Ground Zero first responder needed major surgery decades after 9/11 exposure: ‘I thought it was over’

Those who were present at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, continue to experience the physical effects of their exposure.

As Lower Manhattan was engulfed in dust and debris from the remnants of both towers, first responders and survivors were forced to breathe in toxic air.

More than 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants, physical-injury risks and stressful conditions in the days, weeks and months following the attacks, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER POSSIBLE LINK BETWEEN 9/11 AND ACCELERATED AGING

As of March 2025, 8,215 people who had enrolled in the WTC Health Program had died, including 5,844 responders, as reported by the CDC. The figures include deaths from all causes; the program does not track whether a member’s death was related to 9/11 exposure.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Mordechai Shedrowitzky, a volunteer EMT who responded on 9/11, shared how his exposure led to multiple hospitalizations and, ultimately, major surgery.

Queens-born Shedrowitzky, 51, was living in Brooklyn at the time of the attacks. After helping cover his local area for much of the day, he headed into Lower Manhattan that evening to assist with the response.

"My most vivid memory was actually entering Manhattan from Brooklyn," he said. "As we approached the tunnel, the first thing we noticed was there were no lights, there was no electricity in the area, it [was] pitch black."

FOX NEWS' ERIC SHAWN REVEALS CANCER AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS FROM 9/11 TOXIC DUST

"When we entered the tunnel, there was a tremendous amount of swirling debris, at speeds that I just can't even imagine."

Once Shedrowitzky and his team arrived at South Street Seaport, where his ambulance was staged with others, he described the debris as "overwhelming."

"I remember the engine actually sputtering at times," he said. "I would imagine that it was taking in a tremendous amount of dust."

"We were definitely not cognizant of what effect ... the air might have on us. And therefore, we did spend a significant amount of time outside of the ambulances, just commiserating with the people around us."

Shedrowitzky said he "thought it was over" once he left the scene. But years later, he noticed small symptoms that were turning into a big problem.

His pre-existing asthma — which typically flared during seasonal changes and caused coughing that required an inhaler — was worsening each year.

AMERICA'S FIREFIGHTER SHORTAGE HITS CRISIS LEVEL AS EMERGENCY CALLS TRIPLE, PUTTING LIVES AT RISK

"I started to require oral steroids," he said. "I would have wheezing; I would have coughing. It would last longer; it would be more serious ... I wouldn't be able to go to work, wouldn’t be able to take care of my kids. So, the effects were definitely increasing over time."

Shedrowitzky added that his condition was "getting to the point where it was leading to frequent respiratory infections and hospitalizations."

"It took a number of years, many years, for us to realize that what was going on with my health was probably related to 9/11."

In 2019, Shedrowitzky described that his condition got "significantly worse," after experiencing a cough that wouldn’t resolve itself, even after the "highest doses" of steroids and antibiotics.

NAVY VETERANS REUNITE AFTER 30 YEARS FOR 'GRUELING' CROSS-COUNTRY BIKE CHALLENGE HONORING 9/11

Shedrowitzky ultimately was put in touch with the World Trade Center Health Program – a federal program administered by the CDC – where his condition was classified as 9/11-related and was monitored.

It was eventually confirmed that Shedrowitzky had tracheobronchomalacia, a condition in which the walls of the windpipe and major airways weaken and collapse during breathing.

"[It] was probably secondary to both the asthma getting worse as well as steroid use over the years to try to treat those symptoms," he said.

In 2024, Shedrowitzky underwent a procedure called a tracheobronchoplasty to structurally reinforce his trachea and main bronchi.

RUDY GIULIANI REVEALS HE HAD 'SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE' WHILE IN PNEUMONIA-RELATED COMA

Two years after the procedure, he said he is feeling "much better," although he still experiences occasional infections. He hopes to return to work as a physical therapist soon.

"Even a couple of months ago, I wouldn't have been able to speak for more than a very short time," Shedrowitzky said.

