Category: Health

It began as a routine address, the kind Dr. Bobby Mukkamala had delivered many times to fellow members of the American Medical Association (AMA). As the president-elect of the AMA, he was providing standard updates from the Board of Trustees. But during his recent speech to the AMA Minority Affairs Section at the 2024 AMA Interim Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, something unexpected occurred.

“In the middle of my speech, for a couple of minutes, I wasn’t making any sense,” recalled Dr. Mukkamala, a board-certified otolaryngologist and head-and-neck surgeon. “It was English, but none of it made any sense.”

The brief episode of expressive aphasia alarmed many of the physicians present, who feared it might indicate a transient ischemic attack. Dr. Mukkamala, 53, promptly sought care at an urgent-care clinic in Florida. There, his blood pressure appeared normal, and an electrocardiogram revealed no evidence of atrial fibrillation. Since he experienced no further speaking issues that day or during the rest of the meeting, he opted to wait until he returned to his hometown of Flint, Michigan, for more thorough testing.

It was there that an MRI exposed the truth: an 8-centimeter tumor on the left temporal lobe of his brain. The tumor had likely been growing slowly for years. In hindsight, Dr. Mukkamala said he had noticed occasional lapses in sharpness, moments he casually referred to as “brain farts.” The tumor is suspected to be a grade 2 glioma, a type with a five-year survival rate ranging from 40 to 80 percent depending on final pathology.

“There’s just no way to know until it’s under a microscope, getting more testing,” he explained. Brain surgery is scheduled for December to remove the tumor.

Dr. Mukkamala will remain awake during the procedure so the neurosurgical team can test his language functions in real time by asking him questions like “How do you say goodbye in French?” This approach aims to prevent damage to crucial language-processing areas in the brain’s left hemisphere.

Following surgery, he is likely to undergo both chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments are expected to take him away from his clinical practice and AMA responsibilities for two to three months. In preparation, he has already begun taking levetiracetam, known commercially as Keppra, to prevent seizures, along with steroids to manage swelling near the tumor.

This unexpected health crisis has offered Dr. Mukkamala a profound new perspective on the American health care system. “My eyes are wide open from the patient perspective,” he said.

In response to his diagnosis, he began compiling what he calls a “tumor wisdom” file—notes and reflections inspired by the ordeal. He’s long had a habit of writing weekly reflections for his twin sons, now 24 years old, and this new development has deepened the meaning behind those messages.

One clear insight, he said, is the deep and persistent inequity in health care across the United States. “Within 48 hours of this MRI scan, I had half a dozen opinions from leading neurosurgeons around the country,” Dr. Mukkamala stated, expressing his gratitude. “If I lived two miles that way [in Flint], there’s no way that I would even have a picture of my tumor, let alone access to that many opinions that quickly. I’d still be waiting—maybe for prior authorization.”

These delays are compounded, he said, by the nationwide shortage of neurosurgeons and specialists. These gaps are especially severe in underserved communities, where access to health care is already limited.

“We’re short on brain surgeons, so the better we can do to address that shortage, the more likely it is that the guy two miles from here can get in, get an appointment and get a plan in reasonably close to the same amount of time that it took me,” he explained.

His diagnosis has also reinforced for him the significance of protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), especially those that prohibit discrimination based on preexisting conditions. In early November, just before the Interim Meeting, Dr. Mukkamala renewed his family’s ACA insurance through HealthCare.gov.

“And there were no questions about preexisting conditions or anything like that because the Affordable Care Act gives us the ability to get whatever insurance we can,” he said.

But those protections may not always be guaranteed. “That concerns me as a physician, and it concerns me as a patient, just because it shouldn’t have to be something that’s on my mind when I’ve already got an 8 cm mass on my mind—literally in my mind,” he said.

Dr. Mukkamala’s “tumor wisdom” file also contains deeply personal thoughts. The hardest part of the journey so far, he admitted, has been telling his loved ones and witnessing the sorrow in their eyes. The outpouring of prayers and messages of support from people across faiths and backgrounds has touched him profoundly.

His reflections have brought him to a powerful conclusion: this diagnosis presents “a unique opportunity to share thoughts that usually go unsaid, thinking that there will always be time to share later.”

But, he urged, the time to express love and gratitude is now. At the top of his list of insights is this reminder: “Don’t wait to show affection to people until a moment like this.”

So tonight, he encourages everyone to embrace someone they love and tell them how much they mean. If they ask why, the answer is simple—because it was doctor’s orders.

If you find it difficult to concentrate, feel like finishing a book is nearly impossible, or notice that you constantly scroll through social media just to keep yourself engaged, you are definitely not alone.

Decades of research have shown that people’s ability to concentrate has diminished over time. One long-term study revealed that the average attention span for focusing on a single screen has dropped to 47 seconds, a steep decline from 2.5 minutes back in 2004. The constant stream of news, global uncertainty, and prolonged screen exposure are all contributing factors, according to experts.

“When my patients talk to me about this stuff there is often a feeling of helplessness or powerlessness,” said Dr. Michael Ziffra, a psychiatrist at Northwestern Medicine. “But you can change these behaviors. You can improve your attention span.”

To begin improving your focus, you can try a simple challenge: set a timer for 2.5 minutes and attempt to read this entire article without looking at another device or switching tabs. It might be tougher than it sounds, but it’s a good way to start the process.

Why Are We Losing Focus So Easily?

The tendency to shift attention quickly is not a defect but a built-in survival mechanism. Our brains are wired to process and prioritize new information, especially if it signals a possible threat or significant change in our surroundings.

While early humans were conditioned to be alert for rustling bushes that might indicate danger from predators, today our brains react similarly to the nonstop barrage of alerts and notifications. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a major role in disrupting people’s perception of time and drastically increased their screen usage, said Stacey Nye, a clinical psychologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Although technology is not the only factor affecting our attention spans, the constant exposure to rapid-fire stimuli like 30-second videos and notification pings has a cumulative impact on the brain’s natural rhythm.

“Our attention span has really been trained to only focus in those little, small blips and it interrupts our natural focus cycles,” Nye explained.

Take ‘Active Breaks’ to Rebuild Focus

One effective method to retrain your attention is to engage in “active” breaks. These breaks can be as short as 30 minutes and involve anything from taking a walk and observing your surroundings to simply eating lunch in a different room.

To make it more interesting, get creative with your breaks. You could come up with a list of alternative activities or write down ideas and draw them at random from a container. Options include doing a craft project, meditating for a few minutes, preparing a quick snack, or going for a walk outdoors. Including a friend in these activities can add an extra level of engagement.

The key is to make sure the break involves some level of physical or mental activity. Passive scrolling through your phone doesn’t count as a real break. When the brain becomes understimulated, it seeks novelty and tends to lock on to the most accessible source of change — and that’s usually your phone. As Cindy Lustig, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Michigan, put it, the smartphone is an “ever-producing change machine” that’s incredibly tempting when your mind is looking for stimulation.

To avoid unnecessary distractions, turn off unimportant notifications and take full advantage of the “do not disturb” feature, especially during nighttime. Lustig even suggests placing your phone in an entirely different room when you’re trying to concentrate.

Avoid Multitasking and Focus on One Thing at a Time

Although multitasking may give the illusion of productivity, experts strongly advise against it if your goal is to strengthen your focus.

“Be a single tasker,” Nye said. “Work on one thing at a time, for a specified period of time and begin to work your way up.”

Lustig supports the use of the “Pomodoro technique,” which involves setting a timer for 25 or 30 minutes to work on a single task, followed by a five-minute break. She encourages herself by thinking, “I can do anything for this amount of time,” reminding herself that whatever is happening outside her focus will still be there when she’s done.

Choose Enjoyable Goals to Build Attention

Having a hobby isn’t just about passing time—it should ideally involve a clear goal and some form of deliberate practice. According to Lustig, this kind of structured engagement, whether it’s learning to play the guitar or getting better at a sport, is much more effective at developing focus than aimless activity.

Importantly, you should pick something you genuinely enjoy.

“You don’t want to start with the heavy nonfiction or like ‘War and Peace,’” Lustig said. “If you need to start with the romance novel, then start with the romance novel. You can work your way up.”

Being self-compassionate is also crucial. Everyone has days when concentration comes more easily and others when it’s more difficult. Your attention needs might also vary depending on the type of task you’re working on.

Experts stress that the most important part of this journey is being intentional. As Ziffra noted, “It is in many ways similar to a muscle in the sense that we can build it up with practice and exercises. Conversely, it can weaken if we’re not exercising it.”

So, if you’re worried that you’ve lost your ability to concentrate or read deeply, don’t panic. The brain is adaptable, and focus can be restored — but it takes mindful effort, the right techniques, and consistent practice.

In a remarkable shift from previous years, the United States experienced a sharp decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024, with figures dropping by 27 percent compared to 2023, according to provisional data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This change marks the first significant decrease in a crisis that has long gripped the nation, especially among adults under the age of 45, where overdose has remained the leading cause of death.

The CDC estimates there were 80,391 drug overdose deaths in 2024, representing a 26.9 percent drop from the 110,037 deaths recorded in 2023. This steep decline is especially notable given the recent trend of stagnation, where overdose death rates had hovered at high levels for several years. In its announcement, the CDC emphasized the positive implications of this development, stating, “a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference and having a meaningful impact.”

Prior to this downward turn, overdose deaths had shown little to no decline, remaining alarmingly consistent. The estimated death toll was 110,037 in 2023, 112,582 in 2022, and 110,697 in 2021. These numbers reflected a broader crisis that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, the overdose toll had been rising steadily with an estimated 95,072 deaths in 2020, 73,177 in 2019, and 69,747 in 2018.

The new 2024 data reveal that nearly every state in the country reported a reduction in estimated overdose deaths. Only two states broke this pattern with slight increases. South Dakota experienced a small rise of 2.3 percent in overdose deaths, increasing from an estimated 86 in 2023 to 88 in 2024. Nevada also recorded a minor uptick, with a 3.5 percent increase from 1,442 deaths in 2023 to 1,492 in 2024.

In contrast, several states posted particularly large improvements, with estimated overdose deaths dropping by more than a third. States leading this dramatic reduction include Louisiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. Each of these saw decreases of 35 percent or greater.

The decrease in drug-related fatalities is not limited to specific substances but spans across multiple drug categories. Overdose deaths related to opioids, which have long been the primary drivers of the crisis, dropped significantly. In 2023, there were an estimated 83,140 opioid-related deaths. That number fell to 54,743 in 2024, indicating major progress in combating opioid misuse.

Among opioids, synthetic opioids like fentanyl have been the most lethal contributors in recent years. The data shows that estimated overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids decreased sharply from 76,282 in 2023 to 48,422 in 2024. This represents a substantial reduction in deaths caused by some of the most dangerous and potent substances currently circulating in the illegal drug market.

Methamphetamine, a powerful psychostimulant, has also played a major role in the overdose crisis, often in combination with opioids. The new CDC data indicates that overdose deaths involving psychostimulants, including methamphetamine, fell from an estimated 37,096 in 2023 to 29,456 in 2024. This downward trend highlights broad progress across drug types, not just a shift in use from one substance to another.

Cocaine-related overdose deaths, which have also contributed significantly to overall fatalities, dropped as well. In 2023, the CDC estimated 30,833 overdose deaths involving cocaine. By 2024, that figure had declined to 22,174. The consistency in reductions across these categories reinforces the idea that this trend is not an anomaly but may reflect meaningful, systemic change.

While the CDC has not attributed the decline to any single factor, public health officials believe that ongoing efforts to expand access to treatment, increase distribution of naloxone (a medication used to reverse overdoses), and raise public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl are playing critical roles. The significant drop may also reflect improved coordination across local, state, and federal agencies as well as community-based interventions.

Despite the promising data, officials caution that the crisis is far from over. Over 80,000 overdose deaths in a single year remains an immense public health burden. Experts emphasize the need to continue aggressive efforts to prevent substance use, treat addiction, and address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to drug misuse. Continued vigilance is necessary to ensure that the trend does not reverse.

Still, the 2024 data represent a hopeful milestone in a fight that for years has brought devastation to families and communities across the country. As the CDC noted, “a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference and having a meaningful impact.” The agency’s tone suggests optimism tempered by the knowledge that progress must be sustained and expanded upon in order to build on these gains.

With nearly every state seeing improvements, and significant reductions observed in the most dangerous drug categories, the nation appears to be making real progress against a long-standing epidemic. The key now is to maintain momentum, invest in evidence-based policies, and ensure that those struggling with substance use disorders have access to the help they need.

At a time when the nation has long sought a turning point in its battle against drug overdoses, 2024 may be remembered as a year when the tide began to turn.

An Indian-origin researcher based in the United States has developed a potentially groundbreaking probiotic cocktail aimed at preventing dementia, a condition that currently affects over 57 million individuals across the globe. Characterized by declining memory, impaired cognition, and a reduced capacity to carry out daily activities, dementia is a progressive disorder that severely impacts quality of life.

