Health
Doctor and cancer survivor gears up to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days
A Wisconsin doctor is gearing up for the feat of a lifetime in order to spread awareness about the most pervasive cancer impacting young men.
Dr. T. Clark Gamblin, a surgeon in Milwaukee, spoke with Fox News Digital about his upcoming participation in the World Marathon Challenge. The competition involves running seven marathons on seven continents – seven days in a row.
The first marathon will take place in Antarctica on Jan. 31, 2025. From there, Gamblin and other participants will travel to Cape Town, South Africa; Perth, Australia; and Dubai, UAE.
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From there, Gamblin will jet to Madrid, Spain, and Fortaleza, Brazil, before running a final race in Miami. He and his fellow marathon runners will have logged 183 miles over the course of a week.
Dr. T. Clark Gamblin, a cancer surgeon who battled testicular cancer, is running in the World Marathon Challenge, which involves running seven marathons on seven continents – seven days in a row. (Jan Gamblin, Ph.D.)
The fast-paced nature of the competition means that it won’t exactly be a relaxing vacation for the participants.
“Over the course of the seven days, we’ll spend about 60 hours on the plane,” Gamblin said. “So it’s running, and it’s plane, and it’s running, and then it’s plane.”
“If you’re prepared and you train correctly, it’s not some Herculean feat.”
While it may seem physically impossible for a human to run seven marathons in seven consecutive days, the World Marathon Challenge has taken runners across the world for nearly a decade. Gamblin began training for the race a year ago.
“It’s a physical challenge, there’s no doubt about it, but there are much more physically demanding things that people have done,” he said. “If you’re prepared and you train correctly, it’s not some Herculean feat.”
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Gamblin has a whole team behind him. The World Marathon Challenge organization handles the logistics of all participants’ flights and hotels. A cancer surgeon, Gamblin also enlisted the help of a dietitian at his hospital to help him meet his protein and fluid goals.
He also has a physical trainer to help with injury prevention — but the person who has helped Gamblin the most, he said, is his wife.
Dr. T. Clark Gamblin spoke to Fox News Digital about his participation in the World Marathon Challenge. (Fox News Digital / Jan Gamblin, Ph.D.)
“She’s like my No. 1 cheerleader,” Gamblin said. “She’s not a big runner, but she’s a huge part of helping me get ready for this and preparing me for it.”
“But then right behind her would be my running coach, a dietitian and a physical therapist. So it does take a team to get ready for something like this.”
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Gamblin, who specializes in liver and bile duct cancer, became interested in running marathons as a medical school student. During the World Marathon Challenge, he will be running for the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.
The cause is near to his heart, as Gamblin is a cancer survivor himself – he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018 after noticing a lump.
Gamblin has been working with a dietitian and a physical trainer to prepare for the seven-day marathon challenge. (Jan Gamblin, Ph.D.)
“I thought it was probably nothing, but I was really diligent about it and checked it out very quickly and discovered it was testicular cancer,” he explained. “And testicular cancer is the No. 1 cancer that affects males aged 15 to 45.”
One out of every 250 men will develop testicular cancer in their lifetime, according to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.
“I went from being a cancer surgeon and giving all this advice, to having to take the advice I had been giving and apply it in my own life,” Gamblin noted.
“The most intriguing one is the Antarctica race … it’s going to be such a unique environment and climate to run in.”
After going through chemotherapy and two operations, he has now been cancer-free for four years.
Gamblin’s desire to spread awareness has fueled the long and arduous training he has gone through to prepare for the 168-hour-long feat.
Despite the challenges, he said he looks forward to the simple pleasures of the race, such as getting to know his fellow runners.
Gamblin will run a marathon on every continent, including Antarctica, starting in January. (Jan Gamblin, Ph.D.)
“It’ll be such a unique group of people, too,” he said. “I’m prepared to make some lifetime friendships and hear other people’s stories.”
Gamblin is documenting his marathon journey through his Instagram account, @tclarkgamblin. He’s most excited about running through Antarctica.