As a father of six, Shedrowitzky – who is now also a grandfather of two – said his condition made it difficult for him to spend time with his children as they were growing up.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Things as simple as lifting my children, even speaking to them," he said. "The amount of time that I spent in the hospital and its effect on them was quite significant."

"Now, they're older, but my ability to spend time, interact with them ... has been greatly improved."

Dr. Denise Harrison, medical director of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, has been involved in post-9/11 healthcare since 2002.

The program has since grown to provide screening, monitoring and treatment for people experiencing health effects related to their 9/11 exposure.

The doctor noted that the dust on 9/11 was "highly alkaline," which can be "very irritating" to the airways.

"Usually, the larger size dust gets deposited in the upper airways and the smaller size dust gets deposited in the lower airways," she told Fox News Digital. "Because of the overwhelming nature of the disaster, a significant number of large particles got deposited into the lower airways as well. So, this is not just the airways, but also the digestive tract, in the esophagus."

Harrison said patients often report sinus problems, asthma and COPD. These conditions can occur alongside other "aerodigestive" issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Other 9/11-related conditions may also be interlinked.

"We have patients with asthma and PTSD who might perceive their asthma symptoms differently than the patients without PTSD, so that requires a combination of providers," the doctor said.

Shedrowitzky urged other first responders who are experiencing health issues to not wait to get help and to confirm that what they’re experiencing may be linked to 9/11.

"Continue to be monitored so that potential issues can be picked up early," he advised.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"If we can look back and see the quality of life that it's robbing you of, it might push you to contact the World Trade Center Health Program, get the help that you need."

As of March 31, 2025, the WTC Health Program had more than 130,000 currently enrolled members.

The program, which is authorized through 2090, operates branches across multiple health systems, including NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai, Northwell, Stony Brook and Rutgers.

Harrison reiterated that the health effects of 9/11 exposure remain "persistent," and can be exacerbated by the environment and other illnesses. Experts predict that the fallout will continue for decades to come.

"Symptoms are still ongoing and research is still ongoing," she said, urging the public and responders to "have patience."

"While it might not directly benefit them or may provide some benefits now, it could be more beneficial in the future and help the overall response to disasters."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/VCAP5Dn

Read More

9/11 death toll keeps growing decades later as toxic exposure haunts survivors

Those who were present at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, continue to experience the physical effects of their exposure.

As Lower Manhattan was engulfed in dust and debris from the remnants of both towers, first responders and survivors were forced to breathe in toxic air.

More than 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants, physical-injury risks and stressful conditions in the days, weeks and months following the attacks, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER POSSIBLE LINK BETWEEN 9/11 AND ACCELERATED AGING

As of March 2025, 8,215 people who had enrolled in the WTC Health Program had died, including 5,844 responders, as reported by the CDC. The figures include deaths from all causes; the program does not track whether a member’s death was related to 9/11 exposure.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Mordechai Shedrowitzky, a volunteer EMT who responded on 9/11, shared how his exposure led to multiple hospitalizations and, ultimately, major surgery.

Queens-born Shedrowitzky, 51, was living in Brooklyn at the time of the attacks. After helping cover his local area for much of the day, he headed into Lower Manhattan that evening to assist with the response.

"My most vivid memory was actually entering Manhattan from Brooklyn," he said. "As we approached the tunnel, the first thing we noticed was there were no lights, there was no electricity in the area, it [was] pitch black."

FOX NEWS' ERIC SHAWN REVEALS CANCER AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS FROM 9/11 TOXIC DUST

"When we entered the tunnel, there was a tremendous amount of swirling debris, at speeds that I just can't even imagine."

Once Shedrowitzky and his team arrived at South Street Seaport, where his ambulance was staged with others, he described the debris as "overwhelming."

"I remember the engine actually sputtering at times," he said. "I would imagine that it was taking in a tremendous amount of dust."