Dr. Hariom Yadav, who serves as a researcher at the University of South Florida, has designed a distinct combination of probiotics that influences the gut microbiome—a dense and intricate community of trillions of microorganisms residing in the human digestive system. This ecosystem is known to play a crucial role in maintaining overall health, but disruptions in its balance—often caused by harmful bacteria or viruses—can lead to widespread inflammation. Such inflammation is increasingly believed to be linked to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In a study published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, Dr. Yadav presents evidence that this particular probiotic mix could emerge as an innovative treatment strategy aimed at lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.

As part of the research, laboratory mice were administered the probiotic cocktail through their drinking water over a span of 16 weeks. Following this treatment period, the mice underwent evaluation through the widely accepted “water maze” test, which is used to measure spatial learning and memory capabilities. Notably, the mice that had consumed the probiotic formula consistently managed to find the concealed platform in the maze more rapidly than their untreated counterparts. This improvement suggested a significant enhancement in cognitive performance due to the probiotic intervention.

Beyond these behavioral improvements, the probiotic mixture also showed promising biological effects. It significantly decreased the build-up of toxic proteins in the brain that are commonly associated with the development of Alzheimer’s. These proteins form sticky plaques that disrupt normal brain function. Moreover, the treatment appeared to mitigate inflammation and helped protect the blood-brain barrier, a critical structure that prevents harmful substances and microbes from infiltrating the brain.

“These probiotics were more effective as a consortium than individually,” said Dr. Yadav. “Most people focus on single-strain probiotics, but we found that combining them into a multi-strain mix enhances their ability to shift the microbiome from harmful to beneficial.”

The strength of the cocktail lies in its ability to suppress inflammation-causing bacteria within the gut. This in turn reduces systemic inflammation, a factor that has been increasingly implicated in the deterioration of brain health. Dr. Yadav emphasized that the synergistic effect of the multi-strain combination yielded results that were superior to the effects of any single probiotic strain.

In essence, the probiotic formulation works by altering the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to a healthier and more balanced microbial environment. This shift subsequently diminishes inflammatory responses, which can otherwise spread beyond the digestive tract and influence the brain. Given the growing understanding of the gut-brain connection, this mechanism opens up a promising avenue for preventing or delaying cognitive decline.

Currently, Dr. Yadav and his team are exploring the possibility of bringing this probiotic product to the commercial market. Discussions are underway with potential collaborators and commercial entities to further develop and distribute the formulation. The team is hopeful that these partnerships will enable the next stages of clinical development and ultimately make the treatment available to the public.

If these efforts prove successful, the probiotic mixture could represent a transformative tool in the ongoing battle against dementia. With no definitive cure currently available for Alzheimer’s or many other neurodegenerative disorders, a preventative solution that is simple to administer and rooted in nutritional science could bring new hope to millions of individuals at risk.

Importantly, this research aligns with a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that the gut microbiome plays a central role in brain health. Studies over recent years have increasingly highlighted the two-way communication pathway between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis.” Disruptions in this axis have been linked to a wide range of mental and neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and now, dementia.

Dr. Yadav’s findings thus not only present a specific product with promising results but also reinforce the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome as part of broader neurological well-being. The idea that something as accessible as a probiotic could significantly alter disease risk marks a major shift in how scientists and doctors might approach the prevention of cognitive decline in the future.

“Most people focus on single-strain probiotics,” Dr. Yadav reiterated, “but we found that combining them into a multi-strain mix enhances their ability to shift the microbiome from harmful to beneficial.”

This approach to treatment underscores a larger trend within medicine that is increasingly moving toward holistic and preventative strategies, especially for conditions where curative therapies remain elusive. While more research, particularly in human trials, will be necessary to validate these findings, the initial animal studies have sparked significant interest.

As Dr. Yadav and his team continue to refine the formulation and seek broader applications, the probiotic cocktail stands out as a compelling example of how targeting the gut could ultimately protect the brain. For those concerned about the onset of dementia, the development of such a tool provides cautious optimism, offering a glimpse into a future where neurodegenerative diseases may be addressed not just with pharmaceuticals, but with carefully designed nutritional interventions as well.

In summary, the probiotic cocktail developed by Dr. Hariom Yadav at the University of South Florida demonstrates considerable promise in preventing dementia. By leveraging the power of the gut microbiome and reducing systemic inflammation, the formulation improves cognitive function, lowers the build-up of harmful brain proteins, and strengthens the brain’s natural defense mechanisms. As further studies and partnerships take shape, this innovation could one day serve as a practical and powerful solution in the fight against Alzheimer’s and related conditions, potentially changing the lives of millions around the world.

For those new to exercising, improving fitness doesn’t have to mean enduring intense high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes or running sprints. Even a simple adjustment like walking at a slightly faster pace can lead to notable health benefits.

According to Dr Aguiar, “Accumulating a high volume of walking throughout the day, then focussing on doing at least 30 minutes of faster walking or jogging, would be a way to lower your metrics for each of the progressive risk factors.” This advice highlights that just increasing your walking speed can help manage or even reduce risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Interestingly, even very brief periods of more intense movement appear to be effective. “One of the really interesting findings from our paper was that, if you look at people’s highest one minute of activity across each day, averaged across the monitoring period, that was a very strong signal for whether they had one or more of the metabolic syndrome risk factors present,” Dr Aguiar explains. “Even something as little as one minute of high-intensity activity could be beneficial.”

Applying this in real life could mean continuing your regular walking habits but including a short, brisk segment when you’re running errands or on your lunch break. Increasing your walking cadence — the number of steps taken per minute — has also been connected to better health markers. A slightly faster pace during regular walks might be all it takes to start seeing results.

While goals like weight loss or getting stronger tend to dominate the average person’s fitness resolutions, improving metabolic syndrome risk factors is a goal worth considering. Though it may sound clinical or distant, it directly links to common and relatable outcomes like weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, and improved energy levels.

“Exercise is one part of a behavioural strategy to lose weight, which would reduce visceral adiposity,” Dr Aguiar explains. Visceral adiposity refers to fat stored deep in the abdomen, around essential organs. This type of fat is especially concerning because it doesn’t just sit inert — it interferes with the body’s natural metabolic functions.

“We know that if you store fat mass around your abdominal area, that’s more dangerous than storing fat mass in your lower body or subcutaneously [just under the skin]. Visceral fat around your vital organs wreaks a lot of havoc in terms of the metabolic signalling that goes on there. Essentially, it’s dangerous to store a lot of abdominal fat because it changes the way our vital organs in that area function,” says Dr Aguiar.

Engaging in greater amounts of physical activity at a higher intensity can aid in reducing both body weight and abdominal fat. Exercise alone, even without dietary changes, can be a strong ally in the fight against metabolic syndrome. “Especially for individuals who are overweight and obese, and may have metabolic syndrome, exercise and behavioural strategies can minimise and reverse risk factors when they are in their early stages,” Dr Aguiar adds.

Blood pressure is another crucial metric that benefits from increased physical activity. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are both impacted positively by movement. “Exercise is already well-known to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure; that’s called post-exercise hypotension,” Dr Aguiar says. “Within as little as 15 or 20 minutes post-exercise, you can see a decrease in blood pressure from one bout of walking, for example.”

He adds, “Just going out for a walk at a brisk pace, faster than you would usually, will drop your blood pressure down for up to about 24 hours post-exercise.”

That’s not all — this kind of moderate activity can also help control blood sugar levels for nearly two days. “A quick trot is also capable of dropping your blood glucose levels for up to 48 hours,” Dr Aguiar notes.

Metabolic syndrome involves five key risk factors, and according to Dr Aguiar, “Each of those metabolic syndrome five risk factors, on a small timescale of hours to days, can benefit from going out for a brisk walk, a slow jog, or something like that. By consistently meeting physical activity guidelines, all five risk factors will improve over time too.”

So how can someone increase their activity levels in a sustainable way? Dr Aguiar points to the World Health Organisation’s physical activity recommendations as a helpful reference point. These guidelines suggest that all movement adds up and that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or some mix of both each week.

“Some people might choose to get most of their activity on the weekend, and some people might choose to break their activity up into smaller periods throughout the day,” Dr Aguiar says.

Importantly, the WHO now includes “incidental movement” as part of overall activity, validating even the small actions you do during the day as beneficial. “The new WHO messaging says that all movement counts, so if that means walking a little bit more quickly to your car or the train station, just to elevate your heart rate and your metabolic rate a little bit for brief periods you can accumulate throughout the day, those things count in terms of exercise.”

That means you don’t need to rely solely on structured workouts. Everyday activities — like walking to the bathroom at the office or heading to a café — can be beneficial when done with a little more energy. “And they’re incidental. We all walk, to some degree; from your office to the bathroom, or to a local cafe. If you can focus on walking a little bit faster than you normally do, that’s going to be beneficial for a lot of these risk factors, especially the blood glucose and blood pressure side of things.”

All in all, the message is clear: consistency and intention matter more than complexity. You don’t have to commit to lengthy, exhausting sessions. Just moving more, and moving with a little more intensity, can dramatically impact your health over time. Whether it’s a minute of high-energy walking or a few brisk stretches during your daily routine, these simple changes can lead to measurable health improvements.

Higher Rates of Depression and Anxiety Observed

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has raised concerns about the mental health outcomes of individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. The research suggests that those who opt for these procedures may experience higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those who do not.

Key Findings: Increased Psychological Distress

• Males: The study found that males who underwent transition-related surgeries had a 25.4% rate of depression, more than double the 11.5% observed in those who did not have surgery. Anxiety rates were 12.8% post-surgery compared to 2.6% in non-surgical individuals.
• Females: Among females, 22.9% of those who had surgery experienced depression, compared to 14.6% who did not undergo the procedure. Anxiety rates stood at 10.5% in the surgical group, versus 7.1% in the non-surgical group.

Study Does Not Establish Causation

While these statistics highlight a potential link between gender-affirming surgeries and increased mental health struggles, the study does not establish causation. Factors such as pre-existing mental health conditions, societal pressures, and personal expectations may also contribute to these outcomes.

Conflicting Research Presents Different Perspectives

Other studies have suggested positive mental health outcomes for transgender individuals receiving medical interventions. Research focusing on transgender and nonbinary youths found that gender-affirming treatments were associated with lower odds of depression and suicidality over a 12-month period. (Source)

Need for Comprehensive Mental Health Support

The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted relationship between gender-affirming surgeries and mental health. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive psychological evaluations and long-term support before and after medical interventions. Further research is required to fully understand the impact of these procedures and develop best practices for those undergoing gender transition.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you managed to get some sleep last night. However, the real question is whether you feel rested. Experts emphasize that evaluating how rested you feel is just as important as the number of hours you spend sleeping.

People typically spend about a third of their lives asleep, but the recommended duration varies. While eight hours is often cited as the ideal amount, individual needs differ, and sleep requirements change over time. Babies and young children generally need more sleep, while those over 65 can often function with slightly less than the recommended seven to nine hours.

Experts in sleep science and medicine offer insights into how much rest people truly need and whether factors such as gender play a role in sleep duration and quality.

One key point emphasized by researchers is that sleep quality matters more than sheer quantity. Despite its crucial role in overall health, sleep remains a somewhat mysterious biological function. “The reasons aren’t entirely clear, but it’s an essential thing that we all do,” explained Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a sleep specialist at Stanford University. “Something remarkable happens when you sleep. It’s the most natural form of self-care that we have.”

According to Molly Atwood, a behavioral sleep medicine clinician at Johns Hopkins, most people sleep between seven and nine hours per night, a range associated with the lowest risk of health problems. However, health risks increase for those who sleep less than six hours or more than nine hours regularly. Atwood noted that individual variations exist, so some people may function well with slightly less or more sleep than the average recommendation.

Rather than focusing solely on the number of hours slept, Pelayo emphasized the importance of waking up feeling refreshed. “What you really want to do is wake up feeling refreshed—that’s what it’s about,” he said. He likened poor-quality sleep to leaving a favorite restaurant still feeling hungry. “If somebody tells me that they sleep many hours but they wake up tired, something is wrong,” he added.

Sleep requirements fluctuate over the course of a lifetime. Newborns require the most sleep, typically between 14 to 17 hours daily. “Definitely when we’re babies and children, because we are growing so rapidly, we do need a lot more sleep,” Atwood explained.

The National Sleep Foundation provides general recommendations based on age. For adults aged 26 to 64, the ideal sleep duration is between seven and nine hours. Those aged 65 and older may need slightly less, whereas young adults aged 16 to 25 may benefit from slightly more sleep.

Sleep occurs in cycles, with each cycle lasting approximately 90 minutes. These cycles consist of different sleep stages, each serving a distinct purpose. Atwood pointed out that in the early part of the night, people experience more slow-wave sleep, or deep sleep, which plays a critical role in physical restoration and healing. This phase is particularly significant because it is when growth hormones are released.

