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Ohio woman pushes past breast cancer, won’t let diagnosis slow her down

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Ohio woman pushes past breast cancer, won’t let diagnosis slow her down

There’s loads of proof that train can assist forestall most cancers — however what about exercising after a prognosis? 

Is it secure for most cancers sufferers to have interaction in common bodily exercise?

Not solely is it secure, it’s useful. Train can alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of therapy, increase vitality ranges and enhance high quality of life — and will even assist preserve most cancers from returning, in line with the American Most cancers Society. 

MILITARY PILOTS AND GROUND CREWS SHOWING HIGH RATES OF CANCER, PENTAGON STUDY REVEALS

Erin Gratsch, a 51-year-old mom and health teacher who lives in Loveland, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, had been an avid runner for 16 years when she was first recognized with breast most cancers in 2016. 

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Over the course of her seven-year journey — by means of a number of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation, setbacks and triumphs — train was considered one of her saving graces.

Not too long ago, Gratsch ran 13.1 miles within the Coronary heart Mini-Marathon in downtown Cincinnati, considered one of her favourite races. The following day, she had radiation therapy — which she’s at the moment doing 5 days every week.

‘I received’t let most cancers gradual me down’

Gratsch has accomplished a complete of 54 marathons within the 22 years she’s been working — together with quite a few miles logged in shorter races and coaching runs.

Erin Gratsch, who has been battling breast most cancers, triumphantly completed the Queen Bee Half Marathon in October 2022. (Ben Garvin / Marathon Moment2022 Queen Bee Half Marathon)

Simply earlier than Gratsch’s breast most cancers prognosis, she ran the Boston Marathon and the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. 

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“I used to be 45 years previous, in one of the best form of my life and had no household historical past of breast most cancers,” she informed Fox Information Digital in an interview. 

She additionally didn’t have the genetic mutation that will increase the chance of the illness.

Erin Gratsch still teaches spin classes at Power Ryde, a local indoor cycling studio. She is pictured here in 2016, shortly before her first breast cancer diagnosis. 

Erin Gratsch nonetheless teaches spin lessons at Energy Ryde, a neighborhood indoor biking studio. She is pictured right here in 2016, shortly earlier than her first breast most cancers prognosis.  (Denise F Images/Denise Haney)

Whereas performing some errands sooner or later, Gratsch got here throughout a cell mammography unit. 

On a whim, she went inside. 

“I had no signs and no cause to fret — however I simply felt compelled to get examined,” she stated.

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“If you must get breast most cancers, it’s one of the best type you will get.”

Days later, she was recognized with ductal carcinoma, a non-invasive breast most cancers within the milk ducts. 

“If you must get breast most cancers, it’s one of the best type you will get,” she stated.

After a single mastectomy, Gratsch thought she was within the clear, and targeted her efforts on elevating consciousness of early detection as one of the best technique of breast most cancers prevention.

FDA ISSUES NEW MAMMOGRAM REGULATIONS AIMED AT FURTHER BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

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However then in July 2022, she discovered a lump in her breast. The most cancers had returned — however this time it was HER2-positive, a extra aggressive type.

Gratsch confronted a extra daunting therapy cycle. However by means of aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and several other surgical procedures, her oncologists agreed she ought to proceed together with her train program.

“I imagine working has saved my life.”

All through her therapy, Gratsch has maintained about 5 marathons per 12 months. 

“Working helps with the fatigue and has made my coronary heart and lungs stronger,” she stated. She considers it considered one of her most necessary weapons in preventing most cancers, even going as far as to say it’s helped to save lots of her life.

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Physician tells most cancers sufferers to maintain shifting

Dr. Monique Gary, breast surgical oncologist and medical director of the Grand View Well being most cancers program in Pennsylvania, stated there may be rising proof supporting train throughout most cancers therapy.

Erin Gratsch, shown here, has completed nine Boston Marathons, including in 2013. 

Erin Gratsch, proven right here, has accomplished 9 Boston Marathons, together with in 2013.  (Erin Gratsch)

“From the second a affected person is recognized, I ask them about their degree of bodily exercise and talk about methods to each enhance their well-being throughout therapy and scale back the chance of recurrence after therapy,” she informed Fox Information Digital in an interview.

Dr. Gary cited an extended record of advantages of train throughout most cancers therapies, together with optimizing coronary heart well being, sustaining muscle mass, and constructing power throughout a time of potential breakdown because of the results of medicines like chemotherapy. 

She has come to embrace resting on the sofa when her physique wants it. 

She added that train can even assist the affected person preserve mobility throughout post-surgical restoration, enhance high quality of sleep, scale back nervousness and misery, and lead to an general enchancment of high quality of life.

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MAN RUNS A MARATHON EVERY DAY FOR A YEAR IN HONOR OF HIS LATE FATHER: ‘OFF THE SCALE’ SELFLESSNESS

“A affected person may theoretically run a marathon relying on their baseline functioning and the sort and toxicities of the therapies they’re receiving,” Dr. Gary stated. 

