How six healthcare changes in Miami could affect your well-being
Several recent changes in Miami healthcare could affect your well-being.
Mount Sinai Medical Center is expanding with a new freestanding ER and hospital in Westchester. The collaboration between Nicklaus Children's and Broward Health aims to bring more pediatric specialists to areas where families might otherwise need to travel for care.
Miami Beach's new partnership with the Blue Zones project is tackling urban health by assessing walkability, access to healthy food and programs to fight stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Wellness options are also expanding, with places like The Standard Spa Miami Beach and Hürrem Hammam Wellness Spa offering new opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.
Florida has experienced an outbreak of measles, including among children in Broward County.
NO. 1: NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S AND BROWARD HEALTH TEAM UP FOR CARE. WHAT IT MEANS FOR PATIENTS
The initiative will give Broward Health pediatric patients access to certain Nicklaus specialists. | Published November 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a stunning escape for wellness lovers.
NO. 2: THIS YEAR, RESET YOUR MIND AND BODY AT THESE SERENE FLORIDA WELLNESS DESTINATIONS
Dreaming of pure relaxation? Discover Florida's top retreats for spa days, Turkish baths and serene escapes that will leave you glowing inside and out. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Caraway-Carlton
Eliana Lancellotti, 37, right, performs lunges while exercising as Miami Beach Vice Mayor Tanya Bhatt and city officials hosted a tour for Blue Zones experts at South Pointe Park to assess the city's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida. By Carl Juste
NO. 3: CAN MIAMI BEACH BE A HEALTHIER PLACE TO LIVE? HERE'S HOW A 'BLUE ZONE' WORKS
What are these lifestyle advocates looking for? | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante
Peter's rock agamas have spread across Florida, in some places pushing aside native species like the brown anole. That shift in the reptile population could potentially have ripple effects on mosquitoes and the spread of diseases . By Alex Grimsley
NO. 4: HOW A TURF WAR BETWEEN LIZARDS IN FLORIDA IMPACTS MOSQUITOES AND MAYBE YOUR HEALTH
Researchers are looking at the role a tiny lizard plays in protecting us from mosquito-borne diseases | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue to people through bites.
NO. 5: DENGUE FEVER ON THE RISE. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS IN FLORIDA
Puerto Rico has recorded at least 1,012 cases of dengue so far in 2025, followed by Florida, 50, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which has 40 recorded cases. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante
Mount Sinai Medical Center, which has its main hospital in Miami Beach, is opening a new emergency center in Westchester.
NO. 6: A MIAMI BEACH HOSPITAL IS EXPANDING ACROSS THE BAY. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CENTER
There will be an ER and more. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
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USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Greek yogurt vs. yogurt: What are the differences?
Cool, creamy and endlessly adaptable, yogurt has been winning over food lovers for centuries. In fact, BC Dairy notes that Turkish writings from the 11th century describe nomadic Turks enjoying this tangy, fermented staple – though the yogurt we find on store shelves today is far more varied and widely available than they could have imagined. Whether spooned over fresh berries, blended into smoothies, sprinkled with crunchy granola or eaten straight from the carton, yogurt has earned its place as a go-to for breakfast, midday snacks or even dessert. Its lasting appeal lies not only in its flavor and convenience, but also in its reputation as a nourishing, good-for-you choice. But does yogurt truly deserve its healthy halo? Here's what it is, why it can be beneficial and who might want to watch their intake. What is yogurt? Yogurt is a fermented dairy product made by introducing live bacterial cultures – most commonly Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus – into milk, explains Lisa Young, a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of "Finally Full, Finally Slim" and adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University. These cultures convert lactose into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives yogurt its signature tang. While cow's milk is most common, goat's and sheep's milk are also used. Plant-based 'yogurt-style' products have surged in popularity, 'but these are not true yogurt,' says Leslie Bonci, a registered sports dietitian and founder of Active Eating Advice. In the U.S., the three most popular varieties or yogurt are regular (or 'traditional'), Greek and Icelandic (also known as skyr). Regular yogurt is lightly strained (or not strained at all), giving it a softer texture and generally higher calcium content. Greek yogurt is strained multiple times to remove the whey, resulting in a thicker, higher-protein product with less sugar in plain varieties. Skyr is strained even more than Greek yogurt, producing an ultra-dense, high-protein, low-sugar option. Regardless of the type, yogurt is either sold plain or in naturally or artificially flavored varieties – sometimes with fruit mixed in or layered at the top or bottom. Noted: Greek yogurt is now more popular in the U.S. than regular yogurt. Is that a good thing? Is yogurt good for you? Is Greek yogurt better? When chosen wisely, yogurt can be a strong addition to a healthy diet for a number of reasons. For one, it is naturally rich in protein, 'which helps with feelings of fullness and supports muscle growth and repair,' says Amy Goodson, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook. Most varieties also contain probiotics, "which (support) gut health by promoting healthy digestion and a balanced microbiome," says Young. This is especially true of yogurt with live cultures. Yogurt also provides calcium, B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and is sometimes fortified with vitamin D. Such nutrients contribute to bone, nerve, brain and immune health. Some studies also link regular yogurt consumption to a lower risk of certain cancers and a reduced incidence of cardiometabolic issues, though more research is needed. Greek yogurt offers some advantages over traditional yogurt as it contains "more protein and less sugar," says Goodson. It also has about half the carbs of regular yogurt. But Greek yogurt is also usually higher in calories and lower in calcium content. 