"We were definitely not cognizant of what effect ... the air might have on us. And therefore, we did spend a significant amount of time outside of the ambulances, just commiserating with the people around us."

Shedrowitzky said he "thought it was over" once he left the scene. But years later, he noticed small symptoms that were turning into a big problem.

His pre-existing asthma — which typically flared during seasonal changes and caused coughing that required an inhaler — was worsening each year.

AMERICA'S FIREFIGHTER SHORTAGE HITS CRISIS LEVEL AS EMERGENCY CALLS TRIPLE, PUTTING LIVES AT RISK

"I started to require oral steroids," he said. "I would have wheezing; I would have coughing. It would last longer; it would be more serious ... I wouldn't be able to go to work, wouldn’t be able to take care of my kids. So, the effects were definitely increasing over time."

Shedrowitzky added that his condition was "getting to the point where it was leading to frequent respiratory infections and hospitalizations."

"It took a number of years, many years, for us to realize that what was going on with my health was probably related to 9/11."

In 2019, Shedrowitzky described that his condition got "significantly worse," after experiencing a cough that wouldn’t resolve itself, even after the "highest doses" of steroids and antibiotics.

NAVY VETERANS REUNITE AFTER 30 YEARS FOR 'GRUELING' CROSS-COUNTRY BIKE CHALLENGE HONORING 9/11

Shedrowitzky ultimately was put in touch with the World Trade Center Health Program – a federal program administered by the CDC – where his condition was classified as 9/11-related and was monitored.

It was eventually confirmed that Shedrowitzky had tracheobronchomalacia, a condition in which the walls of the windpipe and major airways weaken and collapse during breathing.

"[It] was probably secondary to both the asthma getting worse as well as steroid use over the years to try to treat those symptoms," he said.

In 2024, Shedrowitzky underwent a procedure called a tracheobronchoplasty to structurally reinforce his trachea and main bronchi.

RUDY GIULIANI REVEALS HE HAD 'SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE' WHILE IN PNEUMONIA-RELATED COMA

Two years after the procedure, he said he is feeling "much better," although he still experiences occasional infections. He hopes to return to work as a physical therapist soon.

"Even a couple of months ago, I wouldn't have been able to speak for more than a very short time," Shedrowitzky said.

As a father of six, Shedrowitzky – who is now also a grandfather of two – said his condition made it difficult for him to spend time with his children as they were growing up.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Things as simple as lifting my children, even speaking to them," he said. "The amount of time that I spent in the hospital and its effect on them was quite significant."

"Now, they're older, but my ability to spend time, interact with them ... has been greatly improved."

Dr. Denise Harrison, medical director of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, has been involved in post-9/11 healthcare since 2002.

The program has since grown to provide screening, monitoring and treatment for people experiencing health effects related to their 9/11 exposure.

The doctor noted that the dust on 9/11 was "highly alkaline," which can be "very irritating" to the airways.

"Usually, the larger size dust gets deposited in the upper airways and the smaller size dust gets deposited in the lower airways," she told Fox News Digital. "Because of the overwhelming nature of the disaster, a significant number of large particles got deposited into the lower airways as well. So, this is not just the airways, but also the digestive tract, in the esophagus."

Harrison said patients often report sinus problems, asthma and COPD. These conditions can occur alongside other "aerodigestive" issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Other 9/11-related conditions may also be interlinked.

"We have patients with asthma and PTSD who might perceive their asthma symptoms differently than the patients without PTSD, so that requires a combination of providers," the doctor said.

Shedrowitzky urged other first responders who are experiencing health issues to not wait to get help and to confirm that what they’re experiencing may be linked to 9/11.

"Continue to be monitored so that potential issues can be picked up early," he advised.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"If we can look back and see the quality of life that it's robbing you of, it might push you to contact the World Trade Center Health Program, get the help that you need."

As of March 31, 2025, the WTC Health Program had more than 130,000 currently enrolled members.