In contrast, during the latter portion of the night, people spend more time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, commonly referred to as dream sleep. This stage is essential for cognitive functions such as learning and memory consolidation, the process through which short-term memories are converted into long-term memories.

Children experience significantly more deep sleep than adults. Atwood stated that around 50% of their sleep falls into this category. However, as individuals reach adolescence, the proportion of deep sleep decreases since the body no longer requires as much repair and restoration.

Interestingly, differences in sleep patterns between genders begin to emerge around puberty.

Although research does not confirm that women require more sleep than men, Atwood noted that women tend to sleep slightly more than men on average. This discrepancy begins early in life. Pelayo observed that teenage girls, despite having the same sleep needs as their male counterparts, often sleep less and report more frequent instances of insomnia.

Motherhood significantly affects women’s sleep patterns, particularly when caring for newborns. First-time mothers often experience frequent nighttime awakenings to tend to their infants, resulting in less sleep overall. Allison Harvey, a clinical psychologist and professor at UC Berkeley who specializes in sleep research, noted that this disrupted sleep can have lasting effects.

Hormonal fluctuations also contribute to variations in women’s sleep quality and quantity. Pregnancy and menopause, in particular, can significantly impact sleep. “With menopause in particular, women can develop deterioration in their sleep with an increased number and duration of nighttime awakenings,” explained Dr. Mithri Junna, a Mayo Clinic neurologist specializing in sleep disorders.

Atwood added that hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle can also influence sleep duration. “Women may also need more sleep right before their menstrual cycle,” she said. She emphasized the importance of paying attention to the body’s natural signals. “There are definitely times that your body’s telling you that you need more sleep,” Atwood said. “It’s important to listen.”

Lack of sufficient sleep can manifest in several ways, including irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. While these may seem like minor inconveniences, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to more severe health consequences.

“If you’re not getting enough sleep or you have untreated insomnia or sleep apnea, your risk of depression increases,” Atwood warned. Additionally, insufficient sleep raises the likelihood of cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Sleep deprivation also weakens the immune system and has been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

People who consistently wake up feeling fatigued despite sleeping the recommended number of hours may want to consult a doctor. A primary care physician can assess whether underlying medical conditions might be contributing to poor sleep quality. If sleep problems persist, consulting a sleep specialist could be beneficial in identifying and addressing the root causes of sleep disturbances.

Ultimately, ensuring both sufficient sleep quantity and high-quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. Experts agree that listening to the body’s natural cues, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and addressing any persistent sleep problems can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health.

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine highlights the significant impact of bowel movement frequency on overall health and physiology. Researchers found that the optimal frequency for long-term well-being is once or twice a day, with deviations linked to potential health risks.

Health Risks of Irregular Bowel Movements

Previous studies have suggested links between constipation and a higher risk of infections, while frequent diarrhea has been associated with an increased likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases. However, these studies primarily focused on sick patients, making it unclear whether irregular bowel movements were the cause or a result of these conditions.

Senior study author Sean Gibbons from the Institute for Systems Biology hopes the research will encourage clinicians to take bowel movement frequency more seriously, as it is often dismissed as a mere “nuisance.”

Study Findings: The “Goldilocks Zone”

The researchers collected clinical, lifestyle, and biological data—including gut microbiome composition, blood chemistry, and genetics—from over 1,400 healthy adult volunteers without signs of active disease.

Participants were categorized into four groups based on self-reported bowel movement frequency:

The study identifiedone to two bowel movements per day as the “Goldilocks Zone” for optimal health, as it was associated with a healthier gut microbiome and fewer negative health indicators.

The Impact of Constipation and Diarrhea

1. Constipation:
   1. When stools remain too long in the gut, gut microbes ferment proteins instead of fiber, leading to the production of toxins like p-cresol sulfate and indoxyl sulfate.
   2. These toxins can accumulate in the bloodstream, potentially harming the kidneys.
   3. Even in otherwise healthy individuals, constipation led to a rise in these toxins.
2. Diarrhea:
   1. Researchers found signs of inflammation and liver damage among participants with frequent diarrhea.
   2. Excessive diarrhea leads to a loss of bile acid, which is normally recycled to help absorb dietary fats.
   3. This may contribute to nutrient malabsorption and liver stress.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors

The study found that diet and lifestyle played a key role in maintaining regular bowel movements. Individuals in the Goldilocks Zone typically:

• Ate more fruits and vegetables (the strongest predictor of healthy bowel movements).
• Drank plenty of water.
• Engaged in regular physical activity.
• Followed a more plant-based diet.

Demographic Trends

• Younger people, women, and those with a lower BMI were more likely to have less frequent bowel movements.
• Hormonal and neurological differences between men and women may contribute to this variation, as men tend to consume more food, leading to more frequent bowel movements.

Next Steps in Research

The researchers aim to conduct a large-scale clinical trial to examine whether managing bowel movement frequency over an extended period can contribute to disease prevention.

Key Takeaway:Maintainingone to two bowel movements per day, supported by a fiber-rich diet, hydration, and physical activity, may play a crucial role in long-term health.

An Australian man survived for 100 days with an artificial titanium heart while waiting for a donor transplant, marking the longest period anyone has lived with this technology.

The patient, a man in his 40s who chose to remain anonymous, underwent surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney last November to receive the implant. In February, he became the first person in the world to be discharged from the hospital with the device, which kept him alive until a suitable donor heart became available earlier this month.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by St Vincent’s Hospital, Monash University, and BiVACOR, the US-Australian company that developed the device, the man was “recovering well” after the transplant.

The fact that the artificial heart sustained him for such a long period is being hailed as a breakthrough, demonstrating the device’s potential as a long-term solution for heart failure patients. However, the technology remains in the trial phase and has not yet been approved for widespread clinical use.

Australian bioengineer Daniel Timms, the founder of BiVACOR, invented the device following his father’s death from heart disease. He described the development as “exhilarating to see decades of work come to fruition.”

“The entire BiVACOR team is deeply grateful to the patient and his family for placing their trust in our Total Artificial Heart,” Timms said in the statement. “Their bravery will pave the way for countless more patients to receive this lifesaving technology.”

How the Artificial Heart Works

The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) operates using a single moving component—a levitated rotor that is suspended by magnets. Made of titanium, the device lacks valves or mechanical bearings, which are often prone to wear and tear.

This artificial heart functions by pumping blood to both the body and the lungs, effectively replacing both ventricles of a failing heart.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 18 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization. The long-term goal for the BiVACOR heart is to provide a lifeline for patients stuck on waiting lists for donor hearts.

In 2024 alone, around 3,500 people in the U.S. received heart transplants, while approximately 4,400 new patients joined the transplant waiting list, according to the U.S. Health Department.

Professor Chris Hayward of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute stated that the BiVACOR artificial heart represents a major advancement in heart transplantation.

“Within the next decade we will see the artificial heart becoming the alternative for patients who are unable to wait for a donor heart or when a donor heart is simply not available,” said Hayward, who is overseeing the Australian patient’s recovery and played a role in preparing the device for clinical trials.

Early Clinical Trials and Future Prospects

The BiVACOR heart has already been tested in the U.S. under the Food and Drug Administration’s Early Feasibility Study. In this trial, five patients successfully received the implant while awaiting donor transplants.

The first recipient of the device was a 58-year-old man with end-stage heart failure, who underwent surgery at Texas Medical Center last July. The artificial heart sustained him for eight days before he received a donor transplant.

Four more patients were subsequently implanted with the device as part of the study, which aimed to assess its safety and effectiveness in keeping patients alive while waiting for donor hearts. The trial is expected to expand to include 15 patients.

The recent Australian case is part of a broader effort led by Monash University’s Artificial Heart Frontiers Program. This initiative, which has been allocated 50 million Australian dollars ($31 million), is focused on developing and commercializing three innovative heart failure treatment devices.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is facing scrutiny over its Medicare billing practices, with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launching a civil fraud investigation into the company’s methods for recording diagnoses that result in additional payments for its Medicare Advantage plans, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Friday.

Following the news, UnitedHealth’s stock dropped nearly 9% during Friday morning trading. Both the DOJ and UnitedHealth have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation.

In Medicare Advantage plans, private insurers receive fixed payments from the U.S. government to manage the healthcare of enrollees. However, these payments increase if patients are diagnosed with specific conditions. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that Medicare had paid UnitedHealth billions of dollars based on diagnoses that were questionable. In December, the publication analyzed Medicare records and discovered that patients treated by doctors employed by UnitedHealth exhibited a significant increase in high-value diagnoses after transitioning to the company’s Medicare Advantage plans.

Several physicians informed the Journal that they had been instructed to document diagnoses that would generate higher revenue. They further claimed that the company utilized software that suggested medical conditions and incentivized doctors with bonuses to consider these diagnoses.

Justice Department attorneys have been actively investigating these claims, interviewing medical providers named in the Journal’s reports, with the most recent interviews taking place on January 31.

This investigation is separate from another ongoing DOJ antitrust probe into UnitedHealth. Additionally, last year, the Justice Department blocked the company’s planned $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, a home healthcare provider.

UnitedHealth Group operates as the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurer in the U.S., as well as Optum, its pharmacy benefit management division, which oversees a vast network of medical practices.

The investigation follows a particularly difficult period for the company. One of its subsidiaries, Change Healthcare, recently suffered a significant cyberattack. Additionally, UnitedHealth’s insurance division faced intense public criticism over its practices of denying insurance claims, particularly in the wake of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

A recent study conducted in Northern California indicates that while cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates vary among Asian American subgroups, most of them are experiencing a faster increase compared to white adults. The research, which was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, found that only Japanese Americans and individuals of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander descent did not show a higher rate of increase. However, since the full results have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, the findings remain preliminary.

Dr. Kaylin Thuy Nguyen, the study’s lead author and a clinical fellow in the division of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University, emphasized the importance of analyzing data for specific Asian American groups rather than treating them as a single entity. “Asian Americans are a diverse group,” Nguyen stated. “There’s a lot of heterogeneity – different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, nutritional patterns. There are stark differences we mask when we aggregate data and look at the groups as a whole. If we assume the same risk for everyone, we might miss the opportunity to treat risk factors.”

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent the fastest-growing racial or ethnic population in the United States. According to the 2020 census, approximately 24 million people identified as Asian alone or in combination with another racial or ethnic group. Among them, individuals of Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese descent accounted for 85%.

Historically, health data on individuals from these various Asian ancestries have been studied collectively, often obscuring significant variations in cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevalence. Recent research, however, has started to highlight these differences. This new study focused on analyzing cardiovascular disease rates among Asian American subgroups within a Northern California healthcare system and compared these rates with their white counterparts. The study also examined how the rates evolved between 2007 and 2018.

The researchers evaluated medical records of middle-aged Asian American men and women who self-identified as Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander, as well as individuals of mixed-race backgrounds. The findings indicated that all Asian subgroups, with the exception of Japanese Americans and Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders, exhibited a faster increase in cardiovascular disease rates compared to white adults. Similarly, hypertension, or high blood pressure, rose more rapidly for nearly all subgroups—except Japanese Americans—when compared to white adults.

Among all the subgroups analyzed, Filipino Americans had the highest cardiovascular disease rates. Throughout the study period, their rates were nearly twice as high as those of their white peers. In 2007, 32.2% of Filipino Americans had cardiovascular disease, which increased to 45.1% in 2018. In contrast, white adults experienced a rise from 16.5% to 21.9% over the same period.

The study also found that coronary artery disease rates increased more rapidly among the Filipino, Asian Indian, and Chinese subgroups than among white adults. Meanwhile, the rate of heart attacks rose more slowly among Chinese and Korean individuals compared to their white counterparts.

The study did not explore the reasons behind these subgroup differences in cardiovascular risks and disease prevalence. However, Dr. Nguyen suggested that one potential explanation for the lower cardiovascular risk among Japanese Americans could be their traditional diet. She noted that their diet closely resembles the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fish and vegetables while minimizing red meat consumption. Previous research has already linked the Japanese-style diet to reduced cardiovascular risk.

Lan Doan, an assistant professor in the department of population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, emphasized the necessity of collecting additional data in future studies. She pointed out that factors such as the length of time individuals have lived in the U.S., their regular access to healthcare, their insurance status, and their dietary and lifestyle adaptations should be considered in assessing cardiovascular risks. Geographic variations in these risks should also be examined.

“If we don’t start tracking and disaggregating data, we’re not going to be able to understand what differences in health there might be, and we can’t target treatments or preventive measures,” Doan stated.

She further emphasized the importance of deepening the understanding of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations. “We need to keep deepening our understanding of who these Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations are, and thinking about all the multilevel factors that influence the risk and progression of cardiovascular disease and risk factors across their lives,” she said.

For years, I struggled with hearing loss. It started gradually—asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the TV, missing parts of conversations. At first, I dismissed it as background noise or people mumbling. But over time, it became clear that I was the problem.

Conversations became exhausting. Social gatherings, once enjoyable, turned into stressful experiences where I nodded along, pretending to understand. I avoided phone calls, dreading the embarrassment of asking someone to repeat themselves multiple times. Even at home, my wife grew frustrated when I constantly asked, “What?”

I knew I needed help but hesitated to get hearing aids. The thought of bulky, expensive devices was unappealing. I had seen traditional hearing aids before—large, noticeable, and costing thousands of dollars. It felt like an admission of aging, something I wasn’t ready for.

Then, I discovered Audien Hearing. One evening, while researching affordable hearing solutions, I stumbled upon their website. Their promise caught my attention: small, nearly invisible hearing aids at a fraction of the cost of traditional ones. I was skeptical. Could an affordable option work as well as expensive devices?

Still, I decided to try them. At their price point, it was a low-risk investment compared to traditional hearing aids. When my Audien hearing aids arrived, I was impressed by their sleek design. They were tiny, lightweight, and fit comfortably in my ears. Unlike the bulky models I feared, these were discreet.

The first time I put them in, the world changed. Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came rushing back—birds chirping outside, the rustling of leaves, the hum of the refrigerator. Most importantly, conversations became clear again. No more guessing what people were saying, no more pretending to understand.

I remember my wife’s reaction. “You’re not asking me to repeat myself!” she exclaimed. It was a relief for both of us. I felt connected again, part of conversations rather than a spectator struggling to keep up.

The technology in Audien hearing aids amazed me. Despite their affordability, they delivered crystal-clear sound quality. Conversations in noisy environments were easier to follow. Phone calls, which I once dreaded, became effortless. Watching TV no longer required blasting the volume.

What I appreciated most was the comfort. I could wear them for hours without discomfort. Unlike traditional hearing aids that require custom fittings, these were ready to use out of the box. They came with multiple earbud sizes, ensuring a snug fit.

Battery life was another pleasant surprise. They lasted all day on a single charge, and the included charging case made recharging simple. No need to constantly buy and replace tiny, expensive batteries.

The affordability of Audien hearing aids made a significant difference. Traditional hearing aids can cost thousands, often requiring multiple appointments and fittings. Audien eliminated that hassle. They provided high-quality sound at a fraction of the cost, making hearing assistance accessible to more people.

I started recommending them to friends and family. Many were hesitant, just as I had been. But after trying them, they experienced the same life-changing improvements. One friend, who had avoided hearing aids due to cost, called me after trying Audien’s. “I can’t believe I waited this long,” he admitted.

For anyone struggling with hearing loss but hesitating due to cost or stigma, Audien Hearing is a game-changer. Their devices are discreet, effective, and affordable, proving that regaining clear hearing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

Looking back, I regret waiting so long. I missed out on countless conversations, moments, and experiences simply because I hesitated to get help. Thanks to Audien Hearing, I’ve reclaimed those moments. I no longer feel isolated or frustrated. Life sounds vibrant again.

If you’re struggling with hearing loss, don’t wait. You don’t have to settle for expensive, bulky options. Audien offers a solution that’s accessible and effective. Take the step—I promise you won’t regret it.

A groundbreaking development at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has stunned the medical world. A new drug trial has delivered results that experts are calling a medical marvel—complete remission of cancer in every participant. This small but unprecedented study has sparked global optimism and intense curiosity as dostarlimab, the drug being tested, demonstrates the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. The implications of this breakthrough raise important questions about the future of oncology and what it means for patients battling this devastating disease.

The trial conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has drawn significant attention due to its extraordinary success. It focused on dostarlimab, a novel checkpoint inhibitor, and was limited to a select group of rectal cancer patients. Every single participant in the trial experienced complete remission, an extremely rare outcome in oncology.

Though the study was small, with only 12 participants, it was meticulously designed. The patients selected had locally advanced rectal cancer and were chosen based on specific criteria that indicated they might respond to the treatment. Each participant received dostarlimab every three weeks over a six-month period. The trial aimed to determine the drug’s effectiveness in exposing cancer cells to the immune system, allowing the body to recognize and destroy them.

To evaluate the drug’s efficacy, researchers used a combination of physical examinations, endoscopies, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results, which revealed complete disappearance of tumors in all patients, shocked and thrilled the medical team and the broader oncology community.

Before joining the trial, many of the patients had endured extensive and exhausting treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. These interventions not only failed to eliminate their cancer but also led to severe side effects, leaving patients physically and emotionally drained. Dr. Andrea Cercek, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering and co-author of the study, noted, “The patients had almost given up hopes after failing to recover after going through grueling chemotherapy and radiation sessions.” Some were even facing the possibility of life-altering surgeries that could have resulted in permanent changes to their bodily functions.

However, the introduction of dostarlimab marked a turning point. Patients were astonished to learn that their tumors had vanished, and no further invasive treatments were needed. Dr. Cercek described the emotional moment, saying there were “a lot of happy tears.” The impact of this revelation was immense, not just in terms of physical relief but also in the profound shift it brought to the patients’ mental and emotional well-being.

Participants in the study were closely monitored for signs of recurrence through regular follow-ups involving advanced imaging. Remarkably, there was no evidence of cancer returning up to 25 months after the trial concluded. This sustained remission provided a significant sense of relief and fostered a cautiously optimistic outlook. One patient, reflecting on their experience, expressed immense gratitude: “Not expecting their cancerous tumors to subside, they agreed to be part of the dostarlimab trial. But to their pleasant surprise, they were taken off the painful chemotherapy and radiation sessions and also told that there would be no need to go under the knife.”

Dostarlimab represents a major advancement in oncology, particularly within immunotherapy. As a checkpoint inhibitor, it targets the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, a process often blocked by the cancer cells themselves. Normally, cancer cells evade detection by manipulating certain proteins that act as checkpoints in the immune system. These checkpoints prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells. However, dostarlimab blocks these checkpoint proteins, removing the protective shield that cancer cells use to evade immune attack. This allows T-cells, the body’s natural defense mechanism, to recognize and destroy cancerous cells.

Checkpoint inhibitors like dostarlimab belong to a broader class of drugs that have revolutionized cancer treatment in recent years. These drugs are particularly effective against cancers with a high mutation burden, making them more recognizable to the immune system once the checkpoints are inhibited. Dostarlimab specifically targets the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which plays a crucial role in enabling tumors to evade immune responses.

In this trial, dostarlimab was administered every three weeks for six months. The results were extraordinary, and unlike conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, which often come with severe side effects, this drug showed a remarkable safety profile. “Such drugs, known as ‘checkpoint inhibitors,’ usually have some kind of adverse reaction in 20% of patients who undergo the treatments. Nearly 60% of patients have severe complications, including muscle weakness. But no negative reaction was seen in the patients involved in the dostarlimab study,” stated the report.

This combination of effectiveness and minimal side effects suggests that dostarlimab could be a game-changer, not just for rectal cancer but for other cancers that share similar biological markers. Traditionally, cancer treatments have relied on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While these methods are effective, they often result in significant physical and emotional burdens for patients. The success of dostarlimab suggests a potential shift toward less invasive treatment options, reducing the need for aggressive therapies such as surgery and chemotherapy, particularly in cancers that are responsive to immunotherapy.

The trial also highlights the growing importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment. By targeting specific genetic markers, drugs like dostarlimab can be tailored to individual patients, increasing efficacy while minimizing unwanted side effects. As genetic testing and biomarker research continue to advance, personalized immunotherapies could become more widespread.

The remarkable results of this study are expected to drive further research into checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapy treatments. Given the unprecedented success seen in this trial, additional studies will likely explore dostarlimab’s application to a wider range of cancers and at different stages. If these findings hold true in larger trials, the drug could significantly broaden treatment options for patients who currently lack effective therapies.

Beyond the scientific community, the implications of this breakthrough extend to healthcare policy and economics. If treatments like dostarlimab can provide long-term remission with fewer resources and less patient trauma, they could help reduce the financial and logistical burdens associated with traditional cancer therapies. However, the high cost of such drugs remains a significant barrier. At its current trial phase, dostarlimab costs approximately $11,000 per dose, posing a substantial challenge for widespread use, particularly in lower-income countries and even among middle-class patients in developed nations.

For dostarlimab to become widely accessible, insurance companies and healthcare systems will need to reassess their policies regarding coverage for innovative cancer treatments. Adjustments in public health funding and insurance structures may be necessary to ensure that patients who need these therapies can afford them. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies must collaborate with governments and global health organizations to scale up manufacturing and distribution, ensuring that dostarlimab reaches patients worldwide.

The ethical implications of access to life-saving drugs like dostarlimab cannot be ignored. Healthcare equity remains a crucial issue, as life-changing treatments should not be limited to those who can afford them. Addressing these concerns will require careful planning and collaboration among medical professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The success of the dostarlimab trial represents more than just a medical breakthrough; it signals a potential transformation in cancer care. The results demonstrate that modern science is advancing toward treatments that are not only more effective but also less invasive and more humane. However, ensuring that these therapies are accessible to all patients will require collective efforts from governments, pharmaceutical companies, and the healthcare sector.

Moving forward, continued research and larger clinical trials will be essential to validate and expand upon these findings. Additionally, healthcare systems must adapt to incorporate these new treatments while ensuring that all patients, regardless of economic or geographic barriers, have access to them.

Dostarlimab offers a beacon of hope—not just for those currently battling cancer, but for future generations. With persistent dedication and collaboration across various fields, the possibility of turning cancer into a manageable condition rather than a terminal diagnosis is within reach.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani announced on Monday that his family will invest more than ₹60 billion ($686.18 million) to establish two affordable healthcare campuses in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. These projects will be developed in collaboration with the U.S.-based Mayo Clinic.

Each of these campuses will include hospitals, medical colleges, transitional care facilities, and research centers. The Adani Group stated that the not-for-profit Mayo Clinic Global Consulting will provide the necessary technical expertise for these ventures.

Adani highlighted that these healthcare campuses are the first initiatives stemming from a ₹600 billion commitment made two years ago to support healthcare, education, and skills development.

Alongside these projects, the Adani Group is also engaged in transforming Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, into a modern urban hub. However, the $619 million redevelopment agreement has met resistance from some residents who have raised concerns about the project’s feasibility.

Meanwhile, in November, U.S. authorities accused Adani and several senior executives of participating in a scheme involving $265 million in bribes to secure power supply contracts in India. The Adani Group has dismissed these allegations as “baseless.”

As bird flu continues to spread across the United States, concerns have arisen regarding the possibility of contracting the virus from consuming milk or eggs. The outbreak, caused by the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, has led to the culling of over 150 million poultry birds in an effort to contain its spread. This has contributed to rising egg prices and supply shortages. Additionally, reports have emerged of bird flu virus fragments being found in milk products, raising further questions about food safety.

Despite these concerns, health experts emphasize that the risk to the general publicremains low. They also stress that it is highly unlikely for milk or eggs sold in stores to be contaminated with the virus. Nevertheless, they advise consumers to take basic precautions to mitigate any potential risks.

“The risk to the public to contract bird flu from items that they get in the grocery store is exceptionally low,” Dr. Nicole Martin, an assistant research professor in dairy foods microbiology at Cornell University, told ABC News. “We know that pasteurization has been shown to be very effective at eliminating the virus from milk. … And then on the poultry and egg side, [there is] very low risk that eggs make it to the marketplace with the avian flu.”

Low Risk from Commercial Eggs in Grocery Stores

To ensure food safety, government regulations require egg processors to wash and sanitize eggs that are graded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Additionally, pasteurized eggs, which undergo a heating process to eliminate pathogens, are available in many grocery stores if their pasteurization method has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Even if bird flu were to contaminate an egg, experts say that cooking it properly would eliminate the virus. “The normal cooking process would kill that virus,” Dr. David Cennimo, an associate professor of medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, explained to ABC News. “So, the only theoretical risk is if you’re eating raw or undercooked eggs, and again, the flocks are being monitored for bird flu.”

When bird flu is detected in poultry or bird species, authorities take swift action to prevent further spread by depopulating, or culling, the entire flock. This means that potentially infected eggs are removed from the food supply before they ever reach consumers.

Dr. Cameron Wolfe, a professor of infectious diseases at Duke University, confirmed that eggs from culled flocks are discarded. However, he noted that it is uncertain how far back authorities should go in determining which eggs were affected before the culling took place. “If you find today that your flock is affected, and this week we’re going to cull that flock and we’ll take the eggs out, I don’t know how far you can go back to understand which eggs might have been affected,” he said. “But we do take them out of circulation.”

Pasteurized Milk Is Safe, but Raw Milk Poses a Risk

Milk products are also considered safe due to the process of pasteurization, which involves heating liquids to a high temperature for a short period to kill harmful viruses and bacteria. This includes not only milk but also dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.

In April 2024, reports surfaced indicating that bird flu virus fragments were detected in samples of pasteurized milk. However, experts clarified that these fragments were merely inactive remnants of the virus and posed no risk to consumers.

While pasteurized milk is deemed safe, raw milk remains a potential health hazard. The FDA has long warned against the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products, categorizing it as a “high-risk choice.”

Dr. Martin explained that the presence of avian influenza in dairy cattle makes raw milk especially dangerous. “With the avian influenza virus that’s currently circulating in dairy cattle in the United States, the raw milk itself has a very high concentration of this virus,” she said. “And so what we know is that there have been many demonstrated cases of animals becoming ill and dying from drinking this contaminated milk.”

While there is no clear evidence that humans have become ill from consuming contaminated raw milk, Martin cautioned that there are no effective strategies to remove the virus from raw dairy products outside of pasteurization.

Does Freezing Eggs or Milk Kill Bird Flu?

Some may wonder whether freezing could help eliminate the virus, but experts confirm that this is not an effective solution. Many pathogens, including H5N1, can survive in low or freezing temperatures.

Dr. Cennimo explained that freezing does not inactivate the influenza virus and compared it to international travel precautions. “If you’ve gotten good travel advice, they’ll tell you, ‘Don’t drink anything with ice in it,’ because the ice cubes are things that are infected because they were made by local water,” he said.”So that just shows you right there, a literal ice cube can harbor bacteria. So freezing meat or eggs or whatever is not going to help. As far as we know, freezing does not inactivate influenza.”

Conclusion

While the spread of bird flu in the U.S. has raised concerns, experts emphasize that the risk of contracting the virus from commercially available milk and eggs remains extremely low. Government regulations, pasteurization, and the culling of infected flocks serve as effective safeguards in protecting the public.

However, experts continue to advise caution when consuming raw or undercooked eggs, as well as raw milk. Proper cooking and pasteurization remain the best defenses against any potential exposure to the virus.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta emphasized on Tuesday that the approval of a novel non-opioid pain medication represents a significant development.

“This is a pretty big deal,” Gupta stated. “As you just mentioned, it’s been since 1998 that there’s been a new pain medication approved. I mean, the FDA typically approves dozens of medications for all sorts of things, but not pain, so patients really haven’t had many options.”

Gupta’s remarks came during his appearance on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Journavx, also known as suzetrigine, last week. The oral tablet has been designated as a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic specifically for the treatment of acute pain in adults.

In an earlier statement, Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, described the approval as a notable advancement in the field of acute pain management.

“Today’s approval is an important public health milestone in acute pain management,” she said.

Corrigan-Curay further explained the significance of this new therapeutic class, stating, “A new non-opioid analgesic therapeutic class for acute pain offers an opportunity to mitigate certain risks associated with using an opioid for pain and provides patients with another treatment option.”

The introduction of this medication is particularly noteworthy given the dominance of opioid-based treatments for pain relief. Every year, tens of millions of Americans are prescribed opioids such as oxycodone and fentanyl to manage pain.

Gupta highlighted the distinction between opioids and the newly approved medication. “I think what is unique about this, if you think about opioids that you just mentioned, they tend to work primarily on the brain,” he said. “The brain processes all pain, so … that’s why they’re sedating, they can cause problems with addiction.”

He elaborated on how suzetrigine, marketed under the name Journavx, functions differently. “These pain medications, suzetrigine, Journavx as it’s called, works sort of more at the location of the pain, sort of trying to block the signals coming from the source of pain, going to the brain. As a result, you shouldn’t get euphoria,” Gupta added.

The approval of Journavx marks a breakthrough in pain management, offering a non-opioid alternative that may reduce the risks associated with opioid use while providing effective relief.

Physical activity is a crucial pillar for maintaining good health and achieving weight loss goals. While many people rely on walking 10,000 steps daily to stay active and fit, this target can be time-consuming and physically demanding for some. In such cases, stair climbing emerges as a simple yet highly effective exercise for weight loss and overall fitness improvement.

A recent study involving 450,000 adults highlights stair climbing as a practical alternative to walking. The study, published in the medical journal Atherosclerosis, suggests that climbing just five flights of stairs a day—approximately 50 steps—can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues by 20%. This research underlines the numerous health benefits associated with regularly ascending stairs.

Dr. Lu Qi, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized, “Short bursts of high-intensity stair climbing are a time-efficient way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and lipid profile, especially among those unable to achieve the current physical activity recommendations. These results demonstrate the possible benefits of taking stairs every day.” Dr. Qi holds the position of HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and serves as a professor at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Why Consider Stair Climbing?

Stair climbing is an accessible form of exercise that requires no special equipment—just a set of stairs. This simplicity makes it suitable for nearly everyone. Incorporating stair climbing into daily routines can significantly boost activity levels and promote a healthier lifestyle. For individuals who do not engage in regular training, climbing stairs provides an excellent workout. It is more intense and physically demanding than walking, offering substantial benefits for those with a sedentary lifestyle by improving cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

Key Benefits of Stair Climbing

This exercise targets multiple muscle groups, including the calves, thighs, and glutes. As a cardiovascular activity, stair climbing increases heart rate, promoting calorie burn and enhancing endurance. The workout engages muscles through two types of contractions: concentric contractions, where muscles contract and shorten while ascending, and eccentric contractions, which involve controlled muscle lengthening while descending. These differing muscle activities place unique physiological demands on the body.

Beyond cardiovascular benefits, stair climbing also strengthens the leg and core muscles, contributing to increased muscle mass. This, in turn, boosts resting metabolism, aiding in more efficient calorie burning even when the body is at rest.

How Many Stairs Should You Climb Daily?

Experts recommend aiming to climb between three and six flights of stairs each day, with each flight typically consisting of 10 to 15 steps. Previous studies have indicated that climbing more than five flights of stairs daily—equivalent to around 50 steps—can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even blood clots. This simple activity can, therefore, have a profound impact on cardiovascular health.

Tips for Incorporating Stair Climbing into Your Routine

What if you don’t have stairs at home? There are plenty of ways to integrate stair climbing into your daily life. For example, if you work in a multi-story office building, choose the stairs instead of the elevator. Public staircases in places like hotels, shopping malls, airports, medical facilities, and hospitals are also readily available and can be used to add more steps to your day.

To maximize the cardiovascular benefits of stair climbing, fitness experts suggest increasing your pace. Faster stair climbing can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Additionally, if you have access to a gym, using a stair climber machine can replicate the benefits of actual stairs. For those who prefer home workouts, a sturdy fitness step can be used for step-up exercises, offering a similar effect.

Why Stair Climbing Is an Effective Workout

Stair climbing is not just a simple activity—it’s an efficient full-body workout. It combines strength training and cardio in one, which makes it particularly effective for those with busy schedules. The act of climbing engages the lower body muscles while simultaneously elevating the heart rate, creating a powerful calorie-burning effect. This dual-action helps improve both muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.

Moreover, because stair climbing is a weight-bearing exercise, it contributes to bone health by increasing bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis over time. It also improves balance and coordination, which can be especially beneficial as people age.

The Science Behind Stair Climbing’s Health Benefits

The study published in Atherosclerosis sheds light on the biological mechanisms behind stair climbing’s positive impact on health. Regular stair climbing improves lipid profiles by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol), which contributes to better heart health. The activity also enhances insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Lu Qi noted, “These results demonstrate the possible benefits of taking stairs every day.” His findings highlight that even short, intense bursts of activity can offer substantial health advantages, countering the common belief that long-duration exercise sessions are the only way to stay fit.

Stair Climbing vs. Traditional Walking

While walking 10,000 steps a day has been the gold standard for maintaining physical activity, it may not be feasible for everyone due to time constraints or physical limitations. In contrast, stair climbing offers a more time-efficient alternative. The higher intensity of stair climbing means that you can achieve similar—or even greater—health benefits in a shorter period.

For instance, climbing stairs burns more calories per minute compared to walking on a flat surface. This efficiency makes it an attractive option for those looking to manage their weight or improve fitness without dedicating long hours to exercise.

Practical Ways to Add Stair Climbing to Your Day

1. At Work: Skip the elevator and take the stairs whenever possible.
2. At Home: If you live in a multi-story house, make a habit of using the stairs frequently.
3. In Public Spaces: Use stairs in shopping malls, airports, or parking garages.
4. Workout Routine: Incorporate stair sprints or step-up exercises during your regular workout.
5. Stair Machines: If you go to the gym, add a stair climber machine to your routine.

Staying Safe While Climbing Stairs

Although stair climbing is beneficial, it’s important to prioritize safety. Make sure to wear supportive footwear to prevent slips. Start slowly if you’re new to the exercise and gradually increase intensity as your fitness improves. Always use handrails if needed, especially when descending, as the eccentric contractions during this phase can put extra strain on the muscles.

The Bottom Line

Stair climbing is a convenient, cost-free, and highly effective exercise that can fit easily into daily routines. Its benefits extend beyond weight loss, offering improvements in heart health, muscle strength, metabolism, and overall endurance. As Dr. Lu Qi’s research suggests, even small changes—like climbing a few flights of stairs each day—can lead to significant health improvements over time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval on Thursday for suzetrigine, marking the first novel pain relief medication to enter the market in more than two decades.

Suzetrigine, a prescription pill available in 50-milligram doses, is taken every 12 hours following an initial higher dose. It will be marketed under the brand name Journavx.

“A new non-opioid analgesic therapeutic class for acute pain offers an opportunity to mitigate certain risks associated with using an opioid for pain and provides patients with another treatment option,” stated Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a news release. She further emphasized, “This action and the agency’s designations to expedite the drug’s development and review underscore FDA’s commitment to approving safe and effective alternatives to opioids for pain management.”

Pain medications, known as analgesics, are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in hospitals, according to government surveys. Every year, approximately 80 million Americans receive prescriptions for pain treatment, with nearly half of those prescriptions being opioids, which carry risks of addiction and dependency. This data comes from a study conducted by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the company behind suzetrigine.

Suzetrigine is the first new pain relief medication approved in the U.S. since Celebrex, a Cox-2 inhibitor classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which gained FDA approval in 1998.

Dr. Sergio Bergese, an anesthesiologist at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine, explained that pain perception involves multiple areas of the body. When tissue damage occurs, nerve cells send electrical signals to the brain, which interprets them as pain.

While opioids function by dulling pain perception in the brain, suzetrigine operates differently by preventing pain-signaling nerves from transmitting signals in the first place. “This drug, what it is doing is interrupting that path, so even though the tissue injury exists, the brain doesn’t know,” Bergese explained.

Significantly, suzetrigine does not induce the euphoria or high associated with opioids, making it unlikely to lead to dependence or addiction.

The drug’s origins trace back to a unique genetic discovery in Pakistan, where researchers found a family capable of walking over hot coals without experiencing pain. Scientists discovered that members of this family lacked a specific gene responsible for transmitting pain signals in the skin.

“They knew that they were on something hot; they knew they could feel the coals. So it’s not impacting the nerves that do heat and touch and stuff like that. It is just these pain-conducting nerves,” explained Stuart Arbuckle, chief operating officer of Vertex Pharmaceuticals. “They were, in every other way, normal.”

Despite the discovery, it took scientists 25 years to harness this biological mechanism and translate it into a pharmaceutical solution.

Dr. Stephen Waxman, who directs the Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research at the Yale School of Medicine, explained the science behind pain signaling. “Neurons talk to each other by producing series of nerve impulses, like a Morse code,” he said. “And nerve impulses are produced by tiny molecular batteries within the membranes of neurons. The molecular batteries are called sodium channels.”

Suzetrigine functions by blocking a specific sodium channel responsible for transmitting pain signals.

The journey to developing a targeted sodium-channel blocker was fraught with challenges, as previous attempts had failed to isolate a single channel that could be safely inhibited. However, with suzetrigine’s approval, Waxman believes this breakthrough will pave the way for even more effective pain medications. “It is an important step forward, because it provides proof of concept that a [sodium-channel blocker] can reduce pain in humans,” he said. “That opens up the door to a second generation of even more effective [medications].”

Suzetrigine is administered in two dosages. Clinical trials involved an initial 100-milligram dose, followed by 50-milligram doses taken every 12 hours.

Physicians caution that the medication may not be effective for every individual or type of pain.

In two studies involving nearly 600 participants, suzetrigine demonstrated effectiveness in managing post-surgical pain following abdominal and foot operations. Its pain relief capabilities were comparable to Vicodin, a combination of acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone. However, researchers did not directly compare suzetrigine to Vicodin, making it difficult to determine which drug was superior.

Participants in the studies initially reported pain levels averaging around seven on a scale of zero to ten. With suzetrigine, this rating dropped by approximately 3.5 points.

“It’s not like eliminating all pain,” Arbuckle acknowledged. “It’s reducing pain by about 50%.”

A separate study examined the drug’s effects on individuals experiencing back pain due to sciatica. In this case, suzetrigine reduced pain levels by about two points, which was the same improvement reported by those given a placebo. These results suggest that suzetrigine may not be particularly effective for chronic pain conditions.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals disputes this conclusion, arguing that the drug has shown promise in treating various types of chronic pain. The company is currently conducting further trials on patients with diabetic neuropathy—a condition where prolonged high blood sugar damages nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

The sciatica study had a smaller sample size compared to the other trials, with about 100 participants receiving either suzetrigine or a placebo. Due to the limited sample, researchers acknowledge that there may not have been enough participants to detect a significant difference between the drug and the placebo. Additionally, placebo effects tend to be pronounced in pain studies, complicating the interpretation of results.

“In our opinion, the drug did what we expected to do in terms of the amount of pain relief,” Arbuckle said. “But unfortunately, as often happens in studies in pain, there is quite a large placebo response.”

Medical professionals specializing in pain management have welcomed the approval of suzetrigine, recognizing its potential as an alternative to opioids.

“The more options we have, the better we’re able to treat each and every patient,” said Dr. Kimberley Mauer, an anesthesiologist at Oregon Health and Science University.

However, Mauer pointed out that the drug’s accessibility may be influenced by its cost. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has set the wholesale price at $15.50 per 50-milligram pill, but the company has assured that financial assistance programs will be available for eligible patients.

The ultimate impact of cost on accessibility remains uncertain, as insurance companies will play a role in determining coverage options.

“It might limit some patients getting it. So we just have to kind of see, and it’s hard to tell until it kind of gets out on the market,” Mauer said.

The U.S. Surgeon General issued a significant advisory on Friday, highlighting the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer, while urging policy reforms to curb the prevalence of alcohol-related cancers.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, stated that the connection between alcohol and cancer is “well-established,” identifying at least seven types of cancers, including breast, colorectal, esophagus, and liver cancers. “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States — greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. — yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Murthy noted in a press release.

The advisory revealed that even modest alcohol consumption could increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers. For cancers like breast, mouth, and throat, risks begin to rise with as little as one drink per day or fewer, according to the Surgeon General’s office.

To tackle the issue, Dr. Murthy proposed several policy interventions. These include making alcohol warning labels more prominent, incorporating clear information about the heightened cancer risk. He also suggested revising recommended alcohol consumption limits based on up-to-date scientific findings and expanding public education efforts to enhance awareness of alcohol’s connection to cancer.

The proposed measures align with strategies previously used to address tobacco-related harms. Tobacco packaging and advertisements, for instance, are mandated to display explicit warnings about associated health risks, a model that could inform alcohol-related initiatives.

Murthy urged individuals to weigh the cancer risks of alcohol consumption when making decisions about drinking. “Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., behind only tobacco and obesity,” he emphasized.

The advisory also noted a significant gap in public awareness. Between 2019 and 2020, 72% of U.S. adults reported drinking at least one alcoholic beverage per week, yet fewer than half understood the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

On a global scale, alcohol-related cancers accounted for 741,300 cases in 2020, according to the Surgeon General. Alarmingly, alcohol-related cancer deaths typically reduce victims’ lives by an average of 15 years.

Shares of major alcohol producers, including Molson-Coors and Anheuser-Busch, briefly fell over 1% after the release of the advisory.

Notably, younger Americans are already reducing their alcohol intake and turning to non-alcoholic alternatives. According to a Gallup survey from August, nearly two-thirds of adults aged 18 to 34 believe alcohol negatively impacts health. In contrast, fewer than 40% of those aged 35 to 54, and 55 and older, share this view.

The advisory serves as a wake-up call for both policymakers and the public to reconsider the role of alcohol in everyday life and its implications for long-term health.

Finding time for health amidst busy schedules can be challenging, but Dr. Michael Roizen, 78, believes that focusing on a few basics can significantly enhance longevity. Dr. Roizen, chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic, claims his “biological age” is 57.6—reflecting the health of his organs and risk of chronic disease—despite his chronological age. While there isn’t a universal standard for measuring biological age, Roizen emphasizes the importance of small, manageable lifestyle changes for extending one’s health span.

“There are small things and easy things to do that make a big difference,” Roizen said, advocating for simplicity over radical lifestyle overhauls. Here are six key practices he recommends to live longer and healthier lives.

1. Walk More

Roizen prioritizes walking and aims for 10,000 steps daily as part of his workout routine. He suggests that everyone try to increase their daily steps. As an example, he parks far from his workplace and walks the remaining distance to add movement to his commute.

While the 10,000-step goal originated from marketing campaigns, even fewer steps can yield substantial health benefits. A 2023 University of Cambridge study found that brisk walking for just 75 minutes a week reduced the risk of death from all causes, as well as the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

2. Eat Avocado, Salmon, and Olive Oil

Roizen highlights the health benefits of three specific foods: avocado, salmon, and olive oil. These are part of his broader list of foods for longevity but can still provide measurable benefits on their own. Numerous studies associate these items with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

These foods are rich in healthy fats, which play a vital role in heart health and reducing inflammation, making them key components of a diet aimed at promoting long-term wellness.

3. Cultivate Strong Relationships

Building and maintaining strong social connections is essential for health and longevity, Roizen noted, describing it as a “fun” way to enhance overall well-being. He added, “It’s always better to do things with other people.”

Research backs this claim. Rose Anne Kenny, an aging expert from Trinity College Dublin, stated that robust social relationships are just as crucial for a long life as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. Studies indicate that people with active social lives experience better mental health and lower risks of chronic illnesses.

4. Play Speed-of-Processing Games

Brain-training games can help improve mental agility, according to Roizen, who recommends games like “Double Decision” and “Freeze Frame.” Such games fall under the category of speed-of-processing activities and may slow cognitive decline.

Roizen referenced a 2017 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia that showed significant benefits for older adults engaging in these activities. Participants who played 10 sessions of such games over six weeks and continued periodic sessions over the next three years saw a 29% reduced risk of dementia over a decade. Roizen suggests replicating these results by playing speed-of-processing games for two hours weekly over five weeks.

5. Take a Multivitamin

The effectiveness of multivitamins in enhancing longevity remains a subject of debate. While Roizen cited studies suggesting that multivitamin use could lower risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia, other research offers mixed conclusions.

For example, a 2023 JAMA Network Open study involving over 390,000 participants found no direct correlation between multivitamin use and longevity. Similarly, the US Preventive Services Task Force has not endorsed multivitamins for the general public due to insufficient evidence of their efficacy.

Despite this uncertainty, Roizen continues to take multivitamins, explaining that they help maintain stable vitamin levels in his body. He believes this consistency might contribute to long-term health benefits.

6. Get Your Flu Shot

Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged six months and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, Roizen sees additional benefits in flu shots, particularly for healthy aging.

A 2022 review in Ageing Research Reviews suggested that vaccinating older adults against the flu might also reduce the risk of dementia. This could be due to the vaccine’s potential role in lowering inflammation in the brain. Roizen aligns with this perspective, emphasizing the importance of flu shots as part of his longevity strategy.

Incorporating these simple steps into daily life may not require dramatic lifestyle changes but can still offer profound health benefits. From physical activity to social engagement and cognitive stimulation, Roizen’s approach underscores the value of small, consistent efforts in promoting long-term health and vitality. As he aptly puts it, “Small things and easy things can make a big difference.”

Last Wednesday, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically killed in midtown Manhattan in what authorities described as a “pre-meditated, preplanned, targeted attack.” Just days earlier, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a policy limiting anesthesia coverage for surgeries exceeding a specified time limit in some states. However, backlash led to the swift reversal of this policy before its planned implementation in February.

These incidents have reignited public frustration with the American health insurance system, which operates through a mix of private insurance covering about 200 million Americans and government programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Most Americans access health insurance through their employers, directly purchase plans, or rely on government programs, but coverage remains costly. Even with insurance, expenses such as premiums, deductibles, and co-pays can be financially burdensome. Additionally, receiving care from out-of-network providers—often an unintentional consequence, such as in emergencies—can lead to astronomical bills.

One of the most pressing issues is insurers’ rejection of claims. Data from state and federal regulators show that one in seven claims is denied, and few people challenge these decisions. A study found that only 0.1% of denied claims under the Affordable Care Act are formally appealed, leaving many to pay out of pocket for care or forego treatment altogether. Medical debt remains the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States, compounding the emotional toll of navigating a convoluted insurance system.

Thompson’s death and the Anthem policy controversy have sparked widespread criticism of the insurance industry, bringing personal stories of hardship to light. These narratives expose the frustration, heartbreak, and financial ruin many face while dealing with denied claims, delayed care, and insurmountable medical bills.

A Mother’s Desperate Fight

Jessica Alfano, a TikTok content creator known as @monetizationmom, shared her harrowing experience with UnitedHealthcare while her one-year-old daughter was hospitalized with a brain tumor. When her child required emergency surgery at a hospital outside their home state, UnitedHealthcare allegedly refused to approve an ambulance transfer to New York City. Adding to the distress, Alfano was informed that if she drove her daughter herself, insurance wouldn’t cover care at the new hospital. “I vividly remember being on the phone with UnitedHealthcare for days and days—nine months pregnant about to give birth alone—while my other baby was sitting in a hospital room,” she recalled.

The Cost of Misfortune

Allie, a TikTok user posting as @theseaowl44, described her experience of being in “excruciating pain” during pregnancy. Initially misdiagnosed with a urinary tract infection, she later discovered she had appendicitis and required emergency surgery at a larger hospital in St. Louis. Tragically, her son died the day after being born.

As if this wasn’t devastating enough, Allie suffered a pulmonary embolism and required emergency surgery to remove her placenta, nearly losing her life. She later learned that the hospital she was taken to by ambulance was out of network, leaving her with a bill larger than the cost of her home. “We opted to have to file bankruptcy, but not before I exhausted every appeal with Cigna,” she said. After pouring her heart into letters and phone calls, her final appeal was rejected. “Cigna’s appeal physician told me, point blank, it was my fault that when I was dying from a ruptured appendix in the ER, I didn’t check and make sure that the hospital I was being sent to by ambulance was in my insurance network.”

Heartbreaking Tales Across Social Media

Similar stories flood social media platforms, exposing systemic flaws in the insurance industry. One TikTok user, @ChickWithSticks, shared how insurance denied her new leg braces as a paraplegic and only approved a wheelchair. “They wanted to take my ability to WALK away,” she commented.

Another TikToker, Meagan Pitts, revealed that while her insurance covered her child’s NICU stay, it denied coverage for the neonatologists contracted by the NICU. “I’m sorry, what?” she questioned.

One mother recounted her son’s congenital heart defect and the denial of critical intervention by UnitedHealthcare after her husband switched jobs. “They DENIED my son’s cath lab intervention!” she wrote.

Hospital Discharge Nightmare

A Reddit user, @Sweet_Nature_7015, shared the trauma of a car accident involving her and her husband. While her husband was in a coma, their insurance, UnitedHealthcare, covered only two days in the hospital and attempted to discharge him prematurely. “The stress of being told—your health insurance isn’t covering this anymore, we have to discharge your husband—while he’s in a freaking coma and on a ventilator… I can’t even put into words how much stress UHC caused on top of my husband (and my) health issues in the most stressful time of my life.”

To secure continued care, she had to sign away her husband’s job-related benefits, including life insurance, so he could qualify for Medicaid. Years later, when the couple received a court settlement from the driver responsible for the accident, “UHC rolled up to the court and took the entire settlement money as their payment for those two days in the hospital they had paid for.”

“I’m One of the Lucky Ones”

Redditor @sebastorio recounted paying $1,400 out of pocket after UnitedHealthcare denied coverage for emergency care related to an eye injury that could have resulted in blindness. “I’m one of the lucky ones,” they wrote, expressing empathy for those facing even greater struggles for life-saving care.

Denied Coverage During Childbirth

Another Reddit user, @colonelcatsup, detailed their ordeal when their insurance switched to UnitedHealthcare at midnight as they were in premature labor. Their baby required weeks in the NICU, resulting in an $80,000 bill that UnitedHealthcare refused to cover. “In addition to dealing with a premature baby, I had a constant stream of hostile collection calls and mail from the hospital for 18 months. My credit took a hit,” they wrote.

An attorney hired by their employer eventually secured payment from UnitedHealthcare, but the stress lingered. “I will never forgive them for the added stress hanging over me for the first year and a half of my child’s life.”

Debt or Death

Author Bess Kalb shared her story on Substack, recounting a frightening moment when she was bleeding during pregnancy and the EMT hesitated, asking about her insurance before deciding whether to take her to the nearest hospital. The hospital bill ultimately exceeded $10,000.

“The private insurance industry forces millions of Americans to choose between debt or death,” Kalb wrote. “Often, ghoulishly, the outcome is both. If I were worried about an ambulance out of coverage, I would have waited at home… perhaps would not be here to write this, and neither would my son.”

A Broken System

These stories, coupled with public outrage, reflect a common sentiment: the U.S. health insurance system often fails the very people it is meant to protect. Whether through denied claims, overwhelming medical debt, or bureaucratic hurdles, Americans are frequently forced to endure emotional, financial, and physical suffering. The pervasive issue of balancing life-saving care against unaffordable costs highlights the urgent need for systemic reform.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/the-spotlight-is-on-health-insurance-companies-patients-are-telling-their-stories-of-denied-claims-bankruptcy-and-delayed-care-014648524.html

The “brazen and targeted” killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, outside a New York hotel, has shocked the nation. Thompson’s death has not only drawn attention to the tragic incident itself but has also ignited a wave of public anger toward the trillion-dollar health insurance industry. The murder has amplified ongoing frustrations with a system that many Americans believe is broken.

The phrase “prior authorisation,” central to insurance operations, has become a flashpoint of contention. This process allows insurers to evaluate and approve medical treatments before agreeing to cover them. Critics argue that such measures often lead to delays or outright denials of necessary care.

This sentiment was palpable during a July protest outside UnitedHealthcare’s Minnesota headquarters. Over 100 people from various states, including Maine, Texas, and West Virginia, gathered to decry the company’s policies and denial of claims. The demonstration, organised by the People’s Action Institute, resulted in the arrest of eleven protesters for blocking a road. According to Unai Montes-Irueste, the group’s media strategy director, many of those present had personal experiences with claim denials. “They are denied care, then they have to go through an appeals process that’s incredibly difficult to win,” Montes-Irueste explained.

This underlying frustration burst into the spotlight following Thompson’s murder. As the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, Thompson led the largest insurer in the U.S. While police are still searching for the suspect and the motive remains unclear, shell casings found at the crime scene bore words like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—terms critics associate with tactics insurers allegedly use to avoid payouts.

Online reactions to Thompson’s death revealed the deep-seated anger many feel toward the health insurance industry. A scan of Thompson’s LinkedIn profile showed comments from individuals frustrated with denied claims. One woman with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer wrote, “We’ve just left [UnitedHealthcare] because of all the denials for my meds. Every month there is a different reason for the denial.”

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, shared that he had received threats before the incident. “There had been some threats,” she told NBC. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of [medical] coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

Philip Klein, a security expert who previously worked with Thompson, expressed shock over the lack of security during the executive’s New York trip. “There’s a lot of anger in the United States of America right now,” he remarked. Klein noted that corporate leaders often face threats stemming from public frustration over high costs and limited access. “Companies need to wake up and realise that their executives could be hunted down anywhere,” he added.

Following the shooting, politicians and industry officials expressed condolences. Michael Tuffin, president of the insurance industry organisation Ahip, called Thompson’s death a tragedy. “He was a devoted father, a good friend to many, and a refreshingly candid colleague and leader,” Tuffin said. UnitedHealth Group acknowledged the support it had received from “patients, consumers, health care professionals, associations, government officials, and other caring people.”

However, online commentary painted a contrasting picture. Many criticized insurance companies for claim denials and excessive costs. Some used dark humor, such as quipping “thoughts and prior authorisations,” a play on the common phrase “thoughts and prayers.” Others went as far as celebrating Thompson’s death, reflecting the depth of animosity toward the system. The outrage spanned the political spectrum, uniting left-wing activists, right-wing critics of corporate influence, and ordinary individuals sharing personal stories of denied care.

Montes-Irueste, while condemning the violence, acknowledged the widespread bitterness. “We have a balkanised and broken healthcare system,” he said, adding that the frustration stems from diverse experiences with a system that many feel is failing them.

Criticism of the insurance industry is not new. A recent Commonwealth Fund study revealed that 45% of insured working-age adults were billed for services they believed should have been covered. Additionally, 17% reported that their insurers denied coverage for doctor-recommended care. Less than half of those who suspected billing errors chose to contest them, highlighting the complexity and opacity of the system.

Sara Collins, a senior scholar at The Commonwealth Fund, described the U.S. healthcare system as both expensive and convoluted. “Just navigating and understanding how you get covered can be challenging for people,” she explained. While things might appear manageable when people are healthy, problems often arise when they require substantial medical care. Collins added, “We find high rates of people saying that their healthcare costs are unaffordable, across all insurance types, even Medicaid and Medicare. We truly have a medical debt crisis.”

The high costs of healthcare in the U.S. exacerbate these issues. Christine Eibner, a senior economist at the RAND Corporation, noted that average insurance premiums for a family hover around $25,000 annually, with out-of-pocket expenses often adding thousands more. “On top of that, people face out-of-pocket costs, which could easily be in the thousands of dollars,” she said.

UnitedHealthcare and other major insurers have faced lawsuits and investigations over their practices. Last year, UnitedHealthcare settled a case involving a chronically ill college student who amassed $800,000 in medical debt after his prescribed medications were denied. ProPublica, which covered the case, highlighted how the student struggled under the weight of the bills. The company is also contesting a class-action lawsuit accusing it of using artificial intelligence to prematurely terminate treatments.

Despite these controversies, many Americans still hold favorable views of their insurers. A survey by KFF found that while two-thirds blamed insurance companies for high healthcare costs, 81% rated their coverage as “excellent” or “good.”

Yet, the anger remains palpable, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with a system that leaves many feeling vulnerable and neglected. As Tuffin defended the industry, calling his colleagues “mission-driven professionals working to make coverage and care as affordable as possible,” the divide between public perception and industry claims became starkly evident.

For now, the murder of Brian Thompson serves as a grim reminder of the tensions that exist within the U.S. healthcare system. Whether it leads to meaningful reforms or further entrenches the divide between insurers and the public remains to be seen.

In a significant move, British lawmakers granted preliminary approval to a bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek assistance in ending their lives. The vote, which took place on Friday, followed an emotionally charged debate in Parliament that featured deeply personal stories of suffering and loss. The assisted dying bill passed with a 330-275 majority, signaling initial support but leaving further scrutiny and a final vote pending.

The debate lasted several hours and was marked by a level of decorum rarely seen in the House of Commons. Members of Parliament (MPs) discussed the ethical, religious, and legal ramifications of the proposed legislation with speeches delivered respectfully and without the usual interruptions. “Let’s be clear, we’re not talking about a choice between life or death, we are talking about giving dying people a choice about how to die,” said Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who sponsored the bill, as she introduced it to a packed chamber.

Supporters of the bill argued that it would offer dignity and autonomy to terminally ill individuals while alleviating unnecessary suffering. Proponents emphasized that the legislation includes robust safeguards to prevent misuse, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected. The proposed law would apply only to adults over 18 with less than six months to live. Those requesting assistance would need to be mentally capable of making the decision and able to self-administer the prescribed medication. Additionally, two independent doctors and a High Court judge would need to approve each case.

Critics, however, expressed strong reservations about the bill. Concerns were raised about the potential for coercion, particularly among the elderly and disabled, who might feel pressured to end their lives to ease the financial or emotional burden on their families. Danny Kruger, one of the leading voices against the bill, warned that no amount of safeguards could fully protect vulnerable individuals. “We should not create a state suicide service,” he said.

Kruger also expressed disappointment at the bill’s preliminary approval but remained optimistic that it could still be blocked in the final vote. “I still think we can stop it,” he said, noting that some MPs who voted in favor may change their stance after further examination of the bill’s details.

The bill’s progression has sparked widespread public interest, with hundreds of people gathering outside Parliament as the debate unfolded. Demonstrators on both sides of the issue displayed their views through slogans and banners. Opponents held signs reading, “Kill the bill, not the ill,” and criticized the potential strain on the National Health Service (NHS). On the other side, supporters, many wearing pink hats, carried messages such as “You can’t cure death. Please make it fear-free” and “Giving me choice over my death.”

The emotional intensity of the debate was underscored by personal accounts shared by MPs and activists. Proponents highlighted stories of terminally ill individuals who endured immense suffering in their final months or resorted to secret suicides due to the current legal prohibition on assisted dying. Esther Rantzen, a well-known campaigner and broadcaster who is terminally ill with lung cancer, hailed the outcome as a step toward equality and compassion. “It’s wonderful. This gives people an equal choice,” she said. Rantzen previously stated that she had considered traveling to Switzerland, where assisted dying is legal for non-residents, to end her life.

Despite its passage in the Commons, the bill faces significant hurdles before becoming law. The government is expected to provide assessments in the coming months on how assisted dying would be funded and how it might affect the NHS, hospice care, and the judicial system. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for the change but refrained from making a public statement before the vote. Divisions within political parties were evident, with members from all sides voting both for and against the measure. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood were among those who opposed the bill, despite being part of the ruling Labour Party.

The legislation applies only to England and Wales, leaving Scotland and Northern Ireland unaffected. International comparisons were also highlighted during the debate, with MPs noting that other countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, and parts of the United States, have enacted similar laws. The regulations in these jurisdictions vary widely, with some permitting euthanasia, where a healthcare professional administers a lethal injection at the patient’s request.

For Joshua Cook, a 33-year-old living with Huntington’s disease, the bill represents progress toward a more compassionate society. “It’s a relief, it’s history,” Cook said after the vote. “Finally, we are getting towards having a society that shows love and compassion above the need to just keep people alive.”

The journey of this legislation is far from over. While Friday’s vote is a historic moment for advocates of assisted dying, it is only the first step in what promises to be a lengthy and contentious process. Both sides are prepared for further battles as the bill continues through Parliament.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the significant yet relatively small portion of U.S. healthcare spending allocated to provider salaries. In total, healthcare providers collectively earn $966.99 billion, a substantial figure but still a fraction of the overall expenditures in the sector.

Physicians, numbering around one million in the United States, account for $262.33 billion of this total. This means their earnings represent just 7.3% of the $3.6 trillion spent on healthcare in 2019. While their role is critical to the system, their compensation is only a small portion of the immense financial resources channeled into healthcare annually.

A recent study has uncovered a potential reason behind graying hair: stem cells that get stuck in place and lose their ability to produce pigment. Published in the journal Nature by researchers from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, the study sheds light on how melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) contribute to hair color and why their dysfunction leads to gray hair.

The research primarily focused on McSCs, which play a pivotal role in producing pigment. Under normal circumstances, these stem cells move between different compartments within hair follicles. These compartments provide environments that allow McSCs to mature, acquire the proteins necessary to regenerate into pigment cells, and maintain hair color. What makes McSCs unique is their ability to shift between states of maturity as they travel between these compartments.

However, the study revealed that some McSCs get stuck in the hair follicle bulge compartment, preventing them from returning to the germ compartment. In the germ compartment, WNT proteins drive the regeneration of pigment cells. When McSCs remain immobile in the bulge, they lose their capacity to produce pigment, resulting in gray hair.

“It is the loss of chameleon-like function in melanocyte stem cells that may be responsible for graying and loss of hair color,” said Mayumi Ito, the study’s senior investigator and a professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and Department of Cell Biology at NYU Langone Health. “These findings suggest that melanocyte stem cell motility and reversible differentiation are key to keeping hair healthy and colored.”

The implications of the research suggest that if McSCs can continue moving freely or can be encouraged to move when stuck, it may be possible to maintain natural hair color indefinitely.

“Our study adds to our basic understanding of how melanocyte stem cells work to color hair,” explained Qi Sun, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health and one of the study’s authors. “The newfound mechanisms raise the possibility that the same fixed positioning of melanocyte stem cells may exist in humans. If so, it presents a potential pathway for reversing or preventing the graying of human hair by helping jammed cells to move again between developing hair follicle compartments.”

The study also highlighted the difference between McSCs and the cells responsible for hair growth. According to Sun, even when pigment production ceases, hair growth can continue, albeit without color. As hair follicles age and undergo cycles of regrowth, an increasing number of McSCs become lodged in the follicle bulge, unable to regenerate pigment cells. Eventually, these stuck McSCs can account for approximately half of all the McSCs in a follicle bulge.

The research found that mobile McSCs retained their pigment-producing ability. However, over time, the requirements for McSC functionality become more challenging to meet, contributing to the appearance of gray hair as individuals age.

While stress is commonly linked to gray hair, separate research from Harvard indicates that stress accelerates hair follicle aging by increasing the regrowth cycle. This faster cycling ultimately speeds up the breakdown of McSC functionality, leading to earlier graying.

“For unknown reasons, the melanocyte stem cell system fails earlier than other adult stem cell populations, which leads to hair graying in most humans and mice,” the NYU study stated.

The next phase of the research aims to determine how to restore mobility to McSCs once they become stuck. If successful, this could pave the way for treatments that reverse or prevent gray hair by ensuring McSCs remain functional and capable of producing pigment.

As Ito remarked, “These findings suggest a promising avenue for interventions that could one day prevent or even reverse the graying process, bringing hope to those seeking to maintain their natural hair color throughout life.”

Long before Bryan Johnson gained recognition for his relentless quest to reverse aging through biohacking—rigorous testing, strict diets, and an array of supplements—Valter Longo was deeply immersed in the study of longevity. A professor of gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute, Longo has long pursued the dream of living a robust life spanning 120 to 130 years. His mission reflects a rising interest in not just increasing life span—the total number of years lived—but enhancing health span, which refers to living free of disease and in good health.

The allure of longevity has often been associated with the Mediterranean lifestyle, celebrated for its emphasis on healthy eating, physical activity, and strong community ties. Italy, and particularly Sardinia, is a shining example. Sardinia is one of the original “Blue Zones,” a term coined to describe regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. This phenomenon was explored in Dan Buettner’s Netflix series, Living to 100, which examined the lifestyle habits of Sardinia’s residents.

However, Longo, who hails from Italy, reveals a concerning shift in his home country. “Almost nobody in Italy eats the Mediterranean diet anymore,” he observes. According to a profile of Longo in The New York Times, Italian youth are grappling with rising obesity rates due to the growing dominance of what Longo labels the “poisonous five P’s—pizza, pasta, protein, potatoes, and pane (bread).” He warns that if this dietary pattern continues, Italians might maintain long life spans but suffer from diminished health during those years.

To counteract this trend, Longo advocates a return to the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is rich in plant-based foods, nuts, and healthy fats. As the author of The Longevity Diet, Longo not only promotes this dietary approach but also offers practical guidance through recipes on his website. These include dishes such as sweet and sour sardines, stuffed artichokes, cabbage patties, and onions in walnut sauce—each designed with longevity in mind.

In addition to traditional dietary practices, Longo has introduced an innovative concept in the field of longevity: the fasting-mimicking diet, or “faux fasting.” This approach involves reducing food intake to simulate the effects of fasting without requiring complete abstinence from food. According to his website, this diet is characterized by low carbohydrates and protein while being high in fatty acids. “The Fasting Mimicking Diet patented recipe allows your body to remain in a fasting-like mode, which triggers a set of protectionist measures that the body has developed during natural selection,” his site explains. This state, he claims, enables the body to rejuvenate cells, enhance performance, and adapt to challenging conditions.

While research on intermittent fasting and related approaches has uncovered both benefits and limitations, the method’s enduring popularity highlights the extent to which individuals are willing to experiment to extend their lives. Longo’s fasting-mimicking diet is one of many strategies being explored in this field, yet it offers a compelling blend of traditional wisdom and modern science.

The story of Valter Longo serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultural heritage and modern dietary trends. While regions like Sardinia provide a blueprint for healthy living, Longo’s work underscores the importance of adapting these lessons to contemporary challenges. His dedication to longevity continues to inspire a global audience eager to not just live longer, but live better.

Time spares no one, as cognitive decline is a natural part of aging. However, new research offers hope by suggesting that a simple daily habit can rejuvenate brainpower, potentially making your mind function as if it were several years younger. This intriguing finding comes from a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine by researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine.

Their study focuses on the benefits of “everyday movement”—ordinary physical activities that do not necessarily involve intense workouts. Actions like walking a dog, performing household chores, or light physical engagement seem to contribute to better cognitive function. According to the researchers, this everyday movement leads to an “improvement in cognitive processing speed equivalent to being four years younger.”

“You don’t have to go to the gym to experience all the potential benefits of physical activity,” said Jonathan Hakun, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of neurology and psychology at Penn State College of Medicine. “All movement is important. Everyday movement counts as a source of accumulated physical activity that could be credited toward a healthy lifestyle and may have some direct impact on cognitive health.”

The Study’s Focus

This research stands out because, while previous studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits long-term brain health, this one emphasizes immediate cognitive benefits. Regular exercise has been linked to reducing mortality risk by as much as 27%, but the Penn State study sheds light on short-term effects.

Imagine walking your dog in the morning and experiencing faster cognitive processing later that day. As Hakun explained, “The idea here is that we can momentarily counteract [cognitive decline] through movement. It’s compelling. There’s the potential for a brief walk or a little extra movement to give you a boost.”

To test this idea, the researchers observed 204 middle-aged individuals, aged 40 to 65, all residing in the Bronx, New York. Over nine days, participants reported their physical activity six times daily and completed two brain games. These games measured working memory and cognitive processing speed. The findings were clear: after reporting any physical activity, participants exhibited noticeable improvements in cognitive processing speed.

Practical Takeaways

The implications of this study are especially relevant for those balancing busy schedules. Even simple adjustments to your daily routine, such as incorporating more physical movement, can yield cognitive benefits. Business leaders, for example, might consider walk-and-talk meetings or walking to a colleague’s desk instead of relying on video calls.

Hakun’s findings are not a replacement for traditional, vigorous exercise. Instead, they highlight how adding pleasant and straightforward activities to daily life can make a difference. As he put it, “We get slower as we age, both physically and cognitively.” However, even modest physical activity offers the potential for a noticeable boost in mental sharpness.

This study encourages us to appreciate the cumulative impact of small efforts, proving that even ordinary actions like walking the dog or tidying the house can contribute to a sharper mind.

The practice of forest bathing, rooted in mindfulness and meditation, involves immersing oneself in nature, often by walking through woodlands. Numerous studies highlight the health benefits of this experience, which can calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. This raises an intriguing question: could nature immersion become a formal therapeutic tool, prescribed by medical professionals to treat various health conditions?

Kathy Willis, a biodiversity professor at the University of Oxford, delves into this idea in her book Good Nature. Drawing on extensive evidence, she discusses not only the health benefits of nature but also presents quantitative data suggesting that doctors could incorporate nature into their treatment plans. Through her exploration of the sensory interactions between humans and the natural world, Willis uncovers the calming effects of touching wood, the enduring benefits of walking in pine forests, and the reasons why urban noise is particularly grating.

In a recent interview with Live Science, Willis shared her motivation for studying the health impacts of nature, the physiological responses triggered by natural landscapes, and how incorporating plants into our homes can enhance well-being.

The Spark Behind the Research

Reflecting on her journey, Willis said her interest was sparked during a large intergovernmental project on ecosystem services. “I kept coming across this paper that really piqued my interest,” she recalled. It revealed that gallbladder surgery patients who could view trees from their hospital windows required fewer pain medications and recovered faster than those whose windows faced brick walls.

“The fascinating part was that it wasn’t about air quality or pollution,” she explained. “There was a direct relationship between what patients saw and their recovery rates. Something within their sense of sight was accelerating healing.” This observation led Willis to question the mechanisms behind such phenomena, marking the beginning of her research journey.

More Than Just a Feeling

The physical and mental effects of nature extend beyond simple enjoyment. Willis explored how various senses—sight, smell, hearing, and touch—interact with nature to produce tangible physiological changes. “It’s an automatic response,” she said. For instance, nature can lower adrenaline levels, improve heart rate variability, and even stabilize hormonal imbalances.

To persuade medical professionals of nature’s potential, Willis emphasized the need for measurable evidence. “You can’t just say you feel generally better,” she said. “You need quantitative data showing exactly what’s happening in the body.”

Green Spaces and Human Physiology

One striking revelation is how the color green impacts the body. “When you look at green, particularly green and white leaves, three pathways are activated,” Willis explained. The autonomic nervous system is affected, lowering heart rate and blood pressure. The endocrine system responds with changes such as reduced stress-indicating salivary amylase levels. Lastly, psychological markers reveal decreased anxiety and increased calmness.

This phenomenon may be evolutionary. Willis pointed to studies showing that people prefer mid-complexity fractal patterns, such as open landscapes dotted with trees, over angular urban horizons. “When shown images of different landscapes, people consistently choose open savanna-like vistas,” she said. Interestingly, even children from tropical rainforest regions who had never left their environment favored savanna landscapes in such studies.

Smells That Heal

The chapter on smell surprised Willis the most. She discovered that inhaling plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has significant physiological effects. “When you breathe in a plant scent, those molecules cross your lung membranes and enter your bloodstream,” she explained.

Walking in a pine forest, for instance, increases blood levels of pinene, a compound that interacts with biochemical pathways similarly to certain prescription drugs. “There’s compelling evidence that breathing in VOCs from trees like cedar reduces adrenaline and elevates natural killer cells, which help fight cancers and viruses,” Willis noted.

A groundbreaking study published in Oncotarget highlighted this effect. People living near Cupressaceae forests were found to be healthier, with lower instances of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, participants who walked in such forests for five hours experienced elevated natural killer cells, an effect that persisted for seven days.

Artificial Plants: No Substitute for the Real Thing

Studies comparing artificial and real plants reveal that the benefits of nature cannot be replicated synthetically. Japanese schoolchildren exposed to real pansies for 10 minutes experienced lowered blood pressure and feelings of calm. However, polyester-based artificial plants provided no such benefits. “It’s not just about sight,” Willis clarified. “The subconscious impact of smell plays a huge role.”

Gut Health and Biodiversity

The influence of nature extends to the gut microbiome. Biodiverse environments can positively alter the gut and skin microbiomes, leading to reduced inflammatory markers in the blood. Willis cited a Finnish study involving nursery children who played in three types of playgrounds: concrete, artificial matting, and Boreal forest soil.

“After 28 days, children exposed to forest soil had a completely new gut microbiome and significantly reduced inflammatory markers,” she said. Similar benefits were observed in adults working in offices with green walls, showing that biodiversity in one’s environment directly affects bodily systems.

Bringing Nature Indoors

For those unable to venture outdoors, Willis offered practical advice on incorporating nature into daily life. Victorian-era homes, often filled with plants, serve as an inspiration. “Having live plants in your sitting room or study can make a difference,” she said. Even something as simple as placing a vase of roses on a desk has measurable effects.

“Studies show that even non-scented roses—white or yellow—can lower blood pressure,” she added. “Why not have a vase of roses on your desk? It’s a small step we can all take without waiting for a prescription.”

Nature as Medicine

Willis’s research underscores the profound impact of natural environments on human health. From lowering stress hormones to boosting immune cells, the evidence suggests that nature’s healing powers are rooted in complex physiological processes. By acknowledging and harnessing these benefits, we could transform healthcare, integrating nature-based therapies into traditional medical practices.

Her findings remind us of the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. Whether through a walk in the forest, a vase of flowers, or a well-placed houseplant, the path to well-being might be closer than we think. As Willis puts it, “Wherever we are, we should all really be heading towards the bushy edges.”

After years of repeated cuts to physician payments under Medicare, the system has reached a critical point, with a 2.8% reduction set to take effect on January 1. Many believe this highlights the system’s deep flaws. Thankfully, Congress appears to be addressing this challenge, recognizing the potential threat these cuts pose to the viability of physician practices and patient care.

On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024, which aims to support struggling physician practices and improve patient access. Leading the effort are California Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-6), and Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA-25), joined by their Republican colleagues Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), and John Joyce (R-PA).

The California Medical Association (CMA) has expressed strong support for the bill, which seeks to halt the scheduled 2.8% Medicare payment cut in 2025. Additionally, it proposes a partial inflation update equivalent to 50% of the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) for one year in 2025 to offset rising practice costs. If passed, this would lead to a total 4.73% increase in Medicare physician payments for the year.

Urgent Need for Legislative Action

Time is running out for Congress to act on this critical issue. With the legislative calendar winding down and a “lame-duck” session anticipated after the upcoming elections, passing HR 10073 must become a priority. Advocacy groups like CMA are urging physicians and patients to contact their representatives and push for immediate support of the bill.

“This is our last chance to ensure HR 10073 becomes part of the final year-end legislative package,” emphasized CMA representatives. They are calling on individuals to urge lawmakers to cosponsor the bill and help mitigate the impact of Medicare cuts.

Grassroots physician advocacy has already demonstrated its power. Recently, 233 bipartisan members of Congress signed a letter to House leadership, urging an end to Medicare payment cuts and requesting an inflation update before the year’s close. CMA is now asking for renewed efforts to ensure those same lawmakers back HR 10073 as cosponsors.

“Physician action makes a difference,” CMA emphasized, encouraging all healthcare professionals to rally behind the bill.

Building Toward Long-Term Reform

Although HR 10073 addresses Medicare physician payments for just 2025, it represents a critical first step in the broader effort to reform the system. The legislation provides temporary relief while opening the door for discussions about more comprehensive payment reforms in future sessions of Congress.

“This is an essential first step toward achieving our ultimate goal: long-term physician Medicare payment reform,” CMA leaders stated.

Lawmakers and medical associations are united in their assessment that the current system is unsustainable. “Everyone agrees the Medicare physician payment system is broken, and it’s time for Congress to do something about it,” advocates declared.

Take Action Now

To ensure the success of HR 10073, CMA and other advocacy groups are calling on physicians and patients to act swiftly. Contacting representatives, encouraging them to cosponsor the legislation, and raising public awareness are vital steps in securing its passage.

If successful, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act will provide temporary stability for physician practices, ensuring better access to care for patients while paving the way for long-overdue reforms to the Medicare payment system.