“If somebody was a marathon runner previous to most cancers, it’s much more possible. Lots of my sufferers are avid cyclers and joggers, and I encourage them to proceed and never let most cancers cease them.”

Sufferers ought to take heed to their our bodies — and their docs

Gratsch is the primary to confess that not day by day is a stroll within the park, actually or figuratively.

“There have been days and even weeks, through the hardest chemotherapy days, once I could not stroll up the steps and even raise the TV distant,” she stated. 

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Some days, she would drive previous her favourite park and cry as a result of she wasn’t feeling sturdy or effectively sufficient to go mountaineering or path working.

However at any time when she feels as much as it, train is Gratsch’s go-to remedy

Relying on her vitality degree, she would possibly go for a three-mile run, do a spin class or take a gradual stroll — and he or she has come to embrace resting on the sofa when her physique wants it. 

"Cancer takes a lot from you — but running was one thing I could do to feel good about myself," Gratsch said.

“Most cancers takes quite a bit from you — however working was one factor I may do to be ok with myself,” Gratsch stated. (Ben Garvin / Marathon Moment2022 Queen Bee Half Marathon)

“Fatigue is a serious facet impact of most cancers therapy at each level within the journey,” Dr. Gary identified. “Sufferers must be conscious that relaxation is useful in therapeutic and wellness.”

Earlier than considered one of her sufferers begins a brand new train program, Dr. Gary opinions many various elements — together with their bloodwork, general situation and any latest surgical procedure or radiation — to ensure the exercise is secure for them.

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“A sedentary life-style is without doubt one of the biggest preventable threat elements for most cancers.” 

“Most cancers therapies can have an effect on the center and lungs, the fluid dynamics and the protein shops within the physique, and nice care must be taken if a affected person wishes to start a brand new train routine,” she informed Fox Information Digital. 

“The typical particular person wasn’t working marathons earlier than breast most cancers, and so whereas I encourage my sufferers to discover train and see what works for them, they need to start a routine slowly and escalate fastidiously,” the physician went on. “Pushing too far can result in setbacks and harm.”

Train as long-term prevention

One of many largest take-home messages Dr. Grey offers sufferers is that elevated motion and health ought to turn into a lifestyle, together with dietary help and sufficient, high quality sleep.

BREAST CANCER AND MAMMOGRAMS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE, SCREENING AND MORE

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“A sedentary life-style is without doubt one of the biggest preventable threat elements for most cancers growth and recurrence,” she stated.

“Sufferers really feel empowered after they can transfer their our bodies and do one thing to assist themselves whereas feeling like they’re on an countless carousel of docs and drugs.”

Right now, Gratsch continues to show spin lessons at Energy Ryde, an indoor biking studio in Loveland. She is lively in native fundraising efforts for most cancers charities — and serves as an envoy for native marathons, serving to different individuals obtain their health targets.

(Erin Gratsch (pictured together with her two sons) received the “Warrior Award” after competing in a dance competitors to lift funds for a neighborhood charity in 2023. )

After ending her present cycle of radiation therapy, Gratsch may have immunotherapy and reconstructive surgical procedures. However most significantly, she is now cancer-free — and he or she credit train as a giant a part of her overcome the illness.

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Gratsch can be dedicated to spreading consciousness about early detection and prevention. 

“A mammogram saved me the primary time, and a self-exam saved me the second time,” she stated. “It’s so necessary that girls do each.”

“Sufferers really feel empowered after they can transfer their our bodies.”

“Most cancers takes quite a bit from you — however working and exercising was one factor I may do to be ok with myself,” she stated. 

“It was so empowering to say, OK, I can exit for a run, I can nonetheless do that. It helped me really feel lively and alive.”

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Gratsch doesn’t plan on slowing down. 

“There’s an excessive amount of dwelling left to do,” she stated.

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Health

FDA bans red food dye due to potential cancer risk

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FDA bans red food dye due to potential cancer risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned red dye — called Red 3, or Erythrosine — from foods, dietary supplements and ingested medicines, as reported by the Associated Press on Wednesday.

Food manufacturers must remove the dye from their products by January 2027, while drug manufacturers will have until January 2028 to do so, AP stated. 

Any foods imported into the U.S. from other countries will also be subject to the new regulation.

RED FOOD DYE COULD SOON BE BANNED AS FDA REVIEWS PETITION

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“The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs,” said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, in a statement. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially banned red dye — called Red 3, or Erythrosine — from foods, dietary supplements and ingested medicines (iStock)

“Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No.3,” he continued. “Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.”

      

The synthetic dye, which is made from petroleum, is used as a color additive in food and ingested drugs to give them a “bright cherry-red color,” according to an online statement from the FDA.