The program, which is authorized through 2090, operates branches across multiple health systems, including NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai, Northwell, Stony Brook and Rutgers.

Harrison reiterated that the health effects of 9/11 exposure remain "persistent," and can be exacerbated by the environment and other illnesses. Experts predict that the fallout will continue for decades to come.

"Symptoms are still ongoing and research is still ongoing," she said, urging the public and responders to "have patience."

"While it might not directly benefit them or may provide some benefits now, it could be more beneficial in the future and help the overall response to disasters."

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

Read More

‘Quiet quitting’ could silently destroy your marriage — 4 ways to bring the spark back

Much like the workplace term that means doing the bare minimum, "quiet quitting" could also happen in marriage, sometimes gradually.

The informal term, which is not a clinical diagnosis, refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship, according to experts.

New York City divorce lawyer James Sexton described what "quiet quitting" can look like at home and at work.

 "I'm not going to go through the dramatic gesture of ending this thing," Sexton said. "I'm just going to stop. I'm going to stop paying attention. I'm going to stop participating."

‘QUIET QUITTING’ IN MARRIAGE: THE SUBTLE SIGNS A SPOUSE HAS EMOTIONALLY CHECKED OUT

Silently pulling away from the relationship may seem to be easier than going through the "trauma" of divorce, Sexton told Fox News Digital, and the person avoids looking like the "bad guy" for ending the relationship.

"Very often, you actually receive more sympathy because you're perceived as the victim of the breakup as opposed to the perpetrator," he added.

A lack of effort in a relationship can be a bigger warning sign than frequent conflict, according to Sexton.

"When people are fighting, it kind of means there’s still skin in the game," he said. "The opposite of love is not hate … it’s indifference."

NEARLY 1 IN 3 MARRIED AMERICANS AREN'T HAVING SEX — EXPERT REVEALS HOW TO BRING BACK THE SPARK

Dr. Mindy DeSeta, a clinical sexologist and licensed mental health counselor in Miami, said some couples seek help after about 30 years of marriage, when the demands of family life have eased.

"The kids are gone, or they're hitting that retirement age, so they don't have the life distractions, and they're realizing, ‘Wow. I actually quiet quit my relationship when my kids were toddlers,’" she told Fox News Digital.

DeSeta identified four relationship principles, including the following:

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Couples experiencing quiet quitting may continue to function well as a team, managing the household and other responsibilities while becoming emotionally disconnected.

DeSeta said this disconnection can develop gradually as spouses begin living increasingly separate lives.

"When you stop spending the evenings together … you each are kind of doing your own thing. Your shows are different. You're going to bed at different times. … You may have different friend groups. You're working out at different times," she said.

Both experts shared tips for addressing emotional disconnection between romantic partners.

Reconnection often requires small, active steps that restart the momentum, rather than making grand gestures, Sexton suggested.

The divorce lawyer encouraged revisiting the simple acts and gestures that both partners enjoyed early in the relationship.

His suggestions included sending sweet "good morning" texts, writing a note complimenting a partner or sharing a song that sparked a romantic memory.

"It costs nothing, takes 30 seconds to do it," he said. "What does it cost to write an email with a list of 10 things I like about you? These are not only things we welcome receiving under any circumstances, but they're actually reminders."

Oftentimes, quiet quitting looks like zoning out during moments of quality time, DeSeta said.

If one partner scrolls on a phone while watching a movie together, the device can become "the third member of the relationship," signaling where that partner’s attention lies, the expert cautioned.

"When you're on your phone, you're actually saying, ‘I'm choosing to do this versus spending quality time with you,'" she added.

In addition to paying attention during one-on-one activities, the act of asking personal questions — as simple as "how was your day?" — can also help to restore a connection, DeSeta said.

Instead of leading with a complaint about the relationship, Sexton suggested using a positive approach.

