Health

8 of the most important health stories this week, in case you missed them

Published

2 weeks ago

May 12, 2024

8 of the most important health stories this week, in case you missed them

Fox News Digital publishes a range of health and wellness pieces all week long to keep you in the know.

Health coverage includes articles on new medications, mental health challenges, groundbreaking resources, personal medical dramas and more.

In case you missed them, here are a few of our biggest health stories from this week.

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These are just a few of what’s new.

See a full list of recent health pieces at http://www.foxnews/health.

1. Mom seeks ‘perfect match’ to help daughter

A 10-year-old girl in Pennsylvania is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant — and her mother is on a mission to find the perfect match. Fox News Digital talked to Ashleigh Walter about the importance of joining the donor registry. Click here to get the story.

Lani Walter, 10, is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant — and her mother is on a mission to find the perfect match for her. (Ashleigh Walter)

2. Many nurses ready to jump ship

More than half of surveyed nurses say they’re likely to leave the profession. Find out the source of their frustration — and what they say needs to change in the field. Click here to get the story.

More than a third of the nurses who took part in a recent survey of 1,155 nurses across the U.S. say they are “extremely likely” to change jobs. (iStock)

3. Orangutan heals its own wound in the wild

An orangutan in a protected Indonesian rainforest site who sustained a facial wound treated the injury himself, researchers say. Learn the amazing story of how he did it. Click here to get the story.

An orangutan who sustained a facial wound, shown on the left, treated it himself, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports earlier this month. In the image on the right, his scar is just barely noticeable. (Armas Fitra & Safruddin & TNGL & KLHK & MPI & UNAS & YEL)

4. Simple sleep hack could help you drift off

For those who are struggling to get enough sleep, the ABCs may be the key to getting more Zzzs. Sleep experts chimed in on why this method works. Click here to get the story.

“You can’t force sleep — and thinking about falling asleep or about how you can’t fall asleep is a surefire way to delay it,” an expert said. (iStock)

5. Experts offer tips on grieving during Mother’s Day

For those who are experiencing their first Mother’s Day after losing a mom, a mental health expert offered five tips for navigating the difficult emotions. Click here to get the story.

For those who have lost their mothers, Mother’s Day can be a difficult day to manage. A certified grief support specialist (not pictured) shared insights and help for coping. (iStock)

6. Should seniors get screened for breast cancer?

The official guidance is for women ages 40 to 74 to get mammograms every other year, but some experts call for the recommendations to include older women as well. Click here to get the story.

One of the main reasons that women over age 74 were excluded is that the age group was not invited to take part in clinical trials. (iStock)

7. Global bacterial outbreak sparks concern

Cholera, a bacterial disease typically spread by food and water, continues to surge around the world. As vaccines remain in short supply, experts warned about the global risk. Click here to get the story.

Fox News Digital’s health coverage includes articles on new medications, mental health challenges, groundbreaking resources, personal medical dramas and much more. (Ashleigh Walter; iStock)

8. Common snack could slash diabetes risk

Eating yogurt regularly could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the FDA. Nutritionists weighed in on the potential benefits and also urge caution. Click here to get the story.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Health

Half of Americans not equipped to provide life-saving treatment in a crisis, poll finds

Published

3 hours ago

May 23, 2024

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Half of Americans not equipped to provide life-saving treatment in a crisis, poll finds

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Only half the people in the U.S. feel they could be helpful in an emergency situation, a new poll found.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center surveyed a national sample of 1,005 Americans, finding that only 51% of them knew how to perform hands-only CPR if needed.

In cases of serious bleeding, only 49% said they could assist, and 56% said they would be equipped to help someone who was choking.

The data was collected via phone and email from April 5 to April 7 of this year.

KIDS AS YOUNG AS 4 YEARS OLD CAN BEGIN TO LEARN MEDICAL EMERGENCY TRAINING: NEW REPORT

“The key takeaways from our survey are that patient outcomes would improve if the general public learned some basic life-saving measures in the areas of hands-only CPR, choking rescue and bleeding control,” Nicholas Kman, M.D., emergency medicine physician at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and clinical professor of emergency medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

“We can save lives while we wait for first responders to arrive.”