'Ultimately, both yogurts have health benefits, and the best choice depends on personal preferences and dietary needs,' says Young. Watch out: Too many added sugars in your diet can be dangerous. This should be your daily limit. Can you eat yogurt every day? For most people, yogurt can be enjoyed daily. 'Yogurt is a nutrient-packed powerhouse that fits well into a balanced diet,' says Young. But many flavored varieties are loaded with added sugars or artificial sweeteners, she cautions, which can diminish their health benefits. Those with lactose intolerance may experience digestive discomfort when eating some varieties of yogurt, 'but lactose-free options are now widely available,' says Goodson. People with milk allergies should avoid dairy yogurt entirely, and anyone taking antibiotics should check with their healthcare provider for possible interactions. As for pets, dogs can enjoy small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt, "but be sure to avoid yogurts with added sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be harmful," warns Goodson. That's advice for humans to follow, too. 'Yogurt is a nutrient-rich dairy food that's a delicious addition to most people's diets,' says Goodson. 'Just choose options with minimal added sugar, check for live cultures and pick a type that fits your overall nutrition goals.'
Scientific American
3 days ago
- Scientific American
How the New Chikungunya Virus Outbreak in China Could Reach the U.S.
Thousands of cases of the chikungunya virus, which sickens people bitten by an infected mosquito, have broken out in China during the past week. The virus causes extremely severe joint pain and fever, both of which can be short-lived—but can sometimes continue for years. Chikungunya can sometimes cause heart damage. Three days ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel warning for the area of the outbreak (the province of Guangdong in southern China), advising people to take precautions. And experts warn that chikungunya could further spread in the Americas and parts of Europe, though cases there have been relatively rare compared with those in tropical regions. Here is what you need to know about the disease and the risk. What is the chikungunya virus, and how do people get infected? The virus was first identified in Africa in 1952. It is spread most often by two mosquito species: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. People can get sick within three to seven days of a bite. In 2025 about 240,000 cases and 90 deaths have been reported in 16 countries and territories through July. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Infection usually produces symptoms including deeply painful joints, fevers, nausea, fatigue and a rash. Most of the time these problems resolve in a week or two. 'But sometimes they can continue for months and years, and the virus can also cause serious heart damage,' says Jean Lim, a microbiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a member of the Global Virus Network's chikungunya task force. 'In rare cases it can be fatal, and those most vulnerable are people who are immunocompromised, the elderly, and babies.' On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. What has happened in China? China has reported an outbreak with about 7,000 cases, mostly in Guangdong and its city of Foshan. The Chinese government has distributed mosquito nets and sprayed insecticide through residential areas, streets and places where people work outside. There have been reports that authorities have forced infected people into hospitals, reminding some of the strict measures China took during the COVID pandemic. It remains unclear what triggered the outbreak, says Robert Jones, an insect biologist at the London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine and another member of the Global Virus Network's task force. But several weeks of rain and high humidity in the area have created good conditions for A. aegypti and A. albopictus to breed and bite more people, he notes. Can the virus get from China to the U.S.? Chikungunya moves easily in this age of fast global travel. There are current outbreaks in France and a case reported in Italy, Jones says. The most likely scenario, according to Lim, is that 'a mosquito in China bites and infects someone. That person hops on a plane and flies to the U.S. There a U.S. mosquito bites that person and picks up the virus, and then begins to spread it through the local insect population.' For this to happen, the new country needs to already have mosquitoes that can host the virus. 'Neither of these species is established in the UK, so there is no risk of onward transmission,' Jones says. But 'in the United States, both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can be found, particularly in the south and east. To date there have been 47 cases of chikungunya confirmed in the U.S. this year.' Still, there are limiting factors that should minimize worry, says William Klimstra, an immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Vaccine Research. Spraying insecticide and eliminating mosquito breeding areas are effective ways to curb outbreaks. And in a temperate area, the first killing frost will get rid of the insects, stopping viral transmission. Are there treatments or vaccines for the virus? Unfortunately, there are no good antiviral therapies, Lim says. Treatment usually consists of supportive care, such as keeping a patient hydrated and managing their pain. There are, however, two effective and Food and Drug Administration–approved vaccines that get the body to produce antibodies against chikungunya, Jones says, and these lower the risk of infection. One, called IXCHIQ, uses a weakened, noninfective form of the virus. The other vaccine, VIMKUNYA, is based on viruslike particles. And fortunately, insect repellents and protective clothing work quite well to keep the biting mosquitoes away in outbreak-prone regions of the world.