For example, instead of saying, "We never spend time with each other anymore," try calling back a positive memory and suggest recreating it.

"Focusing on what we need to work on is harder than focusing on what it is that we really like about this person, what drew us to them to begin with," he said. "Chances are, they might feel far away from who they were at the beginning of the relationship.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"And maybe our job in a relationship is to try to remind each other of the 'you' and the 'me' before we became the 'we.'"

Making an active effort to flirt with a partner can boost your mood while signaling continued romantic interest, according to DeSeta.

"Let your partner know that you are there to earn them every day," she said, emphasizing the importance of continuing to learn about and pursue a partner throughout the relationship.

"Let them know in the most subtle ways every single day that you care about them, that you're thinking about them. And if you do that, you kind of break this cycle of the quiet quitting, and, eventually, it starts coming back to you."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Sexton reminded couples that their time together is limited, so illness or tragedy should not be the catalyst for renewed effort.

"Every single person in your life is not permanently gifted to you. They're loaned," he said. "There’s a finite number of times that you're going to be with this person, see this person, tell this person that you love them."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/6LG8zMr

Read More

Weight regain after obesity drugs tied to higher odds of suicidal thoughts in observational study

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Adults who reported using prescription weight-loss medication in the last year had higher rates of depression, mental-health counseling, suicidal thoughts and suicide-related behaviors compared to people who did not take the drugs, according to an observational study.

The research, conducted at Asan Medical Center in South Korea, analyzed data from 27,741 adults (10,908 men and 16,833 women).

Of these participants, 846 had been taking prescription medications for weight control during the previous year, while 26,895 did not take them.

OZEMPIC USERS MAY BE MAKING A MAJOR WEIGHT-LOSS MISTAKE, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS

The weight-loss drug users were 1.9 times more likely to experience depression and twice as likely to seek mental health counseling.

They were also 2.7 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and 1.7 times more likely to make a suicide attempt.

The associations were stronger among those using the medications who gained or regained weight.

"The tendency for depression and suicide-related indicators to increase as weight rebounds after using weight-loss drugs may reflect not only the neuropsychiatric effects of the drugs themselves, but also a complex interplay of psychological and social factors associated with failed weight control," the research team wrote in the study.

PATIENTS TAKING WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS OFTEN MAKE 5 CRITICAL MISTAKES, DOCTOR WARNS

The findings were published in the Korean Journal of Family Practice on Aug. 23.

Bonnie Mitchell, a licensed professional clinical counselor in California, noted that this was an observational, cross-sectional study.

"It shows a correlation between weight-loss drug use and self-reported mental health symptoms, but it cannot prove causation," she told Fox News Digital. "It does not demonstrate that weight-loss medications directly induce depression or suicidal thoughts."

The data was collected between 2013 and 2022.

"During most of this period, modern GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists used for weight loss (such as high-dose semaglutide/Wegovy or tirzepatide/Zepbound/Mounjaro) were either not yet on the market or had very limited real world uptake in South Korea," Mitchell said.

WHEN IS A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS TOO SEVERE FOR TELEHEALTH? WARNING SIGNS FAMILIES SHOULDN'T IGNORE

"The study sample captures older anti-obesity agents historically prescribed in South Korea during that decade, including phentermine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, topiramate and orlistat."

Central nervous system stimulants – including phentermine-based drugs – have been shown to carry risks of anxiety, mood changes and insomnia, the counselor noted.

"The study highlighted a striking sub finding that found users who gained weight despite taking the medication had 4.2 times higher odds of suicidal ideation compared to non-users," Mitchell noted.

Weight regain or perceived "failure" in weight management can trigger profound guilt, shame, helplessness and psychological distress, according to the expert.

"Individuals with severe obesity have higher baseline rates of depression, anxiety and body dysmorphia," Mitchell said. "A cross-sectional survey cannot separate pre-existing mental health struggles from new symptoms that arose after starting a medication."

