTHER'S DAY AND WHAT SHE STRIVES FOR AS A MOM

Children are encouraged to read 12 books of their choice between June 1 and Sept. 5 — and track their progress through a reading log issued by the White House.

Nicole Reeves, communications director for the second lady, told Fox News Digital that Mrs. Vance is very excited to announce this project in the hope of engaging young readers throughout the summer. 

"It is essential that we encourage our youth to continue learning outside of the classroom, and this challenge provides an excellent opportunity to do so," Reeves added.

In the log of their progress, students must list the book titles and author, the date they finished reading the books, and a brief reflection about the favorite book they read.  their favorite book that was read. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle 

The National Center for Education Statistics found in a 2022 report that the average reading scores among 9-year-old students declined five points compared to 2020, marking the largest average score decline in reading since 1990.

Approximately 40% of U.S. students cannot read at a basic level, according to the National Literacy Institute. 

It was also found that almost 70% of low-income fourth grade students cannot read at a basic level.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The institute also found that "struggling readers" suffer both socially and emotionally. 

Reading promotes positive mental health outcomes, helping reduce stress and anxiety, according to the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).

Children who complete the Second Lady's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge will receive a personalized certificate and a small prize.

They will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to visit Washington, D.C., with a chaperone. 

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Exercise program reduces common cancer recurrence and boosts survival

Exercising regularly in the three years after treatment for a common cancer could significantly improve survival rates, an international study has revealed.

In the research, a total of 889 colon cancer patients who had undergone surgery and had also received chemotherapy were divided into two groups. 

One group was enrolled in a structured group exercise program for a three-year period and a second group received educational health materials, according to a study press release.

SIMPLE DIETARY CHANGE COULD LOWER YOUR RISK OF COLON CANCER, STUDY SAYS

Led by coaches, the exercise group was permitted to choose their own type of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or pickleball. The overall goal was to add 2 ½ hours of activity per week.

At the eight-year mark, the participants in the exercise group were 28% less likely to have a recurrence of colon cancer or emergence of new cancers, and had a 37% higher overall survival rate.

"Our findings show that exercise is no longer just a quality-of-life intervention for cancer patients that can be offered when and where possible," said study co-chair Dr. Kerry Courneya, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer, in the release. 

"It is a treatment for colon cancer that must be made available to all patients."

TERMINAL COLON CANCER PATIENT SAVED BY BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT

One of the patients in the study, Terri Swain-Collins, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2021.

After she underwent surgery and chemo, she was enrolled in the clinical trial and was assigned to the exercise group. Swain-Collins worked closely with a physiotherapist to create a fitness regimen that worked for her.

"One of the biggest benefits was having a semi-structured routine that works for my lifestyle with someone to hold me accountable," she said in the release. 

"Simply being told to exercise by a physician wouldn't have been enough to get me to where I am today; having someone walk alongside me, guide me and check in regularly was what truly made it possible."

Three years later, Swain-Collins is still walking regularly and is cancer-free.

This was the first study to directly examine the impact of structured exercise on cancer survival, according to the researchers.

"The next step is to put this into practice," said study co-chair Dr. Chris Booth, medical oncologist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and professor of oncology at Queen's University, in the release.

"That means health systems will need to invest in behavior support programs as part of standard care."

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Implementing exercise as an anti-cancer tool could be "remarkably cost-effective compared to many new cancer drugs," Booth noted.

The study did find, however, that patients in the exercise group were more likely to develop muscle strains or injuries (18.5%) than the non-exercisers (11.5%).

The findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and were also presented at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) annual meeting in Chicago on Sunday.

The study was funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).

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Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer among men and women in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.

Among people under 50, rates of diagnosis have increased by 2.4% per year from 2012 to 2021.

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This daily beauty routine could be ruining your hair, experts warn

For those with a hair care routine, a brush is an essential tool for daily upkeep — but brushing hair while it’s wet could cause more harm than good.

The common habit could permanently weaken hair at a "molecular level," according to Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, co-founder and hair transplant surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic in Istanbul.

This could lead to increased breakage and thinning over time. A 2022 study from the University of Manchester reflected this, finding that moisture can change hair’s response to stress.

OZEMPIC, OTHER SEMAGLUTIDES LINKED TO HAIR LOSS: HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

"When hair gets wet, it undergoes significant physical changes that can affect its ability to handle stress from brushing," Erdogan said in comments shared with Fox News Digital. 

"The water causes the hair shaft to swell, stretches the cuticle and makes it more susceptible to breakage."

Although research has shown that wet hair stretches more than dry hair before breaking, Erdogan clarified that this doesn’t mean the hair is more flexible and resilient.

"The opposite is true – this stretching damages the internal protein structure, leading to weaker hair over time," he warned.

"The brush pulls on swollen, weakened strands, causing them to stretch beyond their capacity. As they dry, they don't return to their original state and remain damaged at a structural level."

MEN GOING BALD TURN TO 'NEW BOTOX' FOR HAIR LOSS TREATMENT

Ashley DiMatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in Westchester, New York, told Fox News Digital in an interview that the salon has "definitely seen" damage from brushing wet hair.

"Wet hair is more fragile, and rough brushing can cause breakage," she said. "But it’s rarely just one issue – hair loss or damage often comes from a combination of factors like stress, hormones, heat styling or chemical treatments."

Brianna Delvecchio, a color specialist and hairdresser at DiMatteo’s salon, agreed that brushing wet hair can cause breakage, especially while doing so roughly or with the wrong tool.

Factors like stress, diet, hormones and overprocessing can also play a role in hair damage, she confirmed.

Those who have fine and chemically treated hair – whether colored, permed or relaxed – are "especially susceptible" to wet brushing damage, since their protein structure is "already altered," Erdogan noted.

The risks don't mean people should skip brushing altogether, Delvecchio said, as not brushing wet hair can sometimes result in a "knotted, matted mess."

"Brushing is necessary — just do it gently and in the right way," she advised.

With her salon clients, DiMatteo recommends taking a "gentle approach" to hair, protecting it from heat, avoiding rough brushing and limiting chemical services.

"We also take time to talk about scalp health, nutrition and lifestyle, because those all play a role," she told Fox News Digital. "And most importantly, don’t ever feel embarrassed or shy to speak to your stylist or local salon. We’re here to help."

HAIR GROWTH COULD SLOW DOWN WITH THIS POPULAR DIET PLAN, STUDY REVEALS

To lower the risk of hair damage, experts recommend using a wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush.

"The flexible bristles are great for detangling without too much tension," Delvecchio said. "It’s a solid option for all hair types, as long as you’re still gentle and patient."

The salon owner also suggested using a leave-in product to help soften and hydrate the hair, making it "much easier for the comb to glide through."

"Technique matters, too – always start from the bottom and gently work your way up," DiMatteo advised.

Adding heat to wet hair can "multiply the damage," Erdogan warned.

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For those with straight hair, it's best to allow it to partially air-dry before combing, according to the hair transplant surgeon.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association also recommends this approach.

Delvecchio advised going "easy on your hair" overall, especially when it's wet.

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"Use heat protectant, lower the heat on your tools, avoid overlapping bleach and keep up with trims," she suggested.

"Also, brush regularly (wet or dry) to prevent tangles and breakage," she went on. "Hair is delicate, but with the right habits, it can stay strong and healthy."

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