Only half the people in the U.S. feel they could be helpful in an emergency situation, a new poll has found. (iStock)

“For every minute that passes, the chance of survival drops, and if they do survive, there’s less chance of a good neurologic outcome.”

Data shows that 70% to 80% of cardiac arrests occur in the home and 20% happen in a public place, according to Kman.

HELP DESPERATELY NEEDED: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES ‘NATION OF LIFESAVERS’ PROGRAM

“Outcomes are poor when the arrest is unwitnessed at home,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Just think, the person with the medical emergency could be your loved one in your house. You may have to provide life-saving treatment until first responders arrive.”

Data shows that 70% to 80% of cardiac arrests occur in the home and 20% happen in a public place, a researcher said. (iStock)

Based on the survey findings, Kman advised the public to get trained in life-saving measures — particularly hands-only CPR, choking and serious bleeding.

“Look for training that may be offered through community days at hospitals, schools, libraries, community organizations, religious institutions, volunteer groups, festivals and sporting events,” he suggested.

“We’re responsible for each other.”

Organizations and websites such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and Stop The Bleed may offer these courses for free or low cost, Kman noted.

After learning the skills, it’s important to practice them, the doctor said.

“We would love the public to learn how to do hands-only CPR and practice the skill of doing CPR every six weeks,” Kman said.

Based on the survey findings, researchers advised people to get trained in life-saving measures, particularly hands-only CPR, choking first-aid and serious bleeding assistance. (iStock)

“As with any skill, practice builds confidence. If we don’t practice it, we lose that skill.”

The OSU survey did have some limitations, Kman acknowledged.

“The survey was a convenience sample of a cross-section of Americans,” he told Fox News Digital.

HEART ATTACKS MORE LIKELY DURING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND OTHER STRESSFUL TIMES, STUDY SHOWS

“Most demographics were equally represented, but different regions do better at this than others, and their cardiac arrest results and survival reflect that,” he continued.

“States and countries that prioritize training the public have higher survival rates.”

“When you’re trained in these lifesaving skills, you’ll know how to recognize the signs that someone needs help and buy time until the [first] responders can get there,” a doctor said. (iStock)

Dr. Kenneth Perry, an emergency department physician in South Carolina, was not involved in the survey but said he was surprised that more people don’t feel unprepared.

“Even for medical professionals, having a medical emergency occur without preparation can be a very stressful event,” he told Fox News Digital.

“It is very important for people to have basic lifesaving skills.”

“It is very important for people to have basic lifesaving skills.”

The easiest and most helpful skill that people should learn is how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED). These are located in many public places, such as gyms, malls and even some public walkways, according to Perry.

“These devices are the best way to save a person who is suffering from cardiac arrest,” he said.

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“If the person has an abnormal heart rhythm that can be brought back to normal with electricity, this device will save that patient.”

This is a very time-sensitive process, however — it must happen as early as possible, the doctor advised.

“Early defibrillation is directly correlated with the best outcomes for patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.”

Ultimately, Kwan, said, “we’re responsible for each other.”

“When you’re trained in these lifesaving skills, you’ll know how to recognize the signs that someone needs help and buy time until the responders can get there.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Health

Second American contracts bird flu tied to dairy cows as CDC says risk of infection still low

Published

10 hours ago

May 23, 2024

Press Room

Second American contracts bird flu tied to dairy cows as CDC says risk of infection still low

CDC issues alert over bird flu case

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel on what to know about bird flu and why it is important to not look directly at the solar eclipse without proper glasses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Wednesday that a second H5N1 bird flu case has been identified by officials.

A 55-year-old Michigan dairy worker became ill after working with H5N1-infected cattle, the CDC said in a press release. While an upper respiratory tract sample tested negative, a specimen from his eye confirmed the H5N1 bird flu infection.

A Texas farm worker was diagnosed with the disease in March. Both the Michigan and Texas patients suffered from conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Neither showed signs of a respiratory infection.

“Conjunctivitis (eye infection) has been associated with previous human infections with avian influenza A viruses and is part of the current CDC case definition for A(H5N1) surveillance,” the CDC explained in a Wednesday press release.

VIRAL ‘HOSTAGE TAPE’ SLEEPING TREND GAINS STEAM AS DOCTORS WARN OF POTENTIAL DANGERS

At least two farm workers have been infected with H5N1 bird flu this year. (iStock)

“While it’s not known exactly how eye infections result from avian influenza exposures, it may be from contamination of the eye(s), potentially with a splash of contaminated fluid, or touching the eye(s) with something contaminated with A(H5N1) virus, such as a hand.”

The Texas case marked the first human case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. Globally, it was the first time a human caught H5 bird flu from a cow.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has found that at least 49 dairy herds across nine states have been exposed to H5N1. On Wednesday, the CDC maintained that the health risk that H5N1 bird flu poses to humans is still low.

THREE WOMEN — AGES 41, 55 AND 64 — SHARE THEIR SECRETS TO BETTER HEALTH AND LONGEVITY

Fatinah Albeez, a research associate with the Broad Institute’s Sabeti lab, works with milk samples in May 2024. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

“Based on the information available, this infection does not change CDC’s current H5N1 bird flu human health risk assessment for the U.S. general public, which the agency considers to be low.,” the CDC said. “However, this development underscores the importance of recommended precautions in people with exposure to infected or potentially infected animals.”

Officials are still monitoring the outbreak, but maintain that pasteurized milk is safe to drink.

“I can say without reservation that our commercial milk and meat supplies are safe,” USDA official Eric Deeble said during a briefing on May 16. “At no time were animals that are sick from H5N1 or any other animal disease permitted to enter into our food supply.”

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Jon Arizti Sanz, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow working in the lab to test bird flu samples in May 2024.

The CDC is encouraging Americans to avoid exposure to dead animals and animal waste. Officials also discourage drinking raw milk.

“Following these recommendations is central to reducing a person’s risk and containing the overall public health risk,” the organization advised.

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

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Health

Heart attacks during election year, plus lupus myths and life support decisions

Published

17 hours ago

May 22, 2024

Press Room

Heart attacks during election year, plus lupus myths and life support decisions

People with high stress sensitivity, anxiety or depression are at a “significantly higher heart attack risk” during periods of social or political stress, a study found. (Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC via Getty Images; iStock)

STRESS TEST – Heart attack risk spikes for some people during periods of stress, such as election seasons, a new study found. Continue reading…

IRREVERSIBLE DECISIONS – Many patients who died after traumatic brain injuries may have survived and recovered if their families had waited to take them off life support, a new study found. Doctors react. Continue reading…

‘NOT A DEATH SENTENCE’ – For Lupus Awareness Month, a lupus expert debunks 7 common myths about the autoimmune disease. Continue reading…

Dr. Brooke Goldner, a board-certified medical doctor and an autoimmune professor at Cornell University, pictured at right, is committed to debunking lupus myths and misconceptions. (iStock/Dr. Brooke Goldner)

CHEW ON THIS – “Is it dangerous to swallow gum?” In our Ask a Doc column, a gastroenterologist explains the risk. Continue reading…

NIGHTMARISH SYMPTOMS – Those who experience vivid nightmares and odd hallucinations might have an underlying autoimmune disease, a new study suggests. Continue reading…

LIVING LONGER – For Women’s Health Month, three mothers at three different stages of life shared how they are defying age through simple lifestyle practices and interventions. Continue reading…

Left to right, Julie Gibson Clark, Amy Hardison and Lil Eskey shared the lifestyle habits that help them slow down biological aging. (James Lee, Amy Hardison, Lil Eskey)

NEW HOPE – Paralyzed participants in a trial saw “significant improvement” in their hand and arm function after receiving spinal cord simulation. Continue reading…

CHEMICAL CULPRITS – Americans may be breathing in cancer-causing chemicals while driving, recent research suggests. Doctors weigh in on the potential risk. Continue reading…

CAUTIONARY TALES – This May, for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are sharing their stories of how they overcame this invasive form of the disease. Continue reading…