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Could chikungunya virus spread in the Bay Area? Here's what to know
An outbreak of chikungunya virus this summer has sickened more than 7,000 people in southern China, particularly in the city of Foshan. The virus is spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and Zika viruses. These invasive mosquitos have expanded worldwide, including to California. Experts say that there's a low chance of chikungunya-infected mosquitoes spreading the virus to people in California, also known as local transmission. But it's not impossible — especially as climate change makes more of the state amenable to Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. 'Global warming has enabled the spread of both of these mosquito species into new areas,' said Lark Coffey, a professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology at UC Davis, by email. Chikungunya virus typically causes mild symptoms, including fever and joint pain. But in some cases, this joint pain can be severe and persist for months. Through July, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported approximately 240,000 chikungunya cases and 90 chikungunya-related deaths worldwide in 2025. The virus' most likely path into California is via an infected traveler returning from an area with chikungunya virus transmission, Coffey said. U.S. health officials have issued a travel health notice for parts of China due to the chikungunya outbreak. All previously reported cases of chikungunya in California, including two this year as of July 1, have been associated with travel. But that hasn't been the case for dengue virus, which is spread by the same mosquitos. 'We have seen local transmission of dengue in California in the last couple years. Which, to me, implies that there's no reason we couldn't also have local transmission of chikungunya,' said Erin Mordecai, an associate professor of biology at Stanford University and a senior fellow in the Woods Institute of the Environment. 'The more chikugunya cases there are, the more likely it is.' Local transmission would involve multiple steps: an Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito biting a chikungunya-infected person, chikungunya virus incubating in the insect and then the mosquito going out and biting more people. The Bay Area may generally be a little too cool for transmission to readily occur. 'Temperature affects the entire life cycle of the mosquito and the virus,' Mordecai said. The cases of local dengue transmission occurred in the warmer climes of Southern California in 2023 and 2024. But climate change has made California warmer, and scientists expect the state to continue getting even warmer in the future. 'We expect mosquito development to increase (and) mosquito survival to increase,' said Lisa Couper, a disease ecologist and postdoctoral research fellow at UC Berkeley. An additional consideration is urbanization, as Aedes aegypti is 'really well-adapted to urban systems,' said Andy MacDonald, a disease ecologist and assistant professor in UC Santa Barbara's Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. 'It prefers breeding in, say, a small amount of water and some trash that's been discarded on the street.' In ongoing work, Couper and MacDonald have found that climate warming and urban expansion have increased the risk of local dengue transmission in California. 'We would expect these same factors to promote the suitability of chikugunya transmission,' Couper said. In the Bay Area, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present in Santa Clara and Solano counties. 'While there have been no local transmissions of chikungunya occurring in (Santa Clara) County as of now, the possibility remains, which is why we ask for the public's help in stopping this mosquito from spreading,' said Taylor Kelly, scientific technical services manager with the Santa Clara County Mosquito and Vector Control District, by email. That includes reporting black and white striped mosquitos, as well as mosquito bites that occur during the daytime. Experts also recommend using mosquito repellent and dumping standing water.