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Red cough syrup

Food manufacturers must remove the dye from their products by January 2027, while drug manufacturers will have until January 2028 to do so. (iStock)

The petition to ban the dye cited the Delaney Clause, which states that the agency cannot classify a color additive as safe if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.

The dye was removed from cosmetics nearly 35 years ago due to potential cancer risk.

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“This is a welcome, but long overdue, action from the FDA: removing the unsustainable double standard in which Red 3 was banned from lipstick but permitted in candy,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the group Center for Science in the Public Interest, which led the petition effort, as reported by AP.

Red Jello

Nearly 3,000 foods are shown to contain Red No. 3, according to Food Scores, a database of foods compiled by the Environmental Working Group. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, applauded the FDA’s ban.

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“It was a long time coming,” he told Fox News Digital. “It’s been more than 30 years since it was banned from cosmetics in the U.S. due to evidence that it is carcinogenic in high doses in lab rats. There needs to be a consistency between what we put on our skin and what we put into our mouths.”

“There needs to be a consistency between what we put on our skin and what we put into our mouths.”

Siegel said he believes the FDA’s decision could be tied to the incoming new head of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“They knew it would have happened anyway under RFK Jr.,” he said. “It is already banned or severely restricted in Australia, Japan and the European Union.”

Kid eating sugary cereal

The food additive also “drew kids in” to a diet of empty calories and ultraprocessed foods, one doctor stated. (iStock)

The food additive also “drew kids in” to a diet of empty calories and ultraprocessed foods, Siegel added.

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“It has also been linked to behavioral issues in children, including ADHD.”

Nearly 3,000 foods are shown to contain Red No. 3, according to Food Scores, a database of foods compiled by the Environmental Working Group.

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

The National Confectioners Association provided the below statement to Fox News Digital.

“Food safety is the number one priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we will continue to follow and comply with FDA’s guidance and safety standards.”

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The petition to remove Red No. 3 from foods, supplements and medications was presented in 2022 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and 23 other organizations and scientists.

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How Yvette Nicole Brown Lost Weight and Got Her Diabetes Under Control

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How Yvette Nicole Brown Lost Weight and Got Her Diabetes Under Control


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As bird flu spreads, CDC recommends faster 'subtyping' to catch more cases

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As bird flu spreads, CDC recommends faster 'subtyping' to catch more cases

As cases of H5N1, also known as avian flu or bird flu, continue to surface across the U.S., safety precautions are ramping up.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday its recommendation to test hospitalized influenza A patients more quickly and thoroughly to distinguish between seasonal flu and bird flu.

The accelerated “subtyping” of flu A in hospitalized patients is in response to “sporadic human infections” of avian flu, the CDC wrote in a press release.

ONE STATE LEADS COUNTRY IN HUMAN BIRD FLU WITH NEARLY 40 CONFIRMED CASES

“CDC is recommending a shortened timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and increasing efforts at clinical laboratories to identify non-seasonal influenza,” the agency wrote.

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The CDC now recommends accelerated subtyping of influenza A in response to “sporadic human infections” in the U.S. (iStock)

“Clinicians and laboratorians are reminded to test for influenza in patients with suspected influenza and, going forward, to now expedite the subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, particularly those in an intensive care unit (ICU).”

LOUISIANA REPORTS FIRST BIRD FLU-RELATED HUMAN DEATH IN US

The goal is to prevent delays in identifying bird flu infections and promote better patient care, “timely infection control” and case investigation, the agency stated.

These delays are more likely to occur during the flu season due to high patient volumes, according to the CDC.

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

Health care systems are expected to use tests that identify seasonal influenza A as a subtype – so if a test comes back positive for influenza A but negative for seasonal influenza, that is an indicator that the detected virus might be novel.

Patient on hospital bed

Identifying bird flu infections will support better patient care and infection control, the CDC says. (iStock)

“Subtyping is especially important in people who have a history of relevant exposure to wild or domestic animals [that are] infected or possibly infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses,” the CDC wrote.

In an HHS media briefing on Thursday, the CDC confirmed that the public risk for avian flu is still low, but is being closely monitored.

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The agency spokesperson clarified that this accelerated testing is not due to bird flu cases being missed, as the CDC noted in its press release that those hospitalized with influenza A “probably have seasonal influenza.”

Niels Riedemann, MD, PhD, CEO and founder of InflaRx, a German biotechnology company, said that understanding these subtypes is an “important step” in better preparing for “any potential outbreak of concerning variants.”

Blood collection tubes H5N1 in front of chicken

The CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with wild birds or other animals that may be infected. (iStock)

“It will also be important to foster research and development of therapeutics, including those addressing the patient’s inflammatory immune response to these types of viruses – as this has been shown to cause organ injury and death during the COVID pandemic,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Since 2022, there have been 67 total human cases of bird flu, according to the CDC, with 66 of those occurring in 2024.

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The CDC recommends that people avoid direct contact with wild birds or other animals that are suspected to be infected. Those who work closely with animals should also wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

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