More research is needed to determine whether weight-loss medications themselves affect mental health, or whether depression and other symptoms are related to factors such as obesity or difficulties losing weight.

The researchers also need to determine whether mental health risks differ between specific weight-loss drugs.

NEW WEIGHT-LOSS COMPOUND MELTS FAT WITHOUT CURBING APPETITE — AND PRESERVES MUSCLE

"Even though GLP-1 clinical trials show low absolute risk, the FDA’s product labels for chronic weight management drugs (like Wegovy and Zepbound) include warnings to monitor for mood changes," Mitchell noted.

She recommends that a physician conducts a baseline mental health history before prescribing new weight-loss medications, evaluating past or current depression, bipolar disorder, or history of suicidal ideation or behavior.

"Doctors can inform patients and caregivers about potential mood changes so they know what to watch for," Mitchell said. "The next important step for ongoing monitoring would be to schedule check-ins at 4- to 8-week intervals during dose escalation, to evaluate both physiological progress and psychological well-being."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they notice new or worsening depressive symptoms, including the following.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Any active suicidal thoughts require immediate emergency medical care," Mitchell advised.

"If a patient develops emergent depression or suicidal ideation during treatment, clinicians should discontinue the weight-loss medication and connect the patient with psychiatric support."

Eli Lilly, manufacturer of the tirzepatide weight-loss medication Zepbound, explicitly mentions "depression or thoughts of suicide" in its safety information.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"You should pay attention to changes in your mood, behaviors, feelings or thoughts," the website reads.

It further advises patients to contact a healthcare provider if mental health changes are "new, worse or worry you."

On Lilly's medical-information site, the company says that after reviewing clinical trials and medical reports, "no increased risk" of suicidal ideation or psychiatric adverse effects was identified.

Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of the semaglutide weight-loss medication Wegovy, states in its trials that less than 1% of participants experienced suicidal ideation or behavior during treatment. It also says there was "no difference between semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo."

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

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/hAXt8q4

Read More

Joe Biden shares health update after prostate cancer diagnosis while issuing warning to others

Former President Joe Biden shared an update on his battle with prostate cancer Tuesday, revealing that radiation treatment he underwent last fall "worked as intended" while urging American men not to delay conversations with their doctors about cancer screening.

Biden, 83, issued the update in a lengthy social media post marking Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, saying the occasion was more personal for him following his diagnosis last year.

"The radiation treatment from last fall worked as intended, and I continue to do the things I care about, like finishing my memoir," Biden wrote.

JILL BIDEN SAYS FORMER PRESIDENT WILL LIVE WITH STAGE 4 CANCER 'FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE,' HAS SLOWED DOWN

He also thanked the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who have treated him, saying their "skill, dedication, and compassion mean so much."

Biden used much of the message to urge men to discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctors, pointing to the dramatically higher survival rate when the disease is detected early.

CANCER TREATMENT DELAYS SURGE ACROSS US AS DOCTOR WARNS SYSTEM ‘NEEDS FIXING IMMEDIATELY’

"Talk to your doctors. Ask the hard questions. Do it for yourself, and do it for the people who love you," Biden wrote.

Biden said men at average risk should begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctors around age 50, while Black men and those with a family history should begin those conversations earlier.

SIMPLE SITTING CHANGE LINKED TO LOWER RISK OF CANCER DEATH, STUDY FINDS

The American Cancer Society recommends discussing screening at age 50 for average-risk men, age 45 for Black men and certain men with a family history, and age 40 for some men at even higher risk.

Biden’s office announced in May 2025 that the former president had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones.

JOE BIDEN'S CANCER HAS SPREAD FURTHER, LEAVING HIM IN 'VERY PAINFUL' CONDITION, HUNTER REVEALS

The diagnosis came after Biden experienced increasing urinary symptoms and doctors discovered a prostate nodule. His office said at the time that the cancer had a Gleason score of 9, Grade Group 5, but was hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management.

Biden later underwent radiation therapy and completed that course of treatment last fall.

CANCER SURVIVORS SAW MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN SLEEP AND WELL-BEING WITH ONE WEEKLY PRACTICE

Fox News Digital reached out to Biden’s office for additional comment on his current health, treatment and prognosis.

Biden closed Tuesday's message by thanking those who have continued to pray for him and his family.

"It’s my hope and prayer that by sharing our experience and being part of this important conversation, we can help save lives," he wrote. "And no matter what, keep the faith. God bless you."

Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price and Robert McGreevy contributed to this reporting.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/Jm9kCSt

Read More

Drug developed for lung disease may slow biological aging in surprising ‘bonus’

A drug being developed to treat a serious lung disease may also help to slow the aging process, researchers say.

In a small clinical study, patients who took rentosertib – developed by Insilico Medicine in Massachusetts – showed changes in blood proteins that made them appear biologically younger.

Several tests estimated that after treatment, the patients were biologically about three to four years younger.

EATING COMMON DAIRY FOOD EVERY DAY MAY SLOW BIOLOGICAL AGING, STUDY SUGGESTS

"There is a promising trend in age reversal in addition to treating the disease, and it came as a bonus for disease treatment," first author Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, founder and co-CEO of Insilico Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

"It basically means that you are predicted to be younger using a validated set of aging clocks. We don’t know what that means yet."

The results were published in Nature Biotechnology and presented Monday at the Nature conference at Sorbonne University in Paris.

ALZHEIMER'S BLOOD TESTS MAY PREDICT SYMPTOMS YEARS IN ADVANCE, BUT EXPERTS URGE CAUTION

The researchers caution, however, that this does not yet prove the drug can actually reverse aging or help people live longer.

"It’s early days," Zhavoronkov noted. "The drug is still investigational."

Rentosertib is an experimental drug, discovered with the help of artificial intelligence, that is being developed to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious disease that causes scarring in the lungs.

In an unexpected outcome, the drug was found to change patterns of proteins in the blood in ways that made patients appear an average of three to four years younger, in one case up to six years.

Six different aging tests showed the same general pattern, with patients who took rentosertib "scoring" biologically younger than those who received a placebo.

The strongest effect was seen after four weeks in patients taking 30 mg of the drug twice a day.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

When researchers compared the results with data from more than 55,000 people in the UK Biobank, they found that the drug changed several blood proteins in the opposite direction from what is normally seen with aging.

The researchers also found signs that the drug may affect aging at the cellular level, as it changed processes involved in how cells function and respond to damage.

Zhavoronkov said the company's approach uses AI to search for what he calls "molecular criminals" — biological targets that may contribute to both aging and disease.

The study – which was published in Nature Biotechnology – involved researchers from Insilico Medicine as well as Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, the Broad Institute, RWTH Aachen University, Peking University and Westlake University.

Zhavoronkov stressed that the findings are preliminary. "This is a pilot," he said. "It is early [and] exploratory."

The study had some limitations, including the small sample size – just 42 patients were analyzed over a 12-week period.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The participants all had IPF, which can change many of the same proteins researchers use to measure biological aging. This means it’s possible that the improvements in the participants’ lung disease was related to the changes in blood proteins.

The findings don’t prove that the drug actually slows aging, keeps people healthier longer or extends their lives, the researchers acknowledged.

The results were based only on changes in proteins in their blood, and do not yet support the use of rentosertib as an anti-aging treatment.

The risks and side effects associated with rentosertib were found to be "manageable," according to Dr. Carol Ann Satler, senior vice president of clinical development for Insilico Medicine.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The most common potential side effects included mild diarrhea, slightly lower potassium levels in the blood and temporary increases in liver enzymes.

"Once you stop the drug, essentially, they return to normal," Satler told Fox News Digital.

In the next trial, the doctor said, "We'll be looking to adjust the doses of the drug based on the side effect profile so that people can stay on it longer."

Rentosertib has now progressed into a year-long phase 3 study of more than 300 patients in China, according to Insilico.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Larger and longer trials – including healthy older adults and populations without IPF – are needed to determine whether the drug truly has anti-aging effects and whether they could lead to better health.

While more research lies ahead, Zhavoronkov said the findings have given him more confidence to continue pursuing drugs that could target both age-related diseases and aging itself.

"Everybody agrees that living longer should be a fundamental human right for everyone," he said.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/e47uETx

Read More

105-year-old credits ‘the Good Lord’ for her long life: ‘Every day is a blessing’

A Texas woman who just turned 105 attributes her long life to "the good Lord." 

While Blynda Vidock's faith may have played an important role in her longevity, the Baytown resident has also followed many of the habits that experts say can contribute to a longer, healthier life.

"The good Lord put me here for so many years, and it’s His life through me," she told FOX 26 Houston at her recent birthday celebration. "But I’ve always been very athletic, played tennis, swam all my life and ate good food."

GEORGIA WOMAN CELEBRATES 112TH BIRTHDAY, REVEALS HER SECRET TO A LONG LIFE

Vidock joked that she preaches to her children, grandchildren and "great-grands" to eat healthier, but said, "They still eat junk food!"

"We live faster nowadays," she said. "We used to have time to sit down and have a meal together."

Vidock was born in 1921 and grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. While working for $15 a week at a bank in West Palm Beach, she crossed paths with big-name movie stars Clark Gable and Fred Astaire, and also recalled encountering a young John F. Kennedy.

She met Coast Guardsman Charles "Chuck" Vidock while volunteering with the USO during World War II. The two married and moved to Texas in 1946 and spent decades traveling the world together.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

Vidock is "completely sharp, independent and full of stories from a century of living," according to the report.

A video from her birthday party shows the centenarian walking around and chatting animatedly with the many friends and family members who gathered to honor her.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"It’s wonderful to have you people here, and I don’t know if I’m supposed to dance or sing or get up on the table," she said. "I think I've been made queen for a day, and I've got my 15 minutes of fame, so you better enjoy it because it won't come again."

Every morning when she wakes up, Vidock said she wonders, "‘This is another day, Lord, why am I here?’" adding, "Every day is a blessing!"

She said "the saddest part about getting old" is watching people lose their mental sharpness, and credits "the good Lord" with allowing her to keep hers.

Vidock said a few simple habits have helped her live so long.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Living like you know you’re supposed to live, being kind to people, and everything in moderation helped, and I got blessed with good genes, but then I took care of my body," she said.

Dr. Annu Navani, chief medical officer at Le Reve Wellness in San Jose, California, recently told Fox News Digital that longevity medicine is more about adding life to years than adding years to life.

Rather than splurging on costly biohacks, procedures or supplements, Navani recommends focusing on simple daily practices that can enhance quality of life.

Getting high-quality sleep — about seven hours a night for the average person — is necessary for people to perform optimally and has been linked to a healthier lifespan, the expert said.

Managing stress is another key factor in healthy aging, according to Navani. Regular physical activity and social interaction — two other factors linked to longevity — can also help people keep stress in check, as can regular meditation.

Eating a nutritious diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein and dairy, while limiting added sugars and ultraprocessed foods, is another important component of healthy aging.

Longevity experts David Cravit and Larry Wolf, authors of "The SuperAging Workbook," previously told Fox News Digital that maintaining a positive attitude is the No. 1 factor linked to living a longer life.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

"People with a positive attitude outlive people with a negative attitude because it reduces stress, which, in turn, reduces inflammation, and inflammation is the cause of most age-related diseases," Cravit said.

The authors also recommended setting and working toward new goals, building strong relationships and maintaining a sense of independence as people age.

Melissa Rudy and Angelica Stabile of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/T8xM4Ko

Read More