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“So few people have run marathons there,” he said. “It’s going to be such a unique environment and climate to run in.”
In Miami, Gamblin will get to see his family at the finish line.
Gamblin said that he hopes his story encourages others to achieve their potential. (Jan Gamblin, Ph.D)
“I think that far too often, we don’t set our goals high enough in life,” the doctor said. “We don’t risk enough …This is a risk, it is a reach for me.”
The doctor said he aims to inspire other people to also set their sights higher than they normally would.
“Your body will in many cases do what the mind tells it to do,” Gamblin added.
“And so I think we can challenge ourselves and push ourselves far beyond … the limits that we set.”
Elton John gives final tour performance to sold out crowd
Elton John completed his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday, after five years and 330 shows. He addressed the crowd and thanked his fans, saying he will miss them and their support has “humbled” him.
World-renowned singer-songwriter Elton John confirmed he has lost sight in his right eye after suffering from a severe infection.
On the opening night of his musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada” in London, John shared, “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight.”
“So, it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight,” he said.
ELTON JOHN HAS ‘LOST MY EYESIGHT’ FOLLOWING SEVERE INFECTION
John first posted to his Instagram account in September that he had been dealing with a “severe eye infection” over the summer that has “unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.”
“Since Sir Elton John did not state what type of eye infection he has, it is unclear whether he has complete blindness in his right eye or if there is still some partial vision,” Dr. Thuy Tran, optometrist and founder of Oculist in New York City, told Fox News Digital.
“It is possible that he may still be able to perceive light and motion, but is unable to discern enough details to read letters or musical notes,” added Tran, who did not treat the singer.
“He may also be experiencing other signs and symptoms, such as thick mucous discharge, pain, irritation, excessive tearing and redness.”
Types of eye infections
The most common types of eye infections are viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis, according to Tran.
“Viral conjunctivitis, caused by adenovirus, are like common colds and typically resolve on their own within a few weeks,” he said.
“When caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus (same virus that is responsible for chicken pox and shingles), or cytomegalovirus (seen in immunocompromised individuals i.e. those with HIV/AIDS), more serious complications, such as corneal scarring, retinal damage and vision loss, may result.”
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Bacterial eye infections usually resolve within a week with proper antibiotic treatment, usually eyedrops or ointment, the doctor noted.
“A hyperacute bacterial eye infection, however, can be severe and rapidly progressive,” Tran warned. “If not treated immediately, it can lead to corneal ulcers, scarring and blindness.”
“This condition is most commonly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a type of bacteria that can be transmitted through sexual contact.”
Bacterial eye infections usually resolve within a week with proper antibiotic treatment, usually eyedrops or ointment. (iStock)
Fungal eye infections are often caused by fungi that are naturally present in our environment, according to Tran.
“Common risk factors include trauma to the eye with plant material, extended contact lens wear and diabetes,” he said.
Fungal infections are usually treated with topical or oral antifungal therapies.
“Rarely, they can lead to a medically-urgent condition known as endophthalmitis, which often requires hospitalization for administration of intravenous medications.”
Potential for permanent damage
Dr. Derek Cunningham, eye doctor and director of Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Texas, also spoke with Fox News Digital about the dangers of both internal and external infections in the eyes.
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An internal infection can be caused by a virus, said Cunningham, who also did not treat Elton John. If it reaches the retina, or the back of the eye, permanent vision loss can occur.
More commonly, eye infections are the result of external triggers and trauma to the front of the eye, like scratches, chemical splashes or the misuse of contact lenses, he noted.
Elton John speaks onstage during the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on Nov. 3, 2023, in New York City. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
These incidents then allow bacteria and other foreign organisms to “colonize in the eye,” Cunningham said.
“Because [the eye] is specifically designed to transmit light, the cellular structure of all the tissues is very precise, and it cannot be altered.”
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“So, any amount of immune response or even bacterial or viral infection is going to cause not only a disruption in the cells, but it could potentially cause scarring – and that is going to reduce vision, very often on a permanent level,” he went on.
While the eye is sensitive and may have a harder time warding off infection since it’s a “compartmentalized” system, Cunningham said, the cornea is also the “fastest-healing tissue in the human body.”
Eye infections are more likely to affect the elderly, according to an expert. (iStock)
But as people age, the body heals more slowly – so someone like John, who is 77 years old, will be at a higher risk of elongated infection compared to those who are younger.
“A little kid can scratch their eye and within hours be completely healed,” Cunningham said. “In an elderly person, [injury] can last for days, and that’s where the chance of infection builds up – every minute that the tissue is still compromised.”
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Some eye complications can be spotted and addressed early on during routine eye exams.
Cunningham recommends paying attention to visual function – and if vision is compromised, symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
If vision is compromised, symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor, an expert recommended. (iStock)
“If there is … anything really infectious in the eye, the potential for vision loss is extremely high — and it’s permanent. It very often doesn’t ever come back.”
Representatives for John did not return Fox News Digital’s immediate request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Stanton contributed to this report.
Your dentist may remind you to brush, floss and mouthwash – but what is the “right” order to do it?
While all steps of oral hygiene can benefit dental health, Dr. Mike Wei, DDS, of New York City, shared with Fox News Digital that he’d recommend the below order.
1. Floss
2. Brush
3. Mouthwash
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Starting with floss helps to remove food debris and plaque between the teeth and along the gumline, which a toothbrush “may not reach effectively,” according to Wei.
Dr. Ellie Phillips (not pictured) recommends using xylitol gum and mints to promote healthy salivary flow. (iStock)
“By flossing first, you can dislodge particles and bacteria from these tight spaces, making it easier for the toothbrush and mouthwash to clean the remaining surfaces of your teeth,” he said.
Next, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help remove plaque, bacteria and food particles from the surface of the teeth, the dentist advised.
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“By brushing after flossing, you are able to remove any particles that were loosened during flossing and ensure that all visible surfaces of your teeth are thoroughly cleaned,” Wei said.
Following up with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help further kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
A dentist recommended using toothpaste with silica for proper exfoliation of the teeth. (iStock)
Mouthwashing at the end can also help freshen the breath and reach areas that brushing or flossing may have missed, Wei noted.
“Overall, following this order of flossing, brushing and using mouthwash can help to ensure a comprehensive cleaning of your teeth and gums, leading to better oral hygiene and a reduced risk of dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease,” he said.
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This recommended sequence is common practice among dental professionals to achieve optimal oral health, including reduced risk of cavities and gum disease, Wei added.
Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, an oral health educator based in Austin, Texas, took it a step further, noting that a mouth rinse can act as a “cleanser” for the teeth before brushing.
Excessive use of mouthwash containing alcohol may lead to dry mouth and irritation, according to one expert. (iStock)
Rinsing with salt water or alternative mouthwashes like chlorine dioxide helps to remove any acidity from food and drink particles and prevent them from being brushed into the teeth, she told Fox News Digital.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
After brushing with toothpaste and “massaging” the gums with a toothbrush to stimulate circulation, then it’s time to floss, Phillips said.
Flossing after brushing “will get toothpaste between your teeth,” she cautioned.
But the expert also warned that “a lot of floss contains PFAS chemicals,” which people should avoid pushing into their gums.
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After flossing, Phillips recommends rinsing with a traditional mouthwash, which studies have shown can be “five times more effective than flossing” just by swishing it through the teeth for a few seconds.
“A lot of floss contains PFAS chemical,” which people should avoid “pushing into their gums,” one dentist advised. (iStock)
Rinsing with water, especially with natural fluoride, at the end of an oral care routine can help absorb minerals into the teeth, according to Phillips, author of the upcoming second edition of her book “Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye.”
While there are “minimal risks” to basic oral care, Wei warned that excessive use of mouthwash containing alcohol could lead to dry mouth and irritation.
“It’s important to choose products recommended by dental professionals and follow instructions for proper use,” he said.
“Remember to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations based on your oral health needs.”
Health
‘Hidden’ fat could predict Alzheimer’s disease up to 20 years before symptoms, research finds
Excess fat has been linked to many health conditions, even some that impact the brain.
In the latest Alzheimer’s research, hidden fat in certain parts of the body was shown to be an early warning sign of the most common dementia — as much as 20 years prior to symptoms emerging.
The study findings were presented this week at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago.
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“Among different body compartments, higher visceral or hidden belly fat is the most important predictor of whole-brain amyloid and early tau protein accumulation,” lead study author Mahsa Dolatshahi, M.D., post-doctoral research associate at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at the Washington University School of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.
The researchers studied different kinds of body tissues — including subcutaneous fat, liver fat and thigh fat — but visceral fat was the “most powerful predictor of the obesity-related Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathologies,” Dolatshahi noted.
In the latest Alzheimer’s research, hidden fat in various parts of the body was shown to be an early warning sign of the most common dementia — as long as 20 years prior to symptoms emerging. (iStock)
“The other types of fat did not show any associations with AD pathologies.”
In the study, researchers assessed 80 middle-aged adults (averaging 49 years old) who did not have any cognitive impairment, according to a press release.
“Visceral fat was the most powerful predictor of obesity-related Alzheimer’s pathologies.”
Just over half of the people were categorized as obese.
The average body mass index (BMI) was 32.31, with anything over 30 falling into the obesity category.
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The researchers assessed the potential connection between signs of Alzheimer’s disease and controllable lifestyle factors, including obesity, metabolic health and BMI.
Tests included brain scans, body MRIs, cholesterol panels, and measurements of blood glucose and insulin levels.
Insulin resistance and lower HDL cholesterol were associated with high amyloid in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. (iStock)
Beyond just measuring BMI, the study used MRI technology to look closer at body fat and better determine its relationship to Alzheimer’s, the release noted.
“We investigated the association of BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, liver fat fraction, thigh fat and muscle, as well as insulin resistance and HDL (good cholesterol), with amyloid and tau deposition in Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dolatshahi.
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An additional finding was that higher insulin resistance and lower HDL were associated with high amyloid in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
“A key implication of our work is that managing Alzheimer’s risk in obesity will need to involve targeting the related metabolic and lipid issues that often arise with higher body fat,” said senior study author Cyrus A. Raji, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of radiology at MIR, in the release.
Beyond just measuring BMI, the study used MRI technology to look closer at body fat and better determine its relationship to Alzheimer’s. (iStock)
In a separate study that is also being presented this week, the same research team investigated how obesity and belly fat can impair blood flow to the brain.
Three out of four Americans are overweight or obese, the researchers noted.
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Meanwhile, approximately 6.9 million Americans, aged 65 and older, have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a number that has been predicted to reach 13 million by 2050.
“The good news is these risk factors can be lowered with a healthy lifestyle and routine exercise.”
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, was not involved in the study but commented on the results.
“We have known for some time the dangers of visceral fat on various organs of the body, likely from its facilitation of inflammatory changes — and it’s no different in the brain,” he told Fox News Digital.
What stuck out most to Murray was how early in life the changes are noted in the brain.
“The good news is these risk factors can be lowered with a healthy lifestyle and routine exercise,” he said.
The popularity of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and obesity “will most certainly be studied” in this context as well, Murray added.
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life, experts say. (iStock)
“This study also shows the importance of physicians and insurance companies focusing on prevention and the long-term benefits of modifying risk factors at an early age, as opposed to waiting for patients to develop symptoms.”
The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.
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“One is the cross-sectional design of the study, which does not allow us to understand whether the individuals with excess visceral fat and amyloid and tau pathologies will develop cognitive impairment and symptomatic AD,” Dolatshahi told Fox News Digital.
“Also, the sample size for this study is limited to 80 individuals, and we need more studies to understand the role of different kinds of body adiposity in Alzheimer’s disease using PET